Guide

We believe tour guides play an important role in making your journey memorable and getting the most out of your trip. All our guides are experienced English-speaking licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and they will accompany you throughout your trip in Bhutan. They are always ready to serve you and take care of you every step of your journey so that you go back home satisfied and happy with good memories that will last a lifetime. And the driver’s responsibility is no less. No matter how luxury the transport is, your safety and comfort are in the hands of a driver. Therefore, we employ only experienced drivers specifically licensed to drive tourists. If for some reason you are not satisfied with either of our guide or driver, let us know immediately. We never had such issues in the past but we’ll always try to have them replaced as soon as possible. NOTE: We can arrange guides speaking other major languages (French, Japanese, German, Chinese, Korean & Thai) at an additional fee.

Meals

All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner). Breakfast & Dinner will be usually served at your hotels. Most of the lunches will be served at local restaurants while some can be arranged as a picnic. We also arrange dinners at some traditional restaurants to offer a better choice.

Hygieneprotocol

Starting from 23rd September 2022, Bhutan will fully reopen for tourism without quarantine requirement. The pre-departure RT-PCR negative test certificate is also not required. However, all tourists are required to show up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinination record. You are also required to have travel insurance. You may be required to wear face mask at all public places.

Optional

You will have an opportunity to try our Bhutanese traditional archery and dart throwing. A set of national costumes (Gho for men and Kira for women) will be provided. The costumes should be returned to the guide at the end of the tour.

Others

Bhutan Visa Fee is included. Visa will be arranged for you. Bottled mineral water in the car

Accommodation

The price includes standard twin sharing accommodation at 3-star hotels certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Our partner hotels are handpicked based on the recommendations and good experiences from our past guests. You will be informed of where you will stay at each destination before your arrival. During the course of trekking, we provide full-service outdoor camping in the pristine wilderness at designated campsites. Our trekking crew will transport the tents and camping equipment, pitch the tents, prepare and serve meals, washings will also be done by our trekking staff. You just have to bring a sleeping bag and a travel pillow. We will send you a suggested packing list after we receive your booking. You will also have an option (prior arrangement required) to stay at village homestay/farmhouse at few destinations to get insight into the local culture and feast on delicious local cuisine and take part in preparing some of the popular dishes of Bhutan.

Transport

All ground transportations including airport transfers. We provide: Luxury SUV for 1-2 person Luxury Minivan for a group of 3-8 person Luxury bus/coach for a group of 9 people and above Our fleet of transport vehicles are highly maintained and chauffeured by specially licensed professionals to drive tourists. Porter & Pony charges are also included for trekking adventures.

Not included:

Flights

Flights are NOT INCLUDED. We can help arrange your flights to/from Bhutan. The flight tends to get fully booked months ahead especially during the peak season. We highly recommend you to book flights a few months ahead of your departure date. There are only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan: 1. Drukair, the national flag carrier of Bhutan (www.drukair.com.bt) operates from/to these cities/International Airports: Bangkok, Bagdogra, Bodhgaya, Dhaka, Delhi, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. 2. Bhutan Airlines, a private airline introduced in 2011 (www.bhutanairlines.bt) operates from/to these cities/International Airport: Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu.

Insurance

Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended.

Others

Entrance fees to parks, museums and other national monuments Emergency evacuation & helicopter services Alcoholic beverages, bar bills Laundry services, telephone call charges Premium accommodation in a 4-Star and above hotel Cultural shows that require an advance arrangement Tips to guides and drivers (optional) Any other expense of personal nature

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport / Transfer To Thimphu (2334M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport / Transfer To Thimphu (2334M)

Our guide and driver will receive you on your arrival at the only International Airport located in Paro. We’ll begin by first visiting the National Museum of Bhutan and then transfer to Thimphu the capital city.

The National Museum of Bhutan 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. Ta Dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968. We then drive to the capital city Thimphu.

