Introduction to Bhutan-8D/7N

Since the 17th century the official name of Bhutan has been Druk yul and the people of Bhutan are very proud of their official name. As a Buddhist kingdom sandwiched between several countries, Bhutan is renown for its majestic monasteries, historic fortresses or dzongs and the concept of Gross National Happiness!

Tiger Nest or Paro Taktsang is famous as a must go attraction nestled in the Paro Valley. Perched precatiously high up in the mountains, it is a wonderous sight to behold as you hike up the summit.

Added the dramatic landscapes ranging from sub-tropical in the south to snow-capped alpine in the north, Bhutan is a popular trekking destination with peaks like Jomolhari at 7,326metres. The abundance of wildlife sighting of animals and rare birds, coupled with its charmingly friendly people makes Bhutan a top destination choice!

 
Check out our other Bhutan Travel Tours too.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro to Thimphu (1.5 hours)

 

  • Arrival and pick up at Paro International Airport
  • En-route to Thimphu, stop at Tachogang Lhakhang, iron suspension bridge built over Paro River with some small temple across the banks
  • Chuzom Meeting Point – Where the two rivers of Thimphu and Paro meet
  • Free at leisure in Thimphu for shopping
  • Overnight in Thimphu

 

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

 

  • Morning pick-up
  • Thimphu Post Office – Get to customise your own portrait stamps to mail home as sourvenir
  • Hike to Cheri Goenpa Temple – Anout 45-60 mins hike one way to see different species of birds and wild animals
  • Memorial Chorten built in memory of the 3rd King
  • Visit Buddha Viewpoint – Majestic Buddha on a hill, built by the same team that built the Hong Kong Lantau’s Big Buddha
  • Changangkha Lhakhang – Vibrant Buddhist Temple with sweeping views of the valley
  • Overnight in Thimphu

 

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha (3 hours)

 

  • Morning pick-up
  • Enroute to Punakha, visit Dochula Pass (3150 m).  On a good day, you can spot the himalayan ranges. Lots of photo opportunities
  • Visit Royal Botanical Park – Rich biodiversity of flora and fauna
  • Chimi Lhakang (Temple of Fertility)- A beautiful walk through village homes onto green rice paddy fields of Mesina to the Temple of Fertility
  • Punakha Dzong –  If there’s only one Dzong to visit, this is the one. The most iconic monument and the most majestic with elaborate artwork history
  • Visit farm house and enjoy the hospitality of the locals to understand their way of life
  • Overnight in Punakha

 

Day 4: Punakha to Phobjikha Valley (3 hours)

 

  • Morning pick up
  • Take a morning walk along the Punatsangchhu River
  • Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge enroute to Phobjikha Valley
  • Phobjikha Valley (3 hrs drive) – Known as “mini-Switzerland”
  • Cross over Pelela Pass enroute. May – Jun (beautiful rhododendron season) and Nov – Feb (rare black necked cranes)
  • Visit Phobjikha Conservatory- Check out Karma, the only injured black necked crane in residence that was nursed back to health
  • Farmhouse Visit – Learn cheese-making, delicious “Chilli Cheese” (national dish) and local rice wine, Ara
  • Party time – Enjoy local Bhutanese songs or sing and dance the night away with your host
  • Overnight in Phobjikha Valley

 

Day 5: Phobjikha Valley Sightseeeing

 

  • Morning pick up
  • Gantey Trail – Easy scenic 2 hour walk through village and the surroundings rolling hills (not so pleasant if it rains)
  • Choose to walk through the village or cycle along scenic farm roads
  • Overnight in Phobjikha Valley

 

Day 6: Phobjikha Valley to Paro (6 hours)

 

  • Morning pick up
  • Embark on 6 hours journey from Phobjikha Valley to Paro
  • Visit Paro Dzong and walk through the oldest wooden bridge just nearby
  • Paro Town – Shop or have a cuppa people watching
  • Activities: Archery, Khuru (dart) or Bhutan national dress-up  for some photo memor
  • Overnight in Paro

 

Day 7: Paro-Tiger Nest Hike

 

  • Morning pick up
  • Tiger Nest Hike – Early start 730am as a minimum 4-5 hours needed for the stint
  • Taktsang Monastery or Tiger Nest Temple – 8th century monastery perched on a rock with a sheer drop and clings seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 900m above the valley floor
  • Overnight in Paro

 

Day 8: Paro – Home

 

  • Free at your leisure till pick up
  • Transfer to airport for your flight home

 

Highlights & Inclusions:

 

  • US$ 40 (visa fee for a single entry, per person)
  • Visa process and arrangement
  • 3* accommodations in standard room (4* available at extra charge)
  • Tariff on full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Excludes flight tickets
  • Exclude personal expenses like shopping and alcoholic beverages
  • Private transportation and local English Speaking Guide
  • Admission fees as indicated in itinerary
  • Complimentary dress-up of Gho/Kira (Bhutan national dress) at Paro
  • Complimentary activity of khuru/archery (Bhutan national game) at Paro
  • Complimentary drinking water for the entire trip
  • Farmhouse visit/stay with local family in typical Bhutanese house
  • Optional Tipping

 

Insider Tips:

  • Be prepared with comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for treks
  • Highly recommended that you wear or bring rainwear, umbrella, hat, sunglass and an extra jacket that you can use according to the temperature of the day
  • Please advise if you have food allergies or dietary restrictions
  • Vegetarian food options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
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