Accommodation

Across Bhutan we have a wide range of accommodation that is selected to truly enhance your travel experience. Your package price includes comfortable 3 star properties based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double bed (single supplements apply) that are generally centrally located, atmospheric, and reliable and where we have seen a good track record with travellers’ satisfaction over many years. On a handful of itineraries you’ll be accommodated in government-certified homestays/farhouses. This is where a local family will open their home providing a wonderful insight into local culture, cuisines and comfortable lodgings with shared bathrooms and a warm reception from your hosts. When trekking in Bhutan you’ll always stay your overnight in our fully supported camping, erected in scenic wilderness settings where our crew look after all the logistics, leaving you to relax at the end of the day. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag and pillow.

Transport

Our drivers are professionally trained, licensed and experienced. We use comfortable transport within Bhutan for pick ups and drops from airports and hotels. Types of vehicles used are Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Kia Sorento Car, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Hiace Bus, Hyundai H1 Hiace Bus and Toyota Coaster Bus.

Guide

All our tours are accompanied by licensed and experienced English-speaking guides. We can also arrange other languages-speaking guide at an extra cost.

Meals

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) included. Most Bhutanese dishes are rich and spicy with a lot of cheese and chilli. It is advisable that visitors stick to the Chinese, Continental or Indian cuisine that is served in most restaurants. Visitors can also choose among the various vegetarian and non-veg food. You can also try out momos, the Tibetan dumplings and for those daring you may try out the ema datshi dish served with cheese and chilli and other typical Bhutanese dishes.

Others

Price Includes •Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours •Baggage handling at all hotels and camps •All entrance fees to museums and other attractions •All applicable internal taxes and service fees •Mineral water •Bhutan visa fees

Not included:

Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers whilst on a tour organized by us. BGT does not provide insurance coverage for your trip and hence you are wholly responsible and adequately insured for your holiday from your country of residence. You must take out travel insurance with suitable cover for the duration of your holiday against medical reasons, injury, death, repatriation (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance where applicable), cancellation, curtailment, loss/damage or other risks. Please read your policy and take it with you on holiday.

Others

Price Excludes •International and domestic flights •Discretionary tips to guides and drivers •Other personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc. •Upgrade to 4-star and 5-star luxury accommodation •Single room supplement from USD $50 per night in 3-star hotels

Flights

We arrange only Drukair or Bhutan Airlines tickets in and out of Paro International Airport and domestic flight at no extra fee. No other airlines fly into Bhutan except the Drukair (National Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines (Tashi Air Pvt. Ltd) operate to and out of Paro International Airport in Bhutan from the following gateway cities: •Changi Airport, Singapore from $1000 (round-trip) •Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand from $990 (round-trip) •Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal from $405 (round-trip) •Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, Bangladesh from $400 (round-trip) •Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, India from $620 (round-trip) •Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, India from $430 (round-trip) Domestic Air Services There are currently three Domestic Airports in Bhutan that operate from Paro International Airport. •Bathpalathang Domestic Airport in Bumthang in central Bhutan from $340 (round-trip) •Yonphula Domestic Airport in Trashigang in eastern Bhutan from $380 (round-trip) •Gelephu Domestic Airport in Sarpang in southern Bhutan from $340 (round-trip) Note: Airfares may change due to currency fluctuation, fuel surcharge or changes in statutory taxes or charges. The final airfares can only be confirmed upon issue of tickets.

Start planning your experience

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

Day 1: Arrive Paro

On arrival we meet you at Paro International Airport after clearing the immigration and customs formalities and transfer to your hotel in Thimphu for check-in. Flying into Paro is not just to connect Bhutan but also get to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, including Mt. Everest (8848m/29028ft), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586m/28169ft) and Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7570m/24,836ft). You will be driven (54-km) for an hour to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Bhutan’s capital is not a concrete jungle that you see in other parts of the world. Thimphu, at an altitude of 2300m, is set in a lovely rural valley with beautiful natural scenery on all sides and buildings built in the traditional Bhutanese style without traffic lights. You’ll still find the police directing traffic with an intricate ballet of hand signals at the main intersections. Afterwards explore the Centenary Farmers Market on the banks of the Wangchhu River selling farm produces, local arts and crafts, etc. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with BGT. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2 Day 2: Hike To Cheri Monastery
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Hike To Cheri Monastery

