Black Necked Crane Festival

Arrive at Paro airport and enjoy lunch before driving to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Check in to your hotel and take a relaxed evening walk around town.

Discover the highlights of Thimphu with a day of sightseeing that includes the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Continue to the School of Arts and Crafts, widely known as the painting school, and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine to learn about Bhutan’s healing traditions. You will also visit Buddha Dordenma at Buddha Point and the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal.In the evening, explore the impressive Tashichho Dzong, often referred to as the “Fortress of Glorious Religion.”

Drive across Dochula Pass (3,100 m) for panoramic Himalayan views before descending into the warm Punakha Valley, with a total drive of about three hours. Once Bhutan’s former capital, Punakha is home to the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and known as the “Palace of Great Happiness.”

A scenic drive of about 30 minutes from Punakha brings you to Wangduephodrang, the last major town before entering central Bhutan. This district is well known for its exquisite bamboo crafts and intricate stone carvings. From here, the road climbs gradually through lush forests of oak and rhododendron, leading up to Lawala Pass, where the landscape is covered with dwarf bamboo and offers sweeping views of the Himalayan ranges. Continuing downhill for a short distance, you will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Gangtey Goenpa and the serene Phobjikha Valley. Take time to visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, known for its spiritual significance and tranquil setting.

Experience the vibrant Black-Necked Crane Festival in the morning. Later in the afternoon, set out on a scenic hike through Phobjikha valley, winter home to the rare Black-Necked Crane that migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to avoid the severe cold. You may also stop by the Crane Observation and Education Center to gain insight into their feeding patterns and roosting behavior.

Today, you will journey back toward Thimphu, retracing your route through the scenic valleys. Pause at Lawala Pass to admire sweeping views of the Himalayan range before descending toward Wangduephodrang. From here, the road ascends once again through forested hills to Dochula Pass, where you can enjoy lunch while taking in spectacular mountain vistas. Afterward, continue downhill to Simtokha, where the road divides, and then proceed onward to Paro.

Set out on a rewarding hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most iconic pilgrimage site perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,180 meters. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche, the 8th-century spiritual master, arrived here riding on the back of a tigress to meditate.Enjoy lunch at the Cafeteria Restaurant located midway up the trail, with stunning views of the valley below. After exploring the sacred monastery, descend back to Paro.

You will bid farewell to this beautiful country and take your flight, carrying with you lasting memories of its charm and culture.