8-Day Bhutan Sightseeing Hiking

Welcome to Bhutan! Upon arrival, be met and transferred to Paro to visit Paro Dzong which was built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. Later, depart to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, which has a population of about 100,000 and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and have some free time.

Note: Driving times in the program are approximate, subject to the traffic, weather and road conditions.

Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, have a 45-minute drive towards the north of Thimphu valley and hike to Tango Monastery, which dates back to the 16th century and is now the national institute for higher studies of meditation and Buddhist Philosophy. After that, have a picnic lunch and continue your hiking to Cheri Monastery. 

Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On your way to Punakha, stop at Dochula Pass to have a coffee break and admire the grand 108 stupas. If the weather is good, take in the enchanting views of Mt. Himalaya. You can also take a Dochula Natural trail hike (1.5 hours). On arrival in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, the beautiful Bhutanese architecture between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, which served as the religious and administrative center of Bhutan until the mid-1950s.

Overnight: Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Head for a suspension bridge and start hiking up to Khamsum Yuelley Chorten, passing by attractive rice terraces and pine forests en route. When reaching the stupa on top, take in the superb views. Later, drive to Lobyesa and continue another 20 minutes' hiking to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman and now a sacred place where women pray to have children. After that, drive to Gangtey.

Overnight: Gangtey
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

This morning, drive to visit Gangtey Goempo, which holds the most scared relics of all monasteries in Bhutan and is famed for its amazing design. Later, take a short hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail (1.5 hrs) down to Khewa Lhakhang. En route visit the Semchubara Village and a square chorten, then drive to Paro. 

Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, hike to visit Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), be amazed by the view of this sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. After that, move to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invaders. If the weather permits, you'll see a great distant view of Mt. Chomolhari. Later, visit a local farmhouse for a close look into the life of Bhutanese people, followed by Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. 

Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive up to the hiking point for an exhilarating hike to Kila Goempa (Kila Nunnery), around 2 hours. Later, go through a forest of chir pine trees, fir trees and spruces that offers a chance to overlook the Paro valley and get back to the navigable road for a drive back to Paro. 

The evening is yours at leisure. Enjoy the night of Paro night or buy some souvenirs for your friends and family. 

Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Have some leisure time before being transferred to the airport for the flight to your next destination. 

Meal: Breakfast