Highlights of Bhutan – A Six-Day Bhutan Travel Module (can be combined with all India tours)

Program

Day 1 Arrive in Paro early morning and visit the capital Thimpu.

The panoramic flight over the Himalayas to Bhutan is spectacular. Recommendation: It is best to sit on the right side of the plane for a unique view of Everest and Co. After landing in the early morning, guests will be greeted by their local guide and transferred to the hotel in Thimphu (approx. 1 hour transfer). After some rest from the journey we will go on a small sightseeing tour through the 140000 inhabitants city Thimpu. Besides the classical sights like the Stupa, the Buddha statue and the Dzong, a Buddhist fortress, the colorful market, the traditional art school and the paper factory are of particular interest. For lunch we will have a traditional Bhutanese meal. If you like, you can also go to the game reserve to see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. It’s half beef, half goat. (-/M/A)

Day 2 Drive to Phobjikha Valley via Dochula Pass and visit Chimey Temple and Punakha Dzong.

It is a six-hour drive to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. But this is loosened up by the one or other stop. First we will cross the 3100 meter high Dochula Pass where there are 108 stupas. If you are lucky, the visibility will be clear and you can enjoy a spectacular view of the high Himalayas. The drive goes down through villages to the Punakha valley. The famous 16th century Punakha Dzong is considered the most beautiful fort in Bhutan. Framed by two rivers and surrounded by flowering trees, it is truly beautiful to behold.After visiting the fort, we continue to a small Bhutanese village. A short walk leads to the famous Chimney Temple around which some interesting stories entwine. Besides lunch, there is also some time to stroll or observe the thangka artists who create unique religious paintings with a steady hand and natural colors. Now we continue for about 3 hours up to the beautiful Phobjikha valley, where we end the day relaxing. The valley is famous for the black cranes that settle here by the hundreds during the winter months. But even without cranes, the valley with its marshy meadows and small villages looks very peaceful. It is also important because of the famous Gangtey Monastery and the Buddhist University. (F/M/A)

Day 3 Hike in Phobjikha Valley with local lunch and archery, visit Gangtey Monastery.

After breakfast we will take a short drive out of the valley and over the 3430 meter high Pele Pass to the village of Longtey, where the day’s hike will start. First we go up through grazing yaks and dense Rodhodendron forest to the 2700 m high Kayche La Pass. Arriving at the small pass you can enjoy the wonderful view of the wide Phobjikha valley. During the descent you pass meditation caves, small villages and potato fields. after a cup of tea with locals, we continue on the famous “Nature Trail” through forest and over meadows to a small monastery. Horses and yaks graze idyllically on the valley floor.

After the traditional lunch at the local guide’s home, he instructs the guests in the art of archery and challenges them to a small tournament. Archery is considered the national sport in Bhutan. In the afternoon you can visit the crane information center and the gangtey monastery. With a little luck you will make it in time for the monks’ prayer and can participate in the Buddhist rituals. (F/M/A)

Day 4 Drive to Paro, sightseeing by bike.

During the six-hour drive, we will take the same route back to Paro. Here we will have a typical Bhutanese meal consisting of momos (stuffed dumplings) and noodle soup. After lunch, the flat Paro Valley will be explored by bicycle. Guests cycle along small roads through rice fields and villages. On the way, the 7th century Chhoeten Lhakhang will be visited. It is one of the oldest temples in the world. In addition, the Paro Fort and the museum in the old watchtower can be visited.

Overnight today in a luxurious tented accommodation with a direct view of the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery in the cliffs. The evening ends with a campfire. (F/M/A)

Day 6 Hike to Taktshang Monastery and Hot Stone Bath

Today is a special day: It goes to one of the most important Buddhist sites in Bhutan and landmark of Bhutan: the Tiger’s Nest at 3950 meters. It is a total of 6.4 km and 800 meters of ascent and descent to the impressive monastery in the rocks above the Paro Valley. You can take your time for this highlight. After the beautiful hike and sightseeing of the monastery, the tired body can then relax really well in the traditional “Hot Stone Bath”, a healing bath heated by heated stones. The afternoon is ideal for a stroll through Paros market or a nice end of the trip in the café. (F/M/A)

Day 6 Departure

In the morning after breakfast, guests will be transferred to the airport, or across the border of Bhutan for onward travel or departure.

We recommend to combine this trip with a trekking tour in Sikkim or to travel further through another part of India or Nepal. We will be happy to advise you on this. Of course, a longer journey through Bhutan is also possible with crossing the country from west to east and continuing overland to Assam in India. (F/-/-)

Included services

• 5 nights in double room with very nice selected hotel rooms
• All grinding times
• Water
• all entrance fees
• English-language guide
• Transport in vehicle with driver
• Daily fee of $200 for foreign guests
• all activities as mentioned
• Visa

• Arrival and departure Paro
• Tip

Highlights

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Prices and dates

Travel to Bhutan is possible all year round. In the months of July and August there is a lot of rainfall because of the monsoon rains. The months from December to February are winter in Bhutan and therefore much colder.

Price:

1750 € /person in double room

Single room supplement: 200 €

Update regarding the new change in SDF incentive for all US-Dollar SDF-paying tourists by the Royal Government of Bhutan which comes into effect from 1^st June 2023 till 31^st December 2024. 

Depending on their planned itinerary, visitors can choose any of the following options with effect from June 01, 2023:

·       4 + 4:  Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night, per person, for the first four nights, and receive up to four additional nights without the daily levy.

·       7 + 7: Pay the SDF of USD 200 per night, per person, for the first seven nights, and receive up to seven additional nights without the daily levy. 

·       12 + 18:  Pay the SDF USD 200 per night per person, for the first twelve nights, and receive up to eighteen additional nights without the daily levy.

Therefore we can easily lengthen your Bhutan Trip by up to 8 nights.

Travel info

Requirements

The hikes are moderate, but physical fitness and enjoyment of movement should be present

Departure and arrival

You can only fly to Bhutan with the two Bhutanese airlines Bhutan Airlines or Drukair via Nepal (Kathmandu) or India (Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra). Therefore, shorter or longer stays are additionally offered on site in India or Bhutan.

In addition, it is possible to arrive or depart by land between India and Bhutan.

We will be happy to assist you in planning your arrival, departure or onward journey.