Best Bhutan Tour

Day 1: Arrive into Bhutan via Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines.

During the journey to Paro, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane, breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport and after your Visa Formalities you will be greeted by the Representatives from Bhutan Jewel Travel.
Freshen Up in Hotel and if time permits start touring the valley of Paro. Your Guide will guide you hereinafter. Night Halt in Paro. Altitude of Paro is at 2240mts.

Day 2: Paro to Punakha and Wangdue Valleys:

Altitude of Punakha is 1300 meters so warmer than Paro. Direct Drive Time is about 3 hours from Paro but could take a little longer due to rests on the way.
Check in Punakha Hotel and enroute enjoy the halt and tea and snacks at the Dochula Pass.
Dochula Pass is a Great place to feel the cool air and see thousands of prayer flags fluttering high on tree tops. There are 108 stupas and a Temple built by the Queen Mother for the long life of the Fourth King and the wellbeing of all sentient beings. From this pass you can see the entire Himalayan range of Mountains.
Lamperi Botanical Park : Take a walk in this park that holds many species of exotic plants including wild orchids and many species of Rhododendron. It’s a great place for bird watching. You can climb one of the watch towers and enjoy the views around.
There is a wish making lake, where it’s believed that there’s a mermaid that grants your wish if it is made sincerely. Night Halt in Punakha.

Day 3: Punakha & Wangdue Tour / white water river rafting:

After breakfast, Drive north of the valley and hike for about 45 minutes crossing over a suspension bridge to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a temple built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan in all the Bhutanese architecture grandeur. Walk through the rice fields and village of Niengergang. The view from the temple to the valley below is photogenic.
After a hearty lunch, then drive to visit the Punakha Dzong. “Dzong” means Fortresses. Punakha Dzong is the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan situated in the confluence of Pho-chu & Mo-chu (male & female rivers). It looks like a giant ship with excellent wood work and detail of paintings. It was here that the first King was crowned in 1907.
It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955. Punakha Dzong is still serves as the winter resident of the chief lama of Bhutan and houses both administrative & religious center of Punakha district.
It is here in these very courtyards that the present King of Bhutan married the Queen. Thus this fortress holds a big significance in Bhutan’s history and present times. Night in Punakha. White River rafting is seasonal.

Day 4: Punakha To Phobjikha Valley:

Altitude of Phobjikha Valley is 2900 meters and Drive Time is about 3-4 hours from Punakha.
En route to Phobjikha, visit the famous and sacred Chimi Lhakhang(Temple) or even named as the “Temple of fertility” cause couples without Children are blessed here with a wooden phallus to
bear children. This area is adorned with photos and arts of Phalluses and people who do not know the significance of this temple are awe struck or some even flabbergasted. Have your lunch here overlooking the paddy fields and then continue journey to the Phobjikha Valley.

Phobjikha Valley is home to the endangered Black Necked cranes. Phobjikha is very remote and the highest wide valley in Bhutan. Here there are no electric poles standing as cranes could get caught in the lines. Thus the whole wide valley is peaceful and only the nomadic locals reside in Phobjikha. Night in this beautiful valley.

Day 5: Phobjikha Tour :

Nature walks/Hikes in Phobjikha and visit the monk’s Gangtey Monastery and great for nature photography. Night Halt in Phobjikha. Visits during the winter months is when you can see the endangered black necked cranes as its their winter habitat in Bhutan. Although cold, it is worth the visit.

Day 6: Phobjikha to Thimphu:

Thimphu is the Capital City of Bhutan. Altitude is 2334 meters and straight drive time from Phobjikha to Thimphu is about 5 hours.
Lunch can be served en route and before entering Thimphu, a stop at the Dochula Pass for refreshments. Night Halt in Thimphu.

Day 7: Thimphu sight-seeing like the National Animal Takin Reserve.

The site of the Tallest Sitting Buddha in the World. And many local sites like watch an archery match, visit handicrafts shops and the Crafts Bazaar. You could visit the Local artists paintings outlet VAST, some of the paintings are beautiful. Night Halt in Thimphu.

Day 8: Visit Bhutan’s Astrology Institute in Parizampa,Thimphu.

This institute issues the annual Bhutanese calendar and foretells the date and time for auspicious events like it was here that decided the date of the Bhutan Kings’ Wedding, it was here that decided the coronation date of the Kings, and so on.
After lunch, visit the Emporium, National Textile Museum, the Memorial Stupa, etc. Bhutan Post Office : This is a rare opportunity to have your own photo stamp made which can be used to send post cards or letters from Bhutan to anyone you wish to post it to.
Evening drive to Paro. Tonight try and rest well for the great hike tomorrow to the Tiger’s Nest. Night Halt in Paro.

Day 9: Best for the Last. Hike to the Tiger’s Nest called the Taktsang Monastery.

The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress, who was believed to be his favorite consort who the Guru had transformed to a Tigress. Tiger’s nest is a world heritage site.
This Hike will take more than half a day from start to finish and is best that you start early morning before the sun’s heat starts affecting you.
After the hike, drive to the Victory Fortress called “Drugyel Dzong” which was built during war with Tibet. It’s a beautiful ruined fortress and can see the Jumolhari Mountain Peak. Evening you can take a stroll through the Paro Villages or can rest early since you might be tired from the hike. Night in Paro.

Day 10 : Sightseeing:

After breakfast take few hours hike to the Zuri Temple site, this is exclusively to enjoy the 360 degrees view of the Paro Valley, the villages and town on one side and the Paro International Airport on the other side.

On your way back, walk to the National Museum of Bhutan which was a watch tower in early times or if you aren’t interested in Museums then continue walking towards the Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 AD. A flag stoned path leads toward the Dzong. This Dzong overlooks the Paro valley and you will also cross over an ancient wooden bridge with guard houses at the sides of the Bridge.
Paro Dzong and its bridge is the location where the holly wood movie “The Little Buddha” starring Keanu Reeves was filmed. Night Halt in Paro.

Day 11 : Depart Bhutan .

You will be escorted by your Guide and Driver to the Paro Airport for your departure.