Embark on a 6-day adventure through the pristine nature and unique culture of Bhutan. Explore rural villages, hike through breathtaking landscapes, and experience the Kingdom of Happiness.
Arrive Paro International Airport / Transfer to Thimphu (2334m)
National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་། - Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed and taken on your first adventure in Bhutan before heading to Thimphu.
The National Museum of Bhutan, situated in Paro above the Rinpung Dzong (the administrative center of Paro district), was founded in 1968. It is housed in an old watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong, built in 1649. The museum showcases numerous ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks, including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted daily life tools. The collection at the National Museum offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan.
We then drive to Thimphu, the capital city. The journey covers 55km and takes about 1.5 hours.
Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre - Upon reaching Thimphu, you’ll visit a weaving center. Weaving is a vital part of Bhutanese culture and tradition. You will observe both men and women creating intricate designs and sophisticated patterns of traditional Bhutanese textiles.
Buddha Dordenma - If time allows, visit the impressive 169-foot-tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha located on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu valley. It was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and to promote peace in the world. The giant Buddha statue contains over 100,000 8-inch-tall Buddha statues of the same type. Construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015, taking nearly 10 years.
Hike to Tango Monastery & Sightseeing in Thimphu
National Institute for Zorig Chusum - After lunch at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Zorig Chusum means 13 Traditional Arts & Crafts). It was established to promote and preserve Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts and to provide Bhutanese youth with access to learning these skills. The thirteen arts and crafts include Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (woodturning), Gar Zo (blacksmithing), Troe Zo (ornament making), Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery, and applique), and Thag Zo (weaving). These arts and crafts are a crucial part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage, practiced for centuries. If classes are in session during your visit, you can enter the classroom and observe students receiving hands-on training.
National Library and Archives of Bhutan - Visit the National Library & Archives of Bhutan, considered a national treasure and a fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts, and culture.
Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground - If interested, you can stop by the Changlimithang Archery Range to watch an archery match if one is in progress. You will see archers singing and dancing each time they hit the target from a distance of 145m. Archery is Bhutan’s national sport.
Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha valley (1200m)
Dochula Pass - After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass. About 45 minutes from Thimphu towards Punakha, this pass is at an altitude of 3,150 meters above sea level. On a clear day, you can see some of Bhutan’s highest peaks. Before the construction of the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupas) in 2004, this pass was a sacred place blessed by the famous Buddhist saint Lam Drukpa Kuenley in the late 15th century. From Dochula Pass, we continue driving towards Punakha, passing through villages. The elevation gradually drops, and the road winds through pine trees. You will notice a significant change in altitude from 3,150m to a warmer subtropical valley at 1,200m.
Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Chimi Lhakhang is located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha, about a 20-30 minute walk through beautiful terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is linked to the 15th-century Tibetan Lama Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman” for his unconventional behavior and methods of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession. One of the temple’s relics is a phallus, considered sacred, especially for couples unable to have children, as it is believed to bring fertility. Because of this belief, Chimi Lhakhang is often called the “Temple of Fertility”.
Punakha Dzong - After lunch, visit the historic Punakha Dzong, originally known as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang, meaning the “Palace of Great Bliss”. Built in 1637 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (a Tibetan Buddhist master who came to Bhutan in 1616 and founded the nation-state of Bhutan) on a small stretch of land where the Phochu and Mochu rivers converge. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan. The sacred wall paintings, main artifacts, intricate woodwork, and architectural structure of the dzong are fine examples of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship, which continue to influence Bhutanese architecture today.
From there, walk to the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which runs over the Phochu (male river), one of the two glacial-fed rivers that converge near Punakha Dzong.
Punakha Suspension Bridge - From Punakha Dzong, walk to the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning the Phochu river. Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers, Phochu (male) and Mochu (female). We then drive to Namgay Zam Homestay in the village of Yusakha for the night. Staying at a village homestay is a perfect way to experience the life of an ordinary Bhutanese family. You can participate in preparing your dinner and learn how to cook some popular Bhutanese dishes. If interested, you can also enjoy a traditional hot stone bath, believed to have therapeutic and revitalizing effects. If this homestay is unavailable, you’ll stay at Meri Puensum Resort.
Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten / Transfer back to Paro valley (2200m)
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - After breakfast, drive to the nearest roadhead and hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha valley in Gangtey. The hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, located on a ridge overlooking the scenic Punakha valley, showcases Bhutanese architecture used in building temples, monasteries, and Zangdogpelri (copper-colored mountains). From the nearest roadhead, you walk across a suspension bridge over the Punakha Mochu River (female river), through paddy fields, and a short climb before reaching the peaceful chorten. The hike takes just under an hour. The view below is stunning, with the glacial-fed Mochu river winding through the fertile Punakha valley.
Kyichu Lhakhang - Upon reaching Paro, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, located a few minutes’ drive from the main town of Paro. Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet as part of his effort to construct 108 temples across the Himalayan region to subdue a demoness obstructing the spread of Buddhism.
Hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery & later visit a beautiful farmhouse for home-cooked local cuisine
Paro Taktsang - After an early breakfast, hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery. Originally built in 1692, the iconic Taktsang is perched on an 800-meter rock cliff above the valley floor. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors. We recommend starting early before the sun gets too strong. One-way horse riding is available for about USD 20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria). The history of Taktsang is linked to Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding a tigress. Taktsang is not only one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan but also a “must-visit” place for tourists. After lunch at the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria, we retrace our steps back to the base where the driver will be waiting.
Transfer to Paro International Airport
Paro International Airport - After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and light snacks
- Twin-sharing accommodations at 3-star hotels certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan
- Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide
- All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers
- Entry fee for National Museum
- Visa Fee & Processing within 4-5 business days
- Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan for injuries
- All internal taxes for the services listed
- Travel insurance is highly recommended.
- International flights. Let us know if you need help with arranging flights to and from Bhutan.
- Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
- Gratuity to guide and driver
- Emergency evacuation
- Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee.
- Any other expenses of personal nature
- All Entry fees except for National Museum
Embark on a 6-day, 5-night journey through the heart of Bhutan’s four western districts. Enjoy nature hikes, marvel at the untouched natural landscapes, delve into rural villages and immerse yourself in the authentic local culture. Join us in exploring Bhutan, one of the world’s truly unique and remarkable countries.
For centuries Bhutan was segregated from the rest of the globe, only choosing to interact with the outside world in the 1960s. It stands as one of the world’s most beautiful and least visited countries and the only remaining Vajrayana Buddhist Kingdom.
Unspoiled natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, meticulously preserved and passed through generations, earned Bhutan the affectionate moniker, the ‘Kingdom of Happiness’.
- This tour can be customized and run on a private basis just for you and your group.
- We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to a week before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
- There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
- After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address.
- Youth between the ages of 13-18 MUST send us a copy of their valid Student Photo ID Card/Document to keep the discounted price. Without a copy of valid Student Photo ID Card/document, the full adult price will apply.
- Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one full-paying adult.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
