Premium Bhutan

9 Days | Uncover the mysterious mountain kingdom of Bhutan

4.8 out of 5 based on 14 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $5,103
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Discover a land of mysticism, proud tradition and pure happiness on a 9-day Premium adventure through the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. This country has a story tell, and a local leader will help you uncover Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage as you wind through forested valleys, fortified monasteries and sacred mountains. Discover the compelling history of Thimphu, hike the valleys of Punakha, learn about black-necked cranes in Phobjikha and climb to the legendary Tiger’s Nest in Paro. A journey through the astonishing beauty of the people, landscape and culture of Bhutan will leave your happiness levels off the scale.

Trip overview

Map of Premium Bhutan including Bhutan
Start
Thimphu, Bhutan
Finish
Paro, Bhutan
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Bhutan
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Premium
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HNPB
This trip generates 39 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Premium accommodation
Premium experiences
Premium knowledge

Why you'll love this trip
  • See Bhutan through the eyes of a local as you travel with a leader who will bring the country’s unique history, legends and traditions to life.
  • Get acquainted with rare and fascinating wildlife in the breathtaking Phobjika valley, including a visit to a protection and information centre for black-necked cranes, a Premium Exclusive Experience.
  • Climb to the teetering monastery of Taktsang (the Tiger's Nest) 900 metres above Paro’s valley floor and take in once-in-a-lifetime views.
  • Visit the important monastery of Gangte Goemba during an Exclusive Experience and learn about two subjects at heart of Bhutanese culture – Buddhism and happiness.
  • Unwind in your Feature Stay accommodation, a traditionally beautiful and eco-conscious resort tucked away in the glorious mountains of Paro.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Due to the high altitude of the places we visit some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary! Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
  • The hike to Tiger’s Nest can be strenuous. The trek can take up to 5 hours and reach an altitude of 3120 metres.
  • In Bhutan short distances can take much longer due to small, narrow roads and mountain passes. Motion sickness can be an issue on longer driving days on windy roads.
  • All meals are included due to the nature of travelling in Bhutan. This means there may be limited choices on some days.

Itinerary

Map of Premium Bhutan including Bhutan

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Paro Feature Stay (2 nights)

Premium Inclusions
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
  • Thimphu - Welcome dinner
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Thimphu - National Library
  • Thimphu - National Textile Museum
  • Thimphu - National Memorial Chorten
  • Thimphu - Takin Conservation Park
  • Thimphu - Zilukha Nunnery
  • Thimphu - Voluntary Artists School
  • Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma
  • Thimpu - Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum
  • Punakha Valley - Chimi Lhakhang
  • Dochula Pass - Druk Wangyal Chortens
  • Thimphu - Simtokha Dzong
  • Punakha - Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
  • Punakha - Punakha Dzong
  • Punakha - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
  • Phobjikha - Gangtoe Goemba
  • Phobjikha - Black Necked Crane Information Center
  • Phobjikha - Valley hiking
  • Paro - Tadzong Museum
  • Paro - Drukgyal Dzong
  • Paro - Kaja Throm Market Visit
  • Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike
  • Paro - Home-cooked dinner
  • Paro - Complimentary Departure Transfer
Add on activities
  • Paro - Hot Stone Bath - USD25

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers are included. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Entry to Bhutan is very strict and travellers can only enter Bhutan on a group visa as part of a tour. All travellers must arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 9 to be eligible for a group visa. At time of booking, please provide your booking agent with a scanned colour copy of your passport, a scanned colour passport photo, proof of travel insurance that includes your name on the certificate.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 60 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
5. Bhutan's airlines are renowned for last minute changes to flight timetables into and out of Bhutan. Please allow a minimum of 24 hours transit time before and after your flights into and out of Bhutan. Timetables are available on the Druk Airlines and Air Bhutan websites.
6. If you have booked additional accommodation and transfers in Kathmandu, please see the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information for details regarding visas and arrival in Nepal.
7. The Sustainable Development Fee, charged by the government of Bhutan, is included in your trip price.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 14 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Hannah · Traveled November 2023
Bhutan is a wonderful country and the experience exceeded my expectations. Pratap was a knowledgeable guide and the trip was well organised and delivered. Plenty of history, culture and experiences, with the highlight of course being the Tiger's Nest Monastery - this is an absolute must-do!
Review submitted 19 Dec 2023

Ling Khang · Traveled November 2023
This is a very grounding experience. I felt that I could take time to experience and immerse myself in this trip. The places visited didn’t have many people so you could slow down and be present. I highly recommend this trip for anyone who loves immersing into new cultures and understand more about ‘exotic’ lands. You will leave soothed and calm and may even inspire a change in how you live your life at home.
Review submitted 30 Nov 2023

Crystal · Traveled November 2023
Beautiful views, everlasting memories, phenomenal architecture. Bhutan.
Review submitted 29 Nov 2023

Lindsay · Traveled October 2023
Intrepid’s Premium Bhutan is excellent. With your guide, you get a very good education about the people and places that make this country so special. One leaves with a different, calmer and gentler mindset. Love that education, value of culture, and love of country are widespread. Feel very grateful to have visited this very special country where indeed Gross National Happiness is in action. L. Frey
Review submitted 03 Nov 2023

Helen · Traveled October 2023
An amazingly beautiful country, a great Tour. One of my top favourites. An experience never to be forgotten. Feel totally privileged to have visited Bhutan.
Review submitted 15 Oct 2023
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