Private 7-day Bhutan Happiness Cultural Tour

Private 7-day Bhutan Happiness Cultural Tour

This tour includes:

7x Breakfast

7x Breakfast

6x Dinner

6x Dinner

7x Lunch

7x Lunch

Accommodation included: 6 nights

Accommodation included: 6 nights

Airport Transfers

Airport Transfers

All three meals, tea and...

All three meals, tea and coffee

Private transportation

Private transportation

Bhutan Tourism Development Fee

Bhutan Tourism Development Fee

VISA Processing Fee

VISA Processing Fee

Entry/Admission - Rinpung Dzong

Entry/Admission - Rinpung Dzong

Entry/Admission - National Museum

Entry/Admission - National Museum

Entry/Admission - Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang

Entry/Admission - Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang

Entry/Admission - Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu...

Entry/Admission - Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)

Entry/Admission - Changangkha Lhakhang

Entry/Admission - Changangkha Lhakhang

Entry/Admission - The Craft GALLERY

Entry/Admission - The Craft GALLERY

Entry/Admission - Simply Bhutan Museum

Entry/Admission - Simply Bhutan Museum

Entry/Admission - Buddha Dordenma

Entry/Admission - Buddha Dordenma

Entry/Admission - Thimphu Chorten (Memorial...

Entry/Admission - Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)

Entry/Admission - Chime Lhakhang

Entry/Admission - Chime Lhakhang

Entry/Admission - Punakha Dzong

Entry/Admission - Punakha Dzong

Entry/Admission - Khamsum Yulley Namgyal...

Entry/Admission - Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Entry/Admission - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup...

Entry/Admission - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery

Entry/Admission - Paro Taktsang

Entry/Admission - Paro Taktsang

Entry/Admission - Kyichu Lhakhang

Entry/Admission - Kyichu Lhakhang

Not included:

Air Fares

Air Fares

Refreshments and bottled drinks and...

Refreshments and bottled drinks and alcohol

Cost arising out of Flight...

Cost arising out of Flight Cancellation/road blockades/ landslides and events beyond our control

Expenses of personal nature and...

Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost

Start planning your experience

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About experience

Itinerary

Day 1: PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT โ€“ Your first glimpse of Bhutan

Stop At: Rinpung Dzong, Paro, Bhutan
The majestic Rinpung Dzong or the Fortress of Heaped Jewels is located along the Paro river gathering attention and admiration from every corner of the valley. Like all the Dzongs in the country, the Rinpung Dzong houses the administrative offices along side the district monastic body, i.e. the monks, their living quarters and learning centers.
The beautiful view of the wide Paro valley with its paddy fields and Pa Chhu (Paro river) from the Dzong is spectacular and a good vantage point to take panoramic pictures of the valley. However, the Dzong along with the traditional cantilever bridge and the Museum (above the Dzong) illuminated by floodlights make for impressive night photography.
The Dzong is featured in Bernardo Bertolucciโ€™s 1993 Hollywood movie โ€˜Little Buddhaโ€™ starring Keanu Reeves as a young Buddha; and one of Hongkongโ€™s leading entertainment couple, actors Tony Leung and Carina Lau who got married in Bhutan chose the Dzong as an exclusive spot for their wedding photos.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: National Museum, Tag-Dzong Rinpung Dzong, Paro 12001 Bhutan
The National Museum located above the Rinpung Dzong was previously a watch tower (Ta Dzong) built in 1649 to guard the valley from numerous Tibetan invasions. Built in the shape of a conch shell the tower was converted to a Museum in 1968, was severely damaged by three major earthquakes, the recent being in 2011 and renovated and reopened in all its former architectural glory in June 2020 as the National Museum.

The Museum has on display numerous unique sets of religious and historical artifacts that narrate the traditional heritage and culture of Bhutan. The artifacts include festival masks, fine arts, paintings, textiles from all over Bhutan, collection of stamps, preserved specimens of exotic animals and many antique collections. A visit to the Museum will familiarize a visitor to the ancient culture and traditions of Bhutan and discover the beauty, mystery, myths and legends that makes Bhutan a hidden gem of a country
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, Paro, Bhutan
Visit the 3 storied Dungtse Lhakhang/temple, built in the mid 1430โ€™s by Thangtong Gyelpo, the iron bridge builder, to subdue a demon and the temple is firmly chained to the ground. The three floors of the temple represent hell, heaven and earth and house some of the finest murals in Bhutan. In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse replete with paddy fields, vegetable garden and farm animals.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
Paro valley is the aerial gateway to Bhutan and being one of the widest valleys is the lucky location to the only international airport in the middle of paddy fields and traditional Bhutanese houses. Paro valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Kingdom with majority of it's inhabitants dependent on agriculture and tourism industry. Paro valley also contributes a large amount of fresh produce including, vegetables, rice and dairy to the Bhutanese palette. Hundreds of temples and monasteries can be found dotting the hills and vales, one of them being the remarkably iconic Tigerโ€™s Nest Monastery perched on a vertical cliff at 10,000ft high above the valley.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
โ€ข Breakfast
โ€ข Lunch
โ€ข Dinner
Accommodation included: 3 Star Hotel of your choice in Paro

