Overview
Included/Excluded
Tour Plan

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Route: Hashimara → Phuentsholing → Paro → Gangtey Valley → Punakha → Thimphu → Phuentsholing / Hashimara
Approximate Distance Covered: 800–850 km
Trip Style: Slow Travel | Cultural Discovery | Himalayan Spiritual Trail | Responsible Travel
Themes: Story and Spirit | Culture and Community | Nature and Silence | Heritage and Handicraft

Overnight Stays

  • Phuentsholing – 1 Night
  • Paro – 2 Nights
  • Gangtey / Phobjikha – 2 Nights
  • Punakha – 1 Night
  • Thimphu – 2 Nights

Highlights:

  • Cross-border travel through lush Himalayan foothills
  • Trek to the mystical Tiger’s Nest or drive to Chele La Pass
  • Nature walk in Phobjikha Valley, home of the black-necked cranes
  • Punakha Dzong’s riverfront serenity and vibrant monastery culture
  • 108 chortens and Himalayan views at Dochula Pass
  • Local markets, art schools, and cafés in Thimphu
  • Cultural storytelling, hot stone baths, and optional meditation experiences

Who This Is For

  • Travelers seeking culture, peace, and introspection
  • Families, couples, and small groups exploring Himalayan heritage
  • Conscious explorers interested in Buddhist traditions and nature
  • Slow travelers who enjoy meaningful conversations and soft adventures

 

Bhutan is not a destination—it’s a state of mind. This mindful journey takes you through scenic valleys, sacred forests, riverside dzongs, and villages that blend spiritual tradition with gentle hospitality.

 

From your peaceful arrival at the Indo-Bhutan border in Phuentsholing to the sacred heights of Taktsang, the wetland beauty of Phobjikha, and the royal elegance of Punakha and Thimphu—each destination gives you time to listen, connect, and simply be.

Note:

This itinerary is indicative. Experiences may be rearranged depending on weather, local conditions, and host availability.

 

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation in handpicked resorts, homestays, or eco-lodges
  • Breakfast and Dinner on all days
  • Private transport with driver: fuel, toll, parking, driver TA included
  • English & Hindi Speaking Guide for the whole trip
  • Tourist Permits
  • Sustainability Development Fees
  • Bhutanese Sim Cards for each travelling member
  • Entry tickets unless specified
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Tips, snacks, laundry, personal shopping
  • Emergency medical costs or insurance
  • Optional/add-on activities beyond itinerary

Tour Plan

Day 01 Arrival at Hashimara → Transfer to Phuentsholing

Distance: ~20 km | Travel Time: 1 hr

  • Arrive at Hashimara Railway Station
  • Meet our local coordinator and begin transfer to Phuentsholing
  • Assist with border formalities and tourist permits
  • Check-in at your hotel and enjoy welcome tea
  • Optional evening stroll to Zangto Pelri Lhakhang or local markets

Overnight Stay: Phuentsholing

Day 02 Phuentsholing to Paro

Distance: ~170 km | Travel Time: 5–6 hrs

  • Begin your scenic ascent into Bhutan’s mountains
  • Stop at tea shops and photography points along the way
  • Arrive in Paro by afternoon
  • Visit Paro Dzong and traditional wooden cantilever bridge
  • Leisure time at cafés or handicraft markets

Overnight Stay: Paro

Day 03 Tiger’s Nest Trek or Paro Valley Exploration

Distance: Local travel only

  • Option A: Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s iconic cliffside temple
  • Option B: Drive to Chele La Pass (3,988m) and enjoy panoramic mountain views
  • Visit Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest temples
  • Optional hot stone bath or riverside café experience
  • Traditional dinner with storytelling by local hosts

Overnight Stay: Paro

Day 04 Paro to Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)

Distance: ~160 km | Travel Time: 6–7 hrs

  • Drive through changing landscapes of pine forests and fields
  • Stop at mountain viewpoints and local shrines
  • Arrive at the glacial Phobjikha Valley – a conservation area
  • Visit local monasteries or relax at a nature retreat
  • Evening birdwatching or slow village walk

