Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive and travel to Thimphu
Fly over the southern hills of the Himalayas into the small airport of Paro today. Your guide will meet you at the airport and you’ll travel by car to the capital of Thimphu, about an hour away. We’ve left the remainder of the day free so you can relax and settle in or go for a walk to get a sense of the city. Sometimes known as the capital without a traffic light, you’ll see signs of modernity in this place where old meets new.
Day 2 - Explore Thimphu Valley
Today is a full day of exploration as you dive into the culture and beauty of Bhutan. You’ll stop by the Folk Heritage Museum; the Painting School with its 6-year course on the country’s 13 traditional arts and crafts; Thangtong Nunnery where you’ll have an opportunity to interact with some of the Buddhist nuns; the Memorial Chorten monument to peace and to the country’s third king; a weaving centre; and a traditional handmade paper factory.
Day 3 - Travel to Punakha Valley
En route to Punakha today, your driver today will take you over Dochu-la pass with its beautiful views and highest point decorated by prayer flags. After about 3.5 hours of driving, you’ll reach the subtropical valley of Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Visit the impressive Punakha Dzong at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers before checking into your hotel. If you have time, take a walk around town.
Day 4 - Punakha to Bumthang
The drive today into central Bhutan is one of the most scenic rides of your holiday, passing through terraced farmland, deep river valleys, oak and rhododendron forests, across the Black Mountain Range, the town of Trongsa, and winding down in the Chhume Valley. Before settling into your Bumthang hotel, stop by Yatra weaving where you may be lucky enough to see the weavers at work.
Day 5 - Explore Bumthang
Don your walking shoes and set out to visit ancient temples on foot. Start with Jambey Lhakhang, one of the two oldest temples in the country, built in the 7th century. From here, walk to the three temples of Kurjey Lhakhang before carrying on across a suspension bridge to Tamshing Lhakhang with its old paintings. Stop at the Red Panda Brewery and Cheese factory to sample the local beer and cheese.
Day 6 - Tang Valley
Hike off the beaten path today to areas rarely visited in the gorgeous Tang valley. Stops include the Ugen Chhoeling Palace with its museum of cultural treasures and Mebartso “Burning Lake.” This gorge is a destination of pilgrims and visitors who offer lighted butter lamps on the water. Today’s lunch spot is one of pure natural beauty so bask in the views and the serenity before hiking back to your hotel.
Day 7 - Travel to Punakha
Return over the mountains to Punakha today, stopping at the Trongsa Museum on the way. Built within the watchtower of a dzong, the museum is dedicated to the monarchs of Bhutan, showcasing the history of the nation’s kings. This is another long day over scenic mountain passes and into valleys so when you reach Punakha, settle into your hotel for the evening or stretch your legs with a quick stroll.
Day 8 - Punakha to Paro
Continue working your way west today, stopping for lunch in a traditional farmhouse. When you reach Paro, visit the auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred monument pinning down the left foot of a treacherous ogress. This is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century (the other being Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang which you saw on day 5). Check into your simple accommodation for the evening.
Day 9 - Tiger's Nest
This wouldn’t be the highlights of Bhutan without a hike to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest. It takes about 4-5 hours to hike up and down with time to take in the restoration, the views, and to simply marvel at the stability of this monastery on a cliff. We’ve left the remainder of the day free so you can put your legs up, perhaps find a tipple in one of the town’s watering holes, or bask in the peace of Bhutan for one more evening.
Day 10 - Farewell to Bhutan
Depending on your departing flight time, you’ll have an early transfer to the airport this morning or time to enjoy one last walk through Paro. Whether you fly to Kathmandu, Bangkok, Singapore, or India, be sure to leave at least 24 hours in your gateway city before your international flight homeward.
Safe travels!
DETAILS -
During the high season months, this itinerary costs from £4,650 per person based on 2 sharing and including all private transfers but not international flights. Accommodation is in 2 or 3-star properties which will only be confirmed after booking. Exact schedules and sights visited may change based on season, day of the week, weather, special events, and national holidays.
As there are no flights from the UK to Bhutan, do ask us for advice on international flights and where to stay before and after your holiday. Alternatively we can book these flights for you but a booking fee will apply. We are happy to add your flights into and out of Bhutan as part of your holiday and to arrange a stay of one night or longer in Bangkok, Kathmandu, Singapore, or Delhi.
What's included?
INCLUDED:
- Prices start from £4,650 per person
- Accommodation on B&B basis
- All lunches and dinners at hotels or local tourist restaurants
- 1 litre of drinking water per person per day
- Private transfers (air-conditioned vehicle)
- All entrance fees with service of English speaking guide for excursions
- Local taxes
- Visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee
- All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
Prices are correct at time of publication and subject to change.
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