Day 1: Paro – Thimpu (65 km/2 hrs)
Arrive Paro airport and transfer to Thimphu. Check in at your hotel. Overnight.
Day 2: Thimpu – Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast visit Takin Zoo, BBS Tower, Chang Gangkha Monastery, Buddha Point, Changlimthang Stadium & archery ground. In the afternoon, see Tashichho Dzong (outside view), National Memorial Chorten, the Government – run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops. Overnight.
Day 3: Thimphu - Punakha / Wangdue via Dochula Pass (70 km / 2.30 hrs)
Breakfast. After your permit is issued, (not issued on Saturdays, Sundays & Govt holidays) drive to Punakha / Wangdue, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La Pass (3,100m), where on a clear day you can enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas. En route, visit Mehsina Village & Chime Lhakhang. Visit Punakha Dzong & Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery in Punakha. Overnight.
Day 4: Punakha - Day Excursion to Gangtey Valley & Phobjikha
After breakfast, enjoy a day excursion to Gangtey Valley & Phobjikha (3000m). After a hard climb through dense forest, arrive at the astonishingly flat U shaped glacial valley of Gangtey, one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. On the valley floor lies the village of Phobjikha, the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in a milder climate. Phobjikha lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. Return to Punakha. Overnight.
Day 5: Punakha - Paro (160 km / 4 hrs)
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Paro. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom, covered in fertile rice fields and with a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. There are over 155 temples and monasteries in this area, some dating as far back as 14th century. Arrive and check in at your hotel. Overnight.
Day 6: Paro Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history. This afternoon, visit Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where the Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Return to your hotel. Overnight.
Day 7: Paro - Excursion to Haa Valley via Chele - la pass
Early morning drive to Haa via Chele-la pass. After driving through blue pine and rhododendron forest for 45 km, reach Chele-la pass (4200m). From here, enjoy superb views of Mount Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. Walk around for few minutes enjoying the view. Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km (approx a 1 hr drive). Enjoy the sights of Haa. Later in the afternoon, return to Paro. Overnight.
Day 8: Paro
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.
