Cultural Route
8-Day Punakha & Phobjikha In-Depth
A fuller route with additional Punakha sightseeing and a scenic Phobjikha extension.
Duration8 Days / 7 Nights
RouteParo • Thimphu • Punakha • Phobjikha • Paro
Best ForFirst-time Bhutan travelers
Tour CodeUH-NAC-010
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
- Observe traditional arts & crafts at School of Arts & Crafts
- Explore Folk Heritage Museum (traditional Bhutanese lifestyle)
- Visit National Textile Museum (weaving heritage & textiles)
- Visit Buddha Dordenma viewpoint
- Drive past National Memorial Chorten
- Visit Simtokha Dzong (oldest fortress in Bhutan)
- Explore Centenary Farmers’ Market (Wed–Mon, closed Tuesday)
- Visit Changlimithang Archery Ground (live match if available)
- 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)
- Stop at Lamperi Botanical Garden (Rhododendrons, Birds & Zip Line Adventure)
- Visit Chimmi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
- Gentle village walk through Sopsokha / Metsina Village
- Visit Punakha Dzong (river confluence fortress)
- Overnight stay in Punakha (1,350 m)
Day 04: Punakha Sightseeing
- Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (45 mins uphill)
- Walk across Punakha Suspension Bridge
- River rafting on the Punakha River (additional cost)
- Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery (valley viewpoint, if time permits)
- Leisure time in Punakha Valley
- Overnight stay in Punakha (1,350 m)
Day 05: Punakha – Drive to Phobjikha
- Scenic drive via Wangdue, Pelela Pass & forested landscapes
- Visit Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Gompa)
- Walk Gangtey Nature Trail
- Visit Crane Information Center (RSPN)
- Farmhouse visit with local dinner experience
- Overnight stay in Phobjikha (2,900 m)
Day 06: Phobjikha – Drive to Paro
- Scenic drive back via Wangdue, Dochula Pass & Chuzom
- Visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)
- Visit Ta Dzong – National Museum
- Outdoor cultural activities (traditional dress, archery, darts)
- Explore Paro town & handicraft shops
- Overnight stay in Paro (2,200 m)
Day 07: Paro Sightseeing
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (ancient sacred temple)
- Optional hot stone bath & farmhouse dinner (additional cost)
- 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.