Land-Entry Route
8-Day Punakha & Gangtey Land-Entry Tour
A complete eight-day western Bhutan land-entry route with extended Punakha sightseeing, Phobjikha, Gangtey, Paro, and Tiger's Nest.
Duration8 Days / 7 Nights
RoutePhuentsholing - Thimphu - Punakha - Phobjikha - Paro - Phuentsholing
Best ForGuests wanting the fullest land-entry route
Tour CodeUH-LET-010
PunakhaPhobjikhaGangteyTiger's Nest
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
- Observe traditional arts and crafts at School of Arts and Crafts
- Explore Folk Heritage Museum (traditional Bhutanese lifestyle)
- Visit National Textile Museum (weaving heritage and textiles)
- Visit Buddha Dordenma viewpoint
- Drive past National Memorial Chorten
- Visit Simtokha Dzong (oldest fortress in Bhutan)
- Explore Centenary Farmers' Market (Wednesday to Monday, 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 and Himalayan views)
- Stop at Lamperi Botanical Garden with rhododendrons, birds, and zip line adventure
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
- Gentle village walk through Sopsokha / Metsina village
- Visit Punakha Dzong (river confluence fortress)
- Overnight stay in Punakha (1,350 m)
Day 04: Punakha Sightseeing
- Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (45 mins uphill)
- Walk across Punakha Suspension Bridge
- River rafting on the Punakha River (additional cost)
- Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery (valley viewpoint), if time permits
- Leisure time in Punakha Valley
- Overnight stay in Punakha (1,350 m)
Day 05: Punakha - Drive to Phobjikha
- Scenic drive via Wangdue, Pelela Pass, and forested landscapes
- Visit Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Gompa)
- Walk Gangtey Nature Trail
- Visit Crane Information Center (RSPN)
- Farmhouse visit with local dinner experience
- Overnight stay in Phobjikha (2,900 m)
Day 06: Phobjikha - Drive to Paro
- Scenic drive back via Wangdue, Dochula Pass, and Chuzom
- Visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong)
- Visit Ta Dzong - National Museum
- Outdoor cultural activities with traditional dress, archery, and darts
- Explore Paro town and handicraft shops
- Overnight stay in Paro (2,200 m)
Day 07: Paro Sightseeing
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (ancient sacred temple)
- Optional hot stone bath and farmhouse dinner (additional cost)
- 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.