Transport

All ground transportations including airport transfers. 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. Porter & Pony charges are also included for trekking adventures.

Others

Bhutan Visa Fee is included. Visa will be arranged for you. Oneway flight from Bumthang to Paro on Day 06 of your trip is INCLUDED Bottled mineral water in the car

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 guide at the end of the tour.

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.

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 luxury 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.

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 dinners at some traditional restaurants to offer a better choice.

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 the recommendations and good experiences from our past guests. You will be informed of where you will stay at each destination before your arrival. During the course of trekking, we provide full-service outdoor camping in the pristine wilderness at designated campsites. Our trekking crew will transport the tents and camping equipment, pitch the tents, prepare and serve meals, washings will also be done by our trekking staff. You just have to bring a sleeping bag and a travel pillow. We will send you a suggested packing list after we receive your booking. You will also have an option (prior arrangement required) to stay at village homestay/farmhouse at few destinations to get insight into the local culture and feast on delicious local cuisine and take part in preparing some of the popular dishes of Bhutan.

Not included:

Insurance

Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended.

Flights

Only oneway domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro on Day 06 is INCLUDED in the price. International Flights are NOT INCLUDED. 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. We can help arrange your flights to/from Bhutan. 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, Bodhgaya, 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

Entry fees to sacred sites, 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 Cultural shows that require an advance arrangement Tips to guides and drivers (optional) Any other expense of personal nature

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive At Paro International Airport / Transfer To Thimphu (2334M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive At Paro International Airport / Transfer To Thimphu (2334M)

Arrive Paro International airport by Drukair, the national flag carrier of Bhutan. On the way, if the weather is clear enough you will see Great Himalayan mountain ranges and as you enter Bhutanese airspace and soon approach Paro valley, you would already notice the green mountainous landscapes and Paro river meandering down the valley. After passing through the immigration and customs formalities, your guide and driver will receive you and then drive to Thimphu.

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and it is 55km away from the main Paro town. The drive should not take more than 2 hours including stop overs on the way. Thimphu is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Arriving Thimphu, our guide will assist you to check into the hotel so that you can relax for a while and then have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine for lunch. In the afternoon, you will be taken on your first excursion in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Note: The coverage of excursion on the first day depends on your flight arrival time. If you arrive in the morning, you should be able to visit few sites comfortably.

The National Memorial Chorten: The National Memorial Chorten is the most frequented religious site and obviously an important landmark in Thimphu. The National Memorial Chorten is a Buddhist Stupa built in 1974 in memory of the Late Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who passed away in 1972. People from all walks of life come here to pray and circumambulate offering you a good opportunity to observe how Bhutanese people devote themselves to daily prayers and take refuge in the teachings of the Lord Buddha.

Buddha Dordhenma Statue – Buddha Point at Kuensel Phodrang: The magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. From here you can see a nice view of Thimphu city. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also for the purpose of bringing peace in the world . The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch tall Buddha statues of same type. The construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015 after almost 10 years.

Weaving Center: Weaving is an integral part of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. You will see women at work weaving simple plain textiles to one of the most intricate designs and patterns all handwoven.

Driving Time 1.5 hours

Leisure time in Thimphu town.

Overnight in Thimphu at Kuenphen Rabten Resort.
Day 2 Day 2: Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha Valley (1200M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha Valley (1200M)

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our half-day sightseeing in Thimphu and then after lunch, we set off to Punakha valley via Dochu La, a sacred mountain pass at 3,150m above sea level.

Takin Preserve: Drive to the upper outskirt of the city and visit Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is the national animal of Bhutan. This takin preserve is the only animal enclosure in the whole of Bhutan. It initially started as a mini zoo and later converted to a preserve and its enclosure expanded recently. These unique animals are usually found at an altitude ranging from 1,000 to 4,500 meters above sea level depending on the season and feeds primarily on grasses.

National Institute of Zorig Chusum: The National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Zorig Chusum means 13 Traditional Arts & Crafts) was established to promote and preserve the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan and to facilitate increased access in learning Zorig skills by Bhutanese youths. Many of these traditional arts and crafts are declining with the advent of modern technologies and therefore, the government is putting in lot of effort to train youths to keep the traditions alive. The thirteen arts and crafts are categorized as Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (wood turning), Gar Zo (blacksmith), Troe Zo (ornament making), Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery and applique) and Thag Zo (weaving). These thirteen arts and crafts are an essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage that have been practiced from time immemorial. If the class is in session when you arrive, you will be allowed to enter the classroom and observe students as they get hands-on training.

Traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. This restaurant has a traditional setting and ambience where buffet lunch consisting of traditional dishes are served.

Visit Centenary Farmers Market: Visiting this market and seeing various agricultural produce on display, you will learn food preference and culture in Bhutanese society. Centenary Farmers Market or Thimphu’s weekend market is located below the main town, near the Thim Chu River, and it is the largest domestic market for the farmers in Bhutan. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. With its wide assortment of fresh organic produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a favourite spot for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life.

From there drive to Changlimithang Archery Ground – If the archery game is in progress, you can stop by and watch how Bhutanese people spend their leisure time. You can see archers dancing and singing each time the target is hit. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

From there, we set off to Punakha valley via the picturesque mountain pass Dochu La.

Dochu La Pass – 3,150m/10,335ft above sea level: About 45 min drive from Thimphu towards Punakha is a mountain pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters above sea level from where you can see, on a clear day, some of the highest peaks of Bhutan. Before the construction of these beautiful 108 Druk Wangyal Choetens (stupas) in 2004, this mountain pass remained only as a sacred place blessed by a famous Buddhist saint, Lam Drukpa Kuenley in late 15th century. From Dochu La Pass, we will continue driving towards Punakha, passing through some villages, the elevation drops gradually and the road winds through the pine trees. As you reach the lower subtropical valley, you will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to subtropical valley at 1,200m.

Chimi Lhakhang – Temple of Fertility: Chimi Lhakhang is located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha about 20-30 minutes walk through beautiful terraced rice fields and traditional farm houses. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is associated with 16th century Lama Drukpa Kuenley who was affectionately known as “Divine Madman” for his obscene behavior and outrageous ways of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession by exhibiting his strong desire for sex. One of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred particularly to women who are unable to conceive a child as it brings fertility to women, giving them ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”.

Lama Drukpa Kuenley built a small black stupa on this hilltop to mark the burial site of demons whom he managed to subdue after chasing all the way from Dochula Pass, where the demons were terrorizing the travellers. This black stupa can be seen even today just outside of the main temple. It was Lama Ngawang Chogyel, the younger brother of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who built the present temple in 1499 AD.

Driving Time 2.5-hours

Dinner and overnight at Hotel Lobesa or Hotel Vara. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 Day 3: Punakha / Transfer To Phobjikha Valley (3000M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Punakha / Transfer To Phobjikha Valley (3000M)

After breakfast, hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten located on a mountain ridge, visit the historic and the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong. After lunch drive to Phobjikha valley and venture out on a very popular nature hike. En route to Phobjikha, briefly stop at Wangdue Phodrang town and marvel at the reconstruction of the 17th-century fortress which stood majestically on the ledge with a steep cliff on three sides until it was gutted down by unfortunate fire in 2012.

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten: After breakfast, you will be going for 2.5-hour (max) return hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Choeten. Located on a ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples, monasteries and Zangdogpelri (copper coloured mountains). It was built over a period of almost 10 years under the command of Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, one of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan and was consecrated in 1999.

It takes only about 20 minutes drive from the main town of Punakha to the nearest road point. From there you cross a suspension bridge over the Punakha Mochu River (female river) and the trail takes you through paddy fields. Normally it takes just under one hour to reach the serene site of the marvelous choeten. The view below is stunning with glacial fed Mochu river snaking through the fertile Punakha valley.

Historic Punakha Dzong: The historic Punakha Dzong was originally known as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang, meaning the “Palace of Great Bliss”. It was built in 1637 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Tibetan Buddhist master who came to Bhutan in 1616 and founded nation-state of Bhutan) on a small stretch of land where the rivers Phochu and Mochu converge. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan. The sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, the intricate wood works and the architectural structure of the dzong displays fine example of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture even today.

After lunch, we will drive towards Phobjikha and en route stop briefly at Wangdue Phodrang town.

The Wangdue Phodrang Dzong: The Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1638, was third oldest Dzong in Bhutan and stood majestically on the ledge with steep cliffs on three sides. The original Dzong which was one of the most important and historic heritage sites in Bhutan was burnt down by the tragic fire accident on 24 June 2012. Under the guidance of His Majesty the King and his father His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, all the precious sacred artifacts and objects inside the main temple of the Dzong were saved and there was no human casualty.

