Royal Manas Expedition
This expedition blends the cultural highlights of western Bhutan with the untouched beauty of the country's central and southern regions, offering a diverse and truly unforgettable experience. This meticulously curated journey is specifically designed for nature-lovers, bird-watching enthusiasts and cultural explorers to unveil the kingdom's profound cultural heritage, diverse natural biodiversity, age old traditions and serene spiritual essence. On this adventure you will experience the perfect harmony of cultural gems, wildlife adventures, stunning natural beauty which allows you to experience the spiritually blessed valley of Paro, modernity of Thimphu, alluvial valley of Punakha, the wildlife-filled jungles of Manas and the enchanting beauty of Phobjikha.
Best season : December to early March
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
The journey begins in Paro, the gateway to Bhutan. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and driver. We then head to the hotel for check-in and to refresh after the flight. In the afternoon, you can take a leisurely walk through the town of Paro, exploring the local markets and getting a feel for Bhutanese culture. In the evening, we go through the travel plans, a brief introduction of the country and also enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner and rest up for the exciting days ahead.
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu
Today, we will leave Paro and drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. The scenic drive takes just one hour, passing through lush valleys, mountainside and wayside villages. Upon arrival, we visit some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Tashichho Dzong, the Memorial Chorten, and the Buddha Dordenma statue, which offers panoramic views of the entire valley. There will also be adequate time to explore the local handicrafts and enjoy a stroll through the market.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast, we head towards Punakha, another of Bhutan's most beautiful valleys and the medieval capital of Bhutan. The drive traverses the Dochula Pass, where on a clear days, we can enjoy a panoramic view of the Bhutanese himalayan mountain range. Upon reaching Punakha, we enjoy a short walk through ricefields to the Chimi Lhakhang temple, and in the afternoon we explore the Punakha Dzong [castle of Immense happiniess], which is located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers. The dzong is one of the most spectacular in Bhutan, known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance. Later we walk across the longest suspension bridge in the country and spend the evening enjoying some cocktails[or mocktails] at a riverside café/bar.
Day 4: Punakha to Gelephu [GMC]
Today, we drive to Gelephu [GMC], located in southern Bhutan. The journey takes us through varying landscapes, from the mountainous heartland to the warmer plains of the southern foothills, marking a distinct shift in climate, vegetation and topography.
We will make a quick stop at the white-bellied heron [WBH] conservation center at Chachey,Dovan in Tsirang to learn various facets of the worlds rarest bird. In the evening we enjoy a stroll in town, observe the culture of southern Bhutan, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the region. Enroute we might also have the chance to visit some traditional villages or interact with the locals to get a deeper understanding of life in southern Bhutan.
Day 5: Gelephu to Panbang
From Gelephu [GMC], we will continue our journey south towards Panbang, a small charming settlement near the border with India. The drive takes us through dense forests and picturesque countryside. Upon arrival in Panbang, we visit the town which offers a unique blend of both rural Bhutanese and modern influences. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this less-visited part of Bhutan, a perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.
Day 6: Panbang to Manas to Panbang
This morning we raft [9km] on the Manas river to access the Manas wildlife Sanctuary, the manas is the largest river in the country and home to the Mahseer, which is among the largest freshwater fish. This river safari offers upclose views of the rich ecology and there is also a chance to spot some animals along the way. The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan is part of the larger Manas Conservation Area, which spans across both Bhutan and India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an integral part of the Manas National Park in India, located on the border of Assam and Bhutan. The Bhutanese part of the sanctuary is particularly known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and being home to some rare and endangered species. It is an extremely important ecological region in the eastern Himalayas. Some of the animals that thrive within the sanctuary are Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris): Bhutan's tiger population is one of the most significant in the world, and the Manas region plays a key role in their conservation. Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus): The sanctuary provides a home for a population of these majestic elephants, who occasionally roam into India.Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) : An endangered species that is found only in a small area of Bhutan and India.Indian One-horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis): a small populations of this rhino live in the Manas region of Bhutan. Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa): This elusive and rarely seen species is a part of the sanctuary's diverse mammalian fauna. Wild water buffalo, wild boars and sambar. Some of the notable species of birds include Bengal Florican (an endangered grassland bird), Pallas's Fish Eagle, Hornbills, including the Great Hornbill, Spotted Eagle, White-winged Duck, Asian Openbill Stork, Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Bar-headed goose and occasionaly the white bellied-heron, the rarest bird in the world.
Day 7 : Panbang & Manas
Marang
We spend yet another day in the bosom of Manas wildlife sanctuary taking in a guided tour and be enthralled with the wonders of our natural world. Later we visit the Bhutan Tiger Reserve to understand more about the conservation efforts that make Bhutan a shining example of Tiger Conservation. In the afternoon we visit a village in Panbang to understand the local way of life here.
Day 8: Panbang to Tingtibi
This morning we head towards Tingtibi, a tranquil village nestled in the heart of Bhutan’s southern forests. The drive to Tingtibi is scenic, passing through dense forests, bamboo groves, and picturesque hills. Upon arrival, we can explore the village and the surrounding areas, which is rich in wildlife, orchids, birds, primates and plant species. Tingtibi offers a unique experience of rural Bhutan, where life remains largely untouched by modern development.
Day 9: Tingtibi to Phobjikha
Today,we will drive north towards Shemgang, Trongsa to the Phobjikha Valley, one of the most famous and picturesque valleys in Bhutan. On the drive today we may be able to spot the highly endagered and rare golden languar, a visually striking primate and a keystone species in the forests it inhabits.
The enchanting valley of Phobjikha is home to the endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate here in the winter. We visit the Gangtey Monastery, perched on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the valley below. The Phobjikha Valley is also great for nature walks and cultural experiences, and we have the opportunity to stay with a local family and experience the rural life in the countryside.
Day 10: Phobjikha to Paro
Today we will journey back to Paro. The drive takes around 4 to 5 hours, but you’ll be able to relax and take in the beautiful scenery along the way. In the early afternoon we visit the cultural gems of the valley viz. the Paro fortress, national musuem, and later leisure in town.
Day 11 : Paro
On our final day of our expedition, we hike to Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery. This iconic monastery, perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley, is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Bhutan. The hike up to the monastery takes about 2 to 3 hours for the ascent and 1 hour for the descent, the breathtaking views and spiritual atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience and a must-see, must-do activity here. In the evening we enjoy a traditional hotstone bath, a local dinner and reminisce on our adventures.
Day 12 : Paro to onward destination
We transfer you to the Paro Airport for onward travels.
on the wings of the dragon
