Bhutan Grand Tour — with Gangtey & Phobjikha

The one that goes further — into the crane valley of Phobjikha

Rated 4.7 out of 5

About This Tour

Our longest Bhutan, and the only one that crosses the Pele La into the glacial bowl of Phobjikha. Between late October and February this valley holds the black-necked cranes that fly in from Tibet, and the Gangtey Monastery above it is the seat of the Pema Lingpa lineage.

Two nights in the Punakha and Wangdue valleys, two in Paro, and the Dochula Pass crossed twice. If you have eight days, this is how to spend them.

Route: Phuentsholing 2N · Thimphu 1N · Punakha / Wangdue 2N · Paro 2N
Duration: 7 nights and 8 days
Starts and ends: Bagdogra / NJP / Siliguri

Included

Excluded

Itinerary

Day by day, here is exactly how Bhutan Grand Tour — with Gangtey & Phobjikha unfolds — 7 nights and 8 days, starting and ending at Bagdogra / NJP / Siliguri.

Day 1, Arrival at Bagdogra / NJP – Transfer to Phuentsholing
On arrival at Bagdogra Airport / NJP railway station meet and greet by our local representative - transferred to Phuentsholing (approximately 180km / 3-4hrs drive). Phuentsholing (298 m) is a small town at the Indo-Bhutan border. Evening at your own leisure. Overnight at Phuentsholing.
Day 2, Phuentsholing – Post Immigration Transfer to Thimphu
After breakfast and post immigration / permit formalities you will be transfer to Thimphu (approximately 165km / 5hrs drive) via Chukha- Thimphu lies at an elevation of 2300m. Thimphu lies in a beautiful valley, sprawling up a hillside on the west bank of the Thimphu Chhu River and has a total area of about 1,809 sq. kms. Evening at your own leisure. Visitors can enjoy relaxing walk in the valley at evening. Be sure to sink your teeth into momo kopi, steam dumplings filled with finely chopped cabbage, onions, cheese and butter. Overnight at Thimphu.
Day 3, Thimphu City Tour & Transfer to Punakha / Wangdue
After breakfast check out. Thimphu City Tour Covering -Art & Craft school, National library, Handicraft centers, The Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Tashichoo dzong, Buddha Dordenma statue, Bhutan Simply Museum, Folk and Heritage Museum, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market. Transfer to toPunakaha/Wangdue (70 kms / 2 hours). Overnight at Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 4, Ex Punakha / Wangdue
Early breakfast day excursion to Gangtey /Phobjikha (approximately 3hrs drive one way)- the beautiful Phobjikha Valley or “the valley of black necked cranes”. This valley is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from Tibet. This valley is one of the most beautiful and scenic ones in Bhutan. On the slope overlooking the valley is the Gangtey monastery built in 17th century and is one of the oldest and biggest monasteries of the Nyingma (red hat sect) school of Buddhism. Also visit the Black crane observatory center – Back to resort /hotel. Leisure. Overnight at Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 5, Punakha / Wangdue Sightseeing Transfer to Paro
After breakfast checkout and proceed to local sightseeing – covering Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. Also visit the Punakha Suspension bridge. The second longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, its perchec over the Mo – chhu and Po Chhu river and is about 160-180meters in length –its one of the oldestbridge in the world that connects PunakhaDzng to the rest of the valley- Transfer to Paro. Overnight at Paro.
Day 6, Ex Paro – Chele La Pass
After Breakfast proceed to visit Chelela Pass. Chele-la (pass), at an elevation 3,988 meters is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour's drive along a thickly forested road, is this Pass-a botanical paradise. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Here, visitors can see cascades of wild roses; purple and yellow primulas; and swathes of deep blue iris covering the forest floor. The top of the pass bloom with rhododendrons in a variety of colours-pale pink, deep pink, burnt orange, mauve, white and scarlet. Back to resort / hotel – Evening at your own leisure. Overnight at Paro. OR EX PARO. Tiger’sNest HIKE Post breakfastdrive 12kms north of Paro to visit Taktsang: or “Tiger’s Nest” is one of the most famous places to visit in Bhutan and one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which you need to hike it by your own & it will take approx 2-3hrs one way). Back to hotel/resort. Leisure. Overnight at Paro.
Day 7, Paro Sightseeing – Transfer to Phuentsholing
Early breakfast check-out Paro Local sightseeing covering some on way sightseeing. Every turn on the way comes with surprise and scenic view of the mountain and nature. Visit the historic ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647. Also visit the Paro airport viewpoint, Reach Paro & Paro local sightseeing – covering DungtseLhankhang, Nya-mey Zam, UgyenPelri Palace – Transfer to Phuentsholing. Overnight at Phuentsholing.
Day 8, Phuentsholing to NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport Drop
The journey closes today. You will be dropped at NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport - Service ends, and the tour concludes with memories that stay with you long after.

Price on Request

/ per person

*Rates are quoted against your travel dates, hotel category and group size. Write to us or send the enquiry form and we will come back with a full costing the same day.