9 Days Bhutan Group Tour with Phobjikha & Haa Valley (Western Panorama)

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Bhutan. As you arrive in Paro, experience the refreshing breeze of a country protected by vast forests. Your dedicated guide will meet you at the airport to begin your journey through the "Last Shangri-La," a stunning mountain haven where ancient traditions and natural beauty have been cherished for centuries.

Paro (2,270m) is Bhutan’s primary gateway and home to the legendary Tiger’s Nest monastery. This valley offers a perfect harmony of sacred traditions and natural beauty. During the Paro Tshechu in March, the region bursts with religious rituals and color. It is a must-visit stop, providing an unforgettable introduction to the enchanting landscapes of the Himalayas.

Pause at the Airport Bird’s Eye View Point for a spectacular panorama of the Paro Valley, Rinpung Dzong, and the winding Paro Chu River. After your guide shares the fascinating history of this unique airfield, proceed to your hotel. This quiet afternoon is perfect for resting and acclimating to the altitude, ensuring you feel fully refreshed for your journey.

Enjoy these free experiences from AOT:

1. National Dress Experience: You can try on the traditional Gho for men or the Kira for women, which show the beautiful heritage of Bhutan.

2. Bhutanese Red Rice Wine: Try this traditional drink made from fermented red rice. It is popular because of its sweet taste and is a great way to experience local Bhutanese life.

If everyone arrives by noon, your guide can take you on an optional tour of Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum. You will need to pay entry fees and pass a security check with your guide. Paro Dzong is open from 9 AM to 5 PM during the week and 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends.

Free Time Ideas:

• Local Markets: Explore Paro’s town center in national dress to see local ingredients like red chilies and artisanal cheese.
• Archery: Test your skills at the national sport on a traditional 140m archery range.

For tailored advice on what to do, feel free to reach out to your guide ahead of time.

Arrival Ideas:

Accessing Bhutan is seamless by air or land. Paro International Airport serves as the primary hub, offering connections from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Gaya, Guwahati, Dhaka, Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Changi. Travelers can also enter via road through Phuentsholing or Gelephu. For added convenience, seasonal charter flights from Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur provide exclusive direct links to the kingdom.

Kind Reminds:

• Flight Booking: We can help you book your flights directly to Paro.
• E-Visas: Most visitors need an advance E-visa, which costs $40.
• Regional Requirements: Indian citizens must have a valid permit (Passport or Voter ID). Travelers from Bangladesh and the Maldives need a visa, which can be arranged in advance or received when you arrive in Bhutan.

View the Himalayas on Flight to Bhutan

Welcome to Bhutan

Welcome to Bhutan

Paro Airport Birds Eye View, Bhutan

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Paro

Begin your morning with an exhilarating hike to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s premier sacred landmark. Following a short 30-minute drive from Paro, you will ascend toward this cliffside monastery.

The 9.6 km hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery takes around 5 to 6 hours. You can pay to hire a horse to reach the halfway point if you prefer. Along the way, you will see beautiful views of Paro Valley and many prayer flags. In April, the rhododendron flowers are in bloom, making the peaceful walk to the monastery very colorful.

Look up at Tiger’s Nest (3,120m), the holiest site in Bhutan, located 900m above the valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tigress to meditate in a cave. Its dramatic location and long religious history make it a very sacred place to visit for anyone who wants to see the true heart of the Himalayas.

Next, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple from the 7th century built by King Songtsen Gampo. It is one of 108 shrines made to defeat a giant witch and is very important to Bhutanese faith. Known for its statue of the Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, the temple is often used for royal events, showing visitors some of the oldest traditions in the country.

Inside the hall, discover the hall’s national treasure, a Shakyamuni Buddha statue inspired by Tibet’s famous Jowo. The temple also protects the relic stupa of Master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. With unique artifacts like Tangtong Gyalpo’s iron chains, this sanctuary serves as a living museum of Bhutan’s ancient Buddhist traditions, showcasing the deep spiritual devotion that defines the kingdom.

At last, head back to Paro for overnight.

Optional Bhutan Paro Experiences:

1. Bhutan Traditional Hot Stone Bath (1 hour).

2. Lighting butter lamps for blessings at Kyichu Lhakhang (108 lamps).

Kind Reminds:

1. Optimal Timing: Visit from March to May or October to December. Depart early for the best photography lighting, as the monastery falls into shadow by afternoon.

