Amazing Bhutan

After breakfast, complete immigration formalities and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.), Bhutan's capital. Enjoy scenic stops for photos along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

After breakfast, visit Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma), offering panoramic views of Thimphu Valley and home to Bhutan's largest Buddha statue. Then, explore the National Memorial Chorten and Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, visit Sangaygang View Point, the Takin Preserve Centre, and Changangkha Lhakhang, a popular temple known for its murals and blessings for newborns. Conclude the day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government and monastic body. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha/Wangdue, stopping at Dochu-La Pass (10,334 ft.) to enjoy views of the higher Himalayas and the 108 chortens surrounded by colorful prayer flags. Upon arrival in Punakha, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 and once the seat of the Bhutanese government. Then take a short hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Enjoy a leisurely evening. Overnight stay in Punakha/Wangdue.

After breakfast, choose between two excursions. Option one is a full-day trip to Gangtey Valley (9,842 ft.), where you'll pass through scenic landscapes and villages. Visit the 17th-century Gangtey Goemba, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, and explore the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, home to the endangered Black-necked Cranes in winter. You can also hike around the valley before returning to Punakha. Alternatively, spend the day in Punakha Valley. Begin with a 45-minute hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, offering stunning views of the valley. Then, visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of Bhutan’s longest, and the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, overlooking the Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys. Enjoy a leisurely evening and overnight stay in Punakha/Wangdue.

After breakfast, drive to Paro (7,483 ft.), stopping at Lamperi to visit the Royal Botanical Park, known for its 36 species of rhododendrons and around 220 bird species. Upon arrival in Paro, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum, with its impressive collection of art and relics, followed by Rinpung Dzong, "fortress of the heap of jewels," now the administrative and judicial center of Paro. Enjoy a leisurely evening. Overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to the base of Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) and begin a 2-3 hour uphill hike to this sacred site, perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley. Built in 1684 around Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave, it offers breathtaking views and spiritual significance. In the afternoon, if time allows, visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 to commemorate Bhutan's victories, with views of Mt. Jhomolhari. On the way back, stop at Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples. Overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Chele-La Pass (13,088 ft.), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, offering spectacular views of Mt. Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. The journey takes you through dense forests with opportunities for photography and bird watching. At the pass, admire the hundreds of colorful prayer flags. On the return, hike down to Kila Goemba, a peaceful monastery for Buddhist nuns nestled on a rocky cliff. Later, drive back to Paro and spend the evening exploring the town and shopping for souvenirs. Overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Phuentsholing, a 5-hour journey covering 145 km. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing or take a stroll around Phuentsholing town. Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to NJP Railway Station or IXB Airport, a journey of 170 km that takes approximately 5 hours, for your onward travel.