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This tour takes you through the beautiful valleys of western Bhutan, exploring the natural environment and rich cultural heritage. You’ll travel over mountain passes, through pine forests, and see stunning landscapes filled with rhododendrons, magnolias, and wildlife. The highlight of the tour is visiting the peaceful Phobjikha Valley, home to the rare Black-Necked Crane during winter. Other exciting visits include ancient temples, fortresses, markets, and museums in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.
This cultural tour of Bhutan provides a wonderful chance to explore the unique traditions and cultures of its western and central valleys. You will visit key highlights, such as the Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong, and the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the scenic Paro Valley. In Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, you will see the National Memorial Chorten, the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, and the National Library with ancient scriptures. You will also cross the Dochula Pass (3050m) for spectacular views of the Himalayas, and visit the Punakha Valley, home to the impressive Punakha Dzong and the Chimi Lhakang, the temple of the 'Divine Madman'. The tour will take you to Trongsa, the birthplace of Bhutan’s monarchy, and the Bumthang Valley, Bhutan’s spiritual heart, with ancient temples like Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang, where you can see the rock imprint of Guru Rimpoche. The final stop is the Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey), home to the rare black-necked cranes during the winter months.
Tour Dates and Customization All tours are private and customizable, so you can choose dates and activities that suit you. The tour is available year-round.
Included/Excluded
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees
- Private excursions and transfers in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of a skilled driver and an English-speaking guide
- Accommodation in high-quality, government-approved hotels and guesthouses
- All meals during your stay in Bhutan
- All entrance fees and necessary permits
- Personal expenses (such as drinks, laundry, phone calls, and tips)
- Medical and travel insurance
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrive Paro – Drive to Thimphu
Arrive in Paro, one of the world’s most scenic airports. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong, and then drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, Zilukha Nunnery, and the Thimphu market (if it's the weekend). Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu
Explore the National Library, the School for Arts and Crafts, the Folk Heritage Museum, and possibly the Takin Sanctuary. You can also hike to Tango or Cheri Monasteries or Phajoding Monastery. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha
Drive to Punakha, passing through the Dochu-La Pass, which offers amazing Himalayan views. Visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness,” and the Chimi Lhakang, a temple of Drukpa Kuenley. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha – Trongsa – Bumthang
Drive to Bumthang via Trongsa. Visit Chendebji Chorten and Trongsa Dzong. Continue to Bumthang, the home of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang
Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Explore the village of Jakar. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumthang
Visit Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace, a museum showing traditional rural life, and the Mebartso Lake, the ‘Lake of Fire.’ Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang – Gangtey
Drive to Gangtey, passing through beautiful landscapes. Visit Gangtey Monastery and Phobjikha Valley, home to the black-necked cranes. Overnight in Gangtey.
Day 9: Gangtey – Paro
Drive back to Paro, passing through Punakha Valley and the Dochu La Pass. Overnight in Paro.
Day 10: Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), located on a cliff. In the afternoon, visit Drukgyel Dzong. Overnight in Paro.
Day 11: Depart Paro
After breakfast, head to the airport for your departure.
Tour Map
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Frequently asked question
Itinerary is always flexible if you are travelling in a smaller group. You have a choice of eating in a different restaurant, however, the menu depends on the chef and usually it is a set menu but not necessarily the same menu every day.
It is in the tourism industry but it is not compulsory. It actually depends on the service rendered to you.
Yes, things that are not included in the tariff are all beverages, telecommunications, tips, laundry, massage and souvenir shopping.
Bhutan is well connected and every town has IDD services. Internet cafes are available almost everywhere. Cell phones can also be used but you need to get Bhutan prepaid SIM Card and recharge it. Recharge vouchers are available at every second shop in town.
You can exchange money in the banks as well as in the hotels were you are staying. Rates will be better in the banks plus US$ is acceptable in almost all of the shops in town.
It cannot be safer anywhere else in the world.
Bhutan is all season tourist destination for cultural tours. However the month of February, March, April, and September, October, November are considered the best time due to pleasant weather conditions. December and January are winter months and June, July and August, the rainy season. It is important to note that the climatic conditions during the winter months are not extreme. The average temperature would range from 10-17 degree Celsius during day time.
The money you have transferred will be with held by the Tourism Council of Bhutan till the day you depart. Travel Agents can only withdraw the money after your departure upon submitting your tour invoice. Therefore, your money is safe.
It is government rule that total tour payment must be remitted without which the government will not issue the visa.
Decide the number of days you want to spend in Bhutan according to your interest and budget.
Decide the date and the port of entry (You can fly into Bhutan from one of these cities; Bangkok, Katmandu, New Delhi, Calcutta and Dacca) into Bhutan.
Fill up the visa application form (You can download the visa application form here).
Remit the total tour payment (You can download the money transfer details here). It is government rule that total tour payment must be remitted without which the government will not issue the visa.
Once we have confirmed dates, port of entry, dully filled visa application form, and money received, we will process your visa.
Except for travelers from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all visitors to Bhutan are required to obtain visa approval prior to their arrival, which will be processed by us.
Tourism is not restricted but the minimum daily tariff is set by the government. It is also necessary that all tourists must come through a registered tour operator to plan your itinerary and process your visa. Tourist cannot come on their own unless they are invited guest.
Druk Air operates daily flight (once daily) from Bangkok (Thailand) and four flights a week from New Delhi, Kathmandu and Calcutta (India) and two flights a week from Dacca (Bangladesh). There are different flight schedules for the summer and the winter seasons. For Druk Air schedules click on Flights Details or you can also visit Druk Air web site at www.drukair.com.bt . You can also enter Bhutan via Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri (West Bengal) in India. It has regular flights from New Delhi (twice daily).
Bhutan is connected to the outside world through Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines), the national carrier which is the only airline operating flights in and out of the kingdom.
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