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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Not included:

Others

Entry fees to sacred sites, 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

Insurance

Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended.

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.

Start planning your experience

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

Day 1: Arriva Paro International Airport / Transfer To The Capital City Thimphu (2334M)

Our guide and the driver will receive you on your arrival at Paro, the only International Airport in Bhutan. You’ll visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower/fortress called Ta Dzong. The collection of artifacts at the museum displays a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of Bhutan.

Transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and even commercial billboards.

Distance from Paro - Thimphu 55km, Driving time 1.5-hours, Paro altitude 2,200m, Thimphu altitude 2334m

On arrival in Thimphu, visit the 169ft Buddha Dordhenma Statue located at Kuensel Phodrang overlooking the Thimphu valley. 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.

Leisure time to explore Thimphu town.

Note: The coverage of the tour on the first day depends on your flight arrival time. The itinerary will be kept flexible to suit your needs and ability or have it customized before your arrival.

Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara
Day 2 Day 2: Hike To The Tango Monastery & Sightseeing In Thimphu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Hike To The Tango Monastery & Sightseeing In Thimphu

Today, after early breakfast, we’ll do a 2-3-hour return hike to Tango Monastery and then after lunch do some sightseeing in Thimphu town.

Located at about 14km north of Thimphu on a pristine mountainside, Tango Monastery was originally founded in the 13th century by Tibetan saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo who first established the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan and subsequently became the state religion. The roundtrip hike takes about 2-3 hours for most visitors.

Hiking Time 2-3 hours, Tango Monastery Altitude 3,060m/10,040ft

Drive back to Thimphu town where a traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. After lunch, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Institute of Traditional Arts & Crafts) where 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught. Just in the neitherbourhood is the National Library of Bhutan considered a national treasure and a fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion medicine, arts and culture. Both Zorig Chusum and National Library opens during working weekdays & on Saturdays 10am – noon.

From there visit the Centenary Farmers’ Market to learn about the food preference and culture in Bhutanese society. Farmers from all over the country bring their farm produce to sell. The market opens from Friday – Sunday. From there pass by the Changlimithang Archery Range and witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a distance of 145 meters. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Leisure time in Thimphu town.

Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara
Day 3 Day 3: Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha (1200M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha (1200M)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha valley. En route stop briefly at Dochula – a sacred mountain pass at an elevation of 3150m and enjoy a grand view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear day. Good opportunity for photos! From there continue driving towards Punakha and gradually descend to a subtropical valley within an hour.

Just about 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known among tourists as “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience. Walk and explore the village.

After lunch at a nearby hotel or at a local village house, drive to Punakha town and visit the most beautiful 17th-century Punakha Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture displaying fine arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence the Bhutanese architecture to this day. You’ll spend some time appreciating the intricate woodworks and sacred wall paintings. From there walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge if interested.

Distance from Thimphu - Punakha 74km, Driving time 3-hours, Dochula Pass altitude 3150m, Punakha altitude 1200m.

Overnight at Hotel Sonamgang or Aum Leki Wangmo Homestay. Most of our clients enjoy staying a night or two at the homestays with the local family experiencing the daily life of an ordinary Bhutanese family while they get to savour organic home-cooked local cuisines.
Day 4 Day 4: Punakha / Transfer To Phobjikha Valley & Gangtey Nature Hike (3000M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Punakha / Transfer To Phobjikha Valley & Gangtey Nature Hike (3000M)

After breakfast, hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten on a peaceful hilltop and after lunch transfer to Phobjikha valley and then venture out on Gangtey Nature Hike through the pristine valley.

Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten is located on a serene hilltop overlooking the fertile Punakha valley with glacial-fed Mochu river meandering through the valley. The hike leads through the terraced rice fields and takes about 2.5-hours round trip for most visitors. Retrace your footstep back to the road head and drive back to the town for lunch.

After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha valley, a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and 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.

Distance from Punakha - Phobjikha 80km, Driving time 3-hours, Phobjikha valley altitude 3,000m

Upon arrival in Phobjikha valley, check into the hotel and settle for hot tea and snacks. Then you will go on an exciting Gangtey Nature Hike. The trail is about 5km and takes approximately 3 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 an understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures!

Note: If there is not enough time, you can do the hike tomorrow morning.

Overnight at Phobjikha Resort or Yue-Loki Guest House
Day 5 Day 5: Phobjikha Vallley / Transfer Back To Paro (2200M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Phobjikha Vallley / Transfer Back To Paro (2200M)

After breakfast, visit one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan – Gangtey Goenpa and then you will be transferred back to Paro.

The 17th-century Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Goenpa is one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan. Gangtey literally means “Hilltop” and Goenpa “remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance. You will meet peace-loving monks studying Buddhist Philosophy and spend some time offering prayers at the sacred monastery.

Then drive back to Paro valley. Lunch will be served on the way. Upon arrival in Paro and if time permits, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which is believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan Kind Songtsen Gampo.

Leisure time in Paro town.

Overnight at Lhayhuel Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Day 6 Day 6: Hike To The Famed Paro Taktsang (Tiger’S Nest)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Hike To The Famed Paro Taktsang (Tiger’S Nest)

Today, on the 6th day of your trip, you will hike to the famous 17th century Paro Taktsang Monastery popular known as the “Tiger’s Nest”.

Originally built in 1692, the iconic Taktsang Moastery is perched on a rock cliff some 800 meter above the valley floor and is the most visited sacred site in Bhutan. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors. Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the midpoint (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) for a fee about USD20 per horse but the journey is best enjoyed on foot. Horse riding is not recommended on your way down and owners may not.

A vegetarian lunch will be served at the Taktsang Cafeteria located midway along the trail. Meat is not served in this restaurant owing to the sacredness of the Taktsang Monastery. Descend back to the base and drive to Paro town where you will spend some leisure time.

Later in the evening, visit a beautiful traditional farmhouse for an dinner comprised of authentic homecooked local cuisine. You can also soak up in the therapeutic traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$15 per person.

Overnight at Lhayhuel Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Day 7 Day 7: Departure From Paro International Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Departure From Paro International Airport

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

(Breakfast)

7 days tour

The Magical Kingdom Of Bhutan

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip The Magical Kingdom Of Bhutan

Day 1: Arriva Paro International Airport / Transfer To The Capital City Thimphu (2334M)

Day 2: Hike To The Tango Monastery & Sightseeing In Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha (1200M)

Day 4: Punakha / Transfer To Phobjikha Valley & Gangtey Nature Hike (3000M)

Day 5: Phobjikha Vallley / Transfer Back To Paro (2200M)

Day 6: Hike To The Famed Paro Taktsang (Tiger’S Nest)

Day 7: Departure From Paro International Airport

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania