Adventure AsiaAI-assisted
7. Places to visit in Punakha Bhutan
  • Bhutan Punakha Chimi Lakhang
  • Bridges at Panbang
  • Dzong in Trongsa
  • Gangtey
  • Gelephu
  • Gelephu
Bhutan11 days

Bhutan's Manas Wildlife Expedition — 11 Days

Royal Manas National Park, white-water rafting, and tiger territory from Gelephu to Paro

This 11-day expedition moves through Bhutan's richest wildlife habitats, centering on Royal Manas National Park — the country's oldest sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that straddles the Indian border. The itinerary combines river activity (rafting and catch-and-release fishing for Mahseer species), early-morning wildlife drives through tiger and takin country, and walks through the Phobjikha Valley's black-necked crane habitat. Days alternate between the subtropical lowlands of Manas — where Asian elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, and wild buffalo move through sal forests — and the central dzongkha valleys, where you visit monastic fortresses and end with a full day hiking to Tiger's Nest monastery in Paro. The route involves multiple days of driving between locations.

Best time to go: Mar / Apr / May / Sept / Oct / Nov

Highlights

  • White-water rafting on the Manas River in Royal Manas National Park, with chances to spot Asian elephants and wild buffalo from the water
  • Catch-and-release fishing for Mahseer species in the Manas River
  • Early-morning wildlife drive from Trongsa to Phobjikha (82.6 km) for sightings of Bengal tigers, sambar deer, and takin
  • Nature trail and bicycling through Panbang's lowland forest with local cultural performances
  • Tiger's Nest Hike (Taktsang Monastery) in Paro
  • Gangtey Monastery visit and birding in Phobjikha Valley, seasonal habitat for black-necked cranes
  • Trongsa Dzong (ancient trade center) and Taa Dzong Museum
  • Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters with views across the Himalayan range

Day by day

1Gauwahati to Gelephu Border CrossingGelephu Border Crossing · Gelephu · Gauwahati Airport to Gelephu
Drive 237 kilometers from Gauwahati Airport to Gelephu. Complete immigration formalities and check into your hotel.
2Tingtibi Bird FestivalTingtibi
Drive 115 kilometers north to Tingtibi (5 hours), watching birds en route. Afternoon: the Tingtibi Bird Festival at this wetland sanctuary.
3Panbang: Forest Trails and Local CulturePanbang
An early-morning walk for birders precedes the 85-kilometer drive to Panbang (4 hours). The afternoon unfolds with a bicycling tour or walk through forest trails, followed by a bonfire gathering where local performers offer traditional folk songs and dance.
4Manas River Rafting and Mahseer FishingManas River · Royal Manas National Park
Morning white-water rafting through Royal Manas National Park, followed by afternoon catch-and-release fishing in the Manas River for Mahseer species.
5Drive to Trongsa: Dzong and Watchtower MuseumTwin Waterfall · Trongsa Dzong · Taa Dzong watchtower museum
The 137-kilometer drive passes Twin Waterfall. Visit Trongsa Dzong (ancient trade center), then ascend Taa Dzong watchtower museum.
6Phobjikha Valley: Pre-Dawn Wildlife Drive and Gangtey MonasteryPhobjikha · Phobjikha Valley · Gangtey Monastery
Depart before dawn for the 82.6-kilometer drive to Phobjikha (2.5 hours), timing the journey to spot sambar deer, Bengal tigers, and takin. After breakfast, check in, then walk a nature trail and visit Gangtey Monastery, overlooking the glacial valley.
7Punakha Valley: Dzongs and Suspension BridgePunakha · Wangduephodrang Dzong · Punakha Dzong · the longest suspension bridge · a local village community
Drive to Punakha (80km, 2.5 hours). Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong, Punakha Dzong, the longest suspension bridge, and a local village community.
8Thimphu: Mountain Pass and Cultural LandmarksDochula Pass · Kuenselphodrang · Takin Zoo · Traditional Arts & Craft School · National Library · Tashichhodzong
The 2-hour drive to Thimphu crosses Dochula Pass (3,100m) before reaching Kuenselphodrang's massive Buddha statue. Afternoon visits include the Takin Zoo, Traditional Arts & Craft School, National Library, and Tashichhodzong.
9Paro: Tiger's Nest HikeTaktsang Monastery
Trek to Taktsang Monastery in Paro Valley.
10Paro: National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang, and BreweryNational Museum · Kyichu Lhakhang · local brewery · Paro town
Rest and pack in the morning. Visit the National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang, Bhutan's oldest temple. Afternoon: tour a local brewery, then visit Paro town and shop for souvenirs.
11Departure
Hotel checkout and departure.

Where you go

Map: Bhutan's Manas Wildlife Expedition — 11 Days route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1Tingtibi
  2. 2Panbang
  3. 3Manas River
  4. 4Royal Manas National Park
  5. 5Trongsa Dzong
  6. 6Phobjikha Valley
  7. 7Gangtey Monastery
  8. 8Punakha
  9. 9Wangduephodrang Dzong
  10. 10Punakha Dzong
  11. 11Dochula Pass
  12. 12Kuenselphodrang
  13. 13Takin Zoo
  14. 14Traditional Arts & Craft School
  15. 15National Library
  16. 16Tashichhodzong
  17. 17Taktsang monastery
  18. 18Kyichu Lhakhang
  19. 19Paro town

Included

  • Accommodation at 3*/3* Superior Hotels
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
  • English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Private vehicle transfers
  • Bike rental charges for duration of tour
  • Entrance Fees to attractions

Not included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions
  • SDF payable to the government
  • Visa fee $40 per person
  • Disclaimer:
  • For Indian Nationals, SDF fees are INR.1200/person/night. Please contact us for applicable price.
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