Meals

All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner). Breakfast & Dinner will be usually served at your hotels. Most of the lunches will be served at local restaurants while some can be arranged as a picnic. We also arrange traditional lunch at some traditional restaurants to offer a better choice.

Optional

You will have an opportunity to try our Bhutanese traditional archery and dart throwing. A set of national costumes (Gho for men and Kira for women) will be provided. The costumes should be returned to the guide at the end of the tour.

Guide

We believe tour guides play an important role in making your journey memorable and getting the most out of your trip. All our guides are experienced English-speaking licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and they will accompany you throughout your trip in Bhutan. They are always ready to serve you and take care of you every step of your journey so that you go back home satisfied and happy with good memories that will last a lifetime. And the driver’s responsibility is no less. No matter how luxurious the transport is, your safety and comfort are in the hands of a driver. Therefore, we employ only experienced drivers specifically licensed to drive tourists. If for some reason you are not satisfied with either of our guide or driver, let us know immediately. We never had such issues in the past but we’ll always try to have them replaced as soon as possible. NOTE: We can arrange guides speaking other major languages (French, Japanese, German, Chinese, Korean & Thai) at an additional fee.

Others

Bhutan Visa Fee & processing is INCLUDED. You’ll receive a copy of e-Visa in PDF format within 3-4 business days and it is 100% guaranteed. Bottled mineral water in the car

Transport

All ground transportation including airport transfers is INCLUDED in the price. We provide: Luxury SUV for 1-2 person Luxury Minivan for a group of 3-8 person Luxury bus/coach for a group of 9 people and above Our fleet of transport vehicles are highly maintained and chauffeured by specially licensed professionals to drive tourists.

Accommodation

The price includes standard twin sharing accommodation at 3-star hotels certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Our partner hotels are handpicked based on our past guests’ recommendations and good experiences. You will be informed of where you will stay at each destination before your arrival. You will also have an option (prior arrangement required) to stay at a village homestay/farmhouse at a few destinations to get insight into the local culture, feast on delicious local cuisine, and prepare some of the popular dishes of Bhutan.

Hygieneprotocol

Starting from 23rd September 2022, Bhutan will fully reopen for tourism without quarantine requirement. The pre-departure RT-PCR negative test certificate is also not required. However, all tourists are required to show up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinination record. You are also required to have travel insurance. You may be required to wear face mask at all public places.

Not included:

Flights

Flights are NOT INCLUDED. We can help arrange your flights to and from Bhutan. The flight tends to get fully booked months ahead, especially during the peak season. We highly recommend you to book flights a few months ahead of your departure date. There are only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan: 1. Drukair, the national flag carrier of Bhutan (www.drukair.com.bt) operates from/to these cities/International Airports: Bangkok, Bagdogra, Dhaka, Delhi, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. 2. Bhutan Airlines, a private airline introduced in 2011 (www.bhutanairlines.bt) operates from/to these cities/International Airport: Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu.

Others

Entrance fees to parks, museums and other national monuments Emergency evacuation & helicopter services Alcoholic beverages, bar bills Laundry services, telephone call charges Premium accommodation in a 4-Star and above hotel Tips to guides and drivers (optional) Any other expense of personal nature

Insurance

Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport

After receiving you at the only International Airport, you’ll be taken on your first adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. We also visit an auspicious 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which is believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. If time permits, you’ll have an opportunity to witness the game of archery where you can see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Spirit of Bhutan Resort
Day 2 Day 2: Paro - Transfer To Haa Valley (2Hr 15Min Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Paro - Transfer To Haa Valley (2Hr 15Min Drive)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Haa valley via Chelela, the highest motorable mountain pass in Bhutan where you’ll spend some time enjoying the grand views of the Himalayan mountains. Haa valley is one of the least visited destinations in Bhutan having opened to tourism only in 2002 to safeguard its sacredness and unspoiled culture. You’ll visit 7th-century White Temple locally known as Lhakhang Karpo located in the foothills of the three sacred mighty mountains in the valley.

Dinner & overnight at Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge, an immaculately restored heritage farmhouse with modern comfort.
Day 3 Day 3: Haa Valley - Transfer To Thimphu (3Hr 20Min Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Haa Valley - Transfer To Thimphu (3Hr 20Min Drive)

In the morning, drive to the beautiful village of Katsho where you’ll have the opportunity to meet with the local people and get insights into their daily lives. You’ll visit Katsho Gonpa, a temple on the hillside overlooking the Haa valley. After lunch, transfer to the capital city Thimphu. En route, stop at Chelela Pass and do a 1.5-hour hike through the mountain ridge to Kila Gonpa nunnery home to dozens of nuns (optional). From there, continue the journey to Thimphu and visit the weaving center. Weaving is an integral part of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. You will see both men and women at work weaving some of the most intricate designs and sophisticated patterns of traditional Bhutanese textiles using traditional handlooms.

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Dorji Elements
Day 4 Day 4: Explore The Capital City Thimphu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Explore The Capital City Thimphu

After breakfast, visit one of the tallest sitting Buddha statues in the world located on the hill overlooking Thimphu valley. You’ll visit the 13th-century national treasure Changangkha Lhakhang where newborns in Thimphu are brought to this holy shrine to get names. From there, we drive to see Takins, the national animal of Bhutan at the only animal enclosure in Bhutan, Royal Takin Preserve in the northern outskirts of Thimphu. Next, we stop at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum where the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan are taught (closed on Sundays and Government Holidays). A traditional lunch will be served at Folk Heritage Restaurant. After lunch, visit Craft Bazaar (optional) along the main Thimphu street and visit Bhutan Postal Museum to learn about the evolution of Bhutanese communication systems. You can also print stamps using your own photo and mail postcards to your friends or loved ones at home.

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Dorji Elements
Day 5 Day 5: Thimphu - Transfer To Phobjikha Valley (3.5 Hours Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Thimphu - Transfer To Phobjikha Valley (3.5 Hours Drive)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in memory of the Third King. People from all walks of life come here to offer prayers and seek solace. We then drive to Phobjikha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at an altitude of 3150m asl and enjoy the grand panoramic views of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan (weather permitting). From there, we continue to drive and descend to a much warmer valley and stop at the village of Sopsokha to visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility" owing to its prowess to bless childless couples with fertility and ability to have children. After lunch at one of the local restaurants, continue to drive to Phobjikha valley.

Dinner and overnight at Dewachen Hotel & Spa or Wangchuk Lodge
Day 6 Day 6: Phobjikha Valley - Transfer To Punakha Valley (2.5 Hours Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Phobjikha Valley - Transfer To Punakha Valley (2.5 Hours Drive)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Gangtey Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan and an important landmark in the valley. You’ll have the opportunity to meet monks and offer prayers. From there, venture out on an exciting Gangtey Nature Hike through the pristine valley and understand the life of people living in rural Bhutan. The exhilarating hike is about 5km and takes about 2.5-3 hours. After lunch, transfer to Punakha valley and visit the 17th-century Punakha Dzong considered as the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. You’ll spend some time appreciating the intricate woodwork and sacred wall paintings. We then walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge over the glacial-fed Phochu river. Punakha Dzong is built on the confluence of the Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers. From there, we drive to the idyllic village of Nobgang overlooking Punakha valley. A unique and exotic local cuisines home-cooked by the local community will be served for dinner.

Dinner and overnight at Zhingkham Resort or Dhumra Farm Resort
Day 7 Day 7: Punakha - Transfer Back To Paro (3 Hours Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Punakha - Transfer Back To Paro (3 Hours Drive)

After breakfast, hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten on a hilltop overlooking the Punakha valley with Mochu river meandering through the valley. The round trip hike takes about 2-2.5 hours through the rice fields and a short climb before reaching the sacred site. After the hike, drive to Paro and stop at Dochula Cafeteria for lunch. On the way, you’ll also visit the oldest fortress Simtokha Dzong built in 1631 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of the nation-state of Bhutan. One of the main artifacts inside Simtokha Dzong is the magnificent statue of Buddha of Compassion among many other troves of national treasures.

Dinner and overnight at Khankhu Resort or Spirit of Bhutan Resort
Day 8 Day 8: Hike The Famous Taktsang Monastery Known As Tiger’S Nest (4-5 Hours Round Trip Hiking)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Hike The Famous Taktsang Monastery Known As Tiger’S Nest (4-5 Hours Round Trip Hiking)

After early breakfast, hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery. Originally built in 1692, the iconic sacred site popularly known as Tiger’s Nest is perched on an 800-meter rock cliff above the valley floor. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors but you can hike at your own pace. We recommend starting early before the sun gets stronger. One-way horse riding is available for about USD20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria). After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, we retrace our footsteps back to the base and drive to Paro town for some leisure time. Towards the late afternoon, visit Tshering Farmhouse for home-cooked authentic local cuisine. If there are no other guests, you can participate and learn how to prepare some popular Bhutanese dishes. You may also want to experience a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for about USD20 per person paid to the owner.

Dinner and overnight at Khankhu Resort or Spirit of Bhutan Resort
Day 9 Day 9: Transfer To Paro International Airport For Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Transfer To Paro International Airport For Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, depending on your flight departure time, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport.

9 days tour

9 Days Authentic Bhutan Tour By Local Guides

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 9 Days Authentic Bhutan Tour By Local Guides

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport

Day 2: Paro - Transfer To Haa Valley (2Hr 15Min Drive)

Day 3: Haa Valley - Transfer To Thimphu (3Hr 20Min Drive)

Day 4: Explore The Capital City Thimphu

Day 5: Thimphu - Transfer To Phobjikha Valley (3.5 Hours Drive)

Day 6: Phobjikha Valley - Transfer To Punakha Valley (2.5 Hours Drive)

Day 7: Punakha - Transfer Back To Paro (3 Hours Drive)

Day 8: Hike The Famous Taktsang Monastery Known As Tiger’S Nest (4-5 Hours Round Trip Hiking)

Day 9: Transfer To Paro International Airport For Departure

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