Overview
Discover some of Bhutan’s most important cultural treasures. Visit some of Bhutan’s finest dzongs, from regal Punakha to imposing Paro. Trek up to the spectacular setting of the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery and visit the imposing grandeur of Trashilang Dzong. A journey through Bhutan will take you through deep valleys, and high mountain passes, and will certainly be a memorable experience.
Pit Stops
- UK – Kathmandu (1N)
- Thimphu (2N)
- Gangtey (1N)
- Bumthang(2N)
- Punakha (1N)
- Paro (2N)
- Kathmandu (1N) – UK
Tour Includes
- International flights (and domestic flights if applicable).
- UK departure and overseas airport taxes.
- 10 nights in hotels, and 1in flight (accommodation as specified or similar).
- 18 meals: 10 breakfasts & 8 dinners.
- Local Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Guided Excursions as described.
- Entrance fees unless otherwise stated.
Tour Highlights
- Look out over the high Himalaya from the breathtaking Dochu La pass.
- Climb up to cliff-tumbling Tiger’s Nest monastery.
- Explore the cultural highlights of the Bhutanese capital, Thimpu.
- Drive through the breathtaking landscapes of rural Bhutan.
- Enjoy the hospitality of local farms and guesthouses.
- Visit the spectacular dzongs at Bumthang and Trashigang.
Day By Day Itinerary
DAY 1 UK – KATHMANDU
Fly to Kathmandu.
DAY 2 KATHMANDU
On arrival Kathmandu you will be welcomed and transferred to hotel Hyatt Regency.
DAY 3 KATHMANDU – PARO – THIMPHU (B/D)
Early morning after breakfast transfer to Kathmandu airport to board your flight to Paro and drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. On arrival Thimphu check in at hotel Le Meridien Thimphu.
DAY 4 THIMPHU (B/D)
After breakfast, today we drive up to the viewpoint- BBS Tower in Sangaygang and take a hike beyond to enjoy a stunning view of the valley. Then we visit the National Memorial Chorten. Here, the finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Dinner this evening with a local family. If time permits, we will also visit Zangto Pelri Lhakhang or hike to Cheri Goemba, an ancient monastery perched high on the hillside.
DAY 5 THIMPHU – GANGTEY (B/D)
Today we head for Gangtey, about 150 kilometers away from Thimphu. En route, stop at Dochula Pass appreciate the striking view of Mt. Himalaya. You will also visit the grand 108 stupas. After that, we continue driving to Gangtey. It is a beautiful and tranquil place surrounded by lush forests. On arrival check in at hotel Aman Kora Resorts. This evening remains free for you. If you are interested, you can stroll around the Gangtey Valley and pay a visit to the exquisite Gangtey Goempo.
DAY 6 GANGTEY – TRONGSA – BUMTHANG (B/D)
Today we will have a scenic drive to Bumthang, the most historic dzongkhag with extraordinary sceneries. After breakfast, we depart from Gangtey, cross the Pele La Pass and visit the Chendebji Chorten, a large white structure beside a stream. Later stop at Trongsa for lunch and visit its huge white Trongsa Dzong with a distinctive yellow roof. After that continue your adventure to Bumthang after crossing the Yotong La Pass. On arrival check in at Aman Kora Resorts.
DAY 7 BUMTHANG (B/D)
After breakfast we visit to Jakar Dzong, literally meaning the “Castle of the White Bird” which was built in 1667. Visit the ancient Jambay Lhakhang, built in 659 by Tibetan King Songsen Gampo (built on the same night as the legendary Kichu Lhakhang in Paro and 106 others in the country). Bhutanese legend states that Guru Rimpoche hid several Terma in a lake that is hidden underneath the temple. Then visit the 1501 Temple of the Good Message, Tamshing Lhakhang, the kingdom’s most important Nyingmapa temple build by Pema Lingpa. In the evening we will make a trip to the “burning lake” Membarstho, a short drive from Bumthang town.
DAY 8 BUMTHANG – PUNAKHA(B/D)
After breakfast we take a scenic drive to Punakha. We pass many small villages, waterfalls with spectacular landscape, crossing Black mountains, the ever-changing vegetation and finally arriving in the warm valley of Punakha. As the valley is at a lower elevation of about 1250m (4100 ft.) above sea level, it enjoys subtropical climate with warm summers and pleasant winters. On arrival check in at Dhensa Boutique Resort. Later we visit Punakha Dzong. It is a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture located at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
DAY 9 PUNAKHA – PARO (B/D)
After a short drive from Punakha, we start a leisure walk through paddy fields and villages and arrive at a hillock where the Chimi Lakhang is situated. This Lakhang is dedicated to a popular saint Drukpa Kuenley, also known as divine Madman. After that, we continue driving to Paro via Dochula Pass. En route, you will visit the Simtokha Dzong. On arrival check in at hotel Le Meridien Paro. Then we visit to Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower housing the National Museum and descend for a while to the Paro Dzong, also named Rinphung Dzong.
DAY 10 PARO (B/D)
After breakfast we hike to Taktsang Monastery’s viewpoint. Taktsang meaning “Tiger’s Nest”, is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) meditated. The monastery clings seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 914m above the valley floor. For the local people it is a place of pilgrimage, but for a tourist, a hike up to the viewpoint opposite the monastery is exhausting, thrilling and mystical. The legend has it that Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress from Tibet and meditated in the cave there for three months. Drive to the end of the valley to look at the old ruined fortress of Drugyel Dzong or the Fort of Drukpa Victory (14km from Paro), the historical site from the ramparts of which the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders, time and time again.
DAY 11 PARO – KATHMANDU (B)
After breakfast transfer to Paro airport to board your flight to Kathmandu. On arrival check in at hotel Hyatt Regency.
DAY 12 KATHMANDU – UK (B)
Morning transfer to Kathmandu International airport to board your flight to UK. Arrive home today.
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