Royal Bhutan Tour –
15 days
Summary
This two-week journey covers Bhutan’s key regions: Thimphu, Bumthang, Phobjikha, Punakha, Haa and Paro. Across these Valleys, the trip focuses on Bhutan’s cultural, spiritual and natural diversity through visits to major dzongs and monasteries, walks through traditional towns and villages and time spent in contrasting landscapes. Highlights include exploring Thimphu’s markets and religious sites, visiting historic temples and monasteries in Bumthang and walking in the open landscapes of the Phobjikha Valley, known for its black-necked cranes. The journey also features Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers, time in the less-visited Haa Valley and a hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery near Paro.
- A private tour with a qualified and licensed English-speaking guide
- Organize Bhutan visa and visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Airport transfers
- Twin accommodation at a 3-star premium hotel ($ 60 supplement for single rooms) an upgrade to 5 star and luxury hotel is possible at an additional cost.
- All meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- A tour vehicle with an experienced driver
- All trekking equipment and fees
- Entry fees & road permits
- Drinking bottled mineral water
- Full service & assistance throughout your stay
- International flight tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses (Alcohol, telephone, laundry, Spa)
- Tips for guide and drivers
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro
Pick up from the airport (according to your flight arrival) and transfer to Thimphu (1.5 hours’ drive), Capital city of Bhutan.
- Check in the hotel and freshen up
- Lunch at the hotel
- Visit Zorig-Chhosuem, School of Bhutanese traditional Arts.
- Short hike to Wangditse and Takin preserve center
Evening
- Visit Tashichodzong the government house and office of his Majesty the king of Bhutan
- Enjoy a traditional dinner at the Folk Heritage Restaurant
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu
Morning
- Start the day with the circumambulation of Memorial chorten and Buddha Point
- Visit Pangri Zampa- the Astrology school and possibility to read ones fortune.
- Visit Kaja-Throm the Centenary Farmers market to explore local farm produce
- Lunch in a restaurant in Town
Afternoon
- Visit Simply-Bhutan, a live museum which showcases the rural livelihood in Bhutan.
- Visit the postal museum
- Visit textile museum
Evening
- Explore local craft market
- Dinner in a local restaurant
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu- Punakha
Morning
- Check out of hotel and drive to Punakha over Dochula Pass. Enjoy the scenic Himalayan Mountain ranges on the clear days.
- Hike to Lungchutse among the tall bushes of Rhododendron bush which are in full bloom in the spring.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch on the hike
Afternoon
- Drive to Punakha
- Dinner at the hotel and relax
Overnight at a hotel in Punakha
Day 04: Punakha
Morning
- Visit Chimi-Lhakhang the fertility temple of the Divine Mad-man.
- Visit Punakha Dzong, the old capital of Bhutan and also winter residence of the chief abbot
- Walk over the longest suspension bridge to cross the Pho-chu river, explore Mendegang village on the other side.
Afternoon
- Embark on a Talo Village Walk
Overnight at hotel in Punakha
Day 05: Punakha-Bumthang
Morning
- Drive to Bumthang from Punakha
- Lunch at Willing waterfall restaurant
Afternoon
- Visit Trongsa dzong, the biggest fortress in the Bhutan
Evening
- Arrive in Jakar valley, Bumthang
- Check in the hotel
Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang
Day 06: Bumthang
Morning
- Spiritual run, visit the ancient Temple of Jambay-lhakhang and Kuje-Lhakhang in Jakar valley
- Visit Wangdicholing Palace museum
Afternoon
- Visit Farm cooperative like the bewery, cheese processing unit and beekeeping.
- The handicraft center, where traditional yak wool farics are woven.
Evening
- Stroll around Bumthang town
Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang
Day 07: Bumthang
Morning
- Embark on Febela hike
- Visit Ugyencholing Manor house
Afternoon
- Visit Membar-tso
- Drive back to Bumthang
Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang
Day 08: Bumthang-Phobjikha
- Depart for Phobjikha from Bumthang
- Enjoy the mountain views and baby yaks at Pelela pass
- Stroll around Chendebji- stupa
Evening
- Check into a Bhutanese Farm house to experience a rural Bhutanese life
- Enjoy a home cooked dinner by the family at the farm house
Overnight at Homestay in Phobjikha Valley
Day 09: Phobjikha
Morning
- Visit the crane centre, Phobjikha is the winter roosting place for the blacked-necked cranes
- Enjoy a scenic hike around Phobjikha to Gangtey Monastery
Evening
- Enjoy and relax the evening with a sip of Ara and a hotstone bath
Overnight in Phobjikha
Day 10: Phobjikha-Haa
Morning
- Depart for Haa from Phobjikha
- Explore Lamperi botanical Park at Dochula and opt to be a part of the Carbon offset Revolution and Plant for tomorrow program by planting a tree with $ 25
Afternoon
- Arrive in Haa and check in Hotel and relax
Overnight at a hotel in Haa
Day 11: Haa
Morning
- Visit Kenchosum Lhakhang and village walk, try the traditional buckwheat dumpling Hoentey
- Embark on the Haa Panaromic hike
Overnight at a hotel in Haa
Day 12: Haa-Paro
Morning
- Visit Kenchosum Lhakhang and village walk, try the traditional buckwheat dumpling Hoentey
- Drive to Chele la pass 3800meter
Afternoon
- Visit Kila nunnery
- Drive to Paro
Overnight at a hotel in Paro
Day 13: Paro
Morning
- Visit Paro National museum of Bhutan
- Short hike over Zuri Monastery with a spectacular view of Paro valley
Afternoon
- Visit Paro dzong and walk down to the cantilever bridge Nymizampa
- Option to try out traditional Bhutanese dress
Evening
- Leisure stroll around Paro town
Overnight at a hotel in Paro
Day 14: Paro
Morning
- Embark on the Tigernest hike
- Lunch at the Tiger nest view cafe.
Afternoon
- Visit Kichu Lhakhang the 7th century old temple
- Explore Paro town for last minute Souvenir shopping
Evening
- Relax yourself with a massage or hotstone bath
Overnight at hotel in Paro
Day 15: Paro-Departure
- Drop at the airport according to your onward flight
End of your Bhutan Tour
