Wonders of Bhutan Incl. (3-Day) Gangtey Nature Trek

Your guide and driver will receive you at the Paro International Airport and then you will be transferred to Punakha valley with a few stops on the way enjoying the pristine mountains and forests. On arrival in Punakha, visit some interesting sites.

En route to Punakha, stop briefly at Dochula – a sacred mountain pass at an elevation of 3150m and enjoy a grand view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear day. Hot tea and coffee will be served at Dochula Cafeteria. From here continue driving towards Punakha and gradually descend to a warm lower altitude valley within an hour.

Just about 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known among tourists as “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience. Explore the nearby village.

If time permits, you will visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Nunnery located on a peaceful hilltop overlooking the lower Punakha valley.

Driving time from Paro to Punakha valley: 3.5-hours

Today, you will hike to a serene hilltop through beautiful terraced rice fields and traditional houses, followed by a visit to the 17th century Punakha Dzong. After lunch, transfer to Trongsa in central Bhutan through high mountain passes and forests.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the nearest road head and hike to Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten located on a serene hilltop overlooking the fertile Punakha valley. The hike takes you through the beautiful terraced rice fields and traditional houses. It takes about 2-2.5 hrs round trip.

After the hike, retrace your footstep back to the road-head and drive to visit the most beautiful 17th century Punakha Dzong. The 17th century Punakha Dzong is considered masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture built in elaborate Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence the Bhutanese architecture to this day. Punakha Dzong holds a special place in the history of Bhutan as it was here that the first hereditary King of Bhutan was enthroned in 1907. All the successive Kings are also enthroned here. You will spend some time appreciating the ornate woodworks and sacred wall paintings.

From there walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that runs over Phochu river. The Punakha Dzong is flanked by the two glacial fed rivers - Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers.

After lunch, transfer to Trongsa in central Bhutan driving through the highest mountain pass between Punakha and Trongsa (Pelela 3,350m). You will have several opportunities for photography and views of valleys and mountains along the way.

Diving time from Punakha to Trongsa: 4-hours

Today, you'll begin the day by visiting the largest fortress in Bhutan, Trongsa Dzong (optional) and Royal Heritage Museum. Then transfer to the cultural heartland of Bhutan, Bumthang valley passing some high mountains and beautiful valleys.

Built in 1648, Trongsa Dzong was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All the crown princes must be invested as Trongsa Penlop (“governor”) here are Trongsa Dzong prior to ascending the throne. The dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Because of the dzong’s highly strategic position on the only connecting route between east and west, the Trongsa Penlop was able to control effectively the whole of the central and eastern regions of the country from here.

After visiting the Dzong, we drive few hundred meters to visit the Royal Heritage Museum housed in the 17th-century watchtower overlooking the valley and the Dzong. The Royal Heritage Museum showcases textiles and belongings of the Royal Family of Bhutan.

We then start our journey to Bumthang also known as Jakar. You'll drive through the highest mountain pass between Trongsa and Bumthang (Yotongla 3,450m). Stop briefly at Chumey village to see Yathra Weaving Center to get insights into the traditional attires and weaving culture of the people of Bumthang valley. Lunch will be served on arrival in Bumthang valley.

After lunch, visit the Swiss Cheese and Wine factory which was established by Mr. Fritz Maurer, a Swiss volunteer who came to Bhutan in the early 1960s and made Bumthang his home.

We will also visit the sacred Tamzhing temple located just a couple of kilometers from the cheese factory. It was built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa who is considered the patron saint of Bhutan. Among the many treasures and religious artefacts handcrafted by Pema Lingpa himself, there is an armor which stood the test of time for five centuries bearing no rust or any sign of deterioration. It is believed that you will be cleansed of all your past sins and defilements if you circumambulate the inner sanctum of the temple 3 rounds carrying the sacred armor. This is one activity visitors enjoy with fun and a sense of veneration.

Leisure time in Chamkhar, the main town in Bumthang.

On the 4th day, you will spend a full day exploring Bumthang valley. Drive to Tang in the neighbourhood and get insights into the way of life of the local farmers. After lunch drive back to Bumthang and see some important landmarks in the valley.

Drive for about 45min to the sacred lake called Mebartso from where a sacred statue and other religious treasures were discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa. You would see these sacred objects at Tamzhing temple on Day 3.

If interested, we can drive farther to Tang Valley and visit Ogyen Choling, a private museum belonging the the descendants of Royal family and great Buddhist masters. From here we drive back to Bumthang for lunch.

