Bhutan Soft Adventure

When you set foot on the land of Bhutan, you will be surrounded by clean and fresh air. Your private guide will meet you at Paro airport, and then transfer you to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way, you will pass by the iron chain bridge of Tamchog Lhakhang and stop to take some nice pictures. After arrival, the rest of the day is for your relaxation.

Today, drive about 45 minutes to the north of Thimphu Valley. After arriving, hike to the Tango Monastery, a Buddhist monastery built in the 13th century. Enjoy a picnic lunch before hiking to the Cheri Monastery, which is now a major teaching and retreat center of the Southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

After breakfast, leave Thimphu for Punakha by car. En route, stop for a coffee break at Dochula Pass, a beautiful mountain pass where the memorial stupas of 108 Bhutanese soldiers stand. Walk along the trails among the stupas to feel the peace and solemnity.

Continue driving to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong, which is said to be the most beautiful dzong of Bhutan. The second oldest Dzong in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong was built in the 17th century and situated at the confluence of Pho Chu (father) and Mo Chu (mother) rivers.

Today's tour starts from the wooden suspension bridge across the Mo Chu River. Walk up to the Khamsum Yuelley Chorten located on a hillside for a spectacular view. After that, set off to Lobyesa where you will hike for 20 minutes to Chimi Lhakhang, a Buddhist monastery where many women pray for fertility. Be escorted to Gangtey for your overnight stay afterwards.

In the morning, drive to Gangtey Goemba, generally known as Gangtey Monastery, which is an important monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail to Khewa Lhakhang for about 1.5 hours. Pay a short visit to the Semchubara Village en route before being transferred to Paro.

Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) is the cultural icon of Bhutan and also the nation's most famous landmark. Today, you will get up close to fully appreciate it. Trek to this Buddhist temple sitting on the cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley. After the trek and sightseeing tour, descend and visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, which offers a great distant view of Mt. Chomolhari in good weather. Later, meet Bhutanese people at a local farm house for a glance into their daily life. You may see some locals practicing archery at an archery ground.

Experience a 2-hour hike to Kila Goempa (Kila Nunnery). All along the trail up to the nunnery, you will go through forest and steep slopes. The nunnery consists of a main temple and several meditation huts, located on the cliffs about 3,500 meters above sea level. Later, walk down to the motor accessible road and be driven back to Paro.

It's time to say goodbye to this amazing country. A private transfer will take you to Paro airport at the appropriate time for your flight back home.