Distance 55km | Driving Time 1.5-hour | Thimphu Altitude 2,334 meters (7,650 ft) | Paro Altitude 2,195 meters (7,200 ft)

Arriving Thimphu, visit the Bhutan Postal Museum especially if you are interested in philatelic products and stamp collection. Postal service in Bhutan was launched only in 1962 until which time communications and delivery of mails were done by messengers on foot (building of roads started from 1961) . The museum was established in 2015. Philatelic enthusiasts can find a rich collection of stamps, stamp albums and First Day Covers. A bank is also located in the same complex so you can exchange your money into local currency Ngultrum (Nu.) if you want.

Leisure time to explore Thimphu streets.

Note: If your flight arrives early, you will be able to visit more places of interest.

Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara.
Day 2 Day 2: Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha Valley (1200M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha Valley (1200M)

Early morning after a hearty breakfast before driving towards Punakha Valley, you’ll visit some of the interesting sites in Thimphu.

Buddha Dordhenma Statue: The magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. From here you can see a nice view of Thimphu city. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also for the purpose of bringing peace in the world. The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch tall Buddha statues of the same type.

National Library & Archives of Bhutan. Located in the neighborhood of the Zorig Chusum, the National Library of Bhutan is considered as a national treasure of Bhutan and a fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture.

National Institute of Traditional Zorig Chusum. The Institute where 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught is located in the neighbourhood. If the class is in session, you can hop in and observe while the students get hands-on training. Both this institute and National Library opens during working weekdays & on Saturdays 10am-noon.

After lunch at Folk Heritage Museum or at a similar restaurant, transferred to Punakha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass.

Distance 74km

Driving Time 2.5 hours

Punakha Altitude 1,200 meters (3,930 ft)

En route to Punakha, about 45 mins drive from Thimphu, stop briefly at Dochu La Pass (3,150m/10,334ft) and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the distant Himalayan mountain ranges (weather permitting). This picturesque mountain pass was only a sacred site until 2004 when Her Majesty Grand Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck built 108 stupas adorning the pass. Continue driving to Punakha, the elevation drops gradually in a short period of time. As you reach the lower valley, you will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to 1,200m.

About 11km before arriving Punakha town, visit Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility". 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 16th century Lama Drukpa Kuenley 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 women who are unable to conceive a child as it brings fertility to women, giving them ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”.

You’ll have an opportunity to explore the nearby village and interact with the local people.

Overnight at Hotel Lobesa or Meri Puensum Resort.
Day 3 Day 3: Punakha / Transfer To Trongsa (2200M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Punakha / Transfer To Trongsa (2200M)

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you’ll hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten, the 7th-century Punakha Dzong and then transfer to Trongsa in central Bhutan.

Khamsum Yuellay 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). It was built over a period of almost 10 years under the command of Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, one of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan and was consecrated in 1999. The round trip hike takes only about 2-2.5 hours through the beautiful terraced rice fields.

Punakha Dzong: The historic Punakha Dzong locally known as “Palace of Great Bliss” was built in 1637 to guard the region against Tibetan forces. This beautiful and most impressive Dzong in Bhutan is a masterpiece of traditional Bhutanese architecture, painting and craftsmanship. The Dzong served as the administrative centre and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955. It now serves as the office of the District Administrator (Dzongdag) and the winter residence of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, Je Khenpo.

If interested, you can take a short walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge that run across the glacial-fed Phochu (male) river.

After lunch, we drive to Trongsa in central Bhutan. You’ll pass through the highest mountain between Punakha and Trongsa (Pelela 3,350m). You will have several opportunities for photography and views of valleys and mountains along the way.

Distance 142km

Driving Time 4.5 hours

Trongsa Altitude 2,200 meters (7,220 ft)

On arrival in Trongsa, visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong. If there is not enough time, you can visit tomorrow morning.

Overnighit at Tashi Ninjay Guest House.
Day 4 Day 4: Trongsa / Transfer To Bumthang (2800M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Trongsa / Transfer To Bumthang (2800M)

After early breakfast, drive approximately 2.5 hours to Bumthang (also known as Jakar) through the serene mountain pass, Yotong La at 3,425 meters (11,235 ft) above sea level and gradually descend to the village of Chumey. At Chumey stop by the roadside Yathra weaving center (Yathra is the colourful textiles hand woven out of sheep and yak hair) and get insights on the traditional attires and the weaving culture of the people of Bumthang. Continue driving towards Chamkhar, the main town of Bumthang. The valley of Bumthang is considered as the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to some of the oldest temples and monasteries in the country.

