Planned by Ravi,
local expert for Bhutan, India
4.9/5
Starting at USD 4673 per adult / 8 days
International flights not included. Price details
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See the historic Kingdom of Bhutan in its full magnificence: soak in local arts and crafts in Thimpu, walk through stunning rice terraces, trek to the Tiger's Nest, buy Bhutanese prayer flags and admire a royal monument or two.

This itinerary is just a starting point as all services are 100% customizable to suit your travel wants and needs. Looking for different hotels, other experiences or an alternative route? Get in touch with Ravi today to receive your personalized quote. Just enter your details and receive a quote based on your preferences.

Overview

Thimphu 2 nights
Punakha 2 nights
Paro 3 nights

Detailed Itinerary

Start in Paro

DAY 1-3

Thimphu

DAY 1

Arrival in Bhutan

As your Druk Air flight weaves through the valley, arrival in Bhutan is like no other. As you touch down, keep your camera at the ready, as we have noticed how passengers slowly disembark and then stand on the tarmac totally bewildered. Then move through to immigration where you will present your visa approval letter and passport for the official stamp. As you clear the Immigration check, please make your way to the baggage delivery area and here you will meet your guide for the first time. The transfer to Thimphu is approximately 1 ½ hours and upon arrival. After settling in, you will have the choice of visiting the National Memorial Chorten, National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, and perhaps time to stroll the Main Street for some interesting Himalayan artifacts or textiles.

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Accommodation: Amankora Thimpu

DAY 2

Trashi Chhoe Dzong

This morning you will head to the north end of the valley to view Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and Royal offices, and pay a visit to Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic training school for astrologers. At the head of the valley, should you wish to stretch your legs, you can take a short hike to Cheri Goemba, the monastery where the first monastic body was established in the Kingdom. Back in town you should be able to visit a few of the capital’s cottage industries ranging from traditional paper making to hand rolled incense.

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Accommodation: Amankora Thimpu

DAY 3

DoChu La - amazing view over Himalayas

We opt for an early departure for a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La and on to the Punakha Valley. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, The journey continues over the 3,050m mountain pass where on a clear day, towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The descent down thru the Punakha Valley along the Kingdom’s only east-west highway will loop you through the Valley of Wangdi where you can visit the rustic Wangdiphodrang Dzong and perhaps the local town temple next door. Time will be afforded to walk this small village and explore its row of intimate shops before heading back into Punakha Valley. This afternoon you will have a choice to visit the village of Talo, home of the Queens’ and the valley’s protective deity lhakhang. Later in the afternoon a hike to an ancient monastery on the hilltop behind the lodge can be organized or time given to enjoy the farmhouse and spa of the lodge.

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Accommodation: Amankora Punakha

DAY 3-5

Punakha

DAY 4

Punakha Valley

The day in Punakha Valley begins with a beautiful hike from the Punakha Lodge along the Mo Chhu through terraces of rice, chillies and cabbages. This takes you to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a monument recently built by the four queens of Bhutan. Following the hike you will drive back up the valley towards Khuruthang passing Punthsho Pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the royal family before reaching the impressive Punakha Dzong. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the Punak Chu, before visiting the village of Lobesa where a short walk ends at Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499.

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Accommodation: Amankora Punakha

DAY 5-8

Paro

DAY 5

Paro Town

After descending back down from Dochu La, you will follow your way back up the dramatic Wang Chu and Paro Chu river valleys, before crossing into Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. Here, set in a pine forest, you will find the Amankora lodge and its spa. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity for a quick stroll to the nearby ruins, a visit to some of the valley’s oldest and holiest religious monuments or a ramble down Paro’s main street. Evenings at Amankora may include informative lectures about the history, religion, flora and fauna of the region or an intriguing movie on the Himalayas.

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Accommodation: Amankora Paro

DAY 6

Paro Dzong

The day starts with a visit to the National Museum, which is housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lies the dominating Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and guests are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. Paro options include picturesque picnic spots or, perhaps, a visit to a traditional farmhouse to lunch with the family. After lunch you will visit the uniquely shaped Dumtse Lhakhang to view the beautiful, well preserved wall paintings there. Then you will continue on to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the Kingdom’s oldest religious places of worship. The temple is said to have been built in order to pin down the left foot of an ogress that once demonized the Himalayas.

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Accommodation: Amankora Paro

DAY 7

Taktshang Goemba

Today will be an auspicious pilgrimage up to one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The four to five hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. Accommodating mules and donkeys will be on hand to lessen the exertion for the climb up, and along the way a rewarding picnic will be served. The afternoon will be at leisure to enjoy the spa and ease those blessed aches from the morning’s pilgrimage.

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Accommodation: Amankora Paro

DAY 8

International Departure

Early morning transfer from Amankora Paro to Paro Airport for your international departure.

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End in Paro

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