Bhutan with Gangtey Valley
An unhurried Bhutan: fly into Paro, two nights each in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, a full-day excursion to the glacial Gangtey valley, and a last day for the Tiger's Nest hike — or a gentler Paro valley day for parents.
Highlights
- Arrive in the capital
- Thimphu sightseeing
- Dochula and Punakha Dzong
- Gangtey (Phobjikha) valley
- Paro valley
- Tiger's Nest, or an easy Paro day
- Fly home
Good to know
Indicative cost
Per person, twin sharing
Per person, twin sharing
Per person, twin sharing
Per person, twin sharing
Per person on twin sharing, land only from Paro airport, including the SDF of ₹1,200 per night, licensed guide, private non-AC vehicle and breakfast and dinner. The lower figure is for 6 travellers, the higher for 2; 4 travellers on 3★ is about ₹42,500 each. Flights to and from Paro, entry fees, lunch, GST 5% and TCS are extra.
What's included
- 6 nights' hotels on twin sharing with breakfast and dinner
- Sustainable Development Fee (₹1,200 per person per night) and permit assistance
- Licensed Bhutanese guide for all sightseeing
- Private vehicle: SUV for 2–3, Innova for 4–5, Hiace for 6–8, coaster for 9+
- Paro airport pickup and drop, and drinking water
Not included
- Flights to and from Paro
- Entry fees, camera fees and activities
- Lunch, tips and personal expenses
- GST 5% and TCS
Day by day
Arrive in the capital
Fly into Paro (from Delhi, Kolkata or Bagdogra). Your guide meets you and drives about 65 km (2 hours) to Thimphu at about 2,250 m. Evening: Tashichho Dzong from outside and a walk through town.
Thimphu sightseeing
Buddha Dordenma, the Hindu temple, the National Memorial Chorten and a 40-minute walk to Wangditse Lhakhang. Afternoon: the nunnery, BBS tower viewpoint, National Library, the Centenary Farmers' Market and the craft bazaar.
Dochula and Punakha Dzong
Drive about 77 km (3 hours) over Dochula pass (3,150 m), with Himalayan views on clear days. Visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, then a 30-minute walk to Chimi Lhakhang and the suspension bridge.
Gangtey (Phobjikha) valley
A full-day excursion (about 78 km, 3 hours each way) over Pele La to the wide Gangtey valley, winter home of the black-necked cranes, and Gangtey Gompa. Back to Punakha for the night.
Paro valley
Drive to Paro, stopping at the riverside and the airport viewpoint. Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and the Museum of Lights, and try on the Bhutanese gho and kira.
Tiger's Nest, or an easy Paro day
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), 5–6 hours up and back, with ponies part of the way, and Drukgyel Dzong if time allows. For parents: drive to Sangchen Chokor monastery for the valley view, then shopping in town.
Fly home
After breakfast, drop at Paro airport for your flight to Delhi, Kolkata or Bagdogra and on to Ahmedabad.