Day 2: PARO TO THIMPHU VALLEY-1 hour Drive

Stop At: Thimphu, Thimphu, Thimphu District
Thimphu is an amalgamation of modern technology and facilities amidst ancient culture and traditions. The capital has been able to maintain its aesthetic architectural beautify in perfect sync with development and expansion, as can be seen in all the buildings in and around the city. There are no sky scrapers nor huge shopping malls, no fast food chains nor any international brand outlets, no homeless people nor any slums and instead the settlements follow the meandering river with high-rise mountains on either side.

The bustling capital city of Bhutan is home to a little over one hundred thousand people including the Royal family and is also the most cosmopolitan city of Bhutan. It is the hub for commerce, political and the head office of the central government and international offices of many development partners are located in the valley. Probably Thimphu is the only capital city in the world without a single traffic light and instead the traffic is manned by policemen.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong), Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Visit Tashichhoedzong/ fortress of the Auspicious Religion and office of the Golden throne of the Dragon King of Bhutan
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Changangkha Lhakhang, Thimphu Bhutan
The Changangkha Lhakhang is one of the oldest and the most significant temple in Bhutan. It dates back to the early 13th century when the saint Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo came from Tibet to introduce the Drukpa Lineage in Bhutan. The current site of the temple was chosen by Lam Nyima, his the second son and closest disciple. The Guardian deity Ap Tandrin is considered as the ultimate Keylha (Birth Deity) of every baby born in Thimphu. It is customary for all parents to bring their babies to the temple for his protection and blessings of a phurba (ritual dagger). In the centre of the inner sanctum of the temple is a large statue of Avalokitesvara (the God of Compassion) with eleven heads and thousand arms bestowing infinite love and compassion to all sentient beings. The murals inside the shrine also dates back to the time when the initial temple was built.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: The Craft GALLERY, Norzin Lam 3 Building #69, Opposite to Bhutan Development Bank Limited (BDBL), behind Department of Revenue and Customs (DRC) and Duty Free Shop, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
The Craft Bazaar is a single line of shops selling authentic handicrafts of Bhutan made from locally available raw materials. Initiated by the Agency for Promotion of Indigenous Crafts (of the Ministry of Economic Affairs) few years ago, the market has been a platform for local artist particularly from the rural areas to show case their creative and artistic talent. Such markets help in conservation of the unique arts and crafts, encourage income generating activities for young entrepreneurs and facilitate the growth of the craft sector.

As you leisurely stroll along the market, you will find many different arts and crafts from simple hand bags, wooden plates, key hangers, fridge magnets to intricately woven silk textiles to the elaborate Thangkas โ€œreligious painting in a scrollโ€. While it is not compulsory to purchase, however if interested one will find at least one or two souvenirs to take back as a gift or souvenir to remember your Bhutan holiday.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Simply Bhutan Museum, Genyen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
The Simply Bhutan Museum is located in the heart of the city and is closest to a living museum showcasing the age old culture and traditions of Bhutan. Like a small ancient village one can feel the medieval aura as soon as you enter the museum.

Inside the museum, visitors can experience the simple lifestyle of ancient Bhutan and the unique culture that has been passed down and preserved from generation to generation. Serving of Suja โ€œsalt and butter teaโ€ and Zaw โ€œpuffed riceโ€ is the first and foremost thing that is offered to the guest and that just kick starts your unique experience of the authentic Bhutanese culture. Rest assured that within a short span of time one can grab a glimpse of the simple and rustic lifestyle of the locals. Watching the men and women perform traditional songs and dances, demonstration of building of the rammed earth traditional house, playing traditional dart and archery, dressing in the National attire will make you feel like you are in a local village
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
โ€ข Breakfast
โ€ข Lunch
โ€ข Dinner
Accommodation included: 3 Star Hotel of Your Choice in Thimphu

