Essence Of Bhutan
- 07Nights/08 Days
- bhutan
- Thimphu – Phubjikha – Gangtey – Paro
About the Tour
This tour is the curtain-raiser to the places of interest in western and central Bhutan. This seemingly leisure paced odyssey takes you to the road of discovery of well-preserved tradition and culture, medieval Dzongs, pristine environments, monasteries, and ever-friendly people. This introductory tour starts from the capital city Thimphu, which stole the limelight for being only capital in the world without traffic lights. After visiting sights and attraction in Thimphu valley, we then drive east across spectacular Dochula, offering a grand vista of eastern Himalayan peaks on a clear day to the glacial valley of Phobjika, where electricity is still a novelty, an initiative undertaken in conversation program of sacred Black Neck Crane. On the way back, we stop at semi-tropical agrarian valley of Punakha & Wangdi, that houses one of most beautiful Dzong (Punakha Dzong) in the country on the confluence of Po and Mo Chhu river, after visiting these attraction, crossing again Docula pass, take you to verdant valley of Paro, culminating into hike to the famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, a quintessential Bhutan travel experience.
Highlights
- A short and sweet introduction that covers Thimphu and Paro valley
- Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang).
- Visit the capital of Bhutan
- Visit fortresses, monasteries, and temples throughout Bhutan.
- Discover age-old Bhutanese culture and traditions.
- Visit Serene Paro Valley
Day 1: Arrive in Paro | Drive Paro – Thimphu (52 kms / 2 Hrs)
Upon arrival in Paro, you are met by our representative and transferred to Thimphu(1hr). Along the way, you can stop in several places according to your interests. After lunch, visit different sights and attractions of Thimphu. Overnight in the hotel of your choice.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Full day tour of Thimphu’s cultural sites and monuments including Tashicho Dzong, Traditional Art School, Markets, Indigenous Hospital, Nunnery, Takin Sanctuary. Our guide can also change the tour to incorporate your interest and you may visit as much or as little. Overnight in the hotel of your choice.
Day 3: Thimphu – Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley (130 kms / 4-5 Hrs)
Drive across the spectacular Dochu La Pass to Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley. The scenery is stunning and ever-changing, as the road climbs and descends. Along the way, you can stop at several places. Upon arrival, visit ancient Gangtey Gompa Monastery and take a short walk to visit local homes. Overnight in the hotel of your choice.
Day 4: Drive Gangtey – Wangdue – Punakha (75 kms / 2.5 Hrs)
In the morning, take a short easy walk in the valley and also visit the Nature information center. One of the main attractions of the valley is the endangered black-necked crane, which resides in Phobjikha from late October till March. Later drive back and descend into the sub-tropical valley of Punakha – Wangdue (2-3hrs). Visit the township of Wangdue and its massive fortress. In the evening, take a short easy walk to see Chimi Lhakhang temple, which is through a small village. Overnight in the hotel of your choice.
Day 5: Drive Punakha – Thimphu – Paro (165 kms / 5-6 Hrs)
In the morning, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong at the confluence of Pho and Mochu rivers. If you wish, you can also take a short (40 minute each way) walk to visit Khamsum Yuelley Chorten. On the return drive to Thimphu, we spend some time below Dochula pass to explore the botanical park and nearby surroundings for birds for diverse flora. Lunch could be planned at Dochula pass. After descending into Thimphu, continue short drive to Paro.
Overnight in the hotel of your choice.
Day 6: Paro Valley Tour
If you are interested more in the walks and to visit off-the-beaten sights, your guide can take you for a drive up to Chele pass and hike to Kila Gompa nunnery. Along the way, you will also pass through wonderful forests. Also a short distance from Paro in Bondey village, you can take a short walk to visit Dzongdrakha Gompa. The popular attractions within Paro include visiting Rinphung Dzong, National Museum, temples of Kichu and Dungtse, visiting a local home and the stroll around the township. Overnight in the hotel of your choice.
Day 7: Paro Valley (Taktsang)
Before the hike, you can visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong. Then follow it by day excursion to famous Taktsang or Tiger’s nest monastery. We can arrange a pony ride for the uphill part but you must be able to walk downhill. This is expected to take all day. If for some reason, you wish to skip Taktsang, our Guide and driver can arrange other interesting alternatives based on your interest. Return to Paro for farewell dinner. Overnight in the hotel of your choice.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Paro Airport in time for your departure flight. Most flights out of Bhutan depart in the morning.
Inclusions
- Accommodations during the tour in listed or similar hotels
- All meals, including evening tea/coffee etc through-out the tour in Bhutan
- All land transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees
- Experienced English Speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide
- Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, Visa fees and taxes
- Bottled water in the vehicle and other complementary services
- Currently applicable taxes.
Exclusions
- Camera charges at any monument to be paid by the guest directly
- Any airfare international/ domestic
- Any insurance
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
- And anything not mentioned in Inclusions.
Tour Notes
- Rates are subject to availability.
- The room category in all packages is the base category rooms.
- The above rates are not applicable from 20th Dec'2019 to 10th Jan'2020.
- Christmas & New Year gala charges are on a direct pay basis at the hotel by guest.
- In case we are not able to provide the same hotels as mentioned, then we shall provide similar alternate properties, change in the cost if any will be advised.
