Bhutan
The Wonders of Bhutan
The mountain kingdom of Bhutan is all about its splendid natural beauty, gross national happiness, amazing landscape and rich cultural heritage. This 13 night/14 day itinerary is perfect for those that want to take a deep dive into the kingdom’s culture and explore its verdant valleys, fragrant pine forests, soaring Himalayan peaks and cliff-hanging monasteries – in true comfort and style!
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 & 2: Paro
Arrive in Paro. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Tour Manager who will escort you to your hotel and help you to check-in.
On the first afternoon, you will visit the 7th century twin temples of Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country.
You will then visit the Drukgyel Dzong where you can sit down by the big prayer wheel below the ruins. If time permits, you will take an exploratory walk around Paro’s main street and market area in the evening.
The next morning, you will hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2,950m (9,678ft). Note: For those who need assistance on the climb, mules and donkeys will be on hand. Your guide will check in advance if you would like to avail of this service.
Thereafter, you will visit the National Museum which provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. A short walk downhill from the museum is the imposing Paro Dzong, a fine example of historic Bhutanese architecture.
In the evening, you will participate in an Archery Contest with a professional archer.
Meals: B, L, D
On the first afternoon, you will visit the 7th century twin temples of Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country.
You will then visit the Drukgyel Dzong where you can sit down by the big prayer wheel below the ruins. If time permits, you will take an exploratory walk around Paro’s main street and market area in the evening.
The next morning, you will hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2,950m (9,678ft). Note: For those who need assistance on the climb, mules and donkeys will be on hand. Your guide will check in advance if you would like to avail of this service.
Thereafter, you will visit the National Museum which provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. A short walk downhill from the museum is the imposing Paro Dzong, a fine example of historic Bhutanese architecture.
In the evening, you will participate in an Archery Contest with a professional archer.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3 - 5: Bumthang
During your stay, you will visit the prominent sights of Bumthang – Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Thangbi Goemba, Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery and Jakar Dzong.
You will also take an excursion to Tang Valley to visit Ogyen Choling Palace, Membartsho (The Burning Lake) and Ta Limochen Lhakhang.
Meals: B, L, D
You will also take an excursion to Tang Valley to visit Ogyen Choling Palace, Membartsho (The Burning Lake) and Ta Limochen Lhakhang.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6 - 8: Gangtey
You will drive to Gangtey (approximately 2 hours, excluding stops). En-route, you will stop at Trongsa, the royal family’s ancestral home. Here, you will visit the imposing Trongsa Dzong, also known as The Vanguard of the Warriors.
Next, you will visit the Ta Dzong Museum, a remarkable heritage museum that overlooks the dzong.
During your stay, you will visit the Black Neck Crane Center and spend time in the centre’s observation room (subject to weather conditions) which is equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes to catch the best views of the cranes.
You will also take an excursion to Tangjey Lhakhang (3,050 meters/10,006 feet) via Kilkhorthang village. Here, you will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Buddha and the local deity Yeshi Gempo.
Meals: B, L, D
Next, you will visit the Ta Dzong Museum, a remarkable heritage museum that overlooks the dzong.
During your stay, you will visit the Black Neck Crane Center and spend time in the centre’s observation room (subject to weather conditions) which is equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes to catch the best views of the cranes.
You will also take an excursion to Tangjey Lhakhang (3,050 meters/10,006 feet) via Kilkhorthang village. Here, you will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Buddha and the local deity Yeshi Gempo.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9 - 11: Punakha
You will drive to Punakha (approximately 3 hours, excluding stops).
During your stay, you will take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang. It is widely believed that when childless couples who want to get pregnant, pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. You will also hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built by the Bhutanese Queen Mother and consecrated in 1999.
You might like to visit the Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks.
Also on the tour will be a visit to the villages of Talo and Nongang, renowned for being the cleanest villages in Punakha.
On one of the evenings, you can try your hand at archery or sign up for a cooking class to learn how to make momos (traditional dumplings).
Meals: B, L, D
During your stay, you will take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang. It is widely believed that when childless couples who want to get pregnant, pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. You will also hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built by the Bhutanese Queen Mother and consecrated in 1999.
You might like to visit the Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks.
Also on the tour will be a visit to the villages of Talo and Nongang, renowned for being the cleanest villages in Punakha.
On one of the evenings, you can try your hand at archery or sign up for a cooking class to learn how to make momos (traditional dumplings).
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12 & 13: Thimphu
You will drive to Thimphu (approximately 2.5 hours, excluding stops).
While you’re in the capital, you will explore the major attractions of Thimphu – the National Library, Textile Museum, the Post Office (where you can make your own personalized stamps), Simply Bhutan (which encapsulates the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people), the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly referred to as the ‘Painting School’), Trashi Chhoe Dzong (the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices) and the National Memorial Chorten.
You may also like to take an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s main street and market area.
Meals: B, L, D
While you’re in the capital, you will explore the major attractions of Thimphu – the National Library, Textile Museum, the Post Office (where you can make your own personalized stamps), Simply Bhutan (which encapsulates the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people), the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly referred to as the ‘Painting School’), Trashi Chhoe Dzong (the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices) and the National Memorial Chorten.
You may also like to take an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s main street and market area.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: Thimphu – Paro & Depart
Today, you will drive to Paro’s International Airport (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops).
On arrival, you will be met by our colleague who will help you to check-in for your homeward flight (details to be advised).
Meals: B
On arrival, you will be met by our colleague who will help you to check-in for your homeward flight (details to be advised).
Meals: B
Snapshots from the itinerary