After breakfast leave the hustle and bustle of Thimpu city behind, and take a short drive (14-km) out of the capital of Bhutan. Among sacred sites, we set off for Cheri Monastery hike (45-minutes) through woods of blue pine, oak trees and rhododendron species. The monastery is home to many sacred relics and also a meditation center, located north of the upper Thimphu valley. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (founder of the nation state of Bhutan) built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. To begin the hike, we cross a cantilever bridge, vibrant with prayer flags and the sound of gushing Thimphuchhu River. A visit to Cheri at 2850m is spiritually purifying. You can also easily spot deer and jaru (mountain goats) as you approach the monastery. Later visit Tashichhodzong that houses some ministries, the office and throne room of His Majesty the King and the Central Monk Body. You’ll also explore the Craft Bazaar (Authentic Bhutanese Craft) showcasing a wide range of authentic Bhutan-made art and craft products sourced mostly from rural areas. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3 Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha

After breakfast you’ll be driven to Punakha (71-km) around 3 hours, the old capital of Bhutan until 1955. Punakha, at an elevation of 1350m, has temperate climate. Head out of the city and travel approximately 45 minute to Tashigang Gonpa in Hongtsho en route, just outside of Thimphu. Venture into the most picturesque hike to the Lungchutse Gonpa. The Lungchutse hike (3-4 hour) takes you through a diverse forest of hemlock, rhododendrons and junipers until you reach the temple on the ridge. Weather permitting, you’re rewarded with all major mountains of Bhutan including Jomolhari (7314m), Kang Bum (6494m), Gangchhenta (6784m), Masang Gang (7194m), Tsenda Kang (6,994m), Teri Kang (7304m), Jejekangphu Gang (7190m), Kangphu Gang (7212m), Zongpgu Gang (7,094m) and Gangkar Puensum (7,570m). Behind these major mountains lie the Tibetan plateaus. Continue on to the trail descending to the Druk Wangyal Chortens (108 stupas), built on the crest of Dochula Pass at 3050m. After lunch enjoy a scenic drive as you continue your journey to Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. Arriving in Punakha, visit the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, nestled on a round hillock near a village called Sopsokha, built in 1499 by Saint Drukpa Kinley (known as the Divine Madman). The temple is known to the English-speaking world as “The Fertility Temple.” Legend has it that the childless couples wishing to have a baby from across Bhutan and occasionally from overseas are blessed with a child after visiting the temple. Overnight in Punakha
Day 4 Day 4: Gangtey Nature Trail
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Gangtey Nature Trail

Leave Punakha after breakfast and drive into the countryside of Gangtey (78-km) for 2-3 hours via Wangdue Phodrang, and takes you past the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (gutted by fire in 2012) under reconstruction. Later visit the picturesque 17th century Gangtey Gonpa, where the only Nyingmapa School of Buddhism is taught here in western Bhutan. Rest of the day is yours to relax, enjoy or explore the delightful surroundings of Phobjikha valley at 2900m. Walk down down (4-km) to Semchubara village and then takes you through a forest of conifers before it opens up to the vast plains of the Phobjikha valley. Continue through gentle grassy slopes carpeted with purple primluas where the trail ends at Khewa Lhakhang near the local community school. Phobjikha valley is well known as the winter home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes. The birds migrate from the Tibetan plateau to spend their winter from early November and fly back to Tibet between February and March. Overnight in Phobjikha.
Day 5 Day 5: Gangtey – Bumthang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Gangtey – Bumthang

Our journey today for the 4 hours drive takes us to Trongsa (120-km) via Chelela Pass at 3390m. It is not uncommon to encounter grazing yaks by the roadside along the highway. On the way take a stroll along the Chendebji Chorten below the road. This 18th century monument resembles the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. Enjoy the scenic journey, changing landscapes from the awe-inspiring mountains to lush vegetation. Lunchtime is at Trongsa, the ancestral home of the present Royal Family of Bhutan (where the Institutional Monarchy of Bhutan was born). Continue to Bumthang (68-km) for 2-3 hours via Yotongla Pass at 3425m. You have an option to stop for a visit to the Yathra Weaving Centre at Chumey village, where they use yak and sheep wools for yathra products with patterns unique to Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 6 Day 6: Tang Valley In Bumthang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Tang Valley In Bumthang

