10 Days Bhutan In-depth Culture & Nature Travel Experience
Duration
10 days
Group Size
1 to 12 people
Ages
6
-
75
yrs
Languages
English
Tour Overview
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.
Additional information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Pickup
We will send a copy of your e-Visa and before traveling, you'll need to print a copy and show it at the check-in counter of your flight to Bhutan. Without proof of your e-Visa, you may be denied boarding the flight. Your e-Visa copy will also serve as the entry ticket to all attractions in Bhutan.
What's included
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
Lunch: 9
Dinner: 9
Twin-sharing accommodation at 3-star hotels certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan
Breakfast: 9
Entry fee to National Museum
Experienced English-speaking licensed guide
Visa Fee & Processing. You'll receive your e-Visa within 4-5 business days.
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Itinerary
Our guide and the driver will receive you at Paro International Airport and then begin a 1.5-hour journey to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Arriving in Thimphu you'll visit the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Visit the magnificent 169-foot bronze statue of Buddha overlooking Thimphu valley. From here we drive to visit a weaving center where both men and women can be seen weaving some of the most intricate designs and patterns of Bhutanese textiles using traditional handloom. Weaving is an integral part of Bhutanese culture and tradition.
Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara
Lunch:
Dinner:
Before heading to Punakha valley, visit some interesting sites in Thimphu including Bhutan's only animal enclosure - Royal Takin Preserve where you'll see unique Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. From there go to visit an art school, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum where the 13 Bhutanese traditional arts & crafts are taught to youth. A traditional lunch will be hosted at Folk Heritage Restaurant. After lunch, pass by Changlimithang Archery Range to witness archery, the national sport of Bhutan. You'll see archers singing and dancing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m. We then start a 2.5-hour journey to Punakha via sacred Dochula Pass, enjoy a spectacular view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan (weather permitting). Arriving Punakha, visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang known as "Temple of Fertility" believed to bless visiting childless couples with fertility. Explore the nearby village whose houses are adorned with huge paintings of phalluses.
Dinner and overnight at Aum Leki Wangmo Homestay or Hotel Sonamgang
Breakfast:
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Early breakfast and hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, located on a peaceful ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley. The round-trip hike takes 2.5-3 hours through beautiful idyllic countryside and a short climb before reaching the grand stupa that took 10 years to complete. After the hike, return to Punakha town for lunch at one of the local restaurants and then transfer to Phobjikha valley, a 3-hour drive through thickly forested mountains and a few settlements along the way. It is here that the revered and endangered Black-necked Cranes roost in winter from November to March before they migrate back to the Tibetan plateau. Arriving at Phobjikha, you'll visit an important landmark in the valley, the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery home to several hundreds of monks.
Dinner and overnight at Yue-Loki Guesthouse or Phobjikha Resort
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After breakfast, we start a 4-hour journey to Bumthang valley also known as Jakar and home to several sacred sites and national treasures. En route, stop by at Trongsa and visit the largest fortress in Bhutan, the 17th-century Trongsa Dzong that was once the seat of the powerful Wangchuk dynasty who have ruled the country since 1907. You can also visit Thruepang Palace, the birthplace of the late Third King, Jigme Dorji Wantchuk and get insights into his early days. You may also want to visit the Royal Heritage Museum located on a promontory overlooking the Trongsa Dong to learn the history of the Kings of Bhutan and the significance of Trongsa Dzong in Bhutanese history.
Dinner and overnight at Kaila Guest House or Hotel Ugyenling
Breakfast:
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Today after breakfast, you'll visit Tang valley located some 45 minutes drive away from Chamkhar town. En route, you will see Mebartso, the Burning Lake from where a sacred object was discovered in the 15th-century by the patron saint of Bhutan, Terton Pema Lingpa. You'll also have the chance to visit Ogyen Choling Palace Museum which was home to the noble family in the valley and today it is owned by one of the direct descendants of the once noble family. It was turned into a private museum in 2001 to share and preserve its cultural heritage and religious significance. Visit one of the family farmhouses and enjoy home-cooked local cuisine for lunch. You can also enjoy a locally brewed liquor known as "Ara". Spend some time with the family to get insights into the daily life of an ordinary Bhutanese family before we drive back to Chamkhar tow.
Dinner and overnight at Kaila Guest House or Hotel Ugyenling
Breakfast:
Lunch:
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Today, you'll take a 30-min scenic flight to Paro and visit the National Museum housed in the 17th-century watchtower called Ta Dzong to get a glimpse of Bhutanese history and culture. From here you will drive to visit the spectacular 17th-century Paro Rinpung Dzong where a part of Hollywood movie "Little Buddha" was filmed. Walk to the picturesque traditional wooden cantilever bridge that runs over Pachu river. After that visit one of the oldest temples and an important landmark in the country, 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue the spirit of an ogress causing harm to the propagation of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. Later, spend leisure time around Paro town.
Dinner and overnight at Lhayhuel Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
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Rise up early and head to the less-visited Haa Valley hidden within the folds of mighty mountain ranges. It was opened to international tourism only in 2002 and the development of high-end hotels are banned for now to maintain its old quaint and peaceful look. En route stop at Chelela, the highest motorable mountain pass standing at 3900m above sea level. You'll spend some time exploring the pristine mountain pass and enjoy the stunning view of surrounding mountain ranges (weather permitting).
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Lhayul or Risum Resort
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner:
After a leisurely breakfast, head out to explore the village of Katso and meet with some local farmers to learn about their daily lives. They live in absolute harmony with the nature around them as they consider nature as a source of all lives. You will also visit Katsho Monastery above the village overlooking Haa valley. After lunch, head back to Paro. On the way back, if you are interested we can stop at Chelela Pass and do a 1.5-hour hike to Kila Gonpa Nunnery home to several dozens of nuns of all ages. The hiking trail leads you through the ridge with beautiful views of both Paro and Haa valley. You'll have the chance to meet with inquisitive nuns who make this nunnery home for the rest of their lives. The driver will pick you up from the base of the nunnery.
Dinner and overnight at Lhayhuel Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Breakfast:
Lunch:
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After breakfast, hike to Taktsang monastery also known as Tiger's Nest located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rock cliff. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors. We recommend starting the hike early before the sun gets strong. Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the mid-point (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) for about USD20. After lunch at the cafeteria, we retrace our steps back to the base and drive to Paro town and spend some leisure time exploring the Paro town. Later in the evening, visit a beautiful farmhouse and savour the home-cooked local cuisine. You may want to take a traditional hot stone bath believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect for an extra fee of about USD20 charged by the owner.
Overnight at Lhayhuel Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Breakfast:
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After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check in.
Breakfast:
FAQ
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Min 6 days: 100%
- From 2 to 6 days: 50%
- From 0 to 2 days: 0%