Overview
A Explore Bhutan tour package provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s highlights. The journey usually begins in the capital city, Thimphu, where you can immerse yourself in the rich Bhutanese culture. Visit the Memorial Chorten, a magnificent stupa built in honor of the late King, and explore the vibrant handicraft markets. Thimphu also houses the National Library, which is home to ancient manuscripts and Buddhist texts.
Bhutan, nestled in the eastern Himalayas, is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and spiritual tranquility. Known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” Bhutan is a landlocked kingdom that has managed to preserve its cultural heritage and pristine landscapes. Exploring Bhutan through thoughtfully crafted tour packages is a fantastic way to experience all that this enchanting country has to offer.
Discover Bhutan’s Majestic Treasures: Punakha, Tiger’s Nest, and Paro Valley
From Thimphu, the tour takes you to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Here, you can marvel at the stunning Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress situated at the confluence of two rivers. The scenic drive to Punakha offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and picturesque valleys.
Another highlight of the Bhutan tour is a visit to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). This monastery, perched on a cliffside at an altitude of 3,120 meters, is one of Bhutan’s most revered religious sites. The hike to Tiger’s Nest is challenging but rewarding, and the panoramic views from the monastery are simply awe-inspiring.
Bhutan tour packages also include a visit to the picturesque valley of Paro, where you can explore the historic Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum, showcasing Bhutanese art and artifacts. The tour often concludes with a traditional hot stone bath, a rejuvenating experience that soothes both the body and the soul.
Throughout the Explore Bhutan tour package, you’ll have the opportunity to savor Bhutanese cuisine, known for its flavorsome dishes like ema datshi (chili and cheese stew) and momos (dumplings). You’ll also encounter friendly locals dressed in their traditional attire, adding to the cultural charm of the trip.
Conclusion and Summary
In conclusion, Explore Bhutan tour package provide a remarkable journey through a mystical kingdom, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and spiritual enlightenment. From the bustling city streets to the serene monastic retreats, Bhutan is a destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for its unique heritage.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Paro (2250m) – Thimphu (2350m)
Arrive Paro by the Bhutanese National Carrier flying over the world’s highest mountains including Mt. Everest. As you step down from the plane, a cool and clean fresh air greets the visitor, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing customs and visa formalities, meet the representatives and the Bhutanese guide, head out to Paro town for lunch. Visit the Paro Rignpung Dzong in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan.
Afterwards, drive to Thimphu (1 hour) and sightseeing around Thimphu visiting many landmarks like Buddha Terrance, Takin Preserve to see Takin – Bhutan’s national animal, Tashichoe Dzong, Memorial Chorten – a monument erected in memory of Bhutan’s third king H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchu, Centenary Farmers Market, the new authentic craft bazaar, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum. Then back to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Paro (Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 02: Paro – Punakha (1310m)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha from Paro for about 3-4 hours. After steeply climbing through the pine & cedar forests come Dochula pass (3,050 m). The pass commands panoramic Himalayan views of the eastern mountains in a clear day. After stopping here for tea and witnessing spectacular Himalayan panorama, the road descends along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha. En-route Punakha, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang ‘the fertility temple’ built in 1499 dedicated to Drukpa Kunley. Today mostly visited by the women who couldn’t bear Children, thus also known as the temple of fertility. In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong crossing the bridge. It’s the ancient capital of Bhutan connecting the Mo Chu & Pho Chu Rivers. It is also the winter capital for the monks and the Je Khenpo (chief abbot) Overnight at Hotel in Punakha (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 03: Punakha – Gangtey (2320m)
Today drive to Gangtey via Wangdue. The drive is through winding mountain road passing along oak and rhododendron forests, over the high pass and down to the Phobijikha Valley considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Bhutan. Phobijikha Valley is also the chosen home for the black necked cranes that migrate from Tibetan plateau during winter. Gangtey nature trail hike for about 1 & half hour can be enjoyed starting from the Gangtey monastery through the jungle before emerging to the valley floor. Overnight at Hotel in Gangtey (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 04: Gangtey – Thimphu (2350m)
Drive back to Thimphu retracing the same route for about 5 hours’ overland drive. Ascend back to the pass from Phobijikha Valley rejoin the main east-west highway just beneath the Pele La pass. Then descend to Wangdu town with changing vegetation and continue west again climbing up to Dochula pass with another opportunity to witness the spectacular eastern Himalayas and finally descend to the Thimphu Valley. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 05: Thimphu – Haa – Paro (2250m)
From Thimphu drive towards Haa over the Chelela pass (3899m). One can witness spectacular Himalayan view including the valley beyond from the pass. Haa Valley was opened upon only from 2002 and consists of five counties. There is a military camp by the Indian Army. Visit Wangchucklo Dzong dating back to 1915 and Lhakhang Nakpo (Black temple) is said to have been built by pigeon emanation of King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and Lhakhang Karpo (white temple). Afterwards, drive back to Paro. Overnight at Hotel in Paro (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 06: In Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)
Early in the morning, drive to the base of Taktsang for the hike up to the monastery. Start the hike up until reaching the cafeteria which takes about 2 hours. From here enjoy spectacular view of the Taktsang Monastery. Further hike from the cafeteria (the half-way point) will reach the monastery where it’s believed that Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in 8th century.
After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. It’s about two hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in 8th century. Then visit the Taktsang Monastery and hike back to the road point then drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Afterwards, back to hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Paro (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 07: Paro depart
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains. (Breakfast only)