The Magical Kingdom of Bhutan
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Travel to 4 western districts of Bhutan: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang (Phobjikha valley). Immerse yourself into the mindful Buddhist way of life, away from the materialistic world, and discover why Bhutan has earned its nickname the ‘Kingdom of Happiness’. Visit ancient temples and magnificent Dzongs (fortresses) and marvel at the fine wall paintings, exquisite architecture, and craftsmanship that still continues to influence Bhutanese architecture today. Hike to the 8th-century sacred site where Bhutan’s iconic landmark, 17th century Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest is built on the face of a precarious 800m rock cliff.
🏁 Tour Itinerary: The Magical Kingdom of Bhutan
Day 1: Arriva Paro International Airport / Transfer to the capital city Thimphu
Our guide and the driver will receive you on your arrival at Paro, the only International Airport in Bhutan. You’ll visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower/fortress called Ta Dzong. The collection of artifacts at the museum displays a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of Bhutan. Transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion, and government in the country. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and even commercial billboards.
Distance from Paro – Thimphu 55km, Driving time 1.5-hours, Paro altitude 2,200m, Thimphu altitude 2334m.
On arrival in Thimphu, visit the 169ft Buddha Dordhenma Statue located at Kuensel Phodrang overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also for the purpose of bringing peace to the world.
Leisure time to explore Thimphu town.
Note: The coverage of the tour on the first day depends on your flight arrival time. The itinerary will be kept flexible to suit your needs and ability or have it customized before your arrival.
🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara.
Day 2: Hike to the Tango Monastery / Transfer to Punakha Valley
Today, after early breakfast, we’ll do a 2-3-hour return hike to Tango Monastery, and then after lunch does some sightseeing in Thimphu town. Located at about 14km north of Thimphu on a pristine mountainside, Tango Monastery was originally founded in the 13th century by Tibetan saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo who first established the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan and subsequently became the state religion. The roundtrip hike takes about 2-3 hours for most visitors.
Hiking Time 2-3 hours, Tango Monastery Altitude 3,060m/10,040ft
Drive back to Thimphu town where a traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. After lunch, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Institute of Traditional Arts & Crafts) where 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught. Just in the neighborhood is the National Library of Bhutan considered a national treasure and a fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion medicine, arts, and culture. Both Zorig Chusum and National Library open during working weekdays & on Saturdays, 10 am-noon.
From there visit the Centenary Farmers’ Market to learn about the food preference and culture in Bhutanese society. Farmers from all over the country bring their farm produce to sell. The market opens from Friday – Sunday. From there pass by the Changlimithang Archery Range and witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a distance of 145 meters. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.
Leisure time in Thimphu town.
🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara.
Day 3: Sightseeing in Punakha / Transfer to Trongsa
After breakfast, drive to Punakha valley. En route stop briefly at Dochula – a sacred mountain pass at an elevation of 3150m and enjoy a grand view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear day. Good opportunity for photos! From there continue driving towards Punakha and gradually descend to a subtropical valley within an hour.
Just about 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known among tourists as “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience. Walk and explore the village.
After lunch at a nearby hotel or at a local village house, drive to Punakha town and visit the most beautiful 17th-century Punakha Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture displaying fine arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence the Bhutanese architecture to this day. You’ll spend some time appreciating the intricate woodworks and sacred wall paintings. From there walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge if interested.
Distance from Thimphu – Punakha 74km, Driving time 3-hours, Dochula Pass altitude 3150m, Punakha altitude 1200m,
🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or Namgay Zam Homestay.
Most of our clients enjoy staying a night or two at the homestays with the local family experiencing the daily life of an ordinary Bhutanese family while they get to savor organic home-cooked local cuisines.
Day 4: Sightseeing in Trongsa / Transfer to Phobjikha valley & Gangtey Nature Hike
After breakfast, hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten on a peaceful hilltop and after lunch transfer to Phobjikha valley and then venture out on Gangtey Nature Hike through the pristine valley.
Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten is located on a serene hilltop overlooking the fertile Punakha valley with glacial-fed Mochu river meandering through the valley. The hike leads through the terraced rice fields and takes about 2.5-hours round trip for most visitors. Retrace your footstep back to the road head and drive back to the town for lunch.
