Best of Bhutan Tour

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Option
Grade:	Easy
Max Altitude:	3,100 m/10,170 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Indicated In The Itinerary
Group Size :	1 to 15 People
Duration :	10 Nights/11 Days

Highlights

Visit Paro, Thimphu, Punakha town and Hike to the Tiger Nest (Taktsang Monastery) in Bhutan
Phobjikha is a home of Rare Black-Necked Crane which migrate from the Central Asiatic Plateau
Enjoy Bhutanese Authentic Foods, Culture, Visit Villages and markets in Bhutan
Visit World Renowned Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and other World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to Living Goddess, Kumari and visit Sacred Hindu and Buddhist Temples in Kathmandu
Scenic Kathmandu/Paro and witness Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Gaurishankar and Bhutanese Mountains

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 03: Fly to Paro (2,200 m/7,218 ft)-50 Minutes and drive to Thimphu (2,334 m/7,657 ft)-1 Hour

Day 04: Sightseeing of Thimphu Valley

Day 05: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242 m /4,075 ft)- 4 Hours

Day 06: Drive to Gangtey Monastery and to Phobjikha Valley (3,000m/9,800 ft)- 3 Hours

Day 07: Drive back to Paro - 170 km/ 5 Hours

Day 08: Sightseeing of Paro Valley

Day 09: Hike to Tiger's Nest Taktsang Monastery (3,048 m/10,000 ft)-5/6 Hours

Day 10: Fly Back to Kathmandu

Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Best of Bhutan Tour has been designed to provide travelers to give the opportunity to traverse through the culturally centered valleys of Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, Wangdue and Phobjikha. We experience the enchantment of pure and exotic land, through its ancient fortresses, monasteries, and temples that dot the countryside. Thanks to its isolation, small population, mountainous terrain, and the national religion of Buddhism, which stresses the sanctity of all life, Bhutan has protected its forests and wildlife. As a result, this tiny kingdom, in contrast to all of its neighbors, possesses the last truly intact, large-scale ecosystem in the Himalayas. Protecting not just nature but culture is a huge priority for Bhutan. The Bhutanese people constitute one of the most interesting and least disturbed cultures in the world. It is not uncommon to be engaged in discussion by passerby, or to be invited in for lunch by a Bhutanese family. The Bhutanese are often as curious about outsiders as tourists are about them. During this Bhutan Tour, we will immerse ourselves in the country’s rich Buddhist culture and ancient traditions.

Bhutan Tour starts with 1 hour flight from Kathmandu to Paro and these flights give the chance to witness highest peaks in the world as we see Langtang Range, Gaurishankhar, Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga and some dominant peaks of Bhutan like Mt. Jhomolari. We drive into this tiny country where GDP is measured by its Gross National Happiness. We visit Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Poobjikha which is a home of Rare Black-Necked Crane which migrate from the Central Asiatic Plateau. In Paro, we hike to famous Tiger Nest also called Taktsang Monastery hanging in a cliff above Paro town. For accommodation, we have options of comfortable 3 Star Boutique hotels to international chain hotels and resorts with authentic feel of Bhutanese Culture and Architect.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, we will receive you and take to the hotel. Please look at signage on your name once you exit the terminal building. In the evening, we will host Nepalese dinner with cultural program to make you introduced with Nepalese Culture and food habits.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, our guide will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Later on we proceed to Swayambhunath Stupa also know as Monkey Temple in a small hill in Kathmandu which gives you great view of Kathmandu valley and mountains on north. Further, we drive 10 minutes to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got its name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippy era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Fly to Paro (2,200 m/7,218 ft)-50 Minutes and drive to Thimphu (2,334 m/7,657 ft)-1 Hour

After breakfast, we fly to Paro. From the left seat, you can see mountain range including Mt. Everest (8848 m, highest peak in the earth) and the spectacular view of Bhutan’s snow capped peaks as you approach Paro. From Paro Airport, we will drive to Thimphu. On the way, we stop at Old bride and visit Tachogang Temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo in the 15th century, who built numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan. In the evening, we visit Tashichho Dzong, a fortress of this glorious region. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King, and the Central Monk Body.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Sightseeing of Thimphu Valley

After breakfast, we visit Giant Buddha Statue, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Memorial Chorten, Dupthop Lhakhang ( Monastery for the Nuns), National Library, the Painting School and the Medicine Institute where traditional medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. After lunch, we will visit Lungtenzampa to observe the traditional silversmiths playing at their