Currently the Dzong is under reconstruction which started from January 2014 and it is expected to take few more years to rebuild to its former glory incorporating state-of-the-art technology in terms of disaster resilience measures and traditional architecture. Continue driving towards Phonjikha.

Enter the valley of Phobjikha – Today’s highlight: Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and it is a winter home for endangered Black Necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to Tibetan Plateau by the beginning of spring season. Every year on the 11th of November, Black Necked Crane Festival is held in this valley to celebrate the arrival of this endangered and majestic bird which becomes an inseparable part in the lives of the local people during winter months. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared as a protected area.

Gangtey Nature Trail: On arrival at Phobjikha valley, you will be served tea and snacks before venturing out on an exhilarating nature hike. The trail is about 5km and takes approximately 3 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farm lands and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures! If you are not interest in nature hike, there are many things you do like visiting Black-necked Information Center and learn how this valley and its people play an important role in conservation of this majestic birds.

Accommodation in Phobjikha: You have a choice to put up yourself in a 3-star standard hotel or stay at a farmhouse with local family and get insights into a typical village life in Bhutan. If you are interested for a home spa, you can soak up in a traditional hot stone bath for a fee of about US$15. Specially selected stones believed to contain minerals are heated in a wood fired fireplace and dropped into a chamber of wooden tub releasing minerals. You can lighten up with a warm cup of locally brewed liquor known as “Ara” and feast on homecooked authentic Bhutanese cuisine. You will have an unusual opportunity to participate in running the village household chores and learn how to prepare some of the most popular dishes in Bhutan.

Driving Time 4-hours

Overnight at Yue-Loki Guest House or Pem Village Homestay.
Day 4 Day 4: Phobjikha / Transfer To Bumthang Valley Via Trongsa (2200M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Phobjikha / Transfer To Bumthang Valley Via Trongsa (2200M)

After early breakfast, we visit an important landmark of the vally – Gangtey Monastery before we drive to Bumthang valley via Trongsa. En route stop at Pele La Pass and an 18th-century stupa Chendebji Chorten.

Gangtey Monastery or Gangtey Goenpa: The famous landmark in this valley is one of the biggest monasteries in Bhutan, Gangtey Monastery popularly know as Gangtey Goenpa (goenpa literally means “high remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance) founded in 1613. The name Gangtey is derived from the fact that the Goenpa is built on a peak (Tey) of a hillock (Gang). The present abbot of this monastery is the ninth Gangtey Trulku His Holiness Kunzang Rigzin Pema Namgyal. The monastery also has a monastic college where hundreds of monks study Buddhist philosophy for 9 years. An annual religious festival, Gangtey Tshechu, is held at Gangtey Goenpa during autumn when the harvest season is just over. A series of dazzling sacred mask dances complemented by Bhutanese folk dances are performed during this festival.

After visiting the Gangtey Monastery, we set off to Bumthang valley via Trongsa where lunch will be served. Continue driving to Trongsa gradually gaining altitude. En route, stop at Pele La Pass (3,390 meters) to enjoy the views of stunning snow-clad Himalayan peaks (weather permitting) and take some moment appreciating pristine environment. Also stop at 18th century Chendebji Chorten, a stupa built following the same structural pattern as Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa to subdue the malevolent spirit that was said to inhabit the area in the form of giant snake.

Upon arrival in Trongsa town,lunch will be served at one of the restaurants. Trongsa Dzong is the largest Dzong in Bhutan and it was built in 1648. It holds a significant place in the history of Bhutan as it was from here that the ancestors of Royal family of Bhutan emerged as the most powerful rulers in the 19th and early 20th century. The first and second hereditary Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat of power. There is a tradition that crown prince must be invested as Trongsa Penlop (Governor of Trongsa) here at Trongsa Dzong before he ascends the throne of the King. After lunch, we walk up to the promontory where the Trongsa Ta Dzong (watch tower of Trongsa) is located. Built in 1652, this Ta Dzong guarded the Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion. Today, it houses the fascinating museum providing visitors with an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history.

