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Best of Bhutan

Thimphu, Bumthang, Paro, Punakha
Best-Time
October - May
Stops
4
Experience
Culture, Family, Nature
Length
11 Days
Type
Tailormade

Highlights

Explore Bhutan, a land of tradition, culture and mythological mysteries. Yet, one of the most memorable factors of this land is its people that leave a mark right in the heart, merely by a soft stroke of warm smiles. Visit Thimphu, the capital and the only city of Bhutan. Visit the world famous tiger monastery in Paro and the beautiful Dzongs in Bumthang

What will you cover?

Suggested Itinerary

DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 9
DAY 10
DAY 11

Day 1 : Paro Arrival - Thimphu

Upon arrival at Paro airport, a private vehicle will transfer you to Thimphu.

Thimphu is the beating heart of Bhutan. The capital of one of the world's most intriguing destinations and the only city in Bhutan. It is situated in the western central part of Bhutan. It is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk bodies, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Thimphu

Day 2 : Thimphu

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Thimphu.

Start your tour by visiting Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue) where a huge statue of Buddha sits on the top of the Kuensel Phodrang. Next, visit the National Memorial Chorten (Monument) & Folk Heritage Museum.

In the afternoon, visit Sangaygang View Point, Changangkha Monastery and Takin Preserve Centre where the national animal of Bhutan can be seen. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion).


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Thimphu

Day 3 : Thimpu - Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punaka.

En route, stop at Dochu-La-Pass (3150 mts.) to view the higher Himalayas.

Upon arrival at Punaka, check in at the accommodation and later visit Punakha Dzong - built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years, until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness).

Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.  Next, take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang - The Temple, also known as The Temple of Fertility. This temple was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as The Devine Mad Man.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Punakha

Day 4 : Punakha - Bumthang

After breakfast, drive to Trongsa across Pele-La-Pass (11.120 ft.), a traditional boundary between east & west Bhutan. There is an abrupt change in vegetation, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboos.

En route, visit Chendbji Chorten which is built in the style of the great Bodhanath Choten of Nepal. Next, visit Trongsa Dzong which was the seat of power over central & eastern Bhutan. Visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower. The chapel inside is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal. Drive further to Bumthang over the Yutong-La-Pass (11,155 ft.).  While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit the Yathra Weaving Factory which is the most famous textile product of Bumthang.

Arrive in Bumthang and check in at the accommodation.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Bumthang

Day 5 : Bumthang

After breakfast, spend the full day exploring Bumthang.

Start your day by visiting Jakar Dzong, literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667. Next, visit Lamey Goemba, a large palace, and monastery built in the 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi. Visit, Jambay Lhakhang that was built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet. In October one of the most spectacular festival, Jambay Lhakhang Drup is staged here. Chakhar Lhakhang literally means the Iron Castle. The original palace was made of Iron and hence the name Chakhar. Kurjey Lhakhang was named after the body print of Guru Rimpoche.

In the afternoon, visit Tamshing Lhakhang that means the Temple of the Good Message which was established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. Next, visit Membarstho that means The Burning Lake. The evening ends with a visit to a local handloom weaving house where you will get the chance to interact with the weavers.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Bumthang

Day 6 : Bumthang

After breakfast, set out for an excursion to Ura village

You will start the tour by visiting the new Ura monastery. Next, visit the Mebartso, the burning lake. Later, stroll around the village and then return back to the hotel.

In the evening, walk to the Swiss farm where apple juice, cider, cheese, etc. is made.

 


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Bumthang

Day 7 : Bumthang - Punakha

After breakfast, a private vehicle will transfer you to Punakha.

Upon arrival at Punakha, check in at the accommodation and enjoy rest of the day at leisure.

Punakha is a town in the Himalayas of Bhutan. It is known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress at the juncture of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. The fortress hosts the Punakha Tshechu, which is a religious festival featuring masked dances and music. In the surrounding Punakha Valley, temples include the fertility-focused Chimi Lhakhang and the hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which has river and mountain views.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Punukha

Day 8 : Punakha – Paro

After breakfast, drive to Paro.

En route, visit Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi.

Upon arrival at Paro, check in at the accommodation and later visit Ta Dzong the National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Next, visit Rinpung Dzong that means “fortress of the heap of jewels”. The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. Spend your evening free at leisure.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Paro

Day 9 : Paro

After breakfast, hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery also called “Tiger’s Nest” (2hrs hike from the base camp).

Later, visit the Drukgyel Dzong & Kyichu Monastery.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Paro

Day 10 : Paro

After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Chele-La-Pass from Paro.

Chele-La-Pass has the highest motorable road in Bhutan. Enjoy the scenic beauty & memorable landscapes from Chele-La-Pass.


Where to rest your head ?

Accommodation in Paro

Day 11 : Paro Departure

Today, a private vehicle will transfer you to Paro airport where you can catch your flight back home.


Where to rest your head ?

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Inclusions

accommodation
Hotels & Accommodation
sightseeing
Tours & Excursions
transfers
Airport Transfers
transport
Inter-City Connections
guide
English Speaking Guide

Exclusions

flights
Domestic Flights
meals
Food & Drinks
travel insurance
12 Days

Starting from
63000 per person