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

Thimphu - Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, the guide and driver will greet you and commence a 1.5-hour drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. This vibrant city serves as the hub of commerce, religion, and government in the nation. In Thimphu, you’ll visit the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa constructed in 1974 in honor of Bhutan’s Third King. You’ll also see the impressive 169-foot bronze Buddha statue overlooking the Thimphu valley. Next, visit a weaving center where both men and women create intricate Bhutanese textile designs using traditional handlooms. Weaving is a vital aspect of Bhutanese culture and tradition.

THIMPHU / TRANSFER TO PUNAKHA VALLEY (1200M)

Punakha - Before departing for Punakha valley, explore some fascinating sites in Thimphu, including Bhutan’s sole animal enclosure, the Royal Takin Preserve, where you can observe 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 to young people. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the Folk Heritage Restaurant. Afterward, stop by the Changlimithang Archery Range to witness archery, Bhutan’s national sport, where archers sing and dance each time they hit the target from an impressive distance of 145m. Then, embark on a 2.5-hour drive to Punakha via the sacred Dochula Pass, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of some of Bhutan’s highest mountains (weather permitting). Upon arrival in Punakha, visit the renowned Chimi Lhakhang, known as the “Temple of Fertility,” believed to bless childless couples with fertility. Explore the nearby village, where houses are adorned with large phallic paintings.

Punakha Dzong - If time allows, travel to Punakha proper and visit the Punakha Dzong. Originally built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who founded the Bhutanese state, Punakha Dzong is considered a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. The sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, along with the intricate woodwork, are excellent examples of Bhutanese art and craftsmanship, which continue to influence Bhutanese architecture today. If interested, you can also walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, connecting to the villages of Shengana, Samdingkha, and Wangkha across the glacial-fed Phochu river.

PUNAKHA / TRANSFER TO PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (3000M)

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

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 called Ta Dzong, to gain insight into Bhutanese history and culture. From there, drive to the stunning 17th-century Paro Rinpung Dzong, where part of the Hollywood movie “Little Buddha” was filmed. Walk to the charming traditional wooden cantilever bridge over the Pachu river. Then, visit one of the country’s oldest temples, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, believed to have been built overnight by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue the spirit of an ogress hindering the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas. Later, enjoy leisure time around Paro town.

PARO / TRANSFER TO HAA VALLEY (2700M)

Chele La - Rise early and head to the less-visited Haa Valley, nestled within the folds of majestic mountain ranges. Opened to international tourism only in 2002, the development of high-end hotels is currently prohibited to preserve its quaint and peaceful charm. En route, stop at Chelela, the highest motorable mountain pass at 3900m above sea level. Spend some time exploring the pristine mountain pass and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges (weather permitting).

Haa Valley - The drive from Chelela pass descends gradually to the beautiful Haa valley. Visit the two oldest temples in the valley, the 7th-century Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), located close to each other at the base of the three revered mountains called Risum Gonpo. Check into Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge, a traditional farmhouse refurbished into a beautiful lodge for an overnight stay. Consider experiencing a traditional therapeutic and revitalizing hot stone bath for an additional fee of about USD20 per person. If this lodge is unavailable, you’ll stay at Risum Resort.

HAA VALLEY / TRANSFER BACK TO PARO (2200M)

HIKE TO TIGER’S NEST (TAKTSANG MONASTERY)

Paro Taktsang - After breakfast, embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, perched on a sheer 800-meter rock cliff. The round-trip hike typically takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors. It is recommended to start the hike early before the sun becomes too 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 back to the base and drive to Paro town to enjoy some leisure time exploring. Later in the evening, visit a beautiful farmhouse and savor home-cooked local cuisine. You may also opt for a traditional hot stone bath, believed to have therapeutic and revitalizing effects, for an additional fee of about USD20 charged by the owner.

TRANSFER TO PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FOR DEPARTURE

Paro International Airport - After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you in completing 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
• All Entry fees except for National Museum

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.
• Youth between the ages of 12-18 MUST send us a copy of their valid Student Photo ID Card/Document to keep the discounted price. Without a copy of valid Student Photo ID Card/document, the full adult price will apply. Youth MUST also be accompanied by at least one full-paying 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.