Welcome to Bhutan

Paro - Arriving in Bhutan offers a breathtaking flight near the majestic Himalayas, providing stunning views of the world’s tallest glacial peaks, including Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga, as well as Bhutan’s own Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drakey. As the plane descends into Paro Valley, the first glimpses of Bhutan appear with forested hills and the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) winding through the valley beneath the picturesque Paro Dzong (fortress) perched on a hill.

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - Upon arrival, a friendly professional guide will greet you and assist you in settling into a comfortable vehicle for the drive to Thimphu, the capital city, which takes about an hour. Along the way, stop to visit the Tamchog Lhakang monastery, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and admire the iron bridge reconstructed with original chain links from the 13th-century bridge.

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) - Upon reaching Thimphu, check into your hotel and take a short rest. If time allows, visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa, a sacred shrine built in memory of Bhutan’s third king.

Thimphu - Enjoy a welcome dinner at a charming local restaurant, savoring authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight stay at the resort.

Hiking and Cultural Sightseeing in Thimphu - The Capital City

Buddha Dordenma - After breakfast, drive to Kuensel Phodrang to see the impressive 169ft Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the valley. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city from this vantage point. From here, embark on a delightful, easy hike along one of the capital’s favorite trails, a 6 km leisurely walk leading to the Changangkha temple.

National Folk Heritage Museum - Head to town for a healthy lunch at one of Thimphu’s popular cafés. While enjoying the meal, observe the lifestyle of Bhutan’s urban residents. After lunch, explore some cultural treasures of the capital, including the Folk Heritage Museum, a 19th-century traditional Bhutanese farmhouse offering insights into Bhutanese life.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum - Visit the National Institute of Traditional Arts to learn about Bhutan’s 13 different arts and crafts, and interact with artisans and students perfecting their skills.

Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan - Next, visit the Royal Textile Academy to experience Bhutan’s rich and intricate textile traditions.

Thimphu’s Weekend Market - Conclude the day by strolling through the Crafts Bazaar along Thimphu’s streets, showcasing various handicrafts and textiles made entirely in Bhutan. During the weekend, enjoy shopping at the Centenial and Kaja Thorm markets, immersing yourself in Bhutanese culture and browsing local produce that forms the basis of Bhutanese cuisine. Locals gather here to enjoy meals and live music performances, making it a delightful weekend pastime.

Thimphu to Punakha

Dochula Pass - After breakfast, drive to Dochula Pass (3140m), offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges forming Bhutan’s northern border. At the pass, amidst fluttering prayer flags, stands the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 stupas built to honor the Fourth King.

Druk Wangyel Monastery - Visit the Druk Wangyel Chortens.

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Continue driving to the low-lying rice valley of Lobesa and pay homage to one of Bhutan’s most charming and eccentric historical figures, nicknamed ‘The Divine Madman,’ at the Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the fertility monastery. The visit includes a pleasant hike through a beautiful village surrounded by paddy fields.

Overnight stay at a lovely resort overlooking the fortress.

Punakha Sightseeing and Easy Hiking

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten - Drive to Kabesa village to visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa, involving a short scenic hike through paddy fields for about 45 minutes to the hilltop where the temple is located. From here, enjoy a majestic view of the valley below. The temple is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions, unique in the world. Return to base and proceed to Zomlingthang grounds for a picnic lunch on the banks of the Punakha River, where locals often enjoy a game of archery, Bhutan’s national sport.

Punakha Dzong - Continue to Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, located at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress serves as the winter residence of the monastic order’s leadership and remains the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. The fortress is a fine example of Bhutan’s rich art and architecture, and your guide, an expert in iconography, will explain its art, architecture, history, and significance.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery - Proceed to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, situated atop a ridge amid pine trees, overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang. Interact with the nuns, who enjoy speaking English with visitors and learning about the world. From here, hike on the Trans-Bhutan Trail from Laptsakha to Punakha, a gentle 5 km hike to end the day.

Punakha to Phobjikha Valley

Gangtey Monastery - Visit the famous Gantey Gompa monastery in the afternoon and spend time with the monks at the monastic school. You can also participate in a meditation session inside the temple, with basic instructions provided by your guide.

Phobjikha to Paro

Paro - After breakfast, drive back to Paro via Dochula Pass.

Kyichu Lhakhang - Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, believed to be Bhutan’s oldest Buddhist temple, built in the 8th century. Then proceed to the National Museum to immerse yourself in Bhutan’s history and traditions, featuring treasured collections of art, artifacts, textiles, stamps, statues, and more.

Rinpung Dzong - Visit Rimpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels), constructed in 1644 by Zhabdrung, a dynamic political and spiritual leader.

Bhutan’s Biggest Highlight - Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Paro Taktsang - Saving the best for last, experience Bhutan’s most cherished attraction, the Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This excursion is a major highlight of your trip and a great way to acclimatize before trekking. A two-hour hike rewards you with a spectacular temple perched on a 1000-foot cliff. Built in 1692 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye, a prominent historical figure whose reincarnation is now a young teenager and a notable figure in the clergy. Your guide will enhance the experience with its story. On the way back, stop at Satsam Chorten for beautiful views of Mount Jomolhari.
On the return journey, visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress, an important Bhutanese heritage site that served as a strategic watchtower and fortress, repelling numerous Tibetan invasions in the 1600s. On a clear day, the peak of Jumolhari, ‘Mountain of the Goddess,’ can be seen from here (7,329 mts/24,029 ft.).

Continue driving to Paro and visit Kichu Lhakang, one of the oldest temples dating back to the 7th century, built by Tibetan King Songchen Gyampo to propagate Buddhism. Continue to admire one of the oldest paintings from the 15th century in Dungtse Lhakhang.

On the return journey, visit the oldest Buddhist monastery in Bhutan, the Kichu Lhakhang monastery. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a wonderful restaurant and proceed to your resort for the night.

Drugyel Dzong - On the return journey, visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress, an important Bhutanese heritage site that served as a strategic watchtower and fortress, repelling numerous Tibetan invasions in the 1600s. On a clear day, the peak of Jumolhari, ‘Mountain of the Goddess,’ can be seen from here (7,329 mts/24,029 ft.).

Farewell

Paro - After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will take you to the airport. Your guide will assist with the formalities and bid you farewell on your onward journey.

• Private transportation
• All accommodations in 3-4 star hotels
• Monument fees worth USD 300
• All necessary permit fees
• English-speaking tour leader and driver
• Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast
• All transfers in excellent car
• Drinking mineral water in the car

• Airfare to and from Bhutan
• All personal expenses like laundry, telephone, tips, beverages, shopping expenses
• Spa Charges
• Travel and Medical insurance
• Sustainable Development Fund/ Daily Tourism Tax
• Visa fee of USD 40 one time fee
• Tips and Gratuity

The ‘Classic Bhutan’ tour is a unique offering from the Bhutan Travel Club, providing a tailored journey for an exceptional understanding of Bhutan, its culture, nature, people, and the Bhutanese lifestyle—all within a comfortable 7-night itinerary. The adventure begins in the capital city of Thimphu, includes leisurely hikes in the Punakha valleys, featuring the stunning fortress and valley of Punakha, continues to the serene Phobjikha Valley, and concludes in Paro with a visit to the iconic Tiger’s Nest.

The tour’s greatest strength lies in its experienced tour guides and field staff, who have been with the company for many years and embody its core values. This trip minimizes driving time, maximizing exploration opportunities to ensure a fulfilling holiday experience.

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.