Bhutan9 days
Bhutan's Western Circuit with Phobjikha Valley — 9 Days
Thimphu to Paro via Punakha and Phobjikha, following the route of the Black-Necked Cranes
This nine-day itinerary moves through Bhutan's western administrative region, beginning in the capital Thimphu and descending through the river valleys of Punakha before reaching the high glacial plateau of Phobjikha. The extension to Phobjikha Valley adds a slower rhythm to the standard western circuit, anchoring time in a landscape that attracts the rare Black-Necked Cranes from Tibet each winter. The valley holds a special place in Bhutanese culture; the extended stay allows for cycling, horseback riding, and unscheduled time. The return route descends again to Paro and concludes with the hike to Taktsang Monastery.
Best time to go: ALL YEAR
Highlights
- Walk the Changangkha to Kuenselphodrang trail in Thimphu, ending at the largest Buddha statue in the country
- Cross the suspension bridge at Punakha Dzong and hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten above the Pho Chhu river
- River rafting and archery (Bhutan's national sport) on the banks of the Pho Chhu in Punakha
- Gangtey Monastery overlooking Phobjikha Valley, home to wintering Black-Necked Cranes from October to March
- Cycling tour through the managed wetlands of Phobjikha Valley and horseback riding across open pasture
- Herbal hot stone bath at Phobjikha
Day by day
1Arrival at Paro, Transfer to ThimphuParo International Airport · Paro to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to Thimphu. The 50-kilometer drive takes approximately 45 minutes.
2Thimphu: Nature Walk, Crafts, and the Fortress-MonasteryChangangkha to Kuenselphodrang · Traditional Arts & Craft School · Folk Heritage Museum · Takin Zoo · Craft Bazaar · Kaja Throm farmers' market · Tashichhodzong
Walk 9km from Changangkha to Kuenselphodrang, passing the country's largest Buddha statue. Visit the Traditional Arts & Craft School and Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon: Takin Zoo, Craft Bazaar, and Kaja Throm farmers' market. After 5 p.m., visit Tashichhodzong.
3Descent to Punakha via Dochula PassDochula Pass · Chimi Lhakhang temple · Punakha Dzong
Drive to Punakha across Dochula Pass, visit Chimi Lhakhang temple, then visit Punakha Dzong and its suspension bridge.
4Punakha: Khamsum Chorten, Rafting, and Riverside ArcheryKhamsum Yulley Chorten · traditional range
A short hike reaches Khamsum Yulley Chorten above the river confluence. Afternoon brings rafting, a riverside picnic, archery on a traditional range, and optional fishing.
5Phobjikha Valley: Dzong, Monastery & Black-Necked CranesPhobjikha Valley · Wangduephodrang Dzong · Gangtey Monastery
Drive to Phobjikha via Wangduephodrang Dzong. Visit Gangtey Monastery and meet the Royal Society for Protection of Nature. Evening bonfire.
6Phobjikha Valley: Cycling, Horseback Riding, and Thermal SpaPhobjikha · Phobjikha's wetlands · open pasture
Cycle through Phobjikha's wetlands in the morning, then ride horseback across open pasture. Finish with an herbal hot stone bath.
7Return to Paro and Temple VisitParo · Kyichu Lhakhang · Taa Dzong Museum
Drive back to Paro (170km, five hours). Visit Kyichu Lhakhang and Taa Dzong Museum, then visit town.
8Paro: Taktsang Monastery HikeTaktsang Monastery
Hike to Taktsang Monastery from Paro.
9Departurethe hotel
Check out of the hotel and depart.
Where you go
- 1Paro International Airport
- 2Traditional Arts & Craft School
- 3Takin Zoo
- 4Tashichhodzong
- 5Dochula Pass
- 6Punakha Dzong
- 7Phobjikha Valley
- 8Wangduephodrang Dzong
- 9Gangtey Monastery
- 10Paro
- 11Kyichu Lhakhang
- 12Taktsang monastery
Included
- Accommodation at 3*/3* Superior Hotels
- Half Board
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Private vehicle transfers
- Entrance Fees to attractions
- Activities as per itinerary
Not included
- Meals & Drinks (at restaurants unless otherwise stated)
- Flights
- Insurance
- 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.