Blissful Bhutan
Overview of Trip
Bhutan is a tiny landlocked country in the eastern Himalayas, with a progressive young king, and a beautiful queen who promotes Gross National Happiness. It is also the country that has some hidden Himalayas peaks. Bordering on the north with China, and India on the south, the rugged country has over 70% of its country with forest.
This trip will take you into the journey to see Bhutan at its best. The Bhutanese have safeguarded their Buddhist culture and ancient way of life, and it’s the traditional aspects that lend great charm and value to the country. We will visit most of the highlights of Bhutan, from the 108 Stupa at the Dochu La Pass, the fertility temple of Punakha, ancient dzongs, and finally take a hike to see “Tiger Nest” Taktshang.
As we travel, the lush paddies in the valleys, and the hills covered with thick forests will amaze you. Buddhist teachings and philosophy are influential throughout the kingdom, as they have been since the 7th century and a traditional reverence for nature has led to Bhutan imposing some of the strictest standards of environmental preservation in the world. Lets go and explore the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Start: Paro, Bhutan
Finish: Paro, Bhutan
Destination: Bhutan
Theme: Explorer
Physical Rating: 3
Ages: Min 15
Group size: Min 4, Max 12
Why You'll Love This Adventure?
- Hike the Tiger Nest, Taktshang Monastery
- Stay at some of the best hotels of Bhutanese character
- Dive deep into seeing ancient Dzong’s that are used as the administrative centre
- Dine in at local Bhutanese eatery for staple Cheese Curry of different kinds
- Crossing over the famous photographic location of Dochu La Pass
Is this experience right for you?
With less than 70,000 international tourists each year, Bhutan is one of the least visited countries in the world. Bhutan is the only country in the world that is not just carbon neutral, but carbon negative. This means that the Bhutanese offset more carbon dioxide than they actually create. If you are interested in getting off the tourist path and having a true genuine high altitude cultural experience this is for you.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Part (7332 ft)
Arrival in Paro, go through immigration, collect luggage and look for your names at the exit gate. Rest and explore Paro.
Overnight at a hotel. Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Drive Punakha
Drive on the Bhutanese highway, over the Dochu La Pass and into Punakha for 2 nights. Take a short walk to the Fertility Temple and visit the Punakha Dzong on the confluence of 2 rivers.
Overnight at hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 3: In Punakha (4075 ft)
Drive out for a hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten at 1800 mtr (5905 ft) from Mochu river. Our hike goes through the village of Yebisa.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 4: Drive to Phobjikha Valley (9800 ft)
Today we’ll drive about 4 hours to Phobjikha Valley, one of the most beautiful and remote spots in all of Bhutan and home of the rare black-necked cranes that arrive every year from the Tibetan plateau. We will also visit the Gangtey Monastery, an important monastery of Nyingmapa from the school of Buddhism.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 5: Phobjikha Valley (9800 ft)
Today, we hike around the Phobjikha Valley, and visit the Gangtey Monastery.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6: Drive back to Dochu La Pass (10,171 ft)
Back track our drive to Thimphu but spend the night at Dochu La Pass.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 7: Drive to Thimphu (7656 ft)
Start driving early out from Dochu La Pass, we will first visit the Buddha Statue. This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. Enjoy an afternoon walk in the town, watch the only traffic person in the entirety of Bhutan, visit the local farmers market, and enjoy the rest of the day.
Overnight at a hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 8: Thimphu (7656 ft)
Guided excursions introduce you to a handicraft schools, a nunnery, and archers in action.
Overnight at a guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 9: Drive back to Paro
Explore Thimphu until lunch, then drive back to Paro. Catch up with a few more Dzongs, and be ready for your next days hike to Tigers Nest.
Overnight at a hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 10: In Paro
Hike to the fabled Tiger’s Nest (10,000 ft), full day activity.
Overnight at a hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 11: Transfer to International Airport
After breakfast, we drive to the Paro International Airport.
Overnight at a hotel. Breakfast, Lunch included.
Inclusions
Meals
All meals throughout the tour; doesn’t include alcohol/personal needs
Transport
All transport included throughout tour. Private and sometimes shared.
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights)
Guesthouse (5 nights)
Included activities
- All Hotels within Bhutan with breakfast
- Tashi Namgay Resort in Paro
- Zhimkhang Resort or similar in Punakha
- Dewachen Hotel & Spa or similar in Phobjikha Valley
- Eco Resort in Dochu La Pass
- Namgay Heritage Hotel in Thimphu
- Transfer within the country on private vehicle
- All meals included from Day 1 lunch until Day 11 breakfast
- Entrance Fee & Guide Fee for Tours in the cities
- Local tour guide
- International round trip flight from Bangkok to Paro ($1090)
- Flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Paro and back
- Visa Fee to Bhutan
- Bhutan Royalty Fee
- Hiking Tiger nest (Taktshang Monastery)
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