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Overview The Best of Bhutan tour offers an enchanting journey through the scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. This immersive experience also allows you to explore the best that the country has to offer in a span of 7 to 10 days. Starting in the capital city of Thimphu, you'll also captivate by the blend of tradition and modernity. Visit the magnificent Tashichho Dzong, a grand fortress housing government offices and religious institutions. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local markets, where you can find handicrafts, textiles, and delicious Bhutanese delicacies. The National Memorial Chorten, a revered Buddhist shrine,…
The Best of Bhutan tour offers an enchanting journey through the scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Bhutan. This immersive experience also allows you to explore the best that the country has to offer in a span of 7 to 10 days.
Starting in the capital city of Thimphu, you’ll also captivate by the blend of tradition and modernity. Visit the magnificent Tashichho Dzong, a grand fortress housing government offices and religious institutions. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local markets, where you can find handicrafts, textiles, and delicious Bhutanese delicacies. The National Memorial Chorten, a revered Buddhist shrine, offers a serene atmosphere for reflection and prayer.
Next, venture to Paro, home to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This architectural marvel is also perched on a cliffside, offering breathtaking views of the valley below. Embark on a hike through lush forests, crossing bridges and ascending stone steps, to reach this sacred site. It is an experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Journey onward to Punakha, where the splendid Punakha Dzong awaits. This majestic fortress, located at the confluence of two rivers, is a sight to behold. Admire the intricate woodwork and vibrant murals that also adorn the walls as you learn about Bhutan’s history and spirituality.
The tour also takes you to the serene Gangtey Valley, known for its natural beauty and Gangtey Monastery. Take in the picturesque landscape, explore quaint villages, and witness the annual migration of black-necked cranes.
Bumthang Valley, regarded as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, also invites you to delve deeper into the country’s religious and cultural heritage. Visit ancient monasteries, temples, and sacred sites, and soak in the tranquil ambiance of this sacred valley.
Throughout the tour, you’ll also have opportunities to engage in various activities such as trekking amidst pristine mountains, attending colorful festivals, and experiencing the warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people. The tour also provides a well-rounded glimpse into Bhutan’s unique culture, traditions, and natural beauty.
To ensure a seamless experience, it recommends us to book the tour through a reputable tour operator who will handle visa arrangements, provide knowledgeable guides, and ensure compliance with Bhutan’s tourism regulations. Embark on the Best of Bhutan tour for an unforgettable journey through a land of mystique and enchantment.
Arrive Paro by Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, and it’s a scenic flight as the plane touch down the lush green Paro Valley flying past the world’s highest mountains. Steeping down from the plane, cool, clean and fresh air welcomes the visitor, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing the customs and visa formalities met by the representatives and transfer to Paro for lunch. Afterwards, visit Rinpung Dzongbuilt in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Then drive to Thimphu (1 hour) following Pa Chhu downstream.
In Thimphu, drive on to the Buddha Terrance for a stunning view of the valley and take a drive to visit Takin Preserve to see Takin, Bhutan’s national animal – a strange looking beast which some say resembles a beestung moose! Take a view of the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, the seat of the government before circumventing the Memorial Chorten – a monument erected in memory of Bhutan’s third king H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Visit Centenary Farmers Market, the new authentic craft bazaar, National Institute of Traditional Medicine that still dispenses traditional herbal medicines to the locals, the Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum. Overnight at Hotel (Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast, drive for about 1 & half hour to Punakha. Climb up the mountain road to Dochula La at 3140m. On clear weather, the pass commands a wonderful panorama of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, descend through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as “the Divine Madman”. The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Drive to Gangtey via Wangdue. After Wangdue, the drive is up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha valley, surely one of the loveliest high altitude valleys in Bhutan. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Enjoy 1½ hours Gangtey nature trail from the monastery through the jungle before emerging to the valley floor. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast, drive back to Punakha to visit a stunning hill-top nunnery – Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Chholing. Have a chat with the nuns and enjoy the charm of the surrounds! The main temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva of compassion (Avaloketeshvara) and next to the temple is a beautiful Stupa and there are slate carvings of religious figures. Re-crossing Dochula and drive towards Thimphu upon arrival check-in hotel. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast, drive over the Chelela pass (3899 m). From the pass, good view of the Himalayan Ranges and the valley beyond can be spotted. Then continue the drive towards Haa. Haa is made up of five counties and was closed to outside world until 2002. There is a military camp by the Indian Army. In Haa valley, visit Wangchucklo Dzong dating back to 1915 and Lhakhang Nakpo (Black temple) is said to have been built by pigeon emanation of King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and Lhakhang Karpo (white temple). After the visit drive to Paro. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. It’s about two hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in 8th century. Then visit the Taktsang Monastery and hike back to the road point then drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Afterwards, back to hotel. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains. (Breakfast only included)
Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
• 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium).
• Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
• Route Permit
• Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
• All land transportation by private vehicle
• Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Drinking water
• All internal taxes and charges
• A sustainable development fee of $200 per person per night. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
Monuments entrance fees where applicable (Entrance fees)
• Airfare & Travel Insurance
• Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
• Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc
The Best of Bhutan Tour is a remarkable journey that takes you on a comprehensive exploration of Bhutan’s most captivating destinations, cultural treasures, and natural wonders. This thoughtfully crafted itinerary is designed to provide an immersive and unforgettable experience of the country’s highlights. Here’s a detailed description of what you can expect from the Best of Bhutan Tour:
The tour begins in Paro, where you’ll be captivated by the awe-inspiring Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched dramatically on a cliffside, this iconic monastery is a pilgrimage site and a testament to Bhutan’s spiritual heritage. The hike to reach the monastery rewards you with breathtaking views and a profound sense of tranquility. You’ll also visit the historic Kyichu Lhakhang, a revered temple believed to have been built in the 7th century. Marvel at its sacred ambiance and architectural beauty. The Paro Rinpung Dzong, a majestic fortress-monastery, showcases Bhutanese craftsmanship and serves as a center for religious and administrative activities.
From Paro, the tour proceeds to Thimphu, the vibrant capital city of Bhutan. Here, you’ll discover a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Explore the grandeur of the Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery that houses government offices and serves as a venue for religious ceremonies. Delve into Bhutan’s cultural heritage at the National Library, home to ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. The National Memorial Chorten is a revered shrine where locals gather to offer prayers and circumambulate the stupa. Immerse yourself in the colorful atmosphere of the weekend market, where you can find handicrafts, textiles, and a variety of local produce.
The tour then takes you to Punakha, a picturesque valley known for its natural beauty and historical landmarks. Admire the architectural masterpiece of Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of two rivers. Its intricate details and serene surroundings create a captivating ambiance. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to fertility and known for its unique traditions. The Punakha Valley enchants with its terraced fields, gentle rivers, and idyllic countryside.
For those opting for an extension, Bumthang offers a deeper immersion into Bhutan’s cultural heartland. Explore Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, ancient temples that hold profound spiritual significance. Marvel at the beautiful Jakar Dzong, an architectural gem perched on a hilltop. The peaceful ambiance and stunning landscapes of Bumthang create a serene retreat.
Alternatively, the extension to Wangdue Phodrang allows you to visit the impressive Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Experience the tranquility of the Gangtey Valley, known for its pristine nature and the sacred Gangtey Monastery.
Throughout the Best of Bhutan Tour, you’ll be accompanied by knowledgeable guides who will provide insights into Bhutanese culture, history, and spirituality. You’ll have opportunities to witness traditional festivals, partake in cultural activities, interact with friendly locals, and indulge in the flavors of authentic Bhutanese cuisine. The tour ensures comfortable accommodations, seamless logistics, and adherence to Bhutan’s sustainable tourism principles.
Please note that specific itineraries and package details may vary depending on the tour operator and your personal preferences. It is recommended to consult with a reputable Bhutanese tour operator to tailor the tour to your specific interests and ensure an enriching and extraordinary journey through Bhutan’s enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures.
