Mountains, Monks & Mystic – 8 Days and 7 Nights

Day by Day itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival Paro • Transfer to Thimphu
Welcome to Bhutan. You will be met at Paro Airport by your Bhutan Travelplus host and transferred to Thimphu. After check‑in and a light meal, an introductory walking tour includes the Centenary Farmers’ Market (weekend), National Memorial Chorten and the Crafts Bazaar. Evening orientation and a short talk on Bhutanese Buddhism and monastic traditions.

Day 2 — Thimphu — Temples, Nunneries & Short Hikes
A day devoted to sacred Thimphu. Visit the Textile & Heritage Museums, then the Traditional Medicine Institute. Short guided hikes lead to nearby temples and meditation spots. Meet resident monks; arrange a private audience or blessing (subject to availability). Finish at Tashichho Dzong for evening prayers (when permitted).

Day 3 — Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Drive through the scenic Dochula Pass (108 chortens) and onward to Punakha. Pause at the monumental Buddha Dordenma for panoramic views. In Punakha visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Madman) and meet local caretakers. Evening free to reflect beside the river.

Day 4 — Punakha — Dzong, Nunnery & Hillside Hike
Morning visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong—the spiritual heart of the valley. Then undertake a short hillside hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for sunrise/sunset views and a meditative walk. Afternoon visit to a nearby nunnery to learn about monastic life and community projects.

Day 5 — Punakha to Gangtey (Phobjikha) — Valley of Cranes
Depart for the highland Phobjikha valley, a landscape of sweeping meadows and revered Gangtey Goempa. Walk the valley trails, observe crane habitats (seasonal) and visit the monastery for an intimate view of monastic ritual and gompa life.

Day 6 — Gangtey to Paro via Wangdue Phodrang • Sacred Stops
Return toward western valleys, stopping at Wangdue Phodrang to view its fortress and local crafts. Continue to Paro and visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong. Evening briefing on tomorrow’s pilgrimage-hike.

Day 7 — Paro — Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Hike & Kyichu Lhakhang
Early morning ascent to Taktsang Monastery — a profound pilgrimage with cliff‑side prayer sites and opportunities for quiet reflection. After descending, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest shrines, and arrange time with resident monks for discussion or short meditation.

Day 8 — Paro • Departure
Morning at leisure for last visits or purchases. Transfer to Paro Airport for departure, carrying memories of temples, prayers and mountain silence. Tashi Delek!

FOCUS & EXPERIENCE

• Sacred Access: Private or small‑group audiences, blessings and teachings when permitted by monastic authorities.
• Short Hikes: Gentle to moderate ascents to reach hermitages, monasteries and ridge‑top prayer sites (daily hikes tailored to ability).
• Monastic Immersion: Visit nunneries and monasteries to learn about daily routines, crafts and education projects.
• Responsible Exchange: All spiritual interactions are arranged respectfully and with prior consent from religious houses.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Fitness: Light‑moderate; several days include 1–3 hour uphill walks.
• Attire: Modest clothing for temples; comfortable layers for mountain weather.
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing monks, nuns or ritual ceremonies.
• Customisation: Extend to include Haa Valley, Laya/Lunana highland experiences or exclusive festival attendance.

PACKAGE COST

Available on request — dependent on season, accommodation standard and group composition.

Package cost Includes

Inclusions:

• 6N Accommodation in hotels as per package selected on twin sharing basis.
• 2N Phuentsholing, 1N Thimphu, 1N Punakha & 2N Paro Stay.
• Meals as per package selected.
• 1 Tourist Sim Card with 100 Minutes Talk Time.
• Daily 2 Water Bottle per head.
• Pickup/ Drop from IXB (Bagdogra Airport).
• All Transfers and Sightseeing on SIC basis.
• Assistance for Tourist Permits to Travel to Thimphu and Punakha.
• All Hotel Taxes and GST.
• Licensed Bhutanese Trip Coordinator to assist throughout the trip.

Package cost Includes

Exclusions:

• Any Airfare / Train Fare.
• Lunch.
• Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered.
• Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
• Monument Entrances, and activities Charges.
• Any expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as rescheduling or cancellations e.g. flights cancellations, any accidents, weather conditions, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc. Such expenses will have to be paid directly.

• Any increase in taxes or fuel price, leading to increase in cost on surface transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure.

• Any tips to drivers, hotel staff and any meals apart from the ones mentioned above.
• Travel Insurance.
• Anything specifically not mentioned in the ‘Inclusions’ column.

Note: Itinerary may change for different dates & packages.