Day 01: Arrive Paro, Transfer to Thimphu Valley (1hr/54kms)
On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by your Etho Metho representative (guide). Drive from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan, and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Open: Mon-Fri [Mar-Oct after 5:30pm] [Nov-Feb after 4:30 pm] / Open on Sat, Sun, Govt. Holidays). Stroll around Thimphu town. (Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu)

Day 02: Thimphu Valley Exploration
Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for several internationally funded development projects. Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu Valley includes visits to:
- Buddha Dordenma statue sitting on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu. The Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is one of the tallest in Asia (51.5 m). The site offers unobstructed views over the capital town and the Thimphu valley below. Check-in at the hotel. (Closes Daily Nov-Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm) *National Memorial Chorten- the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace. (Closes Daily Nov-Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm) - Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as the Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. (Closed on Sat 1pm, Sun, Govt. Holidays, School Break Jul, Jan-Feb). * National Library, which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. (Closed on Sat / Sun / Govt. Holidays)
- Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism, and Himalayan culture. (Closed on Sun / Govt. Holidays)
- Traditional Handmade Paper Factory, witness the process of paper making from start to finish. The paper is made from the bark of the black Daphne tree. The traditional use of paper for scriptures is still practiced, and the paper is now also used for modern purposes from gift wrapping to lamp shades, cards, and so on. In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street. (Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu)

Day 3: Transfer to Gangtey Valley (5 -6 hrs/130kms)
After an early breakfast, set off for Phobjikha; driving up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. If the day is very clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Then continue onwards, reaching Wangduephodrang town in time for lunch. From here, it is a long, winding descent into the Wangduephodrang valley, which is about 1,700m below the pass. Continuing on the highway, we follow the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing the Pele La pass, en route to Radak Shang Temple, and finally, you will find the hidden Phobjikha Valley. There will be occasional breaks along the journey to stretch your legs and take pictures and toilet stops. Gangtey is considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Bhutan (3000m/9800ft). The area is best known as the home of the rare Black-necked Cranes that migrate to Bhutan from Tibet in Nov and leave by March thus is a protected area for wildlife. On arrival visit to the Black Neck Crane Center and dependent on the season, time spent in the Center’s nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes. (Overnight at Hotel in Gangtey)

Day 4: Gangtey Valley
This morning, visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Then we proceed on an easy hike on the Gangtey Natural Trail (1.5-2 hrs). This hike is considered as the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Ganagtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjkha Valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hiking places for Nature lovers. During the winter months (Nov-Mar), this hike offers an up-close spot to see the endangered Black Neck Cranes. Various other walks or village visits can be arranged in this magnificent valley. (Overnight at Hotel in Gangtey)

Day 5: Transfer to Punakha Valley (3hrs/76kms)
After breakfast transfer to Punakha, a low-lying subtropical valley. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and is still the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and central monk body. On arrival, hike to the nearby Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the "Divine Madman", an eccentric monk from the 16th century famous for many of his amusing Rabelaisian folklore stories. Also visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which has played a prominent role in the civil and religious life of the kingdom. Damaged by fire, flood, and earthquakes over the centuries, it has now been fully restored to its original splendor. (Open 11am-1pm & 3pm-5 pm). (Overnight at Hotel in Punakha)

Day 06: Punakha Valley
Today’s sightseeing includes Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. The temple houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, one of the biggest in the country. The statue was handcrafted exclusively by local artisans. The temple houses a complex for higher studies and a meditation center for nuns. Apart from religious training, the nuns are also provided skills such as embroidery, tailoring, and statue making. Explore the picturesque villages of Talo or Nobgang, the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan. The villages are scattered along a ridge above the Punakha valley at an altitude of around 2,800m and are known amongst Punakha villages for their neat and clean appearance. The women here are particularly known for their beauty. Nalanda Monastery to visit the monks who are pursuing higher Buddhist studies and learning English as well. You may interact with the monks and chat with them. They will be more than happy to practice their English language skills with you. Rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight at Hotel in Punakha)

Day 07: Transfer to Paro Valley (4 hrs/130kms)
After breakfast proceed to Paro once again crossing over Dochu la Pass. Continue to Paro. This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty, and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries and the country’s only airport. Mt. Jhomolhari (7,300m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). The Paro Valley is one of the kingdom’s most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan’s famous red rice from its terraced fields. In Paro, visit Kichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in the country. The temple is one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness in the 7th century. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Then proceed to visit the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps, and a small natural history collection. (Closed on Govt. Holidays) End the day with a visit to a Farmhouse to share a cup of traditional butter tea with the family. (Overnight at Hotel in Paro)

Day 08: Taktsang Hike (Total Hike Time 4-5 hrs)
In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory. (Overnight at Hotel in Paro)

Day 09: Depart Paro
Early breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Please note that some of the sights/itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the rights to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan. The driving and hiking times mentioned are approximate times and do not include breaks in the journey for sightseeing, photo/tea/meal/rest stops. During the treks/hikes, there may be delays or diversion of hiking trails due to trail conditions, inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances.