This Essential Bhutan Exploration Tour takes you on a tour through both the rural and urban heartland of Bhutan. Simultaneously you will discover the urban modernity and rural simplicity of Bhutanese life.

Trip Facts

Physical Grading: Moderate

Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Trip Overview

Above all, what strikes you most is the remarkable ability of the Himalayan kingdom. And also its people to keep their culture and unique ways of life out of external influences. The nation is familiar with a top-notch tourist destination. This tour is for those interested in exploring a different way of life. It includes a different culture, a different version of the Buddhist religion, and a unique mix of geographical landscapes.

Both the Bhutanese people and their way of life are famous for quietness, although the nation is called the “Land of Thunder Dragon”. In a week, you will not just unfold the mystery of this quietness. But also enjoy the view of its rugged mountains, deep, lush valleys, and serpentine rivers. Decorating these varied, beautiful landscapes are its monasteries and Dzongs, erstwhile military forts but now serving as museums and monasteries. Some of the Dzongs and monasteries defy your ability to appreciate beauty. And also with their breathtaking locations on precarious hilltops and the artistry of their design. In a nutshell, this package will bring you an authentic experience and intimate insight into Bhutanese life and its natural beauty. Essential Bhutan Exploration Tour will surely please you and gives you memorable experiences.

Essential Information

Fitness Level:

This trip requires you to be in good health and physically fit. So, we recommend thorough physical examination before you start the trek.

Travel Insurance:

Make sure that you are insured against cancellations, accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of, or damage to, baggage and personal effects.
In emergency situations, we will arrange for a helicopter rescue, medical treatment and after care for you. All these costs shall be borne by your travel insurance company.

Documents required:

Visa
Scanned copies of passport sized photo and passport of each participant
Travel insurance.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 Fly from Kathmandu to Paro

The flight from Kathmandu to Paro is an exciting mountain flight over the Himalayan ranges of Nepal and then of Bhutan. You see Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga and other peaks in Nepal; and Mt Jumolahri, Jichu Drake and others in Bhutan. After you land at Paro, your guide will receive you and drop you at your hotel, where you will refresh. Then visit Ta Dzong, now the national museum of Bhutan, formerly a fort in a strategic location. Old paintings, weapons and other objects and artifacts decorate the galleries of the museum. We also visit Kichu Lakhang, one of the most ancient temples of the nation.

Day 02 Paro Exploration

One of the defining landscapes of Bhutan is the Dzongs built on spectacular hilltops. These Dzongs formerly served as military forts and watchtowers whereas they are mostly monasteries and museums at the present. We go on a visit of Drukgyal Dzong and Rinpung Dzong today and enjoy the sightseeing. In the afternoon, we explore the local bazaar of Paro itself. This day increases our intimacy with Bhutanese landscape, culture, and life.

Day 03 Paro to Taktsang and Mendegang

Early in the morning, we go to Taktsang Monastery, one of the artistically richest and most beautiful monasteries of Bhutan. Take in the holiness of the place and breathe the rich divine atmosphere. You enjoy horse riding for a couple of hours as a means of transport to the monastery. In the afternoon, we reach another spectacular place named Mendegang. We stay at Mendegang.

Day 04 Visit Phobjika valley and Gangtey Dzong

Today we make an excursion to Phobjika valley, a fertile and well-settled valley in Bhutan. It has its own natural charm, contrasting finely with the mountain dominated geography of Bhutan. And the visit to Gnagtey Dzong brings us to another signature feature of Bhutanese construction, from where we have spectacular views of the place around. We stay at Phobjika today.

Day 05 Drive from Phobjika to Thimpu

Early in the morning, we drive through beautiful scenes to Thimpu, the capital city of Bhutan. Although modernized, Thimpu has kept the cultural heritage of the city intact. Throughout the day, we explore the tourist destinations and heritages of Thimpu. Chances of watching the cultural show featuring masked dances in the evening. the Morning drive to Thimbu, the capital of BHUTAN – Full day sightseeing in Thimbu – evening cultural snow with masked dances.

Day 06 Thimpu Exploration and drive to Paro

We explore the rest of Thimpu in the morning. The best option is to visit the Dechencholing valley in the morning. Then return to Thimpu in the afternoon, have some leisure time. In the evening we return to Paro.

Day 07 Fly from Paro to Kathmandu

In an exciting mountain flight over the Himalayan ranges, we return from Paro International Airport to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Essential Bhutan Exploration 8 Days, Moderate