8 Days Bhutan Tour

Dochula Bypass

The 8-day Bhutan tour itinerary explores five districts in western Bhutan, encompassing visits to Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Gangtey, and the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. The journey takes you through stunning mountain passes adorned with prayer flags. Noteworthy highlights of the trip include an excursion to the scenic Cheli La Pass, situated at an elevation of 3988 meters, and a visit to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley.

Trip Highlights:

  • Explore ancient temples, monasteries, and dzongs (Forts).
  • Visit museums and government institutions.
  • Experience the charm of pristine villages and farmhouse visits.
  • Enjoy the beauty of scenic landscapes.
  • Witness archery matches, a traditional Bhutanese sport.
  • Connect with local people and immerse in their culture.

Sketch Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Thimphu sightseeing | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2334 m.
  • Day 2: Explore Thimphu | Altitude: 2334 m.
  • Day 3: Travel from Thimphu to Punakha sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
  • Day 4: Journey from Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang to Gangtey sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 3000 m.
  • Day 5: Return from Gangtey to Thimphu for more sightseeing | 142 km | Drive: 4 hours.
  • Day 6: Travel from Thimphu to Paro with an Excursion to Cheli La Pass | 94 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 3988 m).
  • Day 7: In Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours.
  • Day 8: Departure (End of the 8-day Bhutan tour itinerary).

8 Days Tour - Detail Information

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide and driver will be there to greet you. Together, you will embark on a drive to the scenic Thimphu valley, making a brief stop to admire the Tamchog Monastery, constructed in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo.

In the afternoon, your itinerary will include visits to the Memorial Chorten, the tallest Buddha statue (51.5 meters), Changangkha Lhakhang, and the Takin Preserve Center.

As evening descends, explore the Sangaygang Viewpoint and Dupthop Lhakhang, the oldest nunnery in Thimphu. Enjoy some leisure time to stroll through the town, engaging in shopping and photography.

Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day by exploring the National Postal Museum in the morning, where a unique opportunity awaits to have your pictures printed on official Bhutanese stamps. Continue your cultural journey with visits to the Textile Museum and the School of 13 Arts and Crafts. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Simply Bhutan, indulging in typical Bhutanese dishes, and take the chance to explore the Folk Museum and witness a captivating cultural show.

In the afternoon, head to the Changlimithang Stadium to witness an exciting archery match, a traditional Bhutanese sport.

As the day progresses, immerse yourself in the rich history and architecture of Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat. During early autumn, this grand structure hosts the Thimphu Festival.

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, embark on a drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan during the reign of the second king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

En route, make a stop at the scenic Dochu La Pass (3140 m), offering breathtaking views.

A few kilometers below the pass lies Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honor Drukpa Kuenley, also known as “The Divine Madman.” This temple, popularly referred to as the Temple of Fertility, pays homage to his unorthodox methods of teaching Buddhism, often with explicit symbolism.

After lunch, explore the majestic Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, where King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first national assembly in 1952.

Next, embark on a hike to the beautiful Khamsum Yulley Monastery, built by Her Majesty Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck for the long life of His Majesty and world peace.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning 160 meters across the Pho Chu River, and relish the panoramic view of Punakha valley below.

Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, embark on a drive to Gangtey and Phobjikha, with a brief stop on the way to admire Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.

Note: The lower part of the valley is known as Phobjikha, while the upper part is called Gangtey.

Perched on a hillock with a commanding view of the stunning Phobjikha valley, Gangtey Monastery is a notable site. The cup-shaped glacial valley of Phobjikha is renowned as one of the most picturesque valleys in the Himalayas and serves as the winter roosting ground for the rare black-necked cranes.

Explore Gangtey Gompa Monastery, constructed in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, and witness the annual Black Necked Crane Festival held here. Subsequently, visit the Crane Information Center.

In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around the enchanting Phobjikha Valley.

Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, proceed with a drive to Thimphu, making occasional stops along the way for photo opportunities.

During the afternoon, explore the Textile Museum, witness an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium, and enjoy some free time for shopping.

Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, commence the journey to Paro and visit Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Following that, explore Rinpung Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This impressive structure served as a backdrop for scenes in the 1995 film “Little Buddha.”

During the afternoon, embark on an excursion to the scenic Cheli La Pass (3988 meters), offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The Cheli La Pass marks the division between Paro and Haa Valley and boasts the highest motorable road in Bhutan.

Return to Paro, making a stop at the Kila Gompa Nunnery on the way, which houses approximately 90 nuns and was initially established as a meditation center in the 9th century.

Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to Satsam Chorten and embark on a 2-hour hike to reach the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) – a highlight of the 8-day Bhutan tour itinerary.

Renowned as one of the most photographed monuments in Bhutan, it holds the status of a world heritage site, with the belief that Guru Rinpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress.

During the afternoon, visit Drugyel Dzong, constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and then explore Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in 659 AD by the Tibetan king Srongtsen Gampo. The legend behind its creation involves the king building 108 temples in a single day across the Himalayan region to subdue an ogress. Of these, six are in Bhutan, with Kichu in Paro and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang being the most prominent.

Conclude the day with an evening visit to a typical Bhutanese farmhouse, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell (End of 8 days Bhutan tour itinerary).

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