9 Days Authentic Bhutan Tour by Local Experts
Get up close with the local people and the natural environment they live in. On this 9 days 8 nights journey, you will venture out into this magical Kingdom with a private expert guide and discover happiness amidst stunning landscapes and majestic eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. You’ll witness sacred ancient festivals that have been passed down from centuries ago and still remains vibrant and untouched.
This exhilarating journey will also take you to the cultural heartland of Bhutan where you can immerse yourself into Bhutan’s rich Buddhist culture and find inner peace among the ornate fortresses and secluded temples. Meet and mingle with the local people from all walks of life who have one thing in common – smiles on their faces. Get first-hand experience on what makes Bhutan a unique destination in the world.
ItineraryDay 1: Arrive Paro International AirportStop At: National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་།, CCHG+F5G, Paro, Bhutan
After receiving you at the only International Airport, you'll be taken on your first adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. We also visit an auspicious 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which is believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. If time permits, you'll have an opportunity to witness the game of archery where you can see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Lhayhuel Resort or Spirit of Bhutan Resort
Day 2: Paro - Transfer to Haa Valley (2hr 15min drive)Stop At: Haa Valley, Ha Bhutan
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Haa valley via Chelela, the highest motorable mountain pass in Bhutan where you'll spend sometime enjoying the grand views of the Himalayan mountains. Haa valley is one of the least visited destinations in Bhutan having opened to tourism only in 2002 to safeguard its sacredness and unspoiled culture. You'll visit 7th-century White Temple locally known as Lhakhang Karpo located in the foothills of the three sacred mighty mountains in the valley.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner & overnight at Hotel Lhayul or Risum Resort
Day 3: Haa valley - Transfer to Thimphu (3hr 20min drive)Stop At: Thimphu, Thimphu, Thimphu District
In the morning, drive to the beautiful village of Katsho where you'll have opportunity to meet with the local people and get insights into their daily lives. You'll visit Katsho Gonpa, a temple on the hillside overlooking the Haa valley. After lunch, transfer to the capital city Thimphu. En route, stop at Chelela Pass and do a 1.5-hour hike through the mountain ridge to Kila Gonpa nunnery home to dozens of nuns (optional). From there, continue the journey to Thimphu and visit the weaving center. Weaving is an integral part of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. You will see both men and women at work weaving some of the most intricate designs and sophisticated patterns of traditional Bhutanese textiles using traditional handlooms.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Dorji Elements
Day 4: Explore The Capital City ThimphuStop At: Thimphu, Thimphu, Thimphu District
After breakfast, visit one of the tallest sitting Buddha statues in the world located on the hill overlooking Thimphu valley. You'll visit the 13th-century national treasure Changangkha Lhakhang where newborns in Thimphu are brought to this holy shrine to get names. From there, we drive to see Takins, the national animal of Bhutan at the only animal enclosure in Bhutan, Royal Takin Preserve in the northern outskirts of Thimphu. Next, we stop at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum where the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan are taught (closed on Sundays and Government Holidays). A traditional lunch will be served at Folk Heritage Restaurant. After lunch, visit Craft Bazaar (optional) along the main Thimphu street and visit Bhutan Postal Museum to learn about the evolution of Bhutanese communication systems. You can also print stamps using your own photo and mail postcards to your friends or loved ones at home.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Dorji Elements
Day 5: Thimphu - Transfer to Phobjikha valley (3.5 hours drive)Stop At: Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in memory of the Third King. People from all walks of life come here to offer prayers and seek solace. We then drive to Phobjikha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at an altitude of 3150m asl and enjoy the grand panoramic views of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan (weather permitting). From there, we continue to drive and descend to a much warmer valley and stop at the village of Sopsokha to visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility" owing to its prowess to bless childless couples with fertility and ability to have children. After lunch at one of the local restaurants, continue to drive to Phobjikha valley.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Phobjikha Resort or Lhakpa Homestay for a unique experience with the local family
Day 6: Phobjikha valley - Transfer to Punakha valley (2.5 hours drive)Stop At: Punakha, Punakha, Punakha District
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Gangtey Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan and an important landmark in the valley. You’ll have the opportunity to meet monks and offer prayers. From there, venture out on an exciting Gangtey Nature Hike through the pristine valley and understand the life of people living in rural Bhutan. The exhilarating hike is about 5km and takes about 2.5-3 hours. After lunch, transfer to Punakha valley and visit the 17th-century Punakha Dzong considered as the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. You'll spend some time appreciating the intricate woodwork and sacred wall paintings. We then walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge over the glacial-fed Phochu river. Punakha Dzong is built on the confluence of the Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers. From there, we drive to the idyllic village of Nobgang overlooking Punakha valley. A unique and exotic local cuisines home-cooked by the local community will be served for dinner.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Hotel Sonamgang
Day 7: Punakha - Transfer back to Paro (3 hours drive)Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
After breakfast, hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten on a hilltop overlooking the Punakha valley with Mochu river meandering through the valley. The round trip hike takes about 2-2.5 hours through the rice fields and a short climb before reaching the sacred site. After the hike, drive to Paro and stop at Dochula Cafeteria for lunch. On the way, you'll also visit the oldest fortress Simtokha Dzong built in 1631 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of the nation-state of Bhutan. One of the main artifacts inside Simtokha Dzong is the magnificent statue of Buddha of Compassion among many other troves of national treasures.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Udumwara Resort or Mandala Resort
Day 8: Hike the famous Taktsang Monastery known as Tiger's Nest (4-5 hours round trip hiking)Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail, Paro Bhutan
After early breakfast, hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery. Originally built in 1692, the iconic sacred site popularly known as Tiger's Nest is perched on an 800-meter rock cliff above the valley floor. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors but you can hike at your own pace. We recommend starting early before the sun gets stronger. One-way horse riding is available for about USD20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria). After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, we retrace our footsteps back to the base and drive to Paro town for some leisure time. Towards the late afternoon, visit Tshering Farmhouse for home-cooked authentic local cuisine. If there are no other guests, you can participate and learn how to prepare some popular Bhutanese dishes. You may also want to experience a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for about USD20 per person paid to the owner.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Udumwara Resort or Mandala Resort
Day 9: Transfer to Paro International Airport for departureStop At: Paro International Airport - departure terminal, Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan
After breakfast at the hotel, depending on your flight departure time, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"This tour can be customized and run on a private basis just for you and your group."
"We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to a week before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days."
"There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance."
"After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address"
"Youth between the ages of 13-18 MUST send us a copy of their valid Student Photo ID Card/Document to keep the discounted price. Without a copy of valid Student Photo ID Card/document, the full adult price will apply."
"Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one full-paying adult."
"Not recommended for travelers with back problems"
"Not recommended for pregnant travelers"
"No heart problems or other serious medical conditions"
"Most travelers can participate"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Start Time:
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
9 Days Authentic Bhutan Tour by Local Experts
3/1/2024 - 11/30/2024| Monday - Sunday : | 07:00 AM - 06:30 PM |
Duration: 9 Days
Start location: Traveler pickup is offered
Our guide and driver will receive you at Paro International Airport
Airports- Paro Airport, Paro Bhutan
Cancellations and refunds:
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
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