Bhutan Hidden Valleys Tour – 9 Days

During the flight to Bhutan, you can enjoy views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and driven to a farmhouse in Paro. On arrival at the farmhouse, you will be greeted by the family. Visiting a farmhouse gives you a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a Bhutanese farming family. Later in the afternoon, you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in the 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. You will then visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In the evening, you can stroll through Paro town. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Today, you will drive to Haa Valley across Chele La Pass (3,900 meters), which is dotted with colorful prayer flags. On a clear day, you can enjoy views of Mount Jomolhari and other mountains. The drive downhill from the pass takes you through forests of blue pine, fir and oak. In the afternoon, you will visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). You will also explore Haa Valley and visit a farmhouse, where you can experience a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and taste local cuisine. Overnight at a farmhouse in Haa.

After breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, passing through small villages and pine forests. On the way, you can stop and visit some more farmhouses if you wish. The local families will be happy to welcome you into their homes for a cup of tea and share a little about their daily life in the villages. You will then continue your drive to Thimphu and check into your hotel on arrival. Later in the evening, you will visit Tashichhodzong. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Today, you will visit the Buddha Statue, which is presumed to be one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. The three-storey throne of the statue consists of temples on each floor. You will then visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. After that, you will visit the Post Office, where you can personalize your own stamps, the Traditional Paper Factory, the Weaving Centre and Semtokha Dzong. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will drive to Gangtey with a stop for tea at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, you will drive downhill through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will then continue to Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley and the winter roosting place of the black-necked cranes. In the afternoon, you will visit Gangtey Goenpa, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan. Gyalse Pema Thinlay built a small temple here in 1613, which was later expanded into a larger goenpa by the second reincarnation, Tenzin Legpai Dhendup. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

After breakfast, you will hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will hike through pine forests and areas with small bamboo plants, with views of the Phobjikha Valley along the way. It is a good hike for nature lovers. After the hike, you will drive to Punakha. Later in the afternoon, you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, like an anchored ship. After visiting Punakha Dzong, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple traditionally associated with fertility. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula Pass for lunch. After lunch, you will continue your drive towards Paro. On arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in the 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. You will then visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

In the morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, situated at an altitude of 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch, you will explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.