9 Days Private Vacation Tour in Bhutan
Bhutan is known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon- The Hidden Shangri-La, the Roof of the World. No travel destination on Earth is more remote or beautiful to explore than Bhutan. Nestled on the high Himalayas, this tiny kingdom fiercely protects its traditional ways of life and guards its isolation like no other country (Bhutan had no roads until 1962, and no television until 1999).
This unique tour offers a rare chance to discover a secret world, explore ancient monasteries, and experience pristine Buddhist culture as it has existed since time immemorial.
Be one of the lucky few to visit this uniquely isolated kingdom!
Visit timeless traditional villages tucked away in pristine mountain landscapes. Explore ancient monasteries and experience Buddhist culture in its most ancient, unadulterated form.
ItineraryDay 1: Arrival and Transfer to ThimphuPass By: Paro, Paro, Paro District
Experience the breathtaking view of the great Himalayas offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s
highest glacial peaks. As you fly into Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro
river) meandering down the valley below.
Stop At: Thimphu, Thimphu, Thimphu District
Our representative will meet you at the airport and drive to Thimphu. Discover the mountains speckled with
sacred temples and monasteries on your way from Paro to Thimphu.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, Paro-Thimphu Highway, Paro 12001 Bhutan
On the way, stop at Tachogang Lhakhang (The Iron Chain Bridge), a temple located across the famous iron chain
bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River).
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pangri Zampa Monastery, Dechencholing, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
Take a short 20 minutes' drive to the northern part
of the city and visit the Pangri Zampa College for Astrology at Dechencholing to interact with the Buddhist
astrologers and monks here.
Later, visit the Tara Devi temple besides the college.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Choki Traditional Art School, Kabesa, Thimphu Bhutan
Take a short drive further up to Kabisa Village to visit the Choki Traditional Arts and Crafts School, a great place to gain insights into the Bhutanese arts and craft culture.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Zilukha, ཐིམ་ཕུུུུ, Bhutan
Return to the city visit the Zilukha Nunnery where you will meet Buddhist nuns practicing the life of celibacy.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Thimphu’s Weekend Market, Chhogyal Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Stroll through the bustling local farmer's market here.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground, Chang Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
End your day with a walk around the local archery stadium where the peoplw celebrate the national sport of archery with dance and song with every hit. Absorb the magical atmosphere of the capital city while capturing the sights of contemporary Bhutanese life.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Thimphu- Phentsho Pelri or similar
Day 2: A Day in ThimphuStop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
In the morning, capture a spectacular view of the Thimphu Valley from the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue at
Kuensel Phodrang.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten), Thimphu Bhutan
Visit the National Memorial Chorten, this landmark was envisaged by the third king of Bhitan, his majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument for world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (The Father of Modern Bhutan) and world peace.
It is a four stored tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
The temple serves as an important place of worship for all Bhutanese people.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Motithang Takin Preserve, Thimphu Bhutan
Visit the Takin Preserve Centre and see the animal Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. It is a unique combination of a goat and an antelope.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Dodeydrak Buddhist Monastry, GJ86+23P, Thimphu, Bhutan
In the afternoon, we will visit the Buddhist College of Astrology at Pangrizampa and meet with the Buddhist astrologers there before hiking to the hilltop of Dodeydrak monastery where you can interact with the monks and enjoy a meal over a knowledgable conversation with them.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Thimphu- Dodeydrak Monastery
Day 3: Explore the valley of the Black Necked Crane- PhobjikhaStop At: Dochula Pass, Thimphu Bhutan
After a hearty breakfast set out to the glacial valley of Phobjikha valley across the scenic Dochula Pass passing by
much-warmer valley of Punakha.
You will make a short break at Dochu La Pass situated at 3,100 meters above the sea level. Sip a cup of hot coffee at the Dochu La Cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. If skies are clear, you will be able to witness the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast in all their glory. There are 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the blue sky in the back drop. Continue to drive passing through Punakha and crossing the tiny village of Nobgang.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Gangtey Monastery, Gangtey Bhutan
On arriving in Phobjikha valley, pay your respects at the Gangtey Monastery. Spend some time here admiring the craft and sculptors of the monastery. Later hike on the one of the most beautiful nature trails of Bhutan. The trail hike
starts from the Mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang.
The hike takes about 1 hr 30 minutes through pine forests and small bamboo plants. Along the hike to can see the beautiful Phobjikha valley. During the winters,
one can spot endangered species of birds namely the Black Necked Cranes.
At the end of the hike, take a short stop the local farm house and witness the village life at Phobhjhika Valley.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Gangtey, Phobjhika- ABC Eco Lodge or similar
Day 4: Road Trip to BumthangStop At: Bumthang, Bumthang, Bumthang District
Today’s journey onward to Jakar (Bumthang) is long but is certainly memorable with dramatic landscapes of
terraced farmland, deep river valleys, and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only from the east-west highway that has been ingeniously carved out of the mountain faces.