Distance 68km

Driving Time 2.5 hours

Bumthang Altitude 2,800 meters (9,185 ft)

After lunch in Bumthang, visit Swiss Cheese & Wine Factory and Tamzhing Lhakhang. The Swiss Cheese and Wine factory which was established by Mr. Fritz Maurer, a Swiss volunteer who came to Bhutan in the early 1960s and made Bumthang his home. After that visit the sacred Tamzhing temple built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa who is considered as the patron saint of Bhutan. Among the many treasures and religious artefacts handcrafted by the Pema Lingpa himself, there is an armory which stood the test of time for five centuries bearing no rust or any sign of deterioration. It is believed that you will be cleansed of all your past sins and defilement if you circumambulate the inner sanctum of the temple 3 rounds carrying that sacred armory.

Leisure time around Chamkhar, the main town of Bumthang.

Overnight at Kaila Guest House or Mountain Lodge.
Day 5 Day 5: Full Day Exploring Bumthang Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Full Day Exploring Bumthang Valley

After breakfast, drive for about 45min to the sacred lake called Mebartso (Burning Lake) from where a sacred statue and other religious treasures were discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa. He went into the lake holding a butter lamp (candle-like lamp used for ritual offering) and resurfaced holding treasures hidden by Guru Padmasambhava in the mid-eighth century with the butter lamp still burning. You would see some of the discovered sacred objects at Tamzhing temple on Day 4.

Visit the nearby Tang village and ramble through the rural settlements to understand the daily lives of the farmers of Bumthang. Home-cooked local cuisine unique to Bumthang will be organized at one of the village farmhouses for lunch.

If interested, you can also visit Ogyen Choling Museum. A private museum owned by the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan was regarded as being a monastery or hermitage because of its past connections with great Buddhist masters like Longhcen Rabjam (1308-63) and Terton Dorji Lingpa (1346-1405). It was turned into a museum in 2001 with the aim to share its heritage and also to preserve and maintain its religious and cultural significance. The museum gives you profound insights not only about the lifestyles and living conditions of households of the religious and nobility during the 19th and 20th centuries but also on how Bhutan has changed over the years.

Distance to Tang Valley 30km

Driving Time 2 hours round trip

Kurjey Lhakhang: Kurjey Lhakhang which is built on the sacred site blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Guru Padmasambhava brought Buddhism to Bhutan and is revered as the second Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism. If you wish, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th century Jambay Lhakhang believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Overnight at Kaila Guest House or Mountain Lodge.
Day 6 Day 6: Bumthang / Transfer To Phobjikha Valley (3000M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Bumthang / Transfer To Phobjikha Valley (3000M)

After breakfast, transfer to Phobjikha valley following the same route via Trongsa. In Trongsa, you’ll visit the Royal Heritage Museum and Thruepang Palace.

Royal Heritage Museum: Housed in the 17th-century watchtower, the Royal Heritage Museum provides an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history and showcases the religious and artistic traditions of Bhutan.

Visit Thruepang Palace: This two-storied simple palace situated just above the highway in the town is the birthplace of our Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It was here that on 2nd May 1928, His Majesty was born to King Jigme Wangchuck and Ashi Puntsho Choden. He spent most of his early childhood days here in this Thurepang Palace.

After lunch in Trongsa, continue driving to Phobjikha Valley.

Distance to Phobjikha valley 150km

Driving Time 4.5 hours

Phobjikha Altitude 3,000m/9,840ft

Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and it is a winter home for endangered Black-necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to Tibetan Plateau by the beginning of spring season. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared as a protected area.

Arriving Phobjikha valley, visit the famous landmark in the valley, the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Gonpa (Gonpa literally means "remote place" and is usually a place of religious significance).