After lunch, visit Kurjey Lhakhang which is built on the sacred site blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Guru Padmasambhava brought Buddhism to Bhutan and is revered as second Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism. We can also visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Leisure time in Chamkhar town.

On day 5, transfer to Phobjikha valley via Trongsa and then venture out on exciting hiking through the pristine glacial valley, interact with the local people and learn about the daily lives of people living in rural Bhutan.

After breakfast, transfer to one of the pristine glacial valleys in Bhutan - the Phobjikha valley via Trongsa. Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and is a winter home for endangered Black Necked Crane from November until they migrate back to Tibetan Plateau by the beginning of spring season. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared as a protected area.

After lunch in Phobjikha, visit an important landmark in the valley which is also one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan, the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery.

From here, venture out on an exhilarating nature hike through the pristine valley. The trail is about 5km and takes approx. 3 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and an understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures!

Driving time from Bumthang to Phobjikha valley: 4.5-hours

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on an exciting 3-day trek. The Trek starts near the village of Tabiting. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes you through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to Tsele La (3430m). From here you descend into the Juge Kangkha Chhu valley. Further on, the path leads to Gogona, well known for its “Gogona Cheese” production. The campsite is a bit further on besides a small stream in a yak pasture called Zasa.

Distance: 15km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent: 610m, Descent: 410m, Campsite Altitude: 3,130m

A gentle climb leads to Shobe La pass (3,480m). The descent from the pass leads to a wide valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. Below the route, one can see Khothokha, a village with about 60 houses. You finally reach the campsite by climbing gently up till you see four chortens in a forest of blue pine.

Distance: 16km, Time: 5-7 hours, Ascent: 450m, Descent: 860m, Camsite Altitude: 3,330m

After breakfast at the camp, you climb till you reach a forest road. From here it’s an easy walk up to a little ridge at 2,800m. The walk down back into the valley leads you through Bhutan’s best bird-watching areas.

Distance: 12km, Time: 4-5 hours, Ascent: 120m, Descent: 1340m

After the trek ends, you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. En route, stop briefly at Dochula Pass for a coffee break. On arrival in Thimphu, spend leisure time around the streets of Thimphu. Thimphu is home to around 115,000 residents and this bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights.

Driving time from Tikke Zampa to Thimphu: 2.5-3-hours

After breakfast, visit the giant Buddha statue located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. The magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop, Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the Thimphu valley.

Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum where the 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught. If the class is in session, you can hop in and observe while the students gets hands-on training. Opens during working weekdays & on Saturdays 10 am - noon.

Visit National Library of Bhutan considered as a national treasure of Bhutan and fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture. Both the art school and national library opens during working weekdays & on Saturdays 10am-noon.

You may want to visit Bhutan Postal Museum if you are interested in Philatelic products and stamp collections. You can also have your own stamps printed with your photo. (Optional)

If you wish, visit the Centenary Farmer’s Market where you will see farmers from across the country sell their products like vegetables, fruits and cereals. You will understand the food preference and culture in Bhutanese society.

Drive to nearby Changlimithang Archery Range to witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Leisure time around Thimphu town.

Today, you will be transferred back to Paro and visit some landmarks in the valley. Later after lunch, drive to the hilltop overlooking the Paro valley and interact with the monks at the peaceful and secluded monastery.

The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro just above the Rinpung Dzong (administrative headquarter of Paro district) was established in 1968. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country.

Visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, a seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means “temple”), which is located just a few minutes drive from the main town of Paro, is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in a single day.

Later after lunch, drive to the Sangchen Chokhor Buddhist College located on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Paro Valley. You can meet and mingle with happy monks, meditate and offer prayers if you wish.

Driving time from Thimphu to Paro: 1.5-hours

Leisure time in Paro town.

After early breakfast, drive to the base of Taksang, Ramthagk and hike to the famous Paro Taktsang built on the face of an 800-meter rocky cliff. The roundtrip hike takes around 4-5 hour you can hike at your own pace. It is recommended you start early.

The history of Taktsang is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. It is not only considered as one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan but also “a must-visit” place for tourists.

Oneway horse riding is available up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria) for about USD 20.

After visiting Taktsang monastery and a sumptuous lunch at Taktsang cafeteria, retrace your footsteps back to the road-head where your driver will be waiting.

Towards the late afternoon, visit a beautiful farmhouse for home-cooked local cuisine. If interested, you can experience therapeutic and a revitalizing t traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of US$15 per person charged by the owner.

After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.