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Bhutan Best Travel Package

0
  • 11 Days
  • Guided Backpacking
  • Pickup: Paro Airport

Overview:
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting landscapes of Bhutan with the “Bhutan Best Travel Package.” This 11-day adventure showcases the cultural richness and natural beauty of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Begin in Paro, where you’ll be captivated by the Himalayan peaks and historical treasures. Explore Thimphu’s cultural gems before venturing to Trongsa and Bumthang, immersing yourself in Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. Discover the valleys of Bumthang with visits to ancient temples and monasteries. Traverse to Tang for a unique cultural experience, and witness the winter home of black-necked cranes in Phobjikha. Explore Punakha’s historic dzong and end your journey at the iconic Tiger’s Nest in Paro. This comprehensive tour offers a blend of history, spirituality, and breathtaking scenery, providing an unforgettable Bhutanese experience.

Tour Highlights:
1. Visit iconic landmarks like the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, and Trashichhodzong in Thimphu.
2. Explore the cultural treasures of Bumthang, including Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, and Jakar Dzong.
3. Experience the tranquility of Tang valley with visits to sacred sites like Rimochen Lhakhang.
4. Discover the winter habitat of black-necked cranes in Phobjikha and visit Gangtey Monastery.
5. Explore Punakha Dzong, a historic fortress at the confluence of two rivers.
6. Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters.
7. Immerse yourself in Bhutanese art and culture at the Institute for Zorig Chusum and Textile and Folk Heritage Museum.
8. Witness the grandeur of Trongsa Dzong, a seat of power in central and eastern Bhutan.
9. Enjoy scenic drives through picturesque landscapes, including the Dochu-la pass and Pele-la pass.
10. Experience Bhutanese hospitality with comfortable stays in hotels and lodges throughout the journey.

Recommended Airport

Paro International Airport (Google Map)

Price Includes

  • The Bhutan gov. royalty
  • All accommodations
  • Meals and mineral water
  • A licensed English-speaking guide
  • A driver and vehicle

Price Excludes

  • Drukair fare
  • A visa fee of US$20
  • Paro airport tax of $18
  • Visa fee of $20/person
  • Alcohol
  • Gifts/Souvenirs
  • Travel insurance and personal bills
Photos
Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu

Welcome to Bhutan! Your flight will bring you close to the magnificent Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter the Paro valley, you’ll be greeted by forested hills and the serene Paro river flowing below. The sight of Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) perched on the hills will be truly captivating. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport and assist you with the arrival formalities. From there, you’ll be transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously. Enjoy your overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2Exploring Thimphu's Highlights

Today, you’ll embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Thimphu, immersing yourself in the city’s cultural and artistic treasures. Your itinerary includes visits to:

  • National Memorial Chorten: This iconic monument, envisioned by the third king, is a symbol of world peace and prosperity. Inside, you’ll find intricate paintings and statues that offer profound insights into Buddhist philosophy.
  • Buddha Dordenma: Witness the grandeur of the gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue under construction in the mountains of Bhutan. Surrounding it, you’ll discover the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of the thirteenth Desi Druk, Sherab Wangchuck.
  • Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School): Explore this institution where students engage in a six-year course on Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
  • Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: Delve into the rich material culture and way of life of the Bhutanese people through the exhibits at these museums.
  • Trashichhodzong: Marvel at this impressive fortress and monastery that houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King, and various government offices. It also serves as the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body.

Spend another comfortable night at your hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3Thimphu to Trongsa (200 km, 7 hours' drive)

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Trongsa. Your journey will take you through the picturesque Dochu-la pass, offering panoramic views of majestic peaks like Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang, Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang, Zongphugang, and Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. Enjoy a brief stop at Wangduephodrang town for lunch, followed by a drive across the Pele-la pass, marking the traditional boundary between east and west Bhutan. As you descend into the Wangduephodrang valley, you’ll notice a change in vegetation from mountain forest to high altitude dwarf bamboo. En route, visit the Chendbji Chorten, a beautiful stupa modeled after Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa. Continue your drive until you reach Trongsa in the late afternoon. Check into your lodge and unwind for the night.

Day 4Trongsa / Bumthang (68 Km, 3 hours’ drive)

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to Trongsa. Along the way, we will visit Trongsa Dzong, a magnificent fortress that served as the seat of power for central and eastern Bhutan. This historic site holds great significance as it was where the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled before ascending the throne. Take in the grandeur of the Dzong’s massive structure, built on a ridge with multiple levels.

Afterward, we will drive to Bumthang, a scenic journey of about 3 hours. We will pass through the Yutong-la pass at an elevation of 3,400m (11,155 ft), surrounded by coniferous forests. The road then descends into the Chumey valley, an open and cultivated area. Upon arrival in Bumthang, check-in at your lodge for an overnight stay.

Day 5Bumthang

Bumthang is a region comprising four valleys: Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura. These valleys are home to numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. Today, we will explore some of the prominent sites in Bumthang. Visit Kurje Lhakhang, where the revered saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon, leaving his body imprint on a rock. Discover the ancient Jambey Lhakhang, a temple dating back to the 7th century, and Tamshing Lhakhang, which houses some of Bhutan’s oldest wall paintings. Lastly, visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the region. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, explore the local handicrafts shop, and enjoy refreshments at a charming restaurant. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 6Bumthang / Tang

After breakfast, we will drive to Tang valley, one of the four valleys in the Bumthang district. The journey begins by following the west-east road towards Ura. Along the way, we will make a short stop at Membartsho, where you can take a walk and admire the beautiful surroundings. Continuing on, we’ll reach Drangchel village, where you’ll notice the monastic hermitage of Kunzangdrak Goemba, founded in 1488. If you’re up for a side excursion, you can embark on a steep uphill climb to this sacred site, which takes approximately 2 hours.

As we proceed, we’ll pass through Jamzhong village and arrive at Mesethang, where you can explore a school and a few shops. A short distance away, you’ll find Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, a temple located below an enormous rock. This temple holds great spiritual significance as it marks the place where Guru Rinpoche meditated. Afterward, the road becomes rougher as we approach Kizum, which is followed by a bridge crossing over the Tang chu river. We’ll then climb up to the hilltop to reach Ugyencholing manor, where you’ll stay overnight at the Ogyen Choling guest house.

Day 7Bumthang / Gangtey / Phobjikha (190 km, 7 hours’ drive)

After breakfast, we will drive to Gangtey / Phobjikha. Located in the mountains east of Wangduephodrang, the beautiful Phobjikha valley awaits us. In this serene and remote valley, you’ll find the impressive Gangtey Monastery, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha is situated on the valley floor, just a few kilometers from the monastery. This valley serves as the winter home for black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet to enjoy a milder climate. Explore Gangtey village and the picturesque Phobjikha valley. Overnight at the lodge in Gangtey / Phobjikha.

Day 8Gangtey / Phobjikha / Punakha (70 km, 3 hours’ drive)

After breakfast, we will drive to Punakha. In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, a magnificent fortress located at the confluence of two rivers. Previously the capital of Bhutan until 1955, Punakha Dzong continues to serve as the winter residence for the central monk body. This historic fortress has withstood the test of time, enduring fires, earthquakes, and floods. Nearby, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the newly built Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha / Wangduephodrang.

Day 9Punakha / Paro (125 km, 4.5 hours’ drive)

After breakfast, we will drive to Paro. On the way, we’ll visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong in Bhutan, built in 1627. It currently houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. In the afternoon, explore Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now home to the National Museum. Take a scenic trail down to visit Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress built in 1646. This dzong serves as a monastic body, district administrative office, and judicial center. Crossing the traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam offers a glimpse of the architectural marvels and local life surrounding the dzong. Paro Tshechu, a vibrant festival, is held here annually in the spring. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 10Paro

After breakfast, we will embark on a memorable journey to Taktsang Palphug Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest. This iconic Buddhist temple complex clings to a cliff at an elevation of 3,120 meters, providing breathtaking views of the upper Paro valley. Visiting Taktsang Monastery offers an unforgettable experience surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green valleys. After lunch, we will drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the war of 1644. On the way back, we’ll visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred temple built in the 7th century. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11Departure from Paro

After an early breakfast, we will drive you to the airport for your onward flight.

Map
FAQ

What languages are spoken in Bhutan?

There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.

What is the weather like in Bhutan and when is the best time to visit?

Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied. 

In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer. 

In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.

Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.

From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language). 

Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.

What currency is used in Bhutan?

Bhutan’s currency is called ngultrum. It’s 1:1 with Indian rupees.

Which power plug is standard in Bhutan?

Three different electrical plugs are used throughout Bhutan: the British plug (three square pins, compatible with type G sockets), the European plug (two round pins, compatible with type C socket) and the Indian plug (three thick round pins, compatible with type D sockets). It’s a good idea to bring adaptors for all three.

What is the international country code?

For telephone calls, Bhutan’s country code is +975. Make sure you add this to the beginning of any number if calling Bhutan from abroad.

How do I apply for a visa?

You can apply online for a visa by completing this application form, or if you’re travelling with a tour operator, they may apply on your behalf. Read more about the visa here

Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives requiring a visa can apply either online before travelling or in person upon arrival in Bhutan.

How much does the visa cost?

There is a one-off fee of US$40 for the processing of your application. This is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the process of submitting your visa application.

How much is the SDF?

The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

What is the 24 hour SDF border town waiver?

Tourists visiting Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrupjongkhar towns for 24 hours need not pay Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) beginning April 14, 2023. The waiver will be enforced for a year. The SDF  waiver will only apply for tourists who do not travel beyond the designated zones of border towns. However, SDF will apply for visitors who travel beyond the designated zone of border towns.

Tourists will be charged SDF if they go beyond Gurung Basti in Samtse, and beyond Rinchending Checkpost in Phuentsholing. The designated zone in Gelephu is at Aipoli Bridge and Pinchinna checkpost in Samdrupjongkhar.

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