Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Bhutan!
Your journey into the land of the thunder dragon begins as your flight glides through stunning mountain scenery to land at Paro. Once through the airport, meet your guide for transfer to the capital city of Thimphu where you’ll have time to check in to your simple accommodation. In the evening, visit the impressive Trashicho Dzong which houses the throne room of the King and various government offices.
Day 2 - Thimphu Valley
Spend today with your guide visiting the most well-known sights of Thimphu and a few lesser known ones with many opportunities to interact with the Bhutanese. Take in amazing views from the Buddha Dordenma, visit a private weaving centre that often produces textiles for the royal family, watch as locals pray and mingle at the Memorial Chorten, stop by a painting school, the national library, and a handmade paper factory.
Day 3 - Thimphu to Punakha
Take a three-hour drive through the mountains to Punakha today. If the skies are clear, you’ll have panoramic views of the Himalayas along the way. Go for a walk through rice paddies and a village to reach Chhimi Lakhang, a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman” and visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortresses in the country. Relax in the evening at your simple accommodation or go for a stroll on your own.
Day 4 - Highlights of Punakha
Get a feel for the subtropical valley of Punakha today. Some of your visits include Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery with its incredible valley views and massive bronze sculpture of Avalokiteshvara and one of the scenic villages of Talo or Nobgang, the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan. You’ll also stop by Nalanda Monastery where the monks welcome the opportunity to practice their English as you sit with them.
Day 5 - Travel to Paro
Cross back over the mountain pass today on your four-hour journey to Paro with its rich culture, scenic beauty, and countless myths and legends. Visit one of the country’s oldest temples, Kichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century when Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan. Stop by the National Museum and pay a visit to a farmhouse where the resident family will share a traditional butter tea with you. Overnight at simple accommodation in Paro.
Day 6 - Tiger's Nest
After days of adjusting to the altitude, it’s time for a hike to the country’s most iconic site, Taktsang, or the Tiger’s Nest. This 4-5 hour hike takes you 900m above the valley floor to the monastery famously sitting on the edge of a cliff. To many, a pilgrimage to this sacred site is a life-long dream. Incredible restoration work has been to restore the monastery to its full glory after a fire caused devastating damage in 1998. Relax this evening in Paro.
Day 7 - Farewell Bhutan
Depending on your flight today, you may have time to walk around Paro before transfer to the airport and your flight homeward. Spend a little time in the handicraft shops and cafés picking up souvenirs and chatting with the Bhutanese one final time. Regular flights to Bangkok and Kathmandu are available from Paro and we’re happy to add one of those to your itinerary. Safe travels!
DETAILS -
During the high season months, this itinerary costs from £3,140 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, or Singapore.
What's included?
INCLUDED:
- Prices start from £3,140 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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