Photography Route
7-Day Bhutan Valley Explorer
A rewarding route adding Phobjikha/Gangtey and black-necked crane landscapes.
Duration7 Days / 6 Nights
RouteParo • Thimphu • Punakha • Phobjikha • Paro
Best ForFirst-time Bhutan travelers
Tour CodeUH-PT-008
Tiger’s NestPunakhaPhobjikhaGangteyThimphu
Day 01: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
- Arrival at Paro International Airport
- Traditional welcome with khaddar
- Scenic drive to Thimphu (approx. 1.5 hrs)
- Drive along Paro River via Chuzom
- En-route stop at Tachogang Lhakhang & suspension bridge
- Visit Tashichho Dzong (evening visit)
- Leisure walk in Thimphu city & local markets
- Overnight stay in Thimphu (2,400 m)
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
- Explore Folk Heritage Museum (traditional Bhutanese lifestyle)
- Visit National Textile Museum (weaving heritage & textiles)
- Visit Buddha Dordenma viewpoint
- Drive past National Memorial Chorten
- Visit Simtokha Dzong (oldest fortress in Bhutan)
- Visit Paper Factory (traditional handmade paper)
- Explore Centenary Farmers’ Market (Wed–Mon, closed Tuesday)
- Visit Changlimithang Archery Ground (live match if available)
- Overnight stay in Thimphu (2,400 m)
Day 03: Thimphu – Drive to Punakha
- Scenic drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass
- Stop at Dochula Pass (108 chortens & Himalayan views)
- Stop at Lamperi Botanical Garden (seasonal rhododendrons & birds)
- Visit Punakha Dzong (river confluence fortress)
- Walk across Punakha Suspension Bridge
- River rafting on the Punakha River (additional cost)
- Overnight stay in Punakha (1,350 m)
Day 04: Punakha – Phobjikha (Gangtey)
- Visit Chimmi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
- Gentle village walk through Sopsokha / Metsina Village
- Scenic drive via Wangdue & mountain landscapes
- Arrive in Phobjikha Valley (black-necked crane region)
- Visit Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Gompa)
- Walk Gangtey Nature Trail
- Visit Crane Information Center (RSPN)
- Farmhouse visit with traditional dinner
- Overnight stay in Phobjikha (2,900 m)
Day 05: Phobjikha – Drive to Paro
- Scenic drive back via Pelela Pass, Wangdue & Dochula Pass
- Visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)
- Visit Ta Dzong – National Museum
- Outdoor cultural activities (traditional dress, archery, darts)
- Explore Paro town & handicraft shops
- Overnight stay in Paro (2,200 m)
Day 06: Paro Sightseeing
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
- Stop at cafeteria viewpoint
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (one of Bhutan’s oldest temples)
- Optional hot stone bath & farmhouse dinner (additional cost)
- Overnight stay in Paro (2,200 m)
Day 07: Departure
- Breakfast at hotel
- Transfer to Paro International Airport
- Departure from Bhutan with memories of the Himalayas
Prices mentioned are for international travelers and do not apply to regional travelers from India, Bangladesh, or Maldives.