Bhutan Discovered

7 Days | Find sacred valleys, misty mountains and ancient temples in this Himalayan Kingdom

5 out of 5 based on 15 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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EUR €2,524
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Experience the majestic landscapes and joyful culture of little-visited Bhutan on this enchanting 7-day adventure. Begin in Thimphu, Bhutan’s busy capital, where you’ll meet local artisans and visit enlightening museums. Take in unbeatable views of the Himalayas on your way to Punakha, where your local leader will introduce you to ancient dzongs, bridges and monasteries. Tuck into a homecooked meal at a farmhouse in the Paro Valley, try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport, and hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest monastery. You’ll soon see why Bhutan’s people are considered some of the happiest on earth.

Trip overview

Map of Bhutan Discovered 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
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HJKB
This trip generates 28.21 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.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Hike to Taktsang, commonly known as the Tiger's Nest, the small monastery clinging to a rocky cliff 900 metres above the valley floor, and soak in its magnificence.
  • Discover the 15th-century fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang, and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, an ancient fortress and religious centre that sits at the confluence of two rivers.
  • Feel the heat of Bhutanese cuisine when you tuck into traditional meals made with red rice, local cheese and lots of tastebud-tingling chillies.
  • Experience Bhutanese hospitality in the Paro Valley when you enjoy a homecooked meal at a rustic farmhouse and opt to take a soak in a traditional hot stone bath.
  • Spend a day exploring Thimphu, from the city to the woodlands, visiting the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery, National Memorial Chorten, Simply Bhutan and the National Textile Museum.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Despite Bhutan being a small country, you'll experience long travel days as most roads are single lane. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
  • The trek to Tiger's Nest is quite vigorous but well worth the climb. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of this hike, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
  • Bhutan is a high-altitude destination, so taking it easy for a day or two makes for a much more comfortable trip. Drinking tea and water and avoiding strenuous exercise will help you acclimatise after arriving.
  • Hot water is limited in some places. Speaking of all things heated, the Bhutanese love chilli and the food can be a touch spicy.
  • All meals are included due to the nature of travelling in Bhutan. This means there may be limited choices on some days.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2023

Map of Bhutan Discovered including Bhutan

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Activities
  • Thimphu - Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre
  • Thimphu - Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory
  • Thimphu - National Memorial Chorten
  • Thimphu - Village walk to Cheri Dorji Dhen
  • Thimphu - National Textile Museum
  • Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma
  • Thimpu - Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum
  • Punakha Valley - Chimi Lhakhang
  • Punakha - Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike
  • Punakha - Punakha Dzong view & photo stop
  • Punakha - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
  • Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike
  • Paro - Home-cooked dinner
  • Paro - Farmhouse hot stone bath
  • Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer

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 7 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

5 out of 5 based on 15 reviews submitted.
While we try our best to display all reviews, removal may be due to the following: privacy concerns, profanity/inappropriate content or it is unrelated to this trip. We welcome honest feedback and will directly respond to negative reviews.

Filter by rating

Linda · Traveled April 2023
Bhutan is a country that has been relatively untouched by the outside world. Except for some products, you feel as if you have stepped out of the busy world we live in. The highlight of doing the hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery made it for me. Doing this country is a must.
Review submitted 13 Apr 2023

Lisa · Traveled April 2023
Bhutan is such a beautiful country, highly recommend visiting. Hopefully you would be as lucky as us to have Sangay as your tour leader and Karma as the highly experienced driver and professional photographer! Amazing trip!
Review submitted 13 Apr 2023

Kathryn · Traveled March 2023
Not much to say other than go to Bhutan! If you get Sangay as your guide and Sungten as your driver then you have hit the jackpot.
Review submitted 08 Mar 2023

bonita · Traveled March 2023
The trip to Bhutan with Intrepid was like going to nirvana. Such a clean, friendly, peaceful country and guides.
Review submitted 08 Mar 2023

Eniko · Traveled September 2022
I would highly recommend this tour to others, as someone who has travelled extensively it is rare to be able to see a country returning to tourism after COVID restrictions that retains their past history and culture while embracing the future
Review submitted 18 Oct 2022
Bhutan Discovered
From
EUR €2,524