Overnight at Yueloki Guest House or at a similar one.
Day 7 Day 7: Full Day In Phobjikha Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Full Day In Phobjikha Valley

After breakfast, you will venture out on an exhilarating Gangtey Nature Hike through the pristine valley. If you book the tour coinciding with the Gangtey Tshechu Festival, you’ll have time to witness the dazzling annual festival where people from all walks of life, in their finest costumes, gather to receive blessings, socialize and promote happiness. A series of colorful mask dances are performed by skilled monks interspersed by traditional folk songs and dances.

Gangtey Nature Hike: Venture out on an exhilarating nature hike through the pristine valley. The trail is about 5km and takes approx. 2.5 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures!

In the evening, take a traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of $15 believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect (optional).

Overnight at Yueloki Guest House or at a similar one.
Day 8 Day 8: Phobjikha / Transfer To Paro (2195M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Phobjikha / Transfer To Paro (2195M)

After breakfast, drive back to Paro valley via the same way we came – Wangdue Phodrang, Lobesa, Dochula Pass. En route, visit the first and oldest Dzong built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the 17th century AD.

Distance from Phobjikha to Paro 170km

Time 5 hours

Paro Altitude 2,195 meters (7,200 ft)

After driving for about 130km, stop at the outskirt of Thimphu and visit Simtokha Dzong which is built strategically on a ridge overlooking the Thimphu valley. The Simtokha Dzong is significant not only because it was the first Dzong built by Zhangdrung Ngawang Namgyel but also stands on the borders of three major regions: Thimphu, Paro and Wangdue Phodrang. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel built this Dzong in 1631 to consolidate his rule over western Bhutan. Simtokha Dzong is considered as the oldest Dzong in Bhutan.

One of the main statues inside the Simtokha Dzong is the statue of Buddha of Compassion. Legend has it that fortunate visitors are able to see a light shining forth from the chest of the Buddha. The Dzong has more than three hundred slate carvings from the 17th century. Recently, His Majesty the 5th King donated a statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel which wasn’t there initially.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 9 Day 9: Hike To The Famed Taktsang Monastery (3120M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Hike To The Famed Taktsang Monastery (3120M)

Today after an early breakfast, you’ll hike to the famous landmark in all of Bhutan, Paro Taktsang which is popularly known as Tiger’s Nest.

Taktsang monastery or Tiger’s Nest is built on a rock cliff some 800m above the valley floor.. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the road head. After an hour of steep uphill hiking on the ancient pilgrimage trails shaded by pine trees, you’ll reach a nice cafeteria from where you can see a spectacular view of the Taktsang monastery perched on the face of the steep rock cliff.

Taktsang Monastery is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known to Bhutanese as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the mid-eighth century A.D.

After lunch at the cafeteria, retrace your steps back to the base and drive to visit an auspicious 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo to subdue the spirit of demoness obstructing propagation of Buddhism in the region.

Towards the evening, visit a beautiful farmhouse and experience the traditional Bhutanese way of life. If interested, you can soak in a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of US$15. Specially selected stones are heated in a wood-fired fireplace. The bathtub is made of wood and a medicinal shrub is added to the hot bath. Delicious dinner of authentic home-cooked local cuisine will be served at the farmhouse.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort.
Day 10 Day 10: Transfer To Paro International Airport For Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Transfer To Paro International Airport For Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check-in.

10 days tour

Essence Of Bhutan

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Essence Of Bhutan

Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport / Transfer To Thimphu (2334M)

Day 2: Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha Valley (1200M)

Day 3: Punakha / Transfer To Trongsa (2200M)

Day 4: Trongsa / Transfer To Bumthang (2800M)

Day 5: Full Day Exploring Bumthang Valley

Day 6: Bumthang / Transfer To Phobjikha Valley (3000M)

Day 7: Full Day In Phobjikha Valley

Day 8: Phobjikha / Transfer To Paro (2195M)

Day 9: Hike To The Famed Taktsang Monastery (3120M)

Day 10: Transfer To Paro International Airport For Departure

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