Bhutan the last Shangri-La - 9 Days | 8 Nights
US$ 2920 / Per Person
Group Size: 2 & above
Highlights
- Discover the beautiful ‘hidden’ valleys of Phobjikha and Haa.
- Visit the key cultural sites of Western Bhutan.
- Visit local farm house and interact with families.
- Experience traditional village homestay.
- Visit to Switzerland of Bhutan.
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Unspoiled nature and environment, cultural identity and traditional architecture, Bhutan has earned a title of last Shangri-La.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Paro
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transfer you farm house in Paro. On arrival to farm house you will greeted by the family of the farm house. Visiting a farm house offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. Later in the afternoon you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century. In the evening you can stroll in the paro town. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro – Haa
Today, drive to Haa valley across Chellela pass(3900m) dotted with the colorful prayer flags, where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari and other mountains too. Drive downhill from pass is through the forest of blue pine, fire and oak. In the afternoon, you will visit Lhakhang Karpo(white temple) and lhakhang Nagpo(Black temple), explore the Haa valley and farm house. You can experience Bhutanese traditional hot stone bath and test local cuisine at Farm house. Overnight stay in Farm house.
Day 3: Haa – Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan through many small villages and pine forest. On the way you can stop and visit some more farm house if you wish. Locals will be happy to have you in to their homes for a cup of tea and to learn how they live in villages, continue your drive to Thimphu. Later in the afternoon visit Buddha statue, and is presumed to be the largest Bronze statue in the world. The three storied high throne of the statue will consists of temples on each floor, visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan);visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Overnight at farm house in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu.
After breakfast, visit Buddha statue,) and is presumed to be the largest Bronze statue in the world. The three storied high throne of the statue will consists of temples on each floor. Traditional paper factory, visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, Traditional Paper Factory, visit weaving centre, Semtokha Dzong. Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5: Thimphu – Gangtey/Phobjekha
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Gangtey with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful glacial valley in the Bhutan. It is a winter roosting place for the black neck crane. You will visit Gangtey Goenpa, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan. Gyalse Pema Thinlay built a small temple in 1613, which was later built into larger Goenpa by the 2nd reincarnation Tenzin Legpai Dhendup. Overnight hotel in Phobjekha.
Day 6 : Phobjekha – Punakha
After breakfast this morning, you will enjoy hiking on Gangtey Natural Trail which is 1 hour 30minutes approximately. You will be hiking through pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautiful from this hike. It is one of the best hikes for the nature lovers. After hike, you will drive to Punakha. Later in the afternoon visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Aftern Punakha Dzong you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 7: Punakha – Paro
After early breakfast Drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula for lunch . After lunch proceed towards Paro. You will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 8: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 9: Departure
Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
At a Glance
Tour duration: 9 Days | 8 Nights
Tour type: Cultural with Homestay
Festival:
- The February departure may attend the Punakha festival
- The march departure may attend the Paro and Talo festival
- The July departure may attend the Haa summer festival
- The September departure may attend the Thimphu, Gangtey and Wangdue festival
- The November departure may attend the Black-Necked crane festival
Best time: All season
Activity type: Cultural tour, Historical sites, village tour, Religious sites and Day hike
Places covered: Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Haa and Phobjikha
Maximum elevation: 3150m
Inclusions
- Sustainable Development Fee(SDF)
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Transport
- Government certified Bhutanese Licensed tour Guide
- Bhutan Visa fee
- All internal taxes & charges
Exclusions
- Flight tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
- Drinks and Beverages other than tea and coffee
- Sleeping bag on trek
- Internet bill and Phone bill
- Other bills of personal nature
Accommodation
- Accommodation in 3 star hotels (upgrade with supplement)
- Homestay accommodation certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan
- Camping (optional)
Insurance
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
