Compare Wonders of Bhutan by G Adventures vs Highlight Tour by Evaneos

Day 1 Paro/Thimphu

Arrive at any time and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Time permitting, take a guided walk around town.

In clear weather, the flight over the Himalayas offers magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks as they give way to the lush green Paro valley. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step off the plane. After clearing customs and visa control, an arrival transfer will take you to Thimphu, where we'll be met by our local CEO who will conduct a welcome meeting and orientation.

Approximate Altitude: Paro 2,300m

Day 2 THIMPHU/PUNAKHA

This morning, meet a Buddhist monk and scholar to discuss Buddhist beliefs and ways of life in Bhutan. Then drive to scenic Punakha, crossing the lofty Dochu La pass and enjoying stunning views of the Himalaya through flickering prayer flags. Settle into your hotel and drive to Lobesa after lunch. From here, hike up to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century monastery dedicated to the Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman.” Learn about his colourful, eccentric life, and witness women devotees who visit the monastery to receive blessings of fertility.

After breakfast, drive through dense forests of blue pine, oak, and rhododendrons and enjoy views of the Himalayan range and the valley beyond. After a lunch stop, the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass at 3,050m (10,007 ft). After stopping here for tea and panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha.

Approx. Altitude: Punakha Valley 1,300m

Day 3 PUNAKHA

Enjoy a full day of exploration in Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, or fortress, situated at the confluence of two important rivers. Drive to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery, a meditation and training center for Buddhist nuns. Then drive to Wangdue Phodrang to discover the town’s dzong. In the afternoon, weave your way through rice terraces and pine forests to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a cheerful temple perched on a picturesque mountain ridge overlooking the Punakha Valley.

Day 4 PUNAKHA/GANGTEY

Travel to the Gangtey Valley—also called Phobjikha Valley—the winter habitat of rare black-necked cranes. If your trip falls between October and February, you’ll have a chance to visit the information center of the Royal So­ciety for Protection of Nature (RSPN) to learn about these graceful, vulnerable birds, which migrate from Tibet to Bhutan every year.

Approx. Altitude: Gangtey Valley 2,900m

Day 5 GANGTEY

Set out to discover the stunning Gangtey Goempa, one of the oldest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan. This 17th-century temple recently underwent an elaborate renovation. Afterward, we’ll walk across Phobjikha Valley to Khewa Valley, stopping at an old temple on the way to make an offering. This evening, explore Khewa village and enjoy a cooking demonstration and delicious home-cooked dinner at a family farmhouse.

Day 6 GANGTEY/THIMPHU

Return to Thimpu and take in the golden splendour of the Buddha Dordenma, a massive Buddha statue that graces a hill overlooking the city. Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, an arts and crafts school where we can watch students practicing traditional arts such as woodworking, painting, and ceramics. Later, enjoy a talk on Gross National Happiness, an index used by the Bhutanese to measure the nation’s progress.

Please note that on occasion the Institute for Zorig Chusum art school is closed due to school breaks and holidays. If it is not open on the day of your visit, another activity will be arranged.

Approx. Altitude: Thimpu 2,300m

Day 7 THIMPHU/HAA

This morning, visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimpu’s most recognizable landmarks and a focal point of daily spiritual life. Then venture off the beaten path towards the remote Haa Valley, stopping for a night in charming Haa town. Explore Lhakhang Nagpo, the “black temple,” and Lhakhang Karpo, the “white temple”—two ancient Buddhist shrines which are said to be among the 108 temples built in one day by the seventh century Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

Approx. Altitude: Haa Valley 2,600m

Day 8 HAA/PARO

Drive into picturesque Haa Valley by way of the dramatic Chele La pass, one of the highest mountain roads in Bhutan. Hike through thick pine forests to the Kila nunnery, which clings to a rocky cliff. Later, return to Paro and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful temples. Then head to a local archery ground to watch locals practice Bhutan’s national sport.

Approx. Altitude: Paro 701m (2,300 ft)

Day 9 Paro

Today, we embark on a vigorous hike to Bhutan’s most iconic and revered site: the Taktsang Lhakhang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high above the Paro Valley. Visible from afar, this architectural masterpiece straddles a vertical granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. Later, drive the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, a ruined fortress that once defended Paro Valley from Tibetan invasions.

Due to the altitude, this climb can be tough. Be prepared to spend about 5 1/2 hours to get up and down with stops, including lunch. Remember to stay hydrated and take your time. The hike is gradually uphill and takes about 2 hrs to reach the first stop at the cafeteria, where you can enjoy views of the monastery. If you choose, you can stop here and wait for the group who choose to continue up to the Monastery.

Day 10 Paro

Depart at any time. Airport transfer is included.

