Overview
While Bhutan is one of the smallest countries in the world, its cultural diversity and richness are profound. As such, strong emphasis is laid on the promotion and preservation of its unique culture. By protecting and nurturing Bhutan’s living culture it is believed that it will help guard the sovereignty of the nation. This tour will take you through various beautiful districts of Bhutan and each district will give you their distinctive and unique cultural Experience while also experiencing the beautiful scenery of Bhutan.
Trip Highlights
- Land at Paro International Airport, one of the most scenic airports in the world.
- Visit the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. A challenging hike rewarded with breathtaking views.
- Stroll through Paro town, exploring traditional Bhutanese architecture and local markets.
- Try traditional Bhutanese dishes like Ema Datshi (chilies and cheese).
- Visit a local craft workshop.
- Participate in a prayer ceremony or meditation session at a monastery.
- Learn about local legends and the importance of conservation efforts for cranes.
- Walk along ancient pathways and learn about Bhutan’s royal lineage.
Detailed Itinerary
While Bhutan is one of the smallest countries in the world, its cultural diversity and richness are profound. As such, strong emphasis is laid on the promotion and preservation of its unique culture. By protecting and nurturing Bhutan’s living culture it is believed that it will help guard the sovereignty of the nation. This tour will take you through various beautiful districts of Bhutan and each district will give you their distinctive and unique cultural Experience while also experiencing the beautiful scenery of Bhutan.
As you land at Paro International Airport, Touristo Bhutan's guide for your group will receive and welcome you to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Paro is one of the beautiful districts of Bhutan characterized with the both rural and urban features. The district has also many places of interest. Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The 55 Kilometer journey will take you through typical Bhutanese settlement along the road. On arrival at Thimphu, you will begin your sightseeing.
First you will visit Buddha Point, where you will see the world biggest statue of Buddha overlooking Thimphu Town below. The Buddha statue was built in recent years for the benefit of entire world. The view from Buddha point is impressive. Next you will visit Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of His Majesty, the Third King of Bhutan by the Queen Mother of Bhutan. Today, stupa is center for all the devotees living in Thimphu to offer prayer.
Later in the evening, you will visit Tashichoedzong, the fortress which houses the office of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Beside its majestic architectural design, the Dzong also houses the summer residence for central monk body. Later, in the evening, you will gather in one of the finest restaurant in town for welcome dinner.
After breakfast, your group will depart to the base of Cheri, which is located some 19 km from Thimphu Town. From there, you will hike for an hour to reach Cheri, one of the most significant monasteries in Bhutan. The hike will take you through very prestine forest and as you ascend through, you will have a good view of rich forest underneath you. Upon arrival at Cheri, you will first visit and offer your prayer in the monastery. Then, you will light the butter lamp and also, receive blessing from the Buddhist master at the monastery. Then, you will hike back to the base of Cheri, where you will have picnic lunch by the river side.
After lunch, you will drive back to Thimphu to visit few other places of interest. On arrival, first you will visit Bhutan National Post office, where you can customize the stamp out of your own photos. From there, you will continue to visit Zorig Chusum, the institute where youths of Bhutan learns thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Towards the evening, you will visit Centenary Farmers’ Market, where Bhutanese bring their local products for sale in market. You will continue to visit National Archery Stadium to see the Archery, the national sports of Bhutan. Later, you will have free time to stroll around Thimphu town and enjoy a coffee.
Today, you will wear a Bhutanese National Dress, and then, you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. On your first hour drive, you will reach at Dochula, one of the most beautiful pass of Bhutan. Many mountain ranges are visible from Dochula during the clear sky days. You will enjoy the view at Dochula for some time, and then, you will continue your journey to Punakha. Upon arrival at Lobesa, you will pay visit to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple dedicated to divine madman – Lama Drukpa Kuenley. It is believed that the temple has power to bless inconceivable couple with child. Then, you will proceed to Punakha.
You will first visit Punakha Dzong, the majestic Dzong located between the two rivers. Architecturally, Punakha dzong is considered as one of the best dzongs in Bhutan. Later towards the evening, you will visit longest traditional bridge in Bhutan to enjoy the view of nearby villages. Later, you will go to hotel for dinner and night.