After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha valley, a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and a winter home for endangered Black Necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to Tibetan Plateau by the beginning of spring season. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared a protected area.
Distance from Punakha – Phobjikha 80km, Driving time 3-hours, Phobjikha valley altitude 3,000m.
Upon arrival in Phobjikha valley, check into the hotel and settle for hot tea and snacks. Then you will go on an exciting Gangtey Nature Hike. The trail is about 5km and takes approximately 3 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands, and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and an understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures!
Note: If there is not enough time, you can do the hike tomorrow morning.
🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at Dewachen Hotel & Spa or Yue-Loki Guest House.
Day 5: Phobjikha Valley / Transfer to Paro & Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan – Gangtey Goenpa and then you will be transferred back to Paro. The 17th-century Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Goenpa is one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan. Gangtey literally means “Hilltop” and Goenpa “remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance. You will meet peace-loving monks studying Buddhist Philosophy and spend some time offering prayers at sacred.
Then drive back to Paro valley. Lunch will be served on the way. Upon arrival in Paro and if time permits, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which is believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan Kind Songtsen Gampo. Leisure time in Paro town.
🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 6: Hike to the famed Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
Today, on the 6th day of your trip, you will hike to the famous 17th century Paro Taktsang Monastery popular known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. Originally built in 1692, the iconic Taktsang Monastery is perched on a rock cliff some 800 meters above the valley floor and is the most visited sacred site in Bhutan. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors. Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the midpoint (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) for a fee of about USD20 per horse but the journey is best enjoyed on foot. Horse riding is not recommended on your way down and owners may not.
A vegetarian lunch will be served at the Taktsang Cafeteria located midway along the trail. Meat is not served in this restaurant owing to the sacredness of the Taktsang Monastery. Descend back to the base and drive to Paro town where you will spend some leisure time.
Later in the evening, visit a beautiful traditional farmhouse for a dinner comprised of authentic homecooked local cuisine. You can also soak up in the therapeutic traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$15 per person.
🏚️ Hotel Option: Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 7: Departure from Paro International Airport
After breakfast, depending on your flight time you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check in.
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Terms & Conditions
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation for up to 30 days prior to departure date
- 20% will be charged if cancelled 16-29 days prior to departure date
- 30% will be charged if cancelled 08-15 days prior to departure date
- 50% will be charged if cancelled 03-07 days prior to departure date
- No refund will be available if No Show or cancelled 0-02 days prior to departure date
Flights
The flight tends to get fully booked months ahead especially during the peak season. We highly recommend you book flights a few months ahead of your departure date. We can help with the arrangement of flights to and from Bhutan. There are only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan:
- Drukair, the national flag carrier of Bhutan (www.drukair.com.bt) operates from and to these cities/International Airports: Bangkok, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Delhi, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore.
- Bhutan Airlines, a private airline introduced in 2011 (www.bhutanairlines.bt) operates from and to these cities/International Airport: Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu
Other Important Information
- Airport pick-up and drop-off time will be coordinated depending on your flight timings
- For the purpose of processing a visa, you must send us a clear passport copy of all the participants after you book the tour. A whole biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. It can be either scanned or just a mobile photo shot as long as it is clear and legible. Passports should have a validity of at least SIX MONTHS from the day you depart from Bhutan.
- You’ll receive a copy of your approved e-Visa Clearance letter in PDF format within 3-4 business days from the day the visa application is submitted. You MUST print a copy of this letter and present it at the check-in counter of the airline flying into Bhutan. Without the proof of an e-Visa Clearance letter, you may be denied boarding the flight to Bhutan. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport on arrival at the Paro International Airport.
- Child(ren) below 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult
- All participants between the age of 13 – 18 years old must send us a valid copy of the Student Photo ID Card/document after booking the tour.
- All our tour guides speak very fluent English. Guides speaking other major languages (Chinese, Japanese, French & German) can be arranged at an additional fee of $120 per day.
- You must let us know prior to your arrival if you have any dietary restrictions/preference.
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