Overview

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’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.

Our 9-day soft adventure tour of Bhutan is a perfect blend of adventure and culture to keep you and your family active even on a vacation, and spoil you with traditional buddhist values and heritage. The tour apart from the adventure includes breathtaking views of the Himalayas and 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, all of this while rafting in the crystal clear white waters of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers in Punakha. 

8 Nights 9 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 other than our representative
  • 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
  • Bottled water and drinks
Highlights
What makes this tour special
  • A one of a kind white river rafting experience amidst breathtaking himalayan view
  • Learn about the Bhutanese way of life at the National Folk Heritage Museum
  • Short trek to the Dochula Pass amidst the backdrop of the magnificent himalayan peaks
  • Visit the beautiful 17th century Ta Dzong Monastery
  • Short hike through the farmlands of Rinchengang village

 

Itinerary
Day 1: Paro- Thimphu
  • Your soft adventure journey in Bhutan begins by arriving in the city of Paro by flight. On arrival, our official tour guide will be waiting at the airport to take you and your fam ily to the first spot of the tour. While Paro is the city of arrival, Thimpu is the capital city of Bhutan and also our first destination.
  • After a two- hour drive through the mesmerizing himalayan landscapes, we arrive in Thimphu. Upon arrival, we proceed to check-in at the hotel and depending on the time, settle down to either relax till evening or leave for sightseeing immediately after some refreshments.  
  • Visit local weekend market which runs from Thursday to Sunday and experience Bhutanese culture by getting acquainted with local vegetable vendors who come from different parts of the country.
  • After a short walk through the market, transfer back to hotel and unwind for the day. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimpu Sightseeing
  • Second day will be exploration of the capital city which includes a visit to the Traditional Painting School of Arts and Crafts here you can interact with children practising 13 different types of centuries old craft. It will be followed by a tour to the traditional medicine center where old medicinal herbs and acupuncture still remain unchallenged. Shortly after, we head to the National Folk Heritage Museum and Textile Museum to learn Bhutan’s rich heritage.
  • Shortly after lunch, we take a trip to the National Library that hosts a collection of timeless Buddhist manuscripts. We then drive to the Buddha Point, Changangkha temple, the oldest temple in the valley. The temple of Chenrigzig is known as Buddha of Compassion and we offer butter lamps here before driving off to explore the Takin Zoo. It houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. Drive to Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) tower (2685m) to get a view of the Thimphu valley at night. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu- Punakha
  • After breakfast, we leave behind the beautiful city of Thimphu to venture into Punakha (75Km) 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 and quick photography break, we continue to drive onto Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan for lunch. On arrival in the city in the evening, we check-in to the hotel. As the following two days call for an exciting adventure, evening is kept free for you and your family to spend quality time in and around the hotel or catch up on good long sleep. Dinner and overnight in Punakha.
Day 4: Whitewater Rafting along the Pho Chu river in Punakha
  • After breakfast, we set sail on the most exciting part of the journey, white water rafting. We drive from Punakha to the Pho Chu (Male) river for a soft rafting experience. Upon arrival, the instructors will provide you with safety briefing and details of the rafting site which you embark on your adventure. This involves you to paddle and manoeuvre the raft which makes for a mesmerizing experience as it takes you through a running landscape of scenic beauty. Along the 16 km course with 15 rapids, you will drift along to Punakha Dzong. The rafting will last around 3-4 hours.
  • After a leisurely picnic snack by the river-side, we drive through the upper Punakha passing farmlands. Spend time in the greens while playing some games till sundown.
  • Transfer back to hotel. Dinner and overnight in Punakha.
Day 5: White water River rafting along the Mo Chu river in Punakha
  • After an adventurous day four along the Pho Chu river, we arrive by car to Mo Chu (Female) river post breakfast. Mo Chu is a good stretch of 10 km with 10 rapids and is suited for those with a penchant for light rafting. The course will take you up to the temple at Nyezengong and down past the Punakha Dzong and high school.
  • We will rap up the activity for the day by mid afternoon followed by a short hike through Rinchengang village in Wangduephodrang. Here you can interact with the villagers and visit the ruins of the Wangdue Dzong.
  • Transfer back to hotel. Dinner and overnight in Punakha.
Day 6: Punakha Sightseeing
  • After breakfast, proceed for a day trip to the beautiful Phobjika Valley and Goempa Monastery. On the way up, we stop for lunch at Metsina Village and then visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery- Chhimi Lhakhang. The site is famous for its fertility shrine. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 7: Punakha- Paro
  • After breakfast on day seven, we leave on foot to Khamsum Yue lley 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.
Day 8: Paro Sightseeing
  • After an eventful week in Bhutan, day eight will be relatively relaxing to allow you to soak in the cultural beauty. Our guide will tour you around Paro and take you to Ta Dzong. A 17th century watchtower for the Paro Dzong which was converted into the national museum in 1967. It is filled with antique Thankha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor.
  • Then, we 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. Second half is kept free for your leisure and you can choose to either spend time in the neighbourhood trotting down the streets or drive around in Paro.
  • Dinner and overnight in Paro.
Day 9: 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.
Pickup point
Directions.
Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro, Bhutan View on Map