6N - 7D Bhutan Tour To Phobjikha Valley

After breakfast visit National Memorial stupa (built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the giant Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu valley with 169 feet/51.5 meters and its tallest of its kind, Takin reservation center, Institute of thirteen arts and crafts, Folk heritage museum Tashi Chodzong meaning “fortress of glorious religion” built in 1641 by the unifier zhabdrung. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Punakha district, our ancient capital city before Thimphu and stop at one of the most beautiful pass in the country called Dochula Pass(3100m) adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel chortens and colourful prayer flags surrounded by spectacular views of Himalayan ranges on clear weather. Continue driving to Punakha valley and on the way you can stop at Lobesa to hike up to Chimi Lhakhang through rice paddy fields and through Metsina village with colourful painted Phallus on the walls to bless the household with fertility and to ward off evil spirits. The temple is dedicated to the accomplished master in the 15th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or the “Divine Madman,” who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. After this visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country with intricate metal and wood carvings situated between male and female rivers like an anchored ship built in 1637 by Zhabdrung and then visit one of the longest suspension bridges.

In the morning drive to Gangtey valley and attend the famous annual black necked crane festival at the courtyard of the monastery. The festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of this endangered and majestic bird which becomes an inseparable part in their daily lives in the winter. The festival takes place on 11th November every year coinciding with the birth anniversary of the great fourth King of Bhutan. Gangtey monastery sits on the hill top which is the main seat of great treasure revealer Pema Lingpa and it is the famous nyingma school of Buddhism established in 1613 by Rigzin Pema Thinley, the great grandson of terton Pema Lingpa. After visiting the monastery, enjoy a nature hike through villages and the beautiful glacier valley which takes about 1 hour. And visit the crane information center where you will get the opportunity to watch a documentary about this beautiful valley and the importance of this vulnerable bird ‘black necked cranes’. You will also get to watch the cranes over the valley through binoculars. Overnight in the hotel.

In the morning drive to Paro via Wangdue Phodrang, passing Dochula pass and the outskirts of Thimphu city and onward to Paro district. After lunch visit national museum of Bhutan which was built to serve as watch tower in 1649 and later in 1968 the ancient watch tower was renovated and converted into national museum under the command of His Majesty, the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong meaning “The fortress on the heap of jewels” built in 1646 by our unifier Zhabdrung. Along the wooden gallaries lining the courtyard of Rinpung Dzong are the fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore and visit Kichu Temple which is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Buddhist king Songtsen Gonpo. In the evening stroll Paro town and local handicraft shops. Overnight in the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the base of Taktshang(Tiger’s Nest) Monastery which will take about 20 minutes from your hotel and start hiking the famous Taktshang Monastery perched on the hanging cliff at about 3100 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktshang monastery now stands. The monastery is situated at about 900 meters above Paro valley. We will walk back the same way and the lunch will be served in Taktshang cafeteria or walk down to the valley floor and enjoy lunch in the town. In the evening visit the farmhouse and try a traditional hot stone bath to heal the joint pains after your hike and try traditional Bhutanese meals. This is a fantastic conclusion to your stay in Bhutan! Overnight in the hotel.

In the morning, drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.