2. Ascent Options: Horses are available for the uphill climb to a designated point, but the final stretch must be hiked. The descent is on foot only.

3. Monastery Etiquette: Phones and bags are prohibited inside; use the entrance storage. Carry cash for butter lamps before storing your belongings.

4. Local Wildlife: You may encounter friendly stray dogs. Please be mindful and provide them with peaceful space as you pass.

Paro Tiger's Nest, Bhutan

Happiness is Reaching Tiger's Nest

Kyichu Lhakhang, Bhutan

Butter Lamps, Kyichu Lhakhang

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2 Iconic Site

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Paro

Today, we drive 1.5 hours to reach Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. On the way, we will stop at the Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge. In Thimphu (2,340m), you will spend the day visiting the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the National Memorial Chorten, and the Takin Preserve. You will also see Tashichho Dzong, a very important historic building.

Stop at the Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge to see a special part of 15th-century history. Built by Thangthong Gyalpo, it still uses its original iron chains and many prayer flags. You can look at the temple from the outside and walk over the bridge to see ancient engineering and the beautiful scenery of the Paro River.

Next, visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue (Buddha Point), the largest sitting Shakyamuni Buddha in the world. This 51.5-meter landmark holds 125,000 smaller statues and is used for sacred dances during festivals. The site is also famous for its amazing views of Thimphu, where you can see the city’s colorful buildings and the beautiful mountain valley below.

Thimphu stands out as a world capital with no traffic lights or railways. Your journey starts at the National Memorial Chorten, a centerpiece of local devotion. Joining residents in a sacred kora is a perfect way to witness daily life firsthand and experience the Gross National Happiness philosophy that makes Bhutan such a distinctive destination.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a revered landmark honoring Bhutan’s modern legacy and peace. Continue to the Motithang Takin Preserve to witness the national animal, a creature famously linked to the "Divine Madman." This experience offers a perfect blend of nature and folklore, showcasing the mythical history that makes Bhutan’s wildlife so culturally significant.

Visit the historic Tashichho Dzong, the administrative and religious heart of Bhutan. Located beside the Wang Chu River, it accommodates the Royal offices and the summer residence of the Chief Abbot. This "Fortress of the Glorious Religion" is especially famous for hosting the Thimphu Tshechu, where the courtyard comes alive with traditional masked dances and significant cultural heritage celebrations.

Note: The Dzong is open to tourists from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM on weekends. You must have a tour guide and pass a security check to enter. If you time it right, see the traditional flag-lowering ceremony.

Finally, enjoy a traditional dinner at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. The Queen Mother started this restaurant to protect local cooking. It is a special place that offers a true taste of the culture. It is a great way for you to experience Bhutanese heritage by trying many delicious and authentic local dishes.

Optional Bhutan Thimphu Experiences:

1. Folk Heritage Museum: If time permit, you can visit Folk Heritage Museum, a captivating window into Bhutan's rural past & established by the Queen Mother of Bhutan.
2. Simply Bhutan Museum: If time permit, you can visit Simply Bhutan Museum to explore more about Bhutan culture.
3. Bhutan Stamp Printing: Fully functional stamp printed with a self-portrait (Bhutan Post Office: Weekdays: 9AM - 5PM; Saturdays: 9 AM - 1 PM; Closed on Sundays).

Buddha Dordenma Statue, Thimphu

National Memorial Chorten, Bhutan

Bhutan's National Animal - Takin

Thimphu Dzong, Bhutan

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Thimphu

Today, you will travel from Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass (74km, about 2.5 hours). This trip is more than just a drive; it is a voyage through changing altitudes and diverse landscapes, offering a visual spectacle. Starting from the higher altitude and cooler climate of Thimphu (2,300m), the drive takes you along the national highway, ascending through the majestic Dochula Pass (3,120m). Upon crossing the pass, you'll descend into the warm and verdant Punakha Valley (1,330m).

Pause at Dochula Pass for a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas, featuring the majestic Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,570m). Admire the 108 memorial chortens, erected to honor fallen soldiers and promote global peace. Whether you enjoy the serene atmosphere with a coffee at the cafeteria or wander among the sacred shrines, this remains one of the most visually stunning stops on your journey.

Continue toward Punakha with a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, also called the Fertility Temple. Built for the "Divine Madman," the temple and local village use phallus symbols to keep away evil. Many people visit this holy site to ask for blessings to have a child. You might see monks using a wooden phallus to perform traditional rituals for visitors.

