Cultural Route
8-Day Gangtey & Phobjikha Journey
An extended route with more time in Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley.
Duration8 Days / 7 Nights
RouteParo • Thimphu • Punakha • Gangtey • Paro
Best ForFirst-time Bhutan travelers
Tour CodeUH-NAC-009
Tiger’s NestPunakhaPhobjikhaGangteyThimphu
Day 01: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
- Arrival at Paro International Airport
- Traditional welcome with khaddar
- Scenic drive to Thimphu (approx. 1.5 hrs)
- Drive along Paro River via Chuzom
- En-route stop at Tachogang Lhakhang & suspension bridge
- Visit Tashichho Dzong (evening visit)
- Leisure walk in Thimphu city & local markets
- Overnight stay in Thimphu (2,400 m)
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
- Explore Folk Heritage Museum (traditional Bhutanese lifestyle)
- Visit National Textile Museum (weaving heritage & textiles)
- Visit Tashichho Dzong (main administrative fortress)
- Drive past National Memorial Chorten
- Visit Buddha Dordenma viewpoint
- Visit Simtokha Dzong (oldest fortress in Bhutan)
- Explore Centenary Farmers’ Market (weekend market)
- Overnight stay in Thimphu (2,400 m)
Day 03: Thimphu – Drive to Punakha
- Scenic drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass
- Stop at Dochula Pass (108 chortens & Himalayan views)
- Visit Punakha Dzong (river confluence fortress)
- Explore Bhutan’s Longest Suspension Bridge
- Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (scenic valley hike)
- River rafting on the Punakha River (additional cost)
- Overnight stay in Punakha (1,350 m)
Day 04: Punakha – Drive to Gangtey
- Visit Chimmi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
- Gentle village walk through Sopsokha / Metsina Village
- Brief stop at Wangdue Phodrang town & Dzong viewpoint
- Scenic drive to Gangtey / Phobjikha Valley
- Overnight stay in Gangtey (2,900 m)
Day 05: Gangtey Sightseeing
- Explore Phobjikha Valley (black-necked crane habitat)
- Visit Gangtey Monastery (17th-century monastery)
- Nature walk in Phobjikha Valley (open valley trails & crane habitat)
- Overnight stay in Gangtey (2,900 m)
Day 06: Gangtey – Drive to Paro
- Scenic drive to Paro via western & central Bhutan landscapes
- Check-in to hotel in Paro
- Leisure evening in Paro town (optional)
- Overnight stay in Paro (2,200 m)
Day 07: Paro Sightseeing – Tiger’s Nest Hike
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
- Stop at cafeteria viewpoint
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (one of Bhutan’s oldest temples)
- Overnight stay in Paro (2,200 m)
Day 08: Departure from Bhutan
- Breakfast at hotel
- Transfer to Paro International Airport
- Departure with memories of Bhutan
Prices mentioned are for international travelers and do not apply to regional travelers from India, Bangladesh, or Maldives.