Land-Entry Route
8-Day Gangtey Land-Entry Tour
An eight-day land-entry route adding a full Gangtey and Phobjikha experience between Punakha and Paro.
Duration8 Days / 7 Nights
RoutePhuentsholing - Thimphu - Punakha - Gangtey - Paro - Phuentsholing
Best ForScenic valley travelers
Tour CodeUH-LET-009
GangteyPhobjikha ValleyPunakhaParo
Day 01: Arrival in Phuentsholing - Transfer to Thimphu
- Arrival at Phuentsholing entry point
- Meet and greet with guide and traditional khaddar welcome
- Complete entry immigration formalities on arrival at the border
- Scenic drive to Thimphu
- En-route stops for refreshments and photography
- Leisure walk in Thimphu city and local markets, time permitting
- Overnight stay in Thimphu (2,400 m)
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
- Explore Folk Heritage Museum (traditional Bhutanese lifestyle)
- Visit National Textile Museum (weaving heritage and textiles)
- Visit Tashichho Dzong (main administrative fortress)
- Drive past National Memorial Chorten
- Visit Buddha Dordenma viewpoint
- Visit Simtokha Dzong (oldest fortress in Bhutan)
- Explore Centenary Farmers' Market (weekend market)
- 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 and Himalayan views)
- Visit Punakha Dzong (river confluence fortress)
- Explore Bhutan's longest suspension bridge
- Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (scenic valley hike)
- River rafting on the Punakha River (additional cost)
- Overnight stay in Punakha (1,350 m)
Day 04: Punakha - Drive to Gangtey
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
- Gentle village walk through Sopsokha / Metsina village
- Brief stop at Wangdue Phodrang town and Dzong viewpoint
- Scenic drive to Gangtey / Phobjikha Valley
- Overnight stay in Gangtey (2,900 m)
Day 05: Gangtey Sightseeing
- Explore Phobjikha Valley (black-necked crane habitat)
- Visit Gangtey Monastery (17th-century monastery)
- Nature walk in Phobjikha Valley with open valley trails and crane habitat
- Overnight stay in Gangtey (2,900 m)
Day 06: Gangtey - Drive to Paro
- Scenic drive to Paro via western and central Bhutan landscapes
- Check in to hotel in Paro
- Leisure evening in Paro town, optional
- Overnight stay in Paro (2,200 m)
Day 07: Paro Sightseeing - Tiger's Nest Hike
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
- Stop at cafeteria viewpoint
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (one of Bhutan's oldest temples)
- Overnight stay in Paro (2,200 m)
Day 08: Paro - Transfer to Phuentsholing / Departure
- Breakfast at hotel
- Scenic drive to Phuentsholing
- En-route stops for refreshments and photography
- Transfer to Phuentsholing exit point
- Exit Bhutan
Prices mentioned are for international travelers and do not apply to regional travelers from India, Bangladesh, or Maldives.