Taste of Bhutan Tour – 16 Days
  • Duration16 Days
  • Trip DifficultyModerate
  • Best SeasonSpring / Autumn
  • Arrival CityParo
  • Departure CityParo
  • TransportVehicle
  • AccomodationHotel
  • MealsFull Board
  • HighlightsCulture / Landscape

Overview

Bhutan is a landlocked country situated on the ancient Silk Road between Tibet, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia; it has never been colonized, and its national identity is based on Buddhism. In fact, it is headed by a spiritual leader. Now a constitutional monarch, its landscape is well-diversified—lush subtropical plains in the South to the sub-alpine Himalayan Mountains in the North.

Bhutan tourism is another aspect of the economic growth of the nation. every year thousands of tourists from different country visits here to explore the unseen natural and cultural beauty Bhutan.

Peaks are over 7,000 m, and in addition to all this, its diverse wildlife is well-known in the world. Most of the peaks are over 7,000 m with the Gangkhar Puensum being the highest mountain which is also the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

Once you land at the Paro International Airport, you will be driven to Thimpu, a Bhutan capital city. With the feast for your eyes, the unique taste of Bhutan will get you to drool as soon as you will head for Thimpu. You will find beautiful countryside and spectacular ancient monasteries. On top of that, you may want to visit the private temple Tamchog Lhakhang on a ridge crossing an old iron chain bridge. And, you will visit a lot of cultural, historical and religious sites in Thimpu, like Tashichho Dzong—a fortress built in 1641, Changangkha Lhakhang—a temple built in the 12th century, Memorial Chorten—one of the tallest monuments and stupa in Thimpu, Folk Heritage Museum—a place to give you an insight into culture and tradition of the country.

There are several other important sites you will visit. Then, your journey to Punakha will bring you excellent sites and views to behold. The Dochu La Pass and 108 Dochu La Chorten will be pretty breathtaking. Moreover, the Punakha Dzong will be one of the most beautiful Dzongs to see, and the longest suspension bridge will be quite a thrill to cross.

Thereupon the wonder keeps unfolding and increasing with your visit to Trongsa, Bumthang, and its Chokhor valley and Ura Valley, Phobjikha, and Paro. The journey will take you across the Pele La Pass, the Black Mountains, Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Tamshing Lhakhang, the Wangdichholing Palace, Gangtey Gompa Monastery, Nyingpama monastery, Wangduephodrang Dzong, Tachogang Temple, Taktsang Monastery. The list goes on.

Besides, you will pass through villages observing their culture and tradition. You will participate in a few of their cultural programs.

Detailed Itinerary

You will be met by our representatives who will greet you in traditional fashion and escort you to your private vehicle to begin the journey to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. The drive is 56km and takes approximately 1 ½ hours through beautiful countryside and past spectacular monasteries. If you like, you may visit Tamchoe Lhakhang en route, a privately owned temple where you can admire and cross of

one the loveliest suspension bridges in Bhutan. Upon reaching Thimphu check in to your hotel for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for activities as you choose.
Overnight: Hotel

Awake at your leisure for breakfast and begin cultural touring in and around
Thimphu. Some of the sights include the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School), Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, Textile Museum, Mothitang Takin Preserve, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Trashi Chhoe Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, and Changangkha Lhakhang.
Overnight: Hotel

The day is free for activities as you choose. Enjoy a walking tour of Thimphu,
Schedule a round at one of the world’s highest golf courses, or hike to a remote monastery.
Overnight: Hotel

After breakfast finish any last minute sightseeing in Thimphu and begin the journey to Punakha. On the way pass over the breathtaking Dochu La Pass and pass the 108 Dochu La chortens. At over 10,000 feet, on a clear day you get an amazing view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. If you like, stop for tea and snacks nearby at the quaint Dochu La Hotel which offers fabulous views and a nice gift shop.

Before reaching Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang which can be reached by a 20 minute gentle walk through rice fields. Also known as the Divine Madman’s, people now visit to receive blessings for fertility from his wooden phallus. Later visit the Punakha Dzong, which is often considered one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. Originally built by the first Shabdrung in 1637, it lies between 2 rivers and is now the winter residence of the Monk Body and its Chief Abbot. After seeing inside the Dzong, take your time exploring the neighboring grounds and walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.
Overnight: Hotel

Today’s journey takes you over Pele La Pass and the Black Mountains, the gateway to central Bhutan. Stop en route at Chendebji for a traditional pack lunch alongside the spectacular Chendebji Chorten. Afterwards, as you near Trongsa, there is an optional 1 ½ hour gentle hike which takes you just below the Trongsa Dzong. The evening is free for wandering the small town.
Overnight: Hotel

Begin the day with a visit to the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family. Afterwards visit the Ta Dzong, which is now home to a new museum. Later continue on towards the Chokhor valley of Bumthang, with a stop en route to witness the last day of the Domkhar Tsechu in Chummi.
Overnight: Hotel

Enjoy a full day of cultural touring. Often considered the religious heartland of the country and home to some of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, Bumthang offers many places and sights of interest, some of which include Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Wangdichholing Palace. There are also many optional walks and day hikes in the valley. Visit Jakar town in the evening for shopping and to mingle with the locals. Dinner at your hotel or indulge in some fondue at the Swiss Guest House.
Overnight: Hotel

Leave Chokhor after an early breakfast for the 1 ½ hour drive to Ura where you will spend the day at the Ura Yakchoe. Participate if you like by wearing the national dress of gho and kira.
Evening return to Chokhor for your overnight stay
Overnight: Hotel