Unlike, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, Bumthang Valley is one of the few places in Bhutan that is less frequented by tourists.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Chendebji Chorten, Chendebji, Trongsa Bhutan
Take a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which according to belief was built to cover the remains of a demon spirit.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Trongsa Dzong ཀྲོང་གསར་རྫོང།, FGX3+VXG, Trongsa, Bhutan
Upon reaching Trongsa you may take a stroll through this quaint village and official business time permitting, visit the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch where you will often find monks reciting mantras or practicing on sacred horns, flutes, or drums.
Located just above this majestic fortress is the former
watchtower which now serves as Royal Heritage Museum showcasing the ancient arts, artifacts, garments
and other possessions belonging to the royal family of Bhutan.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Bumthang Swiss Cheese and Wine Shop, Bumthang 00975 Bhutan
On arrival, check-in the hotel, freshen up to set out for something special that this valley is also known for; the
Bumthang Cheese Factory where the Swiss technique is adapted to produce one of the best cheeses in the
country.
Later, visit the Red Panda Brewery which produces
the famous Red Panda Beer using the local ingredients.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Bumthang- Hotel Ugyenling or similar
Day 5: Discover the best of BumthangStop At: Kurje Lhakhang, Bumthang Bhutan
Start your day by visiting the auspicious Kurje Lhakhang named after the body imprint left by Guru Rinpoche on a
rock and learn about the exciting legends and myths connected to the place.
Following the tarmac road to the south takes you to the ancient Jambay Lhakhang dating back to the 7th century.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Tamshing Lhakhang Temple, Bumthang Bhutan
Take a short drive to explore the Choekhor valley. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang Temple, a UNESCO Heritage Site,
founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, the treasure revealer of Bhutan, contains interesting and ancient Buddhist murals and wall paintings.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, Ogyen Choling, Tang, Bumthang, Jakar Bhutan
Take a stroll through Bumthang’s market area driving through Tang Valley. Head straight up to Tang Ogyen Choling Manor for lunch. This 14th century heritage property is a private museum with rich history. It was once the residence of the former provincial governor of
Trongsa, Tshokey Dorji.
On your way back, visit the Mebar Tsho translates to 'Burning Lake', a sacred lake from where the famous treasure revealer Terton Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered the ‘Ter’ (the treasures hidden by the Lotus Born Padmasambhawa in the 8th Century).
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Bumthang- Hotel Ugyenling or similar
Day 6: Discover the Valley of PunakhaStop At: Punakha, Punakha, Punakha District
After breakfast proceed to Punakha. Today’s journey back to Punakha will be a lengthy one, taking lunch en-route
at Tshangkha, we will then drive on through the beautiful mountains.
On arrival, check into your accommodation. Get some good rest before heading out again.
Duration: 8 hours
Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
Visit Punakha Dzong, it is just as striking inside as outside and it is arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan.
Located magnificently between Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) confluence, the intricate carving and amazing architecture of the Dzong is a great source of inspiration. This famous structure built in 1637 has a lot to tell about the historical background and various Tibetan invasions won from this strategically located Dzong. It also houses the kingdom’s most sacred relic, the Rangjung Karsa- pani.
Duration: 1 minute
Stop At: Khuruthang, Khuruthang, Punakha District
Also visit the Khuruthang Stupa shaped like Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal, a focal point for the local residents’
daily worship.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight at Punakha- Zingkham Resort or similar
Day 7: Explore ParoStop At: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Bhutan
After an early breakfast, head to Nyinzergang to begin a pleasant hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a Bhutanese architectural marvel piece set a strategic location. The view from the top is breathtaking and passing by the quaint villages, the farm life will be evident. Later, continue your journey towards Paro.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Royal Botanical Park, Lampelri, Punakha-Wangdue Highway, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
Upon arrival at Lampelri, below Dochula Pass, stop at Lampelri Botanical Garden, a protected bird rich area. Make a short tour around the area where you may also come in contact with the nomadic yak herders with the animals.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Namgay Artisanal Brewery, Dumsibu, Paro 11001, Bhutan
In the evening, visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in an authentic Bhutanese setup and try different flavours of
local beer.
The location of the place with brightly lit fortress absolutely stunning at night.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Paro- Olathang Hotel or similar
Day 8: Trek to the iconic Tiger's Nest MonasteryStop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail, Paro Bhutan
Hike up to Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrim sites. Be rewarded to the overwhelming sight of the
monastery perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters above sea level and 900 meters above Paro valley.
The Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru
Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a
tigress and meditated here for three months. He blessed and preached tantric Buddhism in Bhutan.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Drugyel Dzong, Drugyel Dzong, Paro District
On your way back, visit the recently renovated Drugyel Dzong Fortress that lies overlooking the majestic Jumolhari mountain at 7,314 metres above sea level.
It is highly recommendedto take a dip in the traditional hot stone bath after the hike to relax your
muscles before heading back
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
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Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Paro- Olathang Hotel or similar
Day 9: DepartureStop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
After breakfast, board your flight back home from Paro International Airport.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
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No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Infant seats available"
"Not recommended for pregnant travelers"
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund"
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Start Time:
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
9 Days Private Vacation Tour in Bhutan
12/15/2023 - 2/23/2025| Monday - Sunday : | 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM |
Duration: 9 Days
Start location: Paro International Airport - departure terminal, Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan
Cancellations and refunds:
All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
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