1: ARRIVE AT PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT / TRANSFER TO THIMPHU (2334M)

Thimphu - Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, the guide and driver will welcome you and embark on a 1.5-hour drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. This vibrant city serves as the hub of commerce, religion, and government. In Thimphu, visit the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa constructed in 1974 in honor of Bhutan’s Third King. Explore the impressive 169-foot bronze Buddha statue overlooking the Thimphu valley. Next, visit a weaving center where both men and women create intricate Bhutanese textiles using traditional handlooms, showcasing an essential aspect of Bhutanese culture.

THIMPHU / TRANSFER TO PUNAKHA VALLEY (1200M)

Punakha - Before departing for Punakha valley, explore notable sites in Thimphu, including Bhutan’s sole animal enclosure, the Royal Takin Preserve, home to the unique Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, an art school where the 13 traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts are taught. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the Folk Heritage Restaurant. Afterward, stop by Changlimithang Archery Range to witness archery, Bhutan’s national sport, where archers celebrate with song and dance upon hitting the target from 145m away. Begin a 2.5-hour drive to Punakha via the sacred Dochula Pass, offering breathtaking views of Bhutan’s highest mountains (weather permitting). Upon arrival in Punakha, visit the renowned Chimi Lhakhang, the “Temple of Fertility,” believed to bless childless couples. Explore the nearby village adorned with large phallic paintings.

Punakha Dzong - If time allows, travel to Punakha to visit the Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutan’s national state. The dzong is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, featuring sacred wall paintings and intricate woodwork that continue to influence Bhutanese design. If interested, walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge connecting to the villages of Shengana, Samdingkha, and Wangkha across the Phochu river.

PUNAKHA / TRANSFER TO PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (3000M)

Gangtey Nature Trail - After visiting the monastery and meeting the monks, embark on an exhilarating 2.5-hour hike through pristine pine forests, grasslands, traditional farmhouses, and a vast open space. This short trek offers insight into the local residents’ subsistence farming lifestyle.

PHOBJIKHA VALLEY / TRANSFER TO BUMTHANG VIA TRONGSA (2600M)

Bumthang Valley - After lunch in Trongsa, continue the journey to Bumthang valley, passing through the Yotongla mountain pass at 3,425m above sea level. En route, stop at the village of Chumey to visit the Yathra Weaving Center and learn about the traditional attire and weaving culture of Bumthang’s people. Yathra textiles are colorful, handwoven from sheep and yak hair. Upon reaching Chamkhar, the main business center in Bumthang valley, check into the hotel. If interested, explore Chamkhar town.

EXPLORE BUMTHANG

BUMTHANG / MOUNTAIN FLIGHT TO PARO (2200M)

National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་། - Today, enjoy a 30-minute scenic flight to Paro and visit the National Museum, housed in the 17th-century watchtower Ta Dzong, to gain insights into Bhutanese history and culture. Then, drive to the stunning 17th-century Paro Rinpung Dzong, a filming location for the Hollywood movie “Little Buddha.” Walk to the picturesque traditional wooden cantilever bridge over the Pachu river. Visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, believed to have been built overnight by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a harmful ogress spirit. Spend leisure time exploring Paro town.

PARO / TRANSFER TO HAA VALLEY (2700M)

Chele La - Rise early to visit the less-explored Haa Valley, nestled within mighty mountain ranges. Opened to international tourism in 2002, high-end hotel development is restricted to preserve its quaint and peaceful charm. En route, stop at Chelela, the highest motorable mountain pass at 3900m above sea level. Spend time exploring the pristine pass and enjoy stunning mountain views (weather permitting).

Haa Valley - The drive from Chelela pass descends gradually into the beautiful Haa valley. Visit the valley’s two oldest temples, the 7th-century Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), located near the revered Risum Gonpo mountains. Check into Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge, a traditional farmhouse converted into a charming lodge for the night. Consider experiencing a traditional therapeutic hot stone bath for an additional fee of about USD20 per person. If unavailable, stay at Risum Resort.

HAA VALLEY / TRANSFER BACK TO PARO (2200M)

HIKE TO TIGER’S NEST (TAKTSANG MONASTERY)

Paro Taktsang - After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, perched on an 800-meter rock cliff. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors. It’s recommended to start early before the sun becomes strong. One-way horse riding is available to the mid-point (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) for about USD20. After lunch at the cafeteria, retrace your steps to the base and drive to Paro town for leisure exploration. In the evening, visit a beautiful farmhouse to enjoy home-cooked local cuisine. Consider a traditional hot stone bath, believed to have therapeutic benefits, for an additional fee of about USD20.

TRANSFER TO PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FOR DEPARTURE

Paro International Airport - After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. The guide will assist with all exit formalities before check-in.

• All internal taxes for the services listed above
• All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and light snacks
• Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro on Day 06
• Twin-sharing accommodation at 3-star hotels certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan
• Entry fee to National Museum
• Experienced English-speaking licensed guide
• Visa Fee & Processing. You’ll receive your e-Visa within 4-5 business days.

• Travel insurance
• International flights. Let us know if you need help with arranging flights to and from Bhutan.
• Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
• Emergency evacuation
• Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee
• Tips to guide and driver
• Any other expenses of personal nature

This is a responsible and sustainable tour that directly helps local communities and guarantees authentic experiences with minimal impact on the environment.

Experience the amazing cultural heritage and traditions of Bhutan from dazzling ancient festivals and secluded peaceful monasteries to the spectacular fortresses and beautiful valleys that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Get up close with the hospitable people of Bhutan and the natural environment they live in with our passionate and expert local guide who knows the places inside out.

• This tour can be customized and run on a private basis just for you and your group.
• We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
• There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you to book your international flights few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
• After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. Actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address.
• Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one adult.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.