Get an early start for the long journey of approximately 6 ½ hours to Phobjikha where you will rest for the night. Arriving into the alpine valley at Gangtey village is like stepping back in time, where, due to conservation measures, no electricity is allowed (hotels have generators or solar power).
Overnight: Hotel

The day is free for exploring Phobjikha valley and Gangtey village, including a visit to the Gangtey Gompa Monastery, which dates back to the 17th century and is the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. If you prefer more active touring, there are also several short and half day hikes available in the area.
Overnight: Hotel

The day’s drive will be long, but you will stop mid way in Wangdue for lunch and to visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong and town. Another option is to exit the valley via the Shashi La Nature Trail, an old migration route, which will take you near to Wangdue where your vehicle will be waiting. Late evening arrival to Thimphu.
Overnight: Hotel

The drive to Paro from Thimphu takes about 1hr. covering distance of 56 km. The road has been recently broadened. The western branch of lateral highway from Thimphu, runs close to the Wangchu river in the valley floor, through the suburbs and villages of Thimphu to arrive at the river confluence of Chuzom, which is also the hub of road network going to Paro, Haa, Thimphu and Phuntsholing. From Chuzom, it is north-west for about 20 minutes, following Pa Chu river upstream, passing Tachogang temple on the other side of the river, then through relatively straight road, into the villages and farm houses of Paro valley.
Overnight: Hotel

Awake at your leisure and begin cultural touring in the Paro valley. Some of the
optional sights include the Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong, now home to the National Museum; Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan; and Drugyel Dzong, or “Bhutan Victory Fort,” from where you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan’s second highest peak at 7,329 meters. Spend the afternoon wandering Paro town, or relax in your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel

The day is free for activities as you choose. Continue sightseeing, enjoy a hike, or
take a picnic lunch and drive towards Chele La Pass and/or Haa valley. Along the way you pass Kila Goemba, an enchanting nunnery perched on the steep mountainside. Stop for pictures or take a short hike (approximately 2 hours return trip) up to the nunnery and enjoy lunch alongside a chorten overlooking the valley.
Overnight: Hotel

After an early breakfast at your hotel, hike to Taktsang Monastery or “Tiger’s Nest” (approximately 4 hours roundtrip). The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a
sheer drop of nearly 3,000 feet and overlooks the Paro valley. It is one of the most

venerated pilgrim sites in the Himalayan world and houses 13 holy places. If you aren’t up for hiking, horses are available to take you part of the way to a teahouse which offers amazing views. Spend the remainder of the day as you like; perhaps visit a traditional farmhouse or
enjoy a traditional hot stone bath (cost not included).

Wake up early for breakfast and then transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Your guide and driver will bid you farewell after assuring all flight formalities are taken care of.

Tour Price Includes

  • Bhutan Royalties, Tourist Visa & TDF Fees
  • Accommodation in Twin Sharing basis at tourist standard Hotels
  • All Meals in Bhutan (BLD)
  • All Transfers (Private vehicle) & Sightseeing with Entrance Fees
  • English Speaking Local Tour Guide
  • Bottled Water in Vehicle

Tour Price Does Not Include:

  • International Flights
  • Travel / Medical Insurance – recommended
  • Use of Bar & Beverages in the Hotels / restaurants
  • Tips & Gratuities to the Guides & Drivers
  • All Personal Gears
  • Personal Expenses such as phone / internet / laundry etc.

Climate

Average Temperature of Bhutan in different cities

Paro :

Mths Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Max. 9.4 13.4 14.5 17.6 23.5 25.4 26.8 25.3 23.4 18.7 13.9 11.2
Min. -5.8 1.5 0.6 4.6 10.6 13.1 14.9 14.7 11.7 7.4 1.4 -1.7

Thimphu :

Mths Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Max. 12.3 14.4 16.4 20.0 22.5 24.4 18.9 25.0 23.1 21.9 17.9 14.5
Min. -2.6 0.6 3.9 7.1 13.1 15.2 13.4 15.8 15.0 10.4 5.0 -1.1

Punakha :

Mths Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Max. 16.1 19.6 21.2 24.4 27.2 31.2 32.0 31.4 29.9 27.8 22.3 15.0
Min. 4.2 5.3 9.2 11.9 14.8 19.5 21.6 19.8 20.0 18.9 13.0 7.9

Bhumthang :

Mths Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Max. 10.8 10.0 16.2 18.7 21.3 22.5 14.1 23.0 21.6 19.5 16.1 12.3
Min. -5.1 -1.4 3.5 3.9 9.5 13.5 10.9 13.7 12.1 5.9 -0.5 -2.3

Equipments

Luggage

  • Travel Pack / Suit case
  • Day pack

Clothing

  • Lightweight, low maintenance and versatile clothing
  • Shirt/t-shirt(s)
  • Convertible travel trousers
  • Lightweight fleece
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable shoes/boots
  • Sandals
  • Hat (sun/warm hat)
  • Warm clothes / Jackets / trousers (If travelling in early Spring / Autumn / Winter)

Accessories

  • wallet
  • Luggage locks
  • Head light (torch)
  • Wash bag
  • Travel towel
  • All purpose travel soap
  • Small repair kit (needle and thread)
  • First aid kit
  • Accessory bags
  • Guide book
  • Electrical adaptor
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun cream

Document

  • Valid passport
  • Print out of Airline tickets
  • Contact detail of Embassy / Tour agency
  • Travel insurance