Day 1: Paro is a small terminal from where we would be following the Paro river turning short of Thimpu (the capital city), to follow steep switch-back mountain roads to Dochula Pass that is around 10,000 ft (a good pair of binoculars is a must for this adventure) before driving down into the Punakha valley.

Como Uma, Punakha looks over the Puna Tsang Chhu that we will be descending via rafts the following day. Lunch will be served en-route and dinner at Como Uma. If you are up for a visit to the Punakha Dzong, this may also be done this evening.

Day 2: Enjoy guided activities in the Punakha valley that can include a short hike to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to one of the favorite saints for the Bhutanese, Lam Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman, visiting local villages and enjoying local hospitality while being guided. 

Day 3: Punakha – Phobjikha (driving time 3 1/2 hours) Say goodbye to your hosts at Como and drive with your guide into Bhutan’s Himalayan backcountry. The vegetation will change from broad leaves to alpine forest. Along the way we will come across typical Bhutanese villages, historical places, monuments. And sometimes with favorable weather, snow-capped mountain ranges of the mighty Himalayas can be seen along the way. This is the winter roosting place for the endangered black-necked cranes in winter and is thus one of the most important wildlife preserves of Bhutan.

Days 4-5: Enjoy sightseeing, walks and short hikes in Phobjikha (depending on interest). The elegant and grand Gangte Goemba monastery is the most popular sight overlooking this wide and panoramic valley. The valley is adorned with many short treks and hikes into nature that offer stunning Himalayan vistas. All meals are included on this day as well as accommodation based on double occupancy in a 4-star hotel (subject to availability) during your stay in Phobjikha. 

Day 6: Phobjikha – Thimpu (4 hrs drive) After breakfast travel (drive with your guide on switch back Himalayan mountain roads) towards Thimphu and visit the Simtokha Dzong, the first dzong built by Zhabdrun Ngawang Namgyal in 1629. Arrive in Thimpu and settle into your hotel.

Day 7: Thimphu (tour Bhutan’s capital city) Enjoy local sightseeing by visiting some historical and cultural sites like the Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dodelma Statue, the traditional craft market, and Trashichhoe dzong (in the evening). All meals are included on this day as well as accommodation based on double occupancy in a 4-star hotel (subject to availability) during your stay in Thimpu. 

Day 7: Thimphu (tour Bhutan’s capital city) Enjoy local sightseeing by visiting some historical and cultural sites like the Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dodelma Statue, the traditional craft market, and Trashichhoe dzong (in the evening). All meals are included on this day as well as accommodation based on double occupancy in a 4-star hotel (subject to availability) during your stay in Thimpu. 

Day 8: Paro – Continue the journey into Paro valley and visit Ta Dzong and Paro Dzong. Ta Dzong: built to serve as watchtower and to defend the Paro Rimpung dzong during invasion from Tibet and enemies within. In 1968 it was converted to Bhutan’s National Museum, which houses varied collections of ancient armor, textiles, thangka paintings, coins, stamps and natural history. Paro Dzong is also known as Rimpung Dzong and was built in 1646 A.D. by Zhabdrun Ngawang Namgyal. Today it’s the home to the Monastic body, office of the District Administrator and government offices. Check into Como Uma Paro and enjoy a relaxed evening. 

Day 9: Hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery (TIGERS NET TREK) (10,000 ft) (optional) (about 1 hour 30 minutes). ‘Taktsang’- literally means Tiger’s Nest. The monastery was built in the 1600s and sits atop a rock cliff that plunges close to 3,000 ft. The team meets back together at Como Uma Paro for a final night in Bhutan.