7 Days | Find sacred valleys, misty mountains and ancient temples in this Himalayan Kingdom
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
- 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
- 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.
- 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
View the itinerary for departures between 01 April 2024 - 31 March 2025
Inclusions
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Private vehicle
Hotel (6 nights)
- 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
- Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
- Paro - Farmhouse hot stone bath - USD25
Dates and availability
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.
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.
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.
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