• Day 1: The flight Paro is considered to be one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. You'll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel from the airport.  You will spend your afternoon at the Paro Rimpong Dzong. Impressively regal, dzongs are arguably one of the most distinct architectural structures in Bhutan, as fascinating as they are beautiful. Currently the district's headquarters, containing a monastic body of about 200 monks, dzongs are the height of Bhutanese culture. Hike down to the bridge and wander around Paro town.
• Day 2: En route to Thimphu, stop at Tachhogang and hike down to the 14th-Century suspension bridge. Upon arrival in Thimphu, why not visit the 13th- Century Changangkha Lhakhang, overlooking the valley. Next, the Chorten Memorial, a picture-perfect spot with many pilgrims walking around it. You can also explore the beautiful Takin Reserve: the national animal of Bhutan, called the takin, is found only in the Eastern Himalayas.  In Bhutan, it is found in the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park in the northern part of the country.  
• Day 3: After breakfast, drive 45 minutes north of Thimphu where you'll begin your hike to the Tango Buddhist Institute.  Tango is located in an ancient site considered to be sacred.  In the afternoon, visit Buddha point, which over- looks Thimphu town. Or, try your hand at archery, the national sport of Bhutan.  Hike time: approx.  2 hours
• Day 4: Stop off at Dochula Pass, where you'll have time to take lots of photos!The pass is decorated with Druk Wangyel Chorten, symbolising Bhutanese spirituality and artistry.  As you descend the Pass, you will observe dramatic changes in vegetation.  At the lower levels of Punakha and Wangdue, cacti, banana plants, poinsettias, and other semi-tropical plants dominate the exotic landscape. Continue your drive towards Punakha and head to the majestic Punakha Dzong. On your way back, stop at Lobesa and hike to Chhi-med Lhakhang, to the Temple of Bhutan’s foremost Saint, the Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Hike to Rinchengang village for an evening of talks with the locals.  
• Day 5: Begin the day with a five-hour drive from Punakha to Trongsa.  The route passes through the small, windy town of Wangdue, then cross the Black Mountains via the Pelela Pass (3240m).  After crossing the Pelela Pass, the road drops down through dwarf bamboo and fir trees you enter the Valley of Three Jis. Stop off at Chendepji for fresh local tea.  Another 2 hours from the tea stop, you will reach Trongsa, or 'New Village. ' 
• Day 6: After breakfast, set off for the Tower of Trongsa. This ancient Watch Tower has gone through major restoration and has been converted into the Royal museum, providing a glimpse of Bhutan's history over the last 100 years.  It contains two galleries showcasing the history of the monarchy in Bhutan. Next, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to the Royal family of Bhutan.  In the afternoon, drive to Bumthang.  After crossing the Yotola High Pass, at 3400m, this will bring you to the beautiful Chumey Valley in Bumthang. Bumthang village is famous for its woollen weaves, known as yathra - some made with yak hair! The weavers can be seen working at their looms at the roadside.  The path continues over the Kikila Pass to the next valley in Bumthang, the district headquarters.  
• Day 7: Jambay lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in the world, was built in Bhutan. On to the Kurjey Lhakhang, named after the body imprint left on a rock by the Guru Rimpoche who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan.  In the afternoon, you'll visit Tamshing Monastery (aka Tamshing Lhendup Chholing), which literally means 'Temple of Good Message'. It was established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, and is an extremely important religious site in Bhutan. The paintings on the inner wall are believed to be original unrestored works of Pema Lingpa himself. Overnight stay at hotel.
• Day 8: Head to Pele La Pass (11,000 ft), via a crossing, over the Black Mountain range. On the way, feel free to take pictures or pay a visit to the villages. Continue towards Phobjikha to take a look around Gangtey Gompa Monastery in Gangtey village.  
• Day 9: In the morning, hike in the direction of Gangtey Monastery and village. located on the western slopes of Black Mountains National Park, it is a designated conservation area, as this valley is the winter roosting ground for the endangered black-necked cranes.  These beautiful birds have a population of a mere few thousand in the entire world.  Visit Gangtey Gompa, which, in recent years, has gone through some major renovation.  Today, you can see some of the finest Bhutanese works of art in this monastery. In the afternoon, hike towards Kilkhorthang village to explore the local farmhouses.  Overnight in the farmhouse.  
• Day 10: En route to Paro, stop at Simtokha and take a walk around the oldest dzong in Bhutan. Then, continue to Paro and visit Dungtse Lhakhang. Free time in town.
• Day 11: Hike up to the Guru's Glory! At 10,000ft, Takshang is considered one of the holiest sites in the entirety Buddhist faith. Takshang has been an integral place of pilgrimage for more than 1,200 years. The monastery clings to a cliff of 2,000ft, with Paro Valley down below.  Stop off for lunch at the teahouse on the way back. Takshang is a paradise for photographers, so don't forget your cameras! Take snaps of cascading waterfalls, the meditation caves, water prayer wheels, flags and stupas.  In the evening, visit a farmhouse to take a dip in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath - the perfect way to relax after a hard day's hike!Hike time: about 4 hours. 1 hour to reach the teahouse + 1-2 hours to reach the Temple.
• Day 12: Unfortunately, the trip has come an end. Transfer to the airport for your departure.