Day 3: THIMPHU VALLEY EXCURSION โ€“ Combination of the Ancient and the Modern

Stop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
oak in the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley from the site of the gigantic Lord Buddha, a 51 meter bronze Shakyamuni Buddha statue gilded in gold.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten), Thimphu Bhutan
The beautiful Memorial Chorten/stupa in town is another favorite with the tourists and a regular site for congregation of devout Buddhists circumambulating the Chorten from dawn till dusk. The main statue of the Buddha inside the Chorten is said to grant wishes for the earnest and honest hearted!
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Centenary Farmers Market, Main Town, Near the Wangchhu River, Thimphu Bhutan
If you want to mingle with the Bhutanese people and jostle with local farmers amongst the aroma of organic fruits and vegetables, the Centenary Farmers Market is the place to be. Smiling tourists watch in awe as locals bargain with the vendors and you could even stock up on your organic fruits for the coming days.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Thimphu, Bhutan
Thimphu is just like any other city in the world and comes alive at night for those wishing to extend the days or nights. As much as the city is popular for its regular tourist attractions, the nightlife too is an experience. After a full day of sightseeing being whisked from one location to another, in the evening visitors can relax at a pub or unwind at a discotheque or sing away at a Karaoke bar. Most of these joints are located in the city and within walking distance to each other so you can visit a few while at it.
The city offers different entertainment such as discotheques for the enthusiastic dancers which remains open till the wee hours, Pubs and Karaoke bars for the passionate singers or watch live musical performances by local and visiting bands from other countries. Such centers are a great place to hang out with a local brew, enjoy the music and at the same time appreciate the vibe of the city with the satisfaction that you have taken in the best of everything
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
โ€ข Breakfast
โ€ข Lunch
โ€ข Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3 Star Hotel of your choice in Thimphu

Day 4: THIMPHU TO WANGDUE & PUNAKHA VALLEYS โ€“ Enjoy the ride through the mountain ranges โ€“ 3 hours drive

Stop At: Dochula Pass, Thimphu Bhutan
After breakfast check out of your hotel and drive for about three hours to Wangdue and Punakha valleys. En route stop over at the Dochulaa Pass (3150 meters) and enjoy the spectacular views of the snow capped Himalayan Mountains. The 108 small stupas built over a small hill is also a beautiful sight
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Chime Lhakhang, Bhutan
The road from the Pass winds down to the warm and fertile valleys and after a brief rest visits the Fertility Temple / Chime Lhakhang. It is a pleasant 30 minutes walk through mustard and paddy fields. Standing on a picturesque hilltop the Lhakhang is famous for its fertility wish grants to couples. Inside the walls of the Lhakhang are beautiful frescoes depicting the colorful life of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman regarded for his crazy methods of teaching which included blessing women in the form of copulation!
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
โ€ข Breakfast
โ€ข Lunch
โ€ข Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3 star hotel in Punakha

Day 5: PUNAKHA VALLEY โ€“ The old capital of Bhutan to Paro 4 hours drive

Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
Punakha valley was the old capital city of Bhutan and the Punakha Dzong meaning the fortress of Great Bliss was built by 1673 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the first spiritual & political leader of Bhutan) to commemorate the final victory against numerous Tibetan invasions. Located on a piece of land between two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (literally meaning male and female rivers), the Dzong is massive, huge and magnificent in all its architectural grandeur. Although ravaged by flood, fire and earthquake many times, the Dzong was always rebuilt with its original pattern and design. The Dzong has hosted significant events such as the crowning of the first king of Bhutan, The Royal Wedding ceremony of the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema on 13th October 2011 was conducted in Punakha Dzong and important religious ceremonies are still held in the Dzong.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Bhutan
Walk for about an hour to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten stupa. It is a beautiful walk through the pine trees, the stupa is stunning and so is the view from there
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery, Punakha Bhutan
Enroute you will also be walking through a suspension bridge over the Puna Tsang Chhu โ€“ Punakha River.
After visiting the Punakha Dzong/Fortress of Great Bliss, drive to the Nunnery and enjoy the spectacular views of Punakha and Wangdue valleys.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
โ€ข Breakfast
โ€ข Lunch
โ€ข Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at 3 star hotel of your choice in Paro

Day 6: TAKTSANG MONASTERY/TIGERโ€™S NEST โ€“The high light of your holiday to Bhutan

Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail BT, Paro Bhutan
Have a sumptuous breakfast for your hike to Taktsang Monastery / Tigerโ€™s Nest which is about 3 hours uphill and 2 hours down. Riding ponies are also available if you think the hike is a bit daunting. Located around 900 meters above the Paro valley on a precarious almost vertical mountain cliff, Taktsang Monastery is truly a wonderful and spectacular sight in terms of its location, setting and history. In the 8th Century this was one of the major sites where Guru Padmasambhava โ€“ the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan meditated with his consort Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal. It is believed that Guru flew on a female tigress in pursuit of a demon which he subdued at the current site of the Monastery. It is one of the holiest site in the Buddhist arena and the most important cultural icon in Bhutan.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Kyichu Lhakhang, Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001 Bhutan
efore you drive back to your hotel visit the Kyichu Lhakhang/temple, one of the oldest temples built in the 7th Century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gyembo.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
โ€ข Breakfast
โ€ข Lunch
โ€ข Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay at a 3 Star Hotel of your choice in Paro

Day 7: DEPARTURE

Pass By: Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro Bhutan
After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport where your guide and driver will bid you farewell and hope you had a pleasant holiday and hope to see you in Bhutan again.

Meals included:
โ€ข Breakfast
โ€ข Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.

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