Wonders of Bhutan
10 days from Paro to Paro
From $ 3799
Duration10 days
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Find out what lights up the faces of the residents of Bhutan, the only country in the world that measures its well-being in GNH — Gross National Happiness. On a 10-day adventure across this bastion of Buddhist culture, explore remote mountain villages and shrines and climb magnificent heights to the cliff-side Taktsang Monastery, 900 metres (2,953 feet) above the valley floor. Amid the soaring peaks and cultural delights of this ancient place, discover your own capacity for happiness.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 10 days
    Service level: Upgraded
  • Starts in: Paro
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Paro
    Ages: 12+
Wonders of Bhutan - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Paro/Thimphu

Start place: Paro

In clear weather, the flight over the Himalayas offers magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks as they give way to the lush green Paro valley. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step off the plane. After clearing customs and visa control, an arrival transfer will take you to Thimphu, where we'll be met by our local CEO who will conduct a welcome meeting and orientation.
Arrive at any time and transfer to Thimphu. In Thimphu, time permitting, take an orientation walk in town and get settled in. Approx. Altitude: Paro 2,300m

End place: Thimphu

Meals: D
Day 2: Thimphu/Punākha

Start place: Thimphu

After breakfast, drive through dense forests of blue pine, oak, and rhododendrons and enjoy views of the Himalayan range and the valley beyond. After a lunch stop, the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass at 3,050m (10,007 ft). After stopping here for tea and panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha.
In the morning, meet a Buddhist Monk and scholar to discuss Buddhist beliefs, ways of life, and values in Bhutan. Drive to Punakha, crossing the Dochula Pass and enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas through flickering prayer flags. In the afternoon, drive to Lobeysa and hike 20 minutes to Chime Lhakhang, temple of the "Divine Madman", built in 1499. Today, it is mostly visited by women, as it is known as a temple of fertility. Approx. Altitude: Punakha Valley 1,300m
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Punākha
Visit Punakha Dzong, winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, located between the rivers of the Mo (female) Chu and Pho (male) Chu. Hike to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and observe this complex of mediation and traditional arts training center for nuns.

Walk back to the road and then drive a short distance to Wangdue for a visit to the Wangdue Phodrang. We'll continue on to the suspension bridge and hike through rice terraces, fields, and deep pine forest to Khamsum Yueley Chorten, where the view is superb. Descend until we reach the suspension bridge and the return to the hotel.
Enjoy a full day of exploration including a visit to Punakha Dzong, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, and Wangdue Phodrang. In the afternoon, hike through rice terraces and forests to Khamsum Yueley Chorten. Wangdue Phodrang is currently under reconstruction, depending on the status, we may or may not be able to visit.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Punākha/Gangtey Gonpa
Visit the Crane Information Center and learn about the Gangtey/Phobjikha valley which is one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in Bhutan and is known as the winter habitat for the endangered black necked cranes. Explore the Crane information Center which is managed by the RSPN (Royal Society for the Protection of Nature), an NGO striving to protect Bhutan’s environment, flora, and fauna. These magnificent cranes migrate from Tibet in early November and return at the end of February.
Travel to Gangtey and visit the Black-Necked Crane Centre, one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in Bhutan. Approx. Altitude: Gangtey Valley 2,900m

End place: Gangtey Gonpa

Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Gangtey Gonpa

Start place: Gangtey Gonpa

The valley is also a centre for crane observation run by the RSPN (Royal Society for the Protection of Nature), an NGO striving to protect Bhutan’s environment, flora, and fauna. At certain times of the year, it is possible to spot these magnificent birds.
Walk to the monastery of Gangtey Goempa, known to hold the most sacred relics in Bhutan. After, walk across Phobjikha Valley to Khewa Valley, where we'll visit an old temple and make an offering. This evening, stop at the village of Khewa and visit a local family's farm for a cooking demonstration and a home cooked dinner.

End place: Gangtey Gonpa

Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Gangtey Gonpa/Thimphu

Start place: Gangtey Gonpa

Please note that on occasion the Institute for Zorig Chusum art school is closed due to school breaks and holidays. If it is not open on the day of your visit, another activity will be arranged.
Drive to the capital to visit the Big Buddha and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, an arts and crafts school where we can watch students practicing traditional arts such as woodworking, painting, and ceramics. Hear a lecture on the Gross National Happiness, an index used by Bhutan to measure the nation's progress. Approx. Altitude: Thimpu 2,300m

End place: Thimphu

Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Thimphu/Haa Dzongkhag

Start place: Thimphu

In the morning, visit Memorial Chorten. Drive to the valley and visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple). In the afternoon, spend time exploring Haa town. Approx. Altitude: Haa Valley 2,600m
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Haa Dzongkhag/Paro
Drive to the Haa Valley, one of the most remote and sacred valleys in Bhutan via the Cheela Mountain Pass, at 3,810m (12,500 ft). Hike to Kila Goempa Nunnery which clings to a rocky cliff. Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang Temple and the local archery grounds. Approx. Altitude: Paro 701m (2,300 ft)

End place: Paro

Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Paro

Start place: Paro

Embark on a vigorous hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the most venerated pilgrim site of the Himalayan world. The view is absolutely stunning, with the monastery clinging to a cliff face towering 2,953m (9,688 ft) above the valley. Return to Paro and visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong fortress. Due to the altitude this climb can be tough. Be prepared to spend about 5 1/2 hours to get up and down with stops, including lunch. Remember to stay hydrated and take your time.

The hike is gradual and uphill and takes about 2 hrs to reach the first stop at the cafeteria where you can enjoy views of the monastery. If you choose, you can stop here and wait for the group who choose to continue up to the Monastery.

End place: Paro

Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Paro

Start place: Paro

Depart at any time. Airport transfer included.

End place: Paro

Meals: B
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Inclusions

Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet a Buddhist Monk, Thimphu Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Family Farm Meal, Gangtey Gonpa Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Lecture on Gross National Happiness, Thimphu
  • Arrival and departure transfer
  • Visit the Rimpung Dzong
  • Hike to Punakha Dzong monastery and fertility shrine
  • Visit the town of Wangdue and walk to Khamsum Yueley Chorten shrine
  • Visit the village of Khewa
  • Black-Necked Crane Centre visit
  • Hike to the monastery of Gangtey Goempa
  • Walk across Phobjikha and Khewa valleys
  • Visit the National Library, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (arts and crafts) and the Thimphu Chorten
  • Hike to Kila Goempa nunnery
  • Explore shrines and temples of the Haa Valley
  • Visit the fortress of Drukgyal Dzong and hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
  • Visit Kyichu Lhakhang Temple
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Transport

    Private vehicle, Walking, Hiking

  • Accommodation

    Hotel/lodges (9 nts)

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