Next, drive to Punakha to see the stunning Punakha Dzong. It sits where two rivers meet and is the winter home for 1,000 monks. Many royal weddings have happened here. In the spring, you can see purple jacaranda trees in bloom. During the Punakha Tshechu festival, you will see traditional dances and people wearing beautiful Bhutanese clothes.

Walk across the Bazam Bridge to visit Punakha Dzong, which is famous for being built without using nails. It has a six-story tower and three courtyards for government and religious work. You can see ancient remains in the southern temple and visit the hundred-pillar hall, where beautiful wall paintings tell the story of the Buddha’s life and journey.

Note: Punakha Dzong is open weekdays from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and weekends from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Entry requires a licensed tour guide and a security screening.

Overnight in Punakha.

Dochula Pass

A view of Ganghar Puensum from Dochula Pas

Sopsokha Village near Chimi Lhakhang

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery

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Punakha

Today, you will have a full day to discover the city of Punakha. This morning, you will stroll alongside terraced rice paddies and commence your hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which typically takes around one hour or less. Along the way, you might encounter local farmers diligently working in the fields, either manually or with the assistance of oxen and plows.

Visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (Stupa), a beautiful architectural work made for divine protection. The Queen Mother ordered its construction, which took nine years to finish using local art and sculpture. This pagoda-style shrine acts as a spiritual guard and shows the peaceful values and ancient traditions that are important to the people of Bhutan.

Inside Khamsum Yulley, look at the detailed sculptures and climb the stairs to the roof. You will see wonderful views of Punakha from the top. The landscape changes during the year: the bright green rice fields you see in summer become beautiful golden fields in autumn.

Optional Bhutan Punakha Experiences (Suspension Bridge):

If time permit, visit one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges, spanning 160 meters. This experience will reward you with breathtaking views of the picturesque Punakha Valley and the glacier-fed Po Chu River flowing beneath.

Next, visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery on a 1,550-meter hilltop. It has great views of the nearby valleys. The complex is a Buddhist college where 120 nuns live and study. They have a meditation center and learn traditional crafts. It is a quiet place that shows how the nuns live through spiritual education and sacred art.

See the peaceful monastic life and look at the temple’s main statue: a 14-foot bronze Avalokiteshvara. Made by local craftsmen, it is the largest statue of this type in Bhutan and has 1,000 hands and eyes. With the statues of Guru Rinpoche and the 21 Taras, the room has a strong spiritual feeling that helps you understand Bhutanese Buddhist art.

After the visit, you will drive to Gangtey (74KM, about 2.5hrs). And stay overnight in Gangtey.

Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong

Punakha Suspension Bridge

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

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Gangtey

Phobjikha Valley is a large glacial valley located next to Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. It is the home of Gangteng Monastery and a protected place for black-necked cranes. With many hiking trails and nature walks, you can enjoy the quiet scenery while visiting one of the most important wildlife areas in all of Bhutan.

This morning, take an easy 4km hike on the Gangtey Nature Trail, which takes about two hours. You will walk from Gangtey Monastery down to Khewang Lhakhang, passing through forests and farms. If you visit between late October and February, you might see rare Black-necked Cranes. They stay in this valley for the winter before they fly back north.

Tips: 1.Dress in layers and wear comfortable hiking shoes. The weather can change quickly in the mountains. 2. Respect wildlife and maintain the cleanliness of the trail.

Overlooking the stunning Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Monastery is a spiritual hub founded by the legendary Pema Lingpa. It is most famous for the Black-necked Cranes that fly over the site in sacred homage. Each November 11, the valley comes alive with a cultural festival, celebrating this unique bond through traditional music, colorful dances, and historic storytelling.

The path leads you to Khewang Lhakhang, a revered 15th-century temple nestled in the eastern valley. As one of the area's oldest structures, it features remarkable two-story figures of the Past, Present, and Future Buddhas. Exploring this sacred space provides a fascinating glimpse into Bhutan’s spiritual heritage and the artistic traditions that have shaped its religious identity.

Next, head to the Black-necked Crane Information Center to see educational displays and use telescopes to spot these rare birds. The center has worked on important conservation since 2003. You can learn about the 300 cranes that fly from Tibet to stay in the Phobjikha Valley during the winter months.

Drive back to your hotel in Gangtey.