After breakfast, you will make your journey further into Bhutan and this time to the valley of Black Necked Crane – Phobjikha. Just before arrival at Phobjikha, you will host a prayer flag on a hill overlooking the Phobjikha Valley. Then, you will proceed to visit Gangtey Goenpa, the largest and only nyingma monastery in the western Bhutan. In the afternoon, you will take short nature hike through the prestine forest of Phobjikha valley. You will able to see the various beautifully located houses in the valley. Then, you will stop at one of the villager’s house for tea and snack. Later, you will go to hotel for dinner and night hold.
Today, you will travel back to Paro. On the way, you will make several stop to capture photo and also to relax. Upon arrival at Dochula, you will enjoy tea and snacks and then continue your journey to Thimphu for the lunch. After lunch, you will depart Thimphu for Paro. On arrival at Paro, you will first visit Paro National Museum, which house the national artifacts and national relic on display for the public exhibition. Then, you will go down to Paro Rimpung Dzong, to see the wall paintings on the dzong, which depicts the life story of Jetsuen Milarepa. Then, you will take step down through the traditional bridge, from where your car will be waiting. Then, you will go to hot stone bath, and later you will return to Paro for night and dinner.
After early morning breakfast, you will depart to Paro to hike to Paro Taktshang, the only temple in the world, hanging on the cliff by the sheer force of faith. “Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktsang”, says one tourist. Indeed it’s true as the journey there fills you with spiritual bliss. It is located atop an 800 meter cliff. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 ½ hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take another 1 ½ hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months.
On return, you will visit the Kichu Lhakhang; one of the renowned temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gyembo along with other 108 temples in a single night, to bring down the power of evil spirit existed around Himalaya. Then, you will visit the Dungtse Lhakhang, the three storied temple located across the river. The three storied represents the three realms of this samsara. Later, you will have free time to stroll around the Paro Town. In the evening, you will gather for farewell dinner and it will be accompany by the cultural performances by the professional cultural group.
SERVICE & COST
Cost Includes
- Bhutan Visa: The Bhutan visa fee is USD 40 per person, and there is also a Government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night. (please note: A 50% discount shall be granted on the prevailing SDF of USD 200 for US Dollar paying tourists visiting Bhutan. The effective SDF with the discount shall be USD 100 per person per night for US Dollar paying tourists, effect from 1 September 2023 till 31 August 2027.)
- Accommodation: Throughout the trip, stay in three hotels as listed in the itinerary. Single rooms are not provided.
- Meals: All meals are included in Bhutan. Please refer to the itinerary for the details of the meals provided.
- Guide Service: English-speaking guides provided throughout the trip.
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- Attraction Tickets: Entrance tickets for all listed attractions are included, guaranteeing full visits. In case of unexpected circumstances, alternative arrangements will be discussed with the tourists.
- Transportation Arrangement: air-conditioned vehicles.
- Transfer Service: Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off at Paro Airport.
- Complimentary Cultural Experience: Traditional costume experience
- Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip.
Cost Excludes
- Airfare: International round-trip tickets. (Flight ticket booking service and instant quotes are available upon request.)
- Single Room Supplement: The default accommodation is based on two people sharing a room. If you require a single room, an additional single room supplement must be paid.
- Personal Expenses: Other personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, internet, fax, etc., within the hotel.
- Tipping: Tips for drivers and guides (Tipping practices may vary depending on the region and nature of service; it is recommended to consult the guide's opinion in advance).
- Travel Insurance.
- Horseback riding at Tiger's Nest Monastery costs USD 35-45, and there are other optional experiences available in Bhutan.
- Unexpected Circumstances: In case of uncontrollable and non-agency-related factors (such as natural disasters, war, strikes), flight delays or cancellations, delayed visa processing at embassies, insufficient number of participants, the travel agency reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary. Additional charges may apply for expenses beyond the agency's control (e.g., visa fees, accommodation, meals, transportation, adjustments in airfares).
FAQs
