Rafting in Punakha - 10 Days

Landing in the heart of the Himalaya is like nowhere in the world. On arrival received by HBT representative and extend a warm welcome in Bhutanese traditional way. Transfer to Thimphu, approximately an hour’s drive. Upon arrival we will check into the hotel, after lunch, we will visit National Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of late 3rd king. Further, we will proceed to visit the National Textile Museum, Zhorig Chusum, the school where 13 different arts are practiced and learned. We will also hop into nearby Folk Heritage Museum and perhaps time to stroll the main street for some interesting Himalayan artifacts or textiles. Overnight in Thimphu. Altitude 2400m.

We will checkout from the hotel and drive to Punakha over Dochula pass at 3050m. If the weather permits, we can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. After our packaged lunch we will visit Punakha Dzong (fortress) which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. One can also visit Souvenir making center and evening back to the hotel. Overnight in Punakha. Altitude 1350m

Day for a special activity, the morning after breakfast we will drive to the rafting start point where we will be met by our expert rafting team, they will brief us on rules for raft, provide all the necessary equipment like a lifejacket, helmet, etc. The experience of floating in Mochu is like nowhere in the world, especially when we pass down by beautiful fortress. An hour and a half rafting will come to an end at Khuruthang valley from where will proceed to Wangdue for a day excursion. Evening back to the hotel. Overnight in Punakha

After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and start the drive to the ancestral home of our royals, Trongsa. En-route we will take wonderful breaks at Pelela pass at 3300m and Chendipji before crossing Trongsa. We will take evening 2 hours hike from Trongsa viewpoint to the Dzong before concluding our day. On arrival in Trongsa, we will visit Trongsa Dzong, the beautiful ancient homes of the royals. Overnight in Trongsa. Altitude 2200m

After our leisurely breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and visit watch town recently converted into Trongsa Museum. En-route we will stop at the weaving center, which is famous in the region. Evening we will explore the tiny Jakar town. Overnight in Amankora, Jakar. Altitude 2650m.

Visit Jampay Lakhang, one of the first 2 Buddhist temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performing annually. Visit Kurjey temple, the site where royals are cremated, one can either walk cross the suspension bridge and visit the village of Parar and Tamshing or drive there. End your day with a walk passing by the Swiss farm. Evening stroll in Jakar town and try some local pancake and noodles. Overnight in Jakar, altitude 2650m.

Today we will have an early departure for the lengthy drive to Phobjikhakha, the valley of black-necked cranes. Upon entering the valley we will pay homage to Gangtey Gonpa before checking into the resort. If time permits we will take a beautiful walk or bike around the feeder road of Phobjikha valley meeting locals and students. Evening we may enjoy talking tales of Yeti as it is very famous in the black mountain region. Overnight in Farm House in Phobjikha. Altitude 2900m.

Check out from the hotel after our breakfast and retrace our drive back to Paro via, Wangdue, Dochula, and Thimphu. On arrival in Paro, we will visit the national museum of Bhutan and Paro dzong. Evening we will explore the tiny Paro town. Overnight in Paro. Altitude 2200m.

Early morning after our delicious breakfast drive to the north end of Paro valley and hike to Tiger Nest Temple. The hike to Tiger’s Nest will take most of our day. The temple is one of the most renowned temples in the Buddhist world one of the ten most visit sites before we die. This is the most revolted temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro Valley at 900m above the valley. En-route visit Kichu Lhakhang, one from the 2 oldest Buddhist temples in the country, historic Drukgyal Dzong (Fortress) and Evening at leisure. Overnight in Paro.