Today enjoy a sightseeing tour in the most beautiful and rich spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Amongst the four main Bumthang valleys, the Tang valley is the most off-the-beaten-track and peaceful place around Bumthang, and Tang villages are known for its sheep, potatoes and buckwheat (flowers in October) plus apple orchards and diary farms. Tangchhu River is famous for trout fishing. Head east of Jakar for the one and a half hours drive (33-km) to Ogyen Choling Museum in the Tang valley, making several stops along the way. Visit the Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) en route, a very sacred site where the famous Saint Terton Pema Lingpa discovered holy relics hidden here by Guru Rinpoche in the late 15th century. Continue to the impressive Ogyen Choling Manor House atop the hill, which houses a museum of the ancient way of life. Tonight you’ll stay in a cozy and comfortable guesthouse run by the family of Ogyen Choling Heritage House. All the rooms have attached toilets and showers. The sanitary installations are imported from Switzerland.
Day 7 Day 7: Back To Trongsa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Back To Trongsa

Leave Bumthang for the 3-4 hours drive to Trongsa via Yotongla Pass at 3425m. Stop off at the Yathra Weaving Centre at Chumey village en route, where they use yak and sheep wools for yathra products with patterns unique to Bumthang. Later explore the Tower of Trongsa (Ta Dzong or ancient watchtower), a cylindrical stone structure rising five storeys above the Trongsa Dzong, built in 1652. Today the tower houses a museum (dedicated to the Wangchuck dynasty) presenting the rich historical and religious heritage of Trongsa Dzong. After lunch, you’ll visit the majestic architectural masterpiece of Trongsa Dzong with a distinctive yellow roof. The evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy, we have allowed some time for this and also to explore the idyllic Trongsa town and its surroundings. Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 8 Day 8: Trongsa – Paro
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Trongsa – Paro

Today is a driving day as we head back to Paro via Wangdue Phodrang and Thimphu. The scenic journey takes around 7-8 hours and passes through a variety of landscapes, ranging from gentle hills to the awe-inspiring mountainous peaks with villages perched on the steep slopes. Paro is another beautiful valley and home to the famous Paro Taktshang (also known as Tiger’s Nest), National Museum, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. The evening is at leisure to explore the Paro town or visit a local farmhouse to drink tea with the farmer and his family, allowing you to experience the traditional Bhutanese village life. Overnight in Paro.
Day 9 Day 9: Tiger’S Nest Monastery
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Tiger’S Nest Monastery

Today is a real highlight as you take a short excursion to the stunning Paro Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) at 2950m. The monastery is one of the most revered places of pilgrimage in Bhutan. No visit to Bhutan would be complete without a trip to Taktshang. It is stunning in its beauty and location. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, 900m above the Paro floor valley. The hike (4-km) starts at the base of the mountain from the road at Ramthangkha, 12-km from the Paro town. Enjoy walking around 4-5 hours to do the round trip hike plus an hour to tour the monastery on a comfortable pace. The well maintained trails are wide, uphill the entire way but not overly steep, wind through beautiful pine forest, trees festooned with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags. Gentle horse/pony rides are available for transport halfway up the trail, where you will be treated to a stunning viewpoint of the monastery clinging to the cliff wall. Overnight in Paro.
Day 10 Day 10: End Of Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: End Of Tour

Your tour ends today. Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey accompanied by your guide from Bhutan Green Travel. Goodbye and Good luck! Tashi Delek!

10 days tour

Bhutan Himalayan Wonders

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Bhutan Himalayan Wonders

Day 1: Arrive Paro

Day 2: Hike To Cheri Monastery

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha

Day 4: Gangtey Nature Trail

Day 5: Gangtey – Bumthang

Day 6: Tang Valley In Bumthang

Day 7: Back To Trongsa

Day 8: Trongsa – Paro

Day 9: Tiger’S Nest Monastery

Day 10: End Of Tour

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