Rural Bhutan

Arrive Paro by the Bhutanese National Carrier flying over the world’s highest mountains and finally landing at the lush green Paro valley. A cool and clean fresh air greets the visitor as stepping down from the plane, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing customs and visa formalities, meet the representatives and the Bhutanese guide, and a short tour brief by the guide then transfer to Paro town for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the local villages giving glimpses of village life of Bhutan. Also visit Paro Rinpong Dzong.

Drive for about 2 & half hours to Punakha. Climb up the mountain road to Dochula La at 3140m. On clear weather, the pass commands a wonderful panorama of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, descend through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as "the Divine Madman". The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples.

Today visit the villages of Talo and Nobgang, the home of queen mother of Bhutan. After breakfast, drive up the hilly road towards the villages and upon reaching exploring around with some of the home visits to observe their daily lives, have a chat and tea with them. Then return back to the valley and also visit Richengang village near Wangdue.

Drive towards the village of Samtengang closer to Wangdue. Life here is still the same from ages and witnessing the daily lives of the farmers living in the rural Bhutan. People here are always happy to see and welcome visitors.

Drive to Gangtey and upon arrival in Gangtey, proceed with the Gangtey Nature trail exploring around the beautiful Phobijikha Valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau.

Re-trace the same route from Gangtey crossing over again the Dochula pass and proceed towards the Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. In Thimphu, sightseeing around the city like Buddha’s point, Tashichoe Dzong etc.

After breakfast, drive over the Chelela pass (3899 m). From the pass, good view of the Himalayan Ranges and the valley beyond can be spotted. Then continue the drive towards Haa. Haa is made up of five counties and was closed to outside world until 2002. There is a military camp by the Indian Army. In Haa valley, visit Wangchucklo Dzong dating back to 1915 and Lhakhang Nakpo (Black temple) is said to have been built by pigeon emanation of King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and Lhakhang Karpo (white temple). After the visit drive to Paro.

After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger's Nest. It's about two hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in 8th century. Then visit the Taktsang Monastery and hike back to the road point then drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Afterwards, back to hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains.