Overview

If you are reading the tour overview already, there seems absolutely no reason for you to skip visiting the happiest place on earth. Perched up in the Himalayas between the large neighbouring countries of India and China, Bhutan remains to be the last Buddhist kingdom on earth. Bhutan takes pride in pioneering a philosophy of happiness, which in time must be adopted by all nations in order to restore world peace. Bhutan’s development is not measured in terms of its economic growth but on the growth of individuals’ well being, commonly referred to as Gross National Happiness (GNH). If you are tired of the bustling city life and need a little getaway into a world of marvels, forest greens and carbon-free air, there is no better place to be than in Bhutan.

What awaits is an exciting 8-day tour in the stunning scenic view of the Himalayas together with a visit to a number of enchanting dzongs (fortresses) to experience a long-preserved and lesser known culture. If literature combined with a bit of history excites you then this tour also provides you with an opportunity to explore the vast collections of Buddhist manuscripts. Along the way also get acquainted with the national animal of Bhutan, the takin at the Takin zoo. Learn about the Bhutanese way of life at the National Folk Heritage Museum before taking on a beautiful trek to Dochula Pass to witness the many grand peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. Take a day off to go on a pilgrimage to Jambay Lhakhang and Chakhar Lhakhang among others. Conclude the tour by marveling at the beauty of the temple built by the Queen of Bhutan followed by an idyllic countryside-themed dinner in Paro. 

7 Nights 8 Days Available on request Paro Airport
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • Sightseeing tours to all the places mentioned above
  • Local guide to be by your side throughout the tour
  • Safety gears in case of an activity involving security measures
  • A transport vehicle for your convenience
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided
  • Baggage handling, room tax and service charge