Gangtey Valley

Gangtey Nature Trail

Phobjikha Valley

 Black-necked Cranes in Phobjikha Valley 

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3 iconic sites

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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Gangtey

After breakfast, you will depart from Gangtey and return to Paro (170 km, about 5 hours) via Dochula Pass again. After visiting Paro Dzong and the Bhutan National Museum, you will overnight in Paro. Lunch can be served either on the way or after returning to Paro.

After you arrive in Paro, visit the impressive Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who founded modern Bhutan. You can reach the fortress by walking across a traditional wooden bridge. The bridge has breathtaking views of the Paro Valley and river. This is a perfect place to learn about Bhutan’s rich cultural history.

If you hike a little further, you will reach the Bhutan National Museum. It is located in the Ta Dzong, which is the tallest building in Bhutan. It was built in 1649 as a watchtower and became a museum in 1968. Inside, you can see many ancient objects like pottery, armor, masks, and statues that tell the story of Bhutanese history and religion.

Note:  Please note that Paro Dzong is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends. If you can't make it to the opening hours, we suggest visiting the Paro Local Market instead. It's a place where locals and tourists alike come to shop for traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and other local produce. It offers a glimpse into the daily life and culture of Bhutan.

Optional Experience - Archery:

Archery is the favorite pastime for Bhutanese. It has a history of over 2,000 years and was declared Bhutan's National Sport in 1971. Targets at traditional Bhutanese tournaments are placed at both ends of a 140m range (Olympic distance is 70m). Enjoy your time by holding a bow and arrow.

Paro Dzong, Bhutan

Paro Dzong, Bhutan

Bhutan National Museum, Paro

Bhutan National Museum, Paro

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2 iconic sites

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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Paro

After breakfast, depart Paro (2,270m) and start a scenic drive to Haa (70km, 2.5 h), the "Hidden-land Rice Valley" and the westernmost Dzong of Bhutan. Unlike many popular tourist destinations in Bhutan, Haa Valley remains delightfully untouched, preserving its serene atmosphere and traditional way of life. It is highly recommended for nature enthusiasts and trekkers seeking a beautiful destination. Here, you won't encounter hordes of crowds but rather the gentle whispers of the wind and the rhythmic clang of prayer flags.

First, visit Dzongdrakha Goempa, also called Mini Tiger’s Nest. This 16th-century temple sits on the cliffs of the Paro Valley. Legend says Guru Rinpoche visited here before the famous Tiger’s Nest. You can explore a sacred meditation cave and see great views of the valley. From this high spot, you might also see planes flying in and out of the Paro Airport nearby.

Next, go to Chele La Pass, which is the highest point on Bhutan's roads at 3,998 meters. Located between Haa and Paro, it offers beautiful views of the mountains. If the weather is clear, you can see the tall Jomolhari peak. It is a great place for a coffee break, and you might see local people putting up prayer flags for their families.

Descending from the mountain pass, on the way to Haa Valley, you can view Haa Dzong (Wangchuk Lo Dzong), an administrative center constructed after the destruction of the old Danzong in 1915. Currently serving as the headquarters for IMTRAT, it also houses a military school & a military hospital.

After a winding drive, you will reach Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo. Legend says that in the 7th century, King Songtsen Gampo built 108 temples in one day. These include the White and Black Temples, built to protect the people of Haa Valley. The king used two doves to find the best locations for these sacred buildings to help and guard the valley.

Then, visit Lhakhang Karpo, known as the White Temple. It sits at the bottom of three large peaks in the Haa Valley, where white pigeons live. During the Haa Summer Festival in July, you can see religious dances here. Some visitors have even seen traditional trumpets made from bone. It is a fascinating place to learn about Bhutanese culture and religious art.

Next, continue your trip to Lhakhang Nagpo, the Black Temple, which can be reached by a 10-minute walk from north of the White Temple. This location was selected by black pigeons. Lhakhang Nagpo, built on a lake, derives its name from the color black and is surrounded by serene greenery and dense forests.

After a stroll around Haa town, head back to Paro for overnight.

Haa Valley, Bhutan

Chele La Pass, Haa

Haa Valley, Bhutan

Mount Jomolhari, Bhutan

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4 Iconic Sites

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Paro

Happiness is a place, wish you had gotten your happiness philosophy from the beautiful Himalayan country with us. It is time to end your 9-day Bhutan Group Tour. Your guide will escort you to Paro International Airport  for your flight to your next destination.

Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Bhutan, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Bhutan like Bumthang.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Bhutan tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!

Paro International Airport, Bhutan

View the Himalayas on Flight to Bhutan

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