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Bhutan Overview

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Travel to Bhutan and experience this remote Himalayan country.

Travel to Bhutan and visit this distinctive and remote pocket between India and China. Bhutan offers beauty, history and adventure by the bucketload. Travel to Bhutan's delightful Thimphu - the world’s only capital city without traffic lights. Head out into Bhutan's countryside and marvel at the spectacular Himalayan scenery, visit imposing dzongs and learn the Buddhist traditions of the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'. Meet the relaxed local people, see the extraordinary 'Tiger's Nest' monastery and soak up this unique travel experience.

  • Explore the picturesque Gangte region
  • Shop for Bhutanese handicrafts
  • Join a pilgrim trek to Taktsang Monastery
  • Feast on red rice in charming Paro
  • Experience peaceful Thimphu - the world's only capital city without traffic lights
  • Visit Bhutan's quirky 'Temple of the Divine Madman'

Bhutan Summary

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Day 1 Paro

Arrive in the small town of Paro and get an immediate sense of just how special Bhutan is. With colourful buildings, a main street that is only 25 years old and houses without front doors, Paro is a charming place to begin the adventure.

Day 2 Thimphu

The fortress of Tashichho Dzong dominates Thimphu, the world's only capital city without traffic lights. See the National Library's priceless collection of Buddhist manuscripts, visit the Folk Heritage Museum and stop in at the National Memorial Chorten. In keeping with the country's goal of Gross National Happiness, the stores here take it in turns to be closed; stores on the upper lane are closed on Tuesdays and stores on the lower lane are closed on Wednesdays.

Days 3-4 Punakha

Cross the Dochu La Pass to take in spectacular views of the Bhutan Himalaya and stop in at the quirky Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the 'Temple of the Divine Madman'. Visit the Punakha Dzong and the hillside Khamsum Yueling Temple. Browse local handicrafts in a traditional homemade paper factory and discover the ancient art of thangkas at a Bhutanese painting school.

Day 5 Gangte

Journey across the Pele La Pass to Gangte and visit the 450-year-old Gangte Goemba. Explore Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan's wonderfully remote area without telephones or regular power.

Days 6-8 Paro

The adventure comes full circle on the return to Paro. Home to Bhutan's unusual red rice, Paro is the base for exploring the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and the dramatic Rinpung Dzong. Tour the National Museum, housed in an original watchtower, and drive out to the beautiful Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most important of Bhutan's temples. A trek to Taktshang Goemba, the famed 'Tiger's Nest' monastery miraculously clinging to a cliff face, is a definite must-do.
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What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Paro, Bhutan

  • Finish:

    Paro, Bhutan

  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 12

  • Ages:

    Min 12

  • Meals:

    7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

  • Accommodation:

    Hotel (7 nts)

  • Transport:

    Minibus

  • Included activities:

    Chimmi Lhakhang, Dzong tour, Explore Phobjikha Valley region, Folk and Heritage Museum, Gangte gompa, Kyichu Lhakhang, National Library, Tour of Ta Dzong Paro Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong and Drukgyal Dzong, Trek to Taktshang Monastery and lunch, Walk to Khamsum Yueling Temple and picnic lunch

  • Carbon emissions offset:

    856kg pp per trip

  • Notes:

    1. An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking.
    2. A single supplement is available on this trip. See under the Single Traveller section of your Trip Notes for more information.
    3. Please provide Intrepid or your booking agent with a scanned copy of the personal details page from your passport at time of booking.

    TRIP CHANGES 2013: Please note that for 2013 this tour will begin in Thimphu, instead of Paro. Passengers will still fly into Paro, as this is the only international airport in Bhutan, and they will be transferred to the hotel in Thimphu, just over an hour's drive from the airport.
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About Bhutan

    • 8
    • HNKB
    • 4.68 out of 5
    • Contact us Discontinued trips tool tip
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