We have taken the best of Bhutan and combined our rich culture, exquisite heritage, unique way of life and scenic beauty into a five night 6 day six culture tour to make your stay here in the Magical Kingdom a flight of fantasy.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later
- Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
- Duration 6 days
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Live tour guide
- English
- Wheelchair accessible
Experience
Highlights
- Sightseeing in Thimphu
- Trashichho dzong
- Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger's Nest)
- Handicrafts emporium
- Punakha Dzong
- Drugyel Dzong victory fortress
Full description
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01 - Arrival at Paro (by Druk Air) then transfer to Thimphu
The flight into Paro on Bhutan's national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of the country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control you will drive you to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. The drive will take around 1 hour. Thimphu has a population of about 98,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 02 - Sightseeing in and around Thimphu
In the morning we first stop at Bhutan’s National Bank to exchange currency as well as visit the post office to view and purchase elaborate and exquisite Bhutanese collector item stamps. We then will visit the National Memorial Chorten which was built in 1974 in memory of the third king. Also, the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved and the Takin Reserve which protects the national animal of Bhutan. After lunch visit the Textile Museum and the Arts and Crafts School. A visit to the House of Incense and House of Paper are always favorites as well. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 03 - Drive from Thimphu to Punakha for a day’s sightseeing and return to Thimphu
Leaving Thimphu we drive about 3 hours, with the road climbing steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near the Dochula Pass (3,050m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges on a clear day. You will see Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Junipers and pine forests with chirping sounds of the many rare species of birds found in Bhutan. We drive onto Lobesa to take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. Driving North to the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 which strategically occupies the land between the two rivers Phochu and Mochu. After our day of sightseeing we head back to Thimphu. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 04 - Leaving Thimphu we drive towards Paro with sightseeing along the way
An early morning drive towards Paro we stop to visit the Ta Dzong which houses the National Museum and visit Paro’s Rimpung Dzong, along the way down we cross the 16th century cantilever bridge. Also visiting the Drugyel Dzong victory fortress, built in 1647 which is 18 kilometers from the Paro town. Explore the magnificent ramparts of the erstwhile fortress which defended the country against several incursions. On a clear day one can also view the sacred Mount Jomolhari, from the northern battlements. We take a visit to a farm house and observe the traditional Bhutanese way of life and living. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 05 - Excursion to the Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger's Nest)
The trail to the Tiger's Nest climbs through beautiful Pine and rhododendron forests. You stop at the cafeteria which offers magnificent up close views of the tigers nest for refreshments. Then we continue the hike for short while until you see Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900m into the valley below. History states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger and meditated here for three months. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 06 - Transfer to international airport for your final departure
After breakfast our airport representative will drop you at the Paro International Airport for your flight departure from Bhutan.
Includes
- Pick up from and drop off at the hotel and the airport
- Standard government-approved accommodation
- Full-board meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea & snacks - for the duration of your stay
- Mineral water for the duration of the tour
- Country presentation and tour Briefing on the evening of Day 01 with welcome drinks
- Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guides
- Private transportation and a designated driver within Bhutan. Toyota 4WD luggage vans and light trucks for group travel. Luggage will be hauled by horses, mules or yaks at higher elevations, if required
- Monument and museums entrance fees at all sightseeing locations detailed in the itinerary
- Cultural afternoon/evening sessions with traditional mask and folk dances (with beverages)
- Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance
- Government royalty (35% of $200), which goes to the country's health and education
- Entrance fees
- Government taxes
- International airfare and airport departure tax. (Please contact us for the Druk Air flight booking)
- Your travel insurance (mandatory for the trip; should cover helicopter rescue charges worth a minimum of USD 50,000 per person)
- Expenses of personal nature, such as laundry
- Sightseeing/monument entrance fees as well as photography charges (if and when applicable)
- Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks
- Personal trekking and/or climbing equipment
- Tips for tour guides, porters, driver, hotel lobby and in restaurants (Tipping is expected)
- Other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Meeting point
Paro Airport, Bhutan
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What to bring
- Passport or ID card