Overnight Stay: Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)

Day 05 Explore Gangtey Valley

Distance: Local travel only

  • Visit Gangtey Monastery, perched atop the valley
  • Walk the scenic Gangtey Nature Trail or cycle around the valley
  • Visit black-necked crane center (seasonal: Nov–Feb)
  • Share a meal with a local family or participate in farm life
  • Warm evening with fire-lit conversations and storytelling

Overnight Stay: Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)

Day 06 Gangtey to Punakha

Distance: ~80 km | Travel Time: 3–4 hrs

  • Drive through oak and rhododendron forests en route to Punakha
  • Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong by the river
  • Cross the iconic hanging suspension bridge
  • Optional hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
  • Restful evening at a riverside lodge or heritage homestay

Overnight Stay: Punakha

Day 07 Punakha to Thimphu via Dochula Pass

Distance: ~85 km | Travel Time: 3–4 hrs

  • Scenic drive to Thimphu with stop at Dochula Pass (108 chortens)
  • Enjoy views of the Eastern Himalayas (weather permitting)
  • Arrive in Thimphu and explore the town square
  • Sample Bhutanese cuisine: Ema Datshi, buckwheat pancakes, and more
  • Evening at leisure – cafés, bookshops, and art spaces

Overnight Stay: Thimphu

Day 08 Full Day in Thimphu

Distance: Local travel only

  • Visit Buddha Dordenma – towering statue overlooking the valley
  • Explore Folk Heritage Museum and Textile Museum
  • Walk through the School of Arts and Crafts (Zorig Chusum)
  • Visit Tashichho Dzong – administrative seat of the king
  • Optional: Experience local music at a live venue or peaceful meditation

Overnight Stay: Thimphu

Day 09 Thimphu to Phuentsholing or Hashimara

Distance: ~165 km | Travel Time: 5–6 hrs

  • Early morning departure after breakfast
  • Scenic descent from Thimphu to the border plains
  • Stop for tea or photos at Sipsu or Gedu viewpoints
  • Reach Phuentsholing and transfer to Hashimara
  • Departure or onward travel

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “The Whispering Valleys of Bhutan: A 9-Day Soulful Sojourn”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

From
0.00
Enquiry Form
0
0.00
0.00
Available:
Total:
0
0.00
0.00

TIPS & ESSENTIALS

Do’s:

● Ask before photographing people or homes

● Dress modestly in villages

● Carry a refillable bottle and cloth bags

● Tip guides and drivers generously when satisfied

Don’ts:

● Don’t play loud music in natural settings

● Don’t touch sacred trees or enter altars uninvited

● Avoid plastic use, even packaged snacks

RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

A few short vignettes or quote-style reflections from past journeys.

Reduce Waste:

- Avoid single-use plastics; bring refillables
- Carry back all your trash

- Use biodegradable toiletries while near
water bodies

Support Local Livelihoods:

- Choose community-run stays and eateries

- Buy souvenirs from artisans directly

- Engage meaningfully, not just for photos

Respect the Local Way of Life:

- Learn basic greetings and local etiquette

- Ask before entering sacred spaces or homes

- Go slow — don’t force schedules in remote
areas

Minimize Environmental Impact:

- Stick to designated trails during treks

- Limit electricity and hot water use in villages
- Be mindful of resource consumption

Explore

error: Content is protected !!

Travel Connect Care

Where journeys begin with intention, bridge cultures, foster human connection, and make travel a force for understanding and care.

Our Roots & The Routes

Where we come from, and where we guide you. Rooted in culture, we journey through people, stories, and shared moments.

Miles, Smiles & Chronicles

A growing collection of stories, thoughts, and reflections shaped by travel — shared to spark connection, curiosity, and care.

Journeys, Junctions & Joy

Curated experiences that grow with intention. Every itinerary is a mindful journey of care, culture, and connection.

Start Your Impact