Continue driving approximately 3 hours to Bumthang through the serene mountain pass, Yotong La at 3,425m/11,235ft above sea level and gradually descend to the village of Chumey. At Chumey stop by the roadside Yathra Weaving Center (Yathra is the colourful textiles hand woven out of sheep and yak hair) and get insights on the traditional attires and the weaving culture of the people of Bumthang. Continue driving towards Chamkhar, the main town of Bumthang. The valley of Bumthang is considered as the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to some of the oldest temples and monasteries in the country.

On arrival check into the hotel and relax, enjoy hot tea and snacks.

Driving Time 4.5-5 hours

Leisure time to stroll the streets of Chamkhar, the main town of Bumthang district.

Overnight at Kaila Guest House or Mountain Lodge.
Day 5 Day 5: Full Day In Bumthang Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Full Day In Bumthang Valley

Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s most ancient and precious Buddhist sites. Today you will visit two of those monasteries and then visit a village where you will mingle with a family at their homestead to get insight into the daily lives of the people of Bumthang.

The district of Bumthang is divided into four blocks of Chhoekhor where the main town is located, Chhume, Tang and Ura all of which are broad and beautiful valleys.

7th-century Jampa Lhakhang: One of the oldest Lhakhang in the Kingdom, Jampa Lhakhang was founded by the King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in the 7th century AD. The King was destined to built 108 lhakhangs to subdue the spirit of the demoness that was residing in the Himalayas. Jampa Lhakhang is one of the two which were built in Bhutan. The other one is Kichu Lhakhang in Paro (Day 06), both believed to have been built on the same day.

Visit 17th century Kurjey Lhakhang (Kurje means ‘body imprint’ and Lhakhang means ‘temple’): There are three lhakhangs at Kurje. The oldest lhakhang was constructed by the Trongsa Governor Chogyel Minjur Tenpa in 1652 on the site where Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) meditated after subduing an evil spirit that was harming the local people and the King Chakhar Gyab popularly known as Sindu Raja. Inside the lhakhang are the statues of the Buddhas and the cave known as Dragmar Dorji Tsegpa, meaning a “red-coloured cave resembling pile of vajras”, in which Guru Rinpoche meditated. The second Lhakhang was constructed in 1900 by the 13th Trongsa Governor, Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck who later became the first hereditary King of Bhutan in 1907. The third Lhakhang was built in the 1980s under the patronage of Her Royal Grandmother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck (mother of the fourth King) with guidance from her spiritual root teacher H.H. Dilgo Khentse Rinpoche.

Then ramble through one of the rural villages of Bumthang and visit a typical homestead, mingle with the family to understand the life of a Bhutanese farmer. If you want, an authentic homecooked local cuisine will be arranged for lunch. Otherwise, we will have packed lunch from the hotel.

NOTE: If your visit in Bumthang valley coincides with the Jakar Tshechu Festival, you’ll have an opportunity to witness this annual dazzling festival which takes place either in September or October.

Overnight at Kaila Guest House or Mountain Lodge.
Day 6 Day 6: Mountain Flight To Paro Valley (2200M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Mountain Flight To Paro Valley (2200M)

After early breakfast, take a domestic flight from Bathpalathang Domestic Airport to Paro. This domestic service has helped visitors to cut short travelling time from 12 hours drive to just 30mins flight and presents you with stunning aerial views of the pristine mountainous topography of Bhutan.

Upon arrival in Paro, visit the National Museum of Bhutan and 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang. After lunch, you can relax and take a leisure walk in Paro town OR drive to the highest motorable road in Bhutan, Chele La Pass at an elevation of 3,800m and absorb in the pristine natural environment and enjoy the views of great Himalayan mountains all around on a clear day.

Visit National Museum of Bhutan – Ta Dzong: The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro just above the Rinpung Dzong (administrative headquarter of Paro district) was established in 1968. It is housed in an ancient watch tower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watch tower fortress”) 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 snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. Then if you wish, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong where a popular movie “Little Buddha” directed by Bernardo Bertolucci was filmed.

Visit 7th century Buddhist monastery – Kichu Lhakhang: Paro Kichu Lhakhang is located just a few minutes drive from the main town of Paro and is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in his effort to built 108 such temples across the Himalayan region to subdue the spirit of a demoness who was causing obstruction to the spread of Buddhism. Bhutan is blessed with two of these temples, one being Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang, central Bhutan. Both Kichu Lhakhang and Jampa Lhakhang are believed to have been built on the same day.

Leisure time around Paro town.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 7 Day 7: Transfer To Haa Valley (2700M) Via Chelela Pass (3,800M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Transfer To Haa Valley (2700M) Via Chelela Pass (3,800M)

After early breakfast, drive to Haa valley home to the two most sacred temples - Lhakhang Karpo (white temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (black temple). En route, stop at Chelela Pass, the highest motorable road in Bhutan at 3,800 meters (12,500 ft) and enjoy the spectacular views of Paro and Haa valley including surrounding Himalayan mountains.

Chelela Pass at 12,500ft above sea level: Chelela is the highest motorable mountain pass at an altitude of 3,800 meters above sea level. It is about 45 mins drive from the main town of Paro. We will spend some time hoisting prayer flags, if you wish, which you can buy from one of the shops in Paro town, enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The air is thin and fresh at this altitude. On a clear day, you can view beautiful surrounding mountains like Mt. Jomolhari. After spending sometime exploring the pass, continue driving to Haa. The drive takes you on winding roads through the forests of blue pine, oak and fir trees.

On arrival at Haa valley, check into hotel and settle for lunch.

After lunch, do some sightseeing around the town and if you wish we can also visit the two oldest temples in Haa valley, the 7th century Lhakhang Karpo (white Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). Both of these temples are located just few minutes drive from the hotel.

Driving Time 2.5-hours

Overnight at Risum Resort or Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge.
Day 8 Day 8: Haa Valley / Transfer Back To Paro
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Haa Valley / Transfer Back To Paro

After breakfast, drive to one of the picturesque villages in Haa valley and enjoy the walk through beautiful farmhouses and observe how people live in complete harmony with nature. People in Bhutan consider nature as the source of all lives.

Lunch at the hotel or at one of the farmhouses.

After lunch, drive back to Paro via Chele La, Pass. Driving Time 2.5-hours

Leisurely evening in Paro town.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 9 Day 9: Hike To The Famous Paro Taktsang (Tiger’S Nest) & In The Evening Visit Family Farmhouse For Local Cuisine
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Hike To The Famous Paro Taktsang (Tiger’S Nest) & In The Evening Visit Family Farmhouse For Local Cuisine

After breakfast, you will hike to the famed Paro Taktsang and towards the late afternoon visit a farmhouse.

Taktsang Monastery – The Tiger’s Nest: Taktsang monastery is located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the road head. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Bhutan. Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the mid-eighth century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew to Taktsang from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. Taktsang monastery was originally built in 1692 on the sacred cave where Guru Padmasambhava meditated.

The trail takes you through the ancient path shaded by pine trees. After an hour of steep uphill hiking, you will reach a nice cafeteria from where you can see spectacular view of Taktsang monastery perched on the face of a steep rock cliff. It takes further 1 hour to reach the monastery.

Lunch will be served at the Taktsang cafeteria and then we retrace our steps back to the base where our driver will be waiting.

Towards the late afternoon, visit one of the beautiful farmhouses and experience the traditional Bhutanese way of life. If you are interested, you can soak in a traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$15 per person. Specially selected river stones believed to contain minerals are heated in a wood-fired fireplace and dropped into a chamber of wooden tub releasing minerals. If desired, you can lighten up with a warm cup of locally brewed liquor known as “Ara”. Delicious dinner of authentic homecooked local cuisine will be served. You may also participate and learn how to cook some of the popular Bhutanese dishes.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 10 Day 10: Departure From Paro International Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Departure From Paro International Airport

After breakfast, depending on your flight time you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.

10 days tour

Bhutan In-Depth Culture & Nature Tour

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Bhutan In-Depth Culture & Nature Tour

Day 1: Arrive At Paro International Airport / Transfer To Thimphu (2334M)

Day 2: Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha Valley (1200M)

Day 3: Punakha / Transfer To Phobjikha Valley (3000M)

Day 4: Phobjikha / Transfer To Bumthang Valley Via Trongsa (2200M)

Day 5: Full Day In Bumthang Valley

Day 6: Mountain Flight To Paro Valley (2200M)

Day 7: Transfer To Haa Valley (2700M) Via Chelela Pass (3,800M)

Day 8: Haa Valley / Transfer Back To Paro

Day 9: Hike To The Famous Paro Taktsang (Tiger’S Nest) & In The Evening Visit Family Farmhouse For Local Cuisine

Day 10: Departure From Paro International Airport

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