Overview
Discover the serene beauty of Bhutan’s glacial valleys on this soft, 3-day trek through Phobjikha’s forests and farmlands. Starting in Paro and ending with a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest, this journey blends gentle adventure with Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. Walk through peaceful meadows, mingle with villagers in remote hamlets like Gogona and Khotokha, and stay in comfortable camps surrounded by juniper and rhododendrons. Along the way, visit ancient dzongs, Buddhist temples, and wildlife-rich valleys—especially the winter roosting site of the rare black-necked cranes.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Gangtey and the Phobjikha Valley, home to endangered black-necked cranes
- Hike a scenic 3-day low-altitude trek from Gangtey to Chuzomsa
- Visit key cultural landmarks in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue
- Experience local life in the villages of Gogona and Khotokha
- Climb to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most iconic monastery
Itinerary
As you fly into Bhutan, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s revered peaks—Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon landing at Paro International Airport, our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to settle in and acclimate to the altitude.
Overnight in Paro.
Start your day with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to subdue a Himalayan demoness. Then continue to the newly rebuilt Drukgyal Dzong, a historic fortress originally constructed to mark Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders.
After lunch, explore the National Museum (Ta Dzong), once a 17th-century watchtower, and walk down to Rinchenpung Dzong—a fortress of “the heap of jewels.”
Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Tour the highlights of Thimphu, including the Memorial Chorten, National Library, Institute of Zorig Chusum (arts & crafts school), and Tashichho Dzong—the seat of Bhutan’s government and monastic body. Optional spa or wellness experience in the evening.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Enjoy Himalayan panoramas from Dochula Pass (3,100m) before descending to Punakha. Visit the grand Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Rivers. Continue to Gangtey in the Phobjikha Valley—Bhutan’s most scenic glacial valley.
Overnight at Gangtey.
Start your trek through meadows and forests of juniper, magnolia, and bamboo. Ascend gently over Tselela Pass (3,320m) to reach the charming village of Gogona, known for its yak herders and unique dialect.
Overnight camping at Gogona.
Camp Altitude: 3,000 m | Distance: 15 km | Time: 5–6 hours
Cross Shobjula Pass (3,390m) and descend into the beautiful Khotokha Valley. This remote region is used as summer pastureland by locals from Sha in Wangdue District.
Overnight camping at Khotokha
Camp Altitude: 2,800 m | Distance: 16 km | Time: 6–7 hours
Make a final short ascent to Tashila Pass (2,780m), then descend through mixed woodland into the Dangchhu valley. Your trek ends at Chuzomsa, where a vehicle will meet you.
Overnight at Chuzomsa.
Drive back to Paro, stopping in Thimphu for lunch and shopping. Reflect on your trek and enjoy the comforts of Paro before your final hike.
Overnight in Paro.
Climb through pine forest to reach Bhutan’s most famous landmark—Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliffside 900m above the valley floor. Return to Paro for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, bid farewell to Bhutan as you’re transferred by our representative to Paro International Airport, carrying with you memories of a land steeped in history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Accommodation at 3-star hotels/resorts (upgrade options available for an additional fee)
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide (limited other language guides available upon request for an additional fee)
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Entry fees to museums, monasteries, and cultural sites
- All government taxes and service charges
- Driver and road transport for the entire tour
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) – USD $100 per person per night (valid until December 2027)
- Bhutan visa fee (USD $40 per person)
Cost Excludes
- Flight fares
- Travel insurance (must be arranged by the traveler)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses (e.g., shopping, souvenirs)
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single room supplement charges (if applicable)
- Cost for any services or activities not mentioned in the "Cost Includes"
FAQs
All our tour packages include accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a licensed English-speaking guide, transport within Bhutan, entry fees to museums and monasteries, and all government taxes and service charges. For some packages, additional activities or upgrades may be available at extra costs.
Our packages do not include visa fees, international flights, travel insurance, alcohol, personal expenses, and any activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Visa applications for Bhutan are processed through licensed tour operators. Once you book your tour, we will assist you with the visa application process. The visa will be granted once your payment is processed.
Yes, you can upgrade your accommodation for an additional fee. We offer a range of accommodations, including 3-star hotels and resorts. Please contact us for more details on accommodation upgrades.
We offer customizable options for most of our tours. If you have specific requests or would like to tailor your itinerary, please contact us, and we will work with you to create a personalized experience.
he hikes included in our tours, such as the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, are moderate in difficulty. They require a reasonable level of fitness, but our guides are experienced and can pace the hike to suit the group’s comfort level. If you have concerns, please consult with us before booking.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for our tours; however, we strongly recommend that all guests arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Please note that we do not provide travel insurance services.
We arrange flights to and from Paro International Airport. For flights beyond Paro, either before or after your tour, guests are responsible for making their own arrangements.
There are no age restrictions for our tours; however, at least one adult must be part of the group. While we welcome travelers of all ages, certain activities may have updated guidelines or recommendations. We advise checking with us regarding specific activities to ensure suitability for all participants.
Yes, visiting Bhutan during its vibrant festivals is highly recommended. You can explore our festival packages on our website or contact us directly for more information on festival dates and arrangements.
While Bhutan is gradually expanding its acceptance of credit and debit cards, cash is still recommended for smaller establishments and rural areas where card payments may not be feasible. Having some local currency (Ngultrum) on hand will ensure convenience for such transactions.
Bhutan has strict regulations regarding tobacco use and sales. The Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010 prohibits the cultivation, manufacture, sale, and distribution of tobacco products within the country. However, individuals are allowed to import tobacco products for personal consumption, subject to payment of taxes and duties. It’s important to declare any tobacco products upon arrival and retain proof of payment for applicable taxes and duties. Smoking is prohibited in public places, including commercial centers, recreational areas, institutions, public transportation, and other designated non-smoking areas. Designated smoking areas are available in certain establishments. Please note that expenses related to tobacco consumption are not covered under our tour packages.
Meals will be traditional Bhutanese dishes, as well as international cuisine. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
Travel times vary depending on the destinations. On average, it can take between 3 to 6 hours by car for intercity transfers. Our tours are designed to ensure comfort during travel, with breaks along the way for scenic stops and refreshments.
Payments for tours are typically made through wire transfers. Once you book your tour, we will send you the payment details. Bookings are confirmed once the payment is received.
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and accommodations, though it may be limited or slower in more remote areas. We recommend preparing for limited connectivity in certain regions.
We recommend comfortable clothing for sightseeing and hiking, sturdy shoes for walks, a hat and sunscreen for sun protection, and light layers for varying temperatures. A camera to capture the stunning landscapes is also a must!
Cancellations must be made in writing via email. Refunds will be processed based on the following schedule:
- 30 days or more before arrival: No charges.
- 21-29 days before arrival: 10% of the total tariff.
- 16-20 days before arrival: 15% of the total tariff.
- 15 days or less before arrival: No refund.
- After arrival in Bhutan: 100% of the total tariff.
No refunds will be provided for no-shows or unused services.
Yes, rescheduling is possible based on availability. Requests must be made at least 30 days before arrival to avoid cancellation fees. Additional charges may apply.
To cancel, please email us at info@phuentshok.com with your booking details. Cancellations are processed based on the date we receive your written request.
Eligible refunds are processed within 7-14 business days after confirmation. Refunds will be issued via the same method used for payment. It can take up to 30 days before you can see the amount in your bank account.
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