9-Day Bhutan Like a Local Tour

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After breakfast, you will travel to Thimphu through the picturesque villages of Jabana, Susuna, and Dogakha, where you will pay a visit to the Dobji Dzong. In Thimphu, you will visit some places of historical, cultural and social importance including the Simtokha Dzong, Centenary Farmers Market, and Tashichho Dzong. You'll enjoy some free time in the evening.

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You'll visit Bhutan's various historical, traditional, and natural sites in Thimphu including the Royal Textile Academy, the National Library, and Folk Heritage Museum, where you'll also stop for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll visit Changangkha Lhakhang, Memorial Chorten, Royal Takin Preserve, and Buddha Point, which boasts the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan. In the evening, you will enjoy traditional Bhutanese food at the Bhutan Kitchen.

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After breakfast, you'll embark on a journey to Punakha. En route, you'll visit Dochula Pass to admire the view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Further along, you'll make a stop to visit Gakidh village's homestay at Phentekha for lunch. Here, you'll also be able to try your hand at the traditional Bhutanese game of archery. After arriving in Punakha, you will visit the suspension bridge, a nunnery, and a Buddhist institute before settling into your homestay.

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After breakfast, you'll visit Punakha Dzong, a temple built by the founding father of Bhutan. Afterwards, you'll visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple. After lunch, you'll walk through the villages of Rinchengang opposite Wangdue Phodrang. Once you reach Phobjikha Valley, your homestay host will be waiting to welcome you into their home. In the evening before dinner, you can unwind by having a hot stone bath.

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You'll explore the Phobjikha Valley starting with the Gantey Monastery followed by a short hike through the villages in the area, giving you a chance to see traditional farming activities and interact with the locals. After lunch at the homestay, you'll visit the black-necked crane information centre to learn about the cranes that use the valley as their winter home. Whilst exploring Phobjikha, you'll visit a majestical chapel and learn more about the local people.

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After breakfast, you'll drive back to Paro via Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha and Thimphu. You will take a short break at the Royal Botanical Park in Lampelri to stretch out your legs with a short hike around the garden. After refreshments at the park's cafeteria, you'll drive another hour before having lunch at a local restaurant in Thimphu. After arriving in Paro, you will have some free time to go shopping in the arts and crafts markets.

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The highlight of the day will be taking a 4-5 hour return hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang; it is associated with Guru Rinpoche. You will have lunch at the Tiger's Nest Cafeteria which is the perfect midpoint for those who do not wish to complete the whole climb. Later on, you'll visit the National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, and Kychu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. You'll have dinner in the hotel in the evening.