9 Days / 8 Nights Bhutan Cultural Tour Package
Start/End: Phuentsholing
Destinations: Thimphu • Phobjikha • Punakha • Paro
DAY 1: Arrival in Phuentsholing
- Pick-up from Phuentsholing border gate.
- Assistance with permit formalities.
- Check-in at hotel.
- Evening leisure walk around Phuentsholing town / Zangto Pelri Lhakhang.
Overnight: Phuentsholing
DAY 2: Phuentsholing → Thimphu (5–6 hrs)
- Scenic drive through subtropical forests and mountain landscapes.
- Visit Kharbandi Gompa en route.
- Arrive Thimphu and check in.
Evening: Explore Thimphu city, Clock Tower Square.
Overnight: Thimphu
DAY 3: Thimphu Sightseeing
- Memorial Chorten
- Buddha Dordenma (169-ft Buddha)
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Takin Preserve
- Simply Bhutan Living Museum
- Tashichho Dzong (evening view/photo stop)
Overnight: Thimphu
DAY 4: Thimphu → Phobjikha Valley (5 hrs)
- Drive across Dochula Pass (3,100m) – 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and Himalayan panoramas.
- Descend into the glacial valley of Phobjikha (Gangtey).
- Visit Gangtey Goempa (monastery).
- Nature hike on Gangtey Nature Trail (easy, scenic).
Overnight: Phobjikha Valley
DAY 5: Phobjikha Valley Exploration → Punakha (2.5 hrs)
Morning in Phobjikha:
- Walk through village trails and black-necked crane habitat (seasonal: Oct–Feb).
- Enjoy the quiet and natural beauty of the valley.
After lunch: Drive to Punakha
- Check-in and relax.
Overnight: Punakha
DAY 6: Punakha Sightseeing
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – short hike with scenic valley view.
- Visit Punakha Dzong—Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress at the confluence of two rivers.
- Walk across the Suspension Bridge (one of Bhutan’s longest).
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)—short village hike through paddy fields.
- Optional: River rafting (seasonal).
Overnight: Punakha
DAY 7: Punakha → Paro (4 hrs)
- Scenic drive to Paro valley.
- En-route stop at Tamchoe Iron Bridge.
- Visit Paro Dzong and National Museum.
- Explore Paro town streets and cafés.
Overnight: Paro
DAY 8: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Hike
- Full-day hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)—Bhutan’s most iconic landmark.
- Optional hot stone bath in the evening to relax.
Overnight: Paro
DAY 9: Paro → Phuentsholing Departure (5–6 hrs)
- Drive back to Phuentsholing.
- Drop at hotel/border gate.
- End of tour.
✔ Recommended Inclusions
- 3-star or selected accommodation
- Breakfast & dinner
- Private vehicle with driver
- Licensed Bhutanese guide (for international tourists)
- All permits and entrance fees
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
✔ Exclusions
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips, beverages, and optional activities