Punakha & Gangtey Valley Luxury Tour
Overview
Explore Bhutan's most picturesque valleys on this six-day luxury tour. From the subtropical paradise of Punakha to the glacial valley of Gangtey (Phobjikha), home to the endangered black-necked cranes, this journey reveals a gentler side of Bhutan with stunning dzongs, nature walks, and traditional farmhouse experiences.
Route
Paro → Thimphu → Dochula → Punakha → Gangtey → Paro
Highlights
- Punakha Dzong — Bhutan's most beautiful fortress at the confluence of two rivers
- Gangtey Valley — winter home of black-necked cranes
- Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Dochula Pass with 108 memorial chortens and Himalayan views
- Gangtey Nature Trail through bamboo forest
- Traditional Bhutanese farmhouse lunch
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 6 Days / 5 Nights
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Group Size
- 2-10 guests
- Max Altitude
- 3,100m
- Best Months
- March-May, October-November
- Starting From
- $3,300 pp
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Paro & Thimphu
Arrive Paro. Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hrs). Afternoon visit to Tashichho Dzong and the National Memorial Chorten. Evening walk through Thimphu town.
Thimphu to Punakha
Drive over Dochula Pass (3,100m) with its 108 chortens. On clear days, views stretch to Gangkar Puensum. Descend to the subtropical Punakha valley. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
Punakha Exploration
Morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (1.5 hrs) through rice paddies and farmland. Afternoon visit to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the Divine Madman. Traditional Bhutanese farmhouse lunch with a local family.
Punakha to Gangtey
Drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley), crossing through forests of oak and rhododendron. Visit Gangtey Goenpa, a 17th-century monastery overlooking the glacial valley.
Gangtey Valley Day
Gangtey Nature Trail walk (1.5 hours) through the valley floor. Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre (in season, Nov-Feb, cranes are present). Afternoon hot stone bath at the lodge. Farewell dinner.
Drive to Paro & Departure
Scenic drive back to Paro via Thimphu (5-6 hours). Airport transfer.
What's Included
- 5 nights luxury accommodation (Amankora / COMO Uma / Gangtey Lodge)
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Licensed Bhutanese guide throughout
- Private vehicle and driver
- All meals as indicated
- All entrance fees and permits
- Hot stone bath experience
- Farmhouse lunch experience
- Airport transfers
Not Included
- International flights to/from Paro
- Bhutan visa fee ($40)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
Find Your Flights
One of the world's most challenging airports. Only Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate here. Flights from Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Singapore.
Typical airlines: Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines
International flights are not included in CuratedAscents packages.
Customize This Journey
This itinerary is a starting point. Our AI Expedition Architect will tailor every detail — dates, accommodations, activities — to create your perfect trip.