6 Days Best of Bhutan Tour
On this 6 Days 5 Nights adventure through the hearts of 4 western districts of Bhutan, you’ll go on nature hikes and appreciate the pristine natural environment, explore and ramble through rural villages and gain firsthand experience on its culture and people. Come visit Bhutan with us and explore one of the most unique and extraordinary countries in the world.
Bhutan remained isolated for centuries from the rest of the world until it opened its door to the outside world in the 1960s. Bhutan is one of the most beautiful and least traveled countries in the world and the last living Vajrayana Buddhist Kingdom.
Bhutan has both natural beauty and cultural wealth so carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation, that visitors are not surprised to hear its nickname ‘Kingdom of Happiness’.
ItineraryDay 1: Arrive Paro International Airport / Transfer to Thimphu (2334m)Stop At: National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་།, CCHG+F5G, Paro, Bhutan
After receiving you at the Paro International Airport, you will be escorted on your first adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan and then transfer to Thimphu.
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 watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower 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 snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country.
We then drive to the capital city Thimphu. The total driving distance is 55km and takes about 1.5 hours.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre, Industrial Estate Changzantok, Thimphu 00975 Bhutan
Arriving in Thimphu, you'll visit one of the weaving centers. Weaving is an integral part of the Bhutanese culture and tradition. You will see both men and women at work weaving some of the most intricate designs and sophisticated patterns of traditional Bhutanese textiles.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
If time permits, visit the magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also to usher 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.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara
Day 2: Hike to Tango Monastery & Sightseeing in ThimphuStop At: Tango Monastery, HJVQ+6FW, Dotanang, Bhutan
After breakfast, drive about 14km towards the north of Thimphu city and hike to the 12th century religious site called Tango Monastery. There is also monastery called Cheri located on a mountain in the neighbourhood. Hiking to Tango is much easier as most part of the footpath is paved and the uphill ascent is not as steep. It is roughly 14km from the main Thimphu town. Following the trail through the forests, the walk uphill takes about 1.5 hours at a slow pace. Tango Monastery was founded in 1222 by the Tibetan saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who first established the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan and subsequently became the state religion. The present form of the monastery was built later in 1689 by the Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Temporal ruler of Bhutan.
After the hike, drive back to the town where traditional lunch will be served at one of the traditional restaurants.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Thimphu Bhutan
After lunch at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant, visit 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. 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 (woodturning), 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 has 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.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: National Library and Archives of Bhutan, Pedzoe Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Visit National Library & Archives of Bhutan considered as a national treasure of Bhutan and fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground, Chang Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
If you are interested, you can pass by the Changlimithang Archery Range to witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers singing and dancing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara
Day 3: Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha valley (1200m)Stop At: Dochula Pass, Thimphu Bhutan
After early breakfast, drive to Punakha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass. 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 the 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. You will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to a warmer subtropical valley at 1,200m.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Stop At: Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Punakha Bhutan
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 15th-century Tibetan Lama Drukpa Kunley 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 couples who are unable to have children as it brings fertility giving them the ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
After lunch, drive to visit 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 the 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 woodworks and the architectural structure of the dzong display fine examples of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture even today.
From there walk to the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan which runs over the Phochu (male river), one of the two glacial-fed rivers which form confluence near the Punakha Dzong.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Punakha Suspension Bridge, Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
From Punakha Dzong, walk to the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan that runs across the Phochu river. Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers Phochu (male) and Mochu (female). We then drive to Namgay Zam Homestay in the village of Yusakha for overnight. Staying at the village homestay is a perfect way to experience the life of an ordinary Bhutanese family. You can participate in preparing your dinner and learn how to cook some of the popular dishes of Bhutan. If interested, you can also soak in a traditional hot stone bath believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect. If this homestay is not available, you’ll stay at Meri Puensum Resort.
Duration: 40 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Aum Leki Wangmo Homestay for a unique experience with the local family.
Day 4: Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten / Transfer back to Paro valley (2200m)Stop At: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Bhutan
After breakfast, drive to the nearest road head and then hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten and then after lunch transfer to Phobjikha valley in Gangtey. Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten: 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). From the nearest road head, you walk across a suspension bridge over the Punakha Mochu River (female river) and the trail takes you through paddy fields and a short climb before reaching the peaceful chorten. Normally it takes just under one hour to reach the serene site of the marvelous chorten. The view below is stunning with the glacial-fed Mochu river snaking through the fertile Punakha valley.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Mochu Rafting Point, Khamsum Yueli Namgyal Punakha, 13001, Bhutan
(OPTIONAL) White Water Rafting on Mochu River: If interested, you can go white water rafting on Mochu river graded 1-2 making it possible for all ages to try and experience rafting. The rafting distance on Mochu is 10kms and takes around 1.5 hours maximum. One raft which carries 6-8 passengers will cost around USD200 which is divided equally among the passengers. The best season for rafting is from March to June and September to November. After lunch, we drive to Paro via Dochula Pass. The total driving distance is 115 and takes about 3.5 hours.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Kyichu Lhakhang, Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001 Bhutan
On reaching Paro, visit Kyiichu Lhakhang located just a few minutes drive from the main town of Paro. Kyichu Lhakhang 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 build 108 such temples across the Himalayan region to subdue the spirit of a demoness who was causing obstruction to the spread of Buddhism.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Udumwara Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Day 5: Hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery & later visit a beautiful farmhouse for home-cooked local cuisineStop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail, Paro Bhutan
After early breakfast, hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery. Originally built in 1692, the iconic sacred site Taktsang is perched on the 800-meter rock cliff above the valley floor. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors. 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). The history of Taktsang 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 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. It is not only considered as one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan but also “a must-visit” place for tourists. After lunch at the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria, we retrace our steps back to the base where the driver will be waiting.
Duration: 5 hours
Stop At: Aum Choden Homestay, Nemjo Paro Paro Bhutan, CCM3+FF4, Paro, Bhutan
Later in the afternoon, visit a beautiful traditional farmhouse for an authentic dinner comprised of homecooked local cuisine. If interested, you can also take a traditional hot stone bath believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect for an additional fee of about US$15 per person.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight at Umdumwara Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Day 6: Transfer to Paro International AirportPass By: Paro International Airport - departure terminal, Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Most travelers can participate"
"This tour can be customized and run on a private basis just for you and your group."
"We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to a week before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days."
"There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance."
"After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address."
"Youth between the ages of 13-18 MUST send us a copy of their valid Student Photo ID Card/Document to keep the discounted price. Without a copy of valid Student Photo ID Card/document, the full adult price will apply."
"Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one full-paying adult."
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Hora de Inicio:
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
6 Days Best of Bhutan Tour
6/1/2023 - 12/31/2024| Monday - Sunday : | 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM |
Duración: 6 Days
Lugar de comienzo: Traveler pickup is offered
Our guide and driver will receive you at Paro International Airport
Airports- Paro Airport, Paro Bhutan
Cancelaciones y devoluciones:
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
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