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Flight tickets, visas and travel insurance
  • Throughout guide surcharge
  • Personal expenditure incurred in case of snacks or drinks other than those provided
  • Other sundry expenses arising outside of the tour package
  • No alcoholic beverages included in the package
  • Hot stone water bath
  • Bottled water and drinks
Highlights
What makes this tour special
  • Connect with your spiritual self while traversing through the magnificent Himalayas
  • Soak in the Bhutanese way of life at the National Folk Heritage Museum
  • Short trek to the Dochula Pass amidst the backdrop of the breathtaking Himalayan view
  • Visit the beautiful 17th century Ta Dzong Monastery
Itinerary
Day 1- Day of arrival in Paro
  • Paro is the city of arrival in Bhutan by flight and is one of the most enjoyable of all mountain flights. Just before landing, one can witness the magnificent peaks of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchanjunga, Mt. Makalu along with peaks in Bhutan such as Mt. Chomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drakay, and Mt. Tsherimgang. On arrival, your official tour guide will be waiting at the airport exit to escort you to your hotel to freshen up. After some refreshments, the guide will tour you around Paro with the first stop being at Ta Dzong. A 17th century watchtower for the Paro Dzong which was converted into the national museum in 1967 is filled with antique thankha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor. This will be your first personal experience of the Bhutanese culture. It is expected of you to be sensitive towards each individual’s traditional beliefs while visiting historic monuments.  
  • After the first stop, drive to see the Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now used as an administration center and school for monks.
  • Shortly after we head to the capital of Bhutan, Thimpu, by car. Here,we take a short walk to the Changangkha temple - temple of Chenrigzig known as Buddha of Compassion and offer butter lamps before driving off to explore the Takin Zoo, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. Drive to Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) tower (2684m) to get a view of the Thimphu valley at night. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
  • Meals: Refreshments, Lunch and dinner provided
Day 2- Thimpu sightseeing
  • Second day will be exploration of the capital city which includes a visit to the Nation al Library that hosts a collection of timeless Buddhist manuscripts. A visit to the Traditional Painting School of Arts and Crafts wherein you can interact with children practising centuries old craft followed by a tour to the traditional medicine center where old medicinal herbs and acupuncture still remain unchallenged.
  • A visit to the National Folk Heritage Museum and Textile Museum to experience the Bhutanese way of life. Drive to Punakha (70Km) via the Dochula pass (3140 m) to capture different peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. Some of the peaks seen on a clear day are:
  • Masang Gang 7165 m
  • Tsenda Gang 7100 m
  • Teri Gang 7300 m
  • Jejekangphu Gang 7100 m
  • Gangkhar Puensum 7541 m (Highest mt in Bhutan)
  • After a spectacular view of the himalayan peaks, we drive onto Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan for lunch. Hereafter, we head to the island of the Pho - Chu (male) river and the Mochu (female) river. Visit the Dho Jha Gha Lam Temple. Overnight in Wangdue.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner provided
Day 3- Sightseeing from Wangdue to Bumthang
  • After a scrumptious breakfast at Wangdue, an exciting journey awaits every travel enthusiast. We drive to Trongsa via Pele la pass which is at an altitude of 3,150 metres. Traversing through the pass, at an altitude of 2,200 metres, we spend some time at the spectacular Trongsa Dzong. An architectural marvel and a true gem for photographers, this Dzong was built in 1644 by the Shabdrung. A monument of historical importance, it would be appreciated if you maintain discipline and respect here while encouraging fellow travellers to do the same.
  • After soaking in the tranquility, we drive into the heartland of Buddhism- Bumthang. This valley stands at a place where some of the greatest Buddhist teachers and their disciples meditated and as a result we see a sprawling sea of temples. Here you can learn about the ancient culture of the country.
  • After evening snacks and a surreal buddhist experience, we head to the Yatha Weaving Center to learn about the Bhutanese textile industry and Yatha speciality. Overnight in Bumthang.
  • Meals: Breakfast, snacks and dinner provided
Day 4: Pilgrimage outing in Bumthang
  • Day 4 is for pilgrim lovers and history fanatics. We start off after having a heavy breakfast in Bumthang for our first stop of th e day, Jambay Lhakhang. This temple was built in the 7th century along with other 107 temples by King Songtsen Goempo of Tibet to propagate Buddhism and to ward off evils in the himalayan region. Shortly after visiting Jambay Lhakhang, besides the main road is Chakhar Lhakhang famously known as an iron castle. This is followed by a drive up the valley to Kurjey Lhakhang and crossing over to the other side of the river on foot to visit Tamshing Lhakhang, a temple of good message.
  • A rather interesting story awaits you at Jakar Dzong also known as ‘castle of the white bird’. According to folklore, in 1549 when the lamas visited the place in search of a site to build a monastery, they were in for a sweet surprise when a big white bird suddenly rose out of nowhere and settled on a spur of the hill. Needless to say, this was how the place was chosen to erect this important monastery. The fortress still remains an important piece of land as it is used as an administrative center of the valley and summer residence of Trongsa monks. Winding up the pilgrim day by early evening with some time to spare till we call it a night, you can either take a walk around the serene Bumthang valley or retire early for dinner. Overnight in Bumthang.
  • Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided
Day 5: Sighting of black-necked cranes
  • After early breakfast in Bumthang, we leave in pursuit of black-necked cranes, which migrate from the remote parts of China and Siberia to Gangtey Gompa to spend winter.  While in the valley, we will also touch base with Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.
  • After a heartfelt picnic-packed lunch, we drive to Punakha, the last district of the trip for an overnight stay. Since lunch will be served in boxes and recyclable plates, care should be taken to not leave behind any food or plastic items.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Day 6: Sightseeing in Punakha
  • After breakfast, proceed for a day trip to the Metsina Village and then visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery- Chhimi Lhakhang. The site is a famous for its fertility shrine. Transfer back to hotel. Overnight in Punakha. Elaborate.
  • Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided
Day 7: Sightseeing in Punakha
  • Your second last day in the happiest country in the world, Bhutan, s hould be nothing less than idyllic. After breakfast, we leave on foot to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, soaking in the serendipity of nature, to marvel at the temple built by the Queen of Bhutan in a bid to symbolize peace and stability in this fast-paced world.
  • After a serene experience at the temple, visit one last spot in Punakha, the impressive Punakha Dzong, the second of Bhutan's Dzong. Drive back to Paro, taking in the memory of the passing countryside,crossing rivers and natural forests to Paro. Evening is booked at a countryside- fashioned farmhouse in Paro with traditional drinks and snacks served to make your last overnight stay in Bhutan memorable.
  • Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided
Day 8: Departure
  • After a wholesome breakfast early in the morning, our guide will escort you along with heaps of memories and a surreal Bhutanese experience to the airport for your flight back home. We hope you have a safe journey and remember us with fond memories.
  • Meals: Breakfast will be provided
Pickup point
Directions.
Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro, Bhutan View on Map