HIMALAYAN CROWN

Day 01: Arrival at Paro International Airport

Altitude of Paro Valley – 2,250 m / 7,382 ft

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our tour guides. After settling in, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude.

Day 02: Drive to Thimphu Valley

Altitude of Thimphu Valley – 2,334 m / 7,657 ft

Driving distance from Paro to Thimphu – 1 hour (Approx. 50 km)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. En route, you’ll pass through picturesque landscapes and winding mountain roads. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the vibrant streets of Thimphu.

Day 03: Head to Punakha, the Winter Capital of Bhutan

Altitude of Punakha Valley – 1,310 m / 4,300 ft

Driving distance from Thimphu to Punakha – 2 hours 30 minutes (Approx. 77 km)

Today, journey towards Punakha, the former winter capital of Bhutan. Along the way, marvel at the breathtaking views as you pass through Dochula Pass. Visit the 108 Druk Wangyal stupas and continue your drive to Punakha. Upon arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most magnificent structures.

Day 04: Sightseeing in Punakha

After breakfast, explore more of Punakha valley. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, and take a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Later, you can enjoy leisure time by the riverside or explore the local markets.

Day 05: Head to Phobjikha

Altitude of Phobjikha Valley – 3,000 m / 9,842 ft

Today, drive to the serene Phobjikha Valley, famous for its picturesque landscapes and the Gangtey Monastery. Enjoy the scenic drive and upon arrival, visit the Gangtey Monastery and take a leisurely walk through the valley to soak in its natural beauty.

Day 06: Sightseeing in Phobjikha

Explore more of Phobjikha valley today. You can visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre to learn about the migratory birds that inhabit the area during winter. Additionally, take a nature walk through the valley and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Day 07: Drive further to Bumthang

Altitude of Bumthang Valley – 2,800 m / 9,185 ft

Driving distance from Phobjikha to Bumthang – 6 hours (Approx. 163 km)

Embark on a scenic drive to Bumthang Valley, often referred to as the cultural heartland of Bhutan. En route, you’ll pass through picturesque landscapes and quaint villages. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.

Day 08: Sightseeing in and around Bumthang

Today, explore the cultural treasures of Bumthang Valley. Visit Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Jambay Lhakhang. You can also take a leisurely stroll through the charming town of Jakar and interact with the friendly locals.

Day 09: Drive back to Punakha via Trongsa

Altitude of Trongsa Valley – 2,200 m / 7,218 ft

Driving distance from Bumthang to Punakha via Trongsa – 7 hours (Approx. 215 km)

Today, drive back to Punakha via Trongsa. En route, visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong in Bhutan. Continue your journey to Punakha and upon arrival, check into your hotel.

Day 10: Punakha to Paro

After breakfast, drive back to Paro. Upon arrival, visit the National Museum of Bhutan and Paro Rinpung Dzong. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Paro town and explore its charming streets.

Day 11: Hike to Tiger’s Nest

Altitude of Tiger’s Nest Monastery – 3,120 m / 10,236 ft

Embark on an early morning hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paro Valley as you hike uphill to reach the monastery perched on a cliff. After the hike, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 12: Departure

Today, bid farewell to Bhutan as you transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.

This itinerary provides a comprehensive exploration of Bhutan’s cultural and natural wonders, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the Himalayan kingdom.

Highlights of Your Journey:

Paro and Thimphu: Begin your odyssey by unraveling the vibrant history of Bhutan at the Ta Dzong Museum and the iconic Rimpong Dzong with its picturesque wooden cantilevered bridge. In Thimphu, the capital city, pay homage at the National Memorial Chorten, a revered site honoring the memory of Bhutan’s third king. Traverse the breathtaking Dochula Pass at 3150m, adorned with 108 chortens and panoramic views of the Himalayas, en route to the sub-tropical Punakha Valley.

Punakha Valley: Immerse yourself in the serenity of Punakha Valley, home to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress nestled amid lush greenery. Explore the whimsical Chimi Lhakang, also known as the Temple of the ‘Divine Madman,’ and feel the mystical energy that permeates this sacred land.

Phobjikha Valley: Experience the ethereal beauty of Phobjikha Valley, a haven for the rare Black-Necked Crane during winter. Let the tranquility of this pristine landscape envelop you as you encounter the harmonious coexistence of nature and spirituality.

Trongsa and Bumthang: Journey to the cradle of Bhutanese monarchy in Trongsa, where history comes alive amidst ancient fortresses and regal splendor. Traverse to the spiritual heartland of Bumthang, where the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang, bearing the sacred rock imprint of Guru Rinpoche, beckon you to connect with the divine.

Paro and the Tiger’s Nest: Conclude your pilgrimage with a trek to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, perched precariously on a cliff 900m above the valley floor. Feel the spiritual resonance of this sacred site as you absorb the awe-inspiring vistas that surround you.

Customization and Flexibility: We understand that every traveler is unique. Hence, we offer the flexibility to tailor your Bhutan tour according to your preferences. While we strive to visit all the listed destinations, our itinerary remains adaptable to your interests, weather conditions, and road accessibility.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment as you traverse the mystical landscapes and delve into the spiritual heritage of Bhutan. Let the tranquility of the valleys and the wisdom of the ancients guide you on a transformative odyssey unlike any other.

We provide a full package for the Bhutan tour which includes the followings:

• A minimum of 3 star accommodations
• All meals in Bhutan
• English speaking tour guides
• All internal ground transportation
• USD 100 Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in Bhutan
• International Air fares Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu
• Domestic Airfare Bumthang – Paro
• Visa for Bhutan
• Mineral drinking water
• All entrance fees

The Bhutan tour package price do not include the followings:

• Travel and medical insurance, personal expenses, calls, laundries.
• Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry, etc
• Alcoholic Beverages
• tips for guides and drivers

 TASHI DELEK!