overview
Glimpse into the heart of the tranquil kingdom of Bhutan with an experience of the lifestyle that is famously measured as “Gross National Happiness.” Get introduced to Bhutan with handicrafts, costumes and ancient weapons in the National Museum near Paro. Hike to the legendary Taktshang Monastery, also called Tiger’s Nest, on a trail through pine trees festooned with Spanish moss and occasional fluttering prayer flags.
The capitol city, Thimphu, is a gallery of traditional Bhutanese culture. Understand more of the culture through visits to a Traditional Painting School and the Bhutanese Indigenous Hospital. Explore the Thimphu market to shop for handicrafts and immerse with locals in their daily routines.
See panoramic views of the Himalayas from Dochula Pass on the way to Punakha. A short hike to Chimi La Khang, also known as the Fertility Temple, goes on trails through scenic forests. The marriage of scenery, unique Bhutanese culture and engaging people complete this inspiring journey.
Highlights- Visit the cliff hanging Tiger's Nest
- Explore monasteries and palaces of Paro, Thimpu and Punakha
- Immerse with the Bhutanese locals
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 - Bangkok to Paro
Depart early from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. The flight leaves at 5:40 a.m. or 6:50 a.m. Bangkok time, depending on the day of departure. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel upon arrival in Bhutan, before 10 a.m. Rejuvenate with refreshments at the hotel.
Drive to nearby Ta-Dzong, where you’ll be introduced to Bhutan with a visit to the National Museum which houses art, handicrafts, costumes and ancient weapons displays. Stroll the streets of Paro in the evening. Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)
Day 02 - Paro (Tiger's Nest hike)
Begin the day with breakfast before a short drive to Taktshang Monastery. The trail to the monastery climbs through pine trees festooned with Spanish moss and occasional fluttering prayer flags. Hike at your own pace for about two to four hours.
Built in 1600s, the monastery clings to the edge of a sheer-rock cliff that plunges 2,952 feet into the valley below. It is believed that, in the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is believed to have meditated here for three months. Packed lunch will be served.
Drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, the fortress of the victorious Drukpas. From Drukgyel Dzong, the Tibet border is only a two-day hike away. Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)
Day 03 - Paro to Thimpu
Depart Paro for Thimphu (two-hour drive) after breakfast. Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital (7,609 feet), is situated in a valley surrounded by terraced rice fields. The main street in Thimphu, Norzim Lam, is lined with shops. Visit Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Drive to Drubthop Lhakhang, the nunnery temple. Learn more about the culture through visits to the Bhutanese Indigenous Hospital and Traditional Painting School. Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)
Day 04 - Thimpu
Relax with breakfast at the hotel. Drive a short distance north of Thimphu, to the base of a trail which leads to the 17th century Cheri Monastery. Continuing onward from the trailhead, climb steeply for 30 to 45 minutes. It is usually possible to enter Cheri courtyard, but not the temple. Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel (first ruler of Bhutan) built the Cheri Monastery in 1620 and established its first order of monks. Packed lunch will be served at the monastery site.
After lunch, return to the base of the mountain and drive back to Thimphu. In the evening, visit the vibrant Thimphu market. Overnight at Hotel. (All meals)
Day 05 - Thimpu to Punakha
Drive to Punakha after breakfast at the hotel. The road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees, to Dochula pass (10,000 feet). The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, on the descent to the fertile valley of Punakha (4,430 feet).
Before proceeding further to the town of Punakha, hike about 30 minutes to the Chimi Lhakhang (temple) on a small hilltop. The temple was dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century, known as Drukpa Kuenley, as well as the “Divine madman.” He dramatized Buddhist teachings using songs and outrageous sexual humor. Bold phallus symbols and paintings on the houses and temples are a result of his influence. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility.
After lunch, continue to Punakha Dzong (fortress) situated between the two rivers, Pho Chu and Mochu (male and female river). The fortress is now used as the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the spiritual head of Bhutan). The Dzong served as the capital seat of the Kingdom for more than 300 years. The intricate Buddhist paintings inside the monastery are spectacular. Overnight at hotel. (All meals)
Day 06 - Punakha to Paro
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before making the return drive to the journey’s beginning in Paro (approximately five hours). Overnight at hotel. (All meals)
Day 07 - Depart for home
Transfer to airport for flight home. (Breakfast)
Cost and Inclusions
1 person: $ 2,245 USD (includes single supplement)
2 persons: $ 1,945 USD per person
3 or more persons: $ 1,765 USD per person
Single Supplement: $ 300 USD
Extra: Bangkok - Paro - Bangkok airfare: $ 1,000 USD (subject to change)
Price includes:
- Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
- Meeting and assistance at airport and transfers to hotels
- All in-country transportation
- Meals as indicated on itinerary
- Tours and excursions outlined on itinerary
- Bhutan Visa and Tourism Development Fee
Price does not include:
- Your international airfare
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance (Required)
- Other expenses of a personal nature (soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internet, battery charging, comfort food etc.)
Dates and Availability
Book This Trip
Step 1: Contact Us
Contact us at 1-888-586-7750 or email to confirm availability for your preferred travel dates.
Step 2: Send Deposit and Registration Information
Make a copy of the photo page of your passport. If your trip involves a trek in Nepal, email or send us a passport-sized color photo. Mail a check for $500 per person for Nepal Treks or $1,000 for other journeys (non-refundable deposit), passport copy, photo and completed reservation form.
Our mailing address is:
Grand Asian Journeys
PO Box 608
Indianola, WA 98342
USA
Once we receive your payment and documents we will send you additional details of your trip including travel details, VISA information, packing list, specific trip information and insurance options.
If you are traveling to Bhutan, we are required to book your airfare so an additional payment will be required. Contact us for details.
Cancelation Policy
If you cancel:
- More than 60 days prior to departure; deposit is forfeited, the remainder is refunded
- 60 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of tour cost subject to refund
- No refunds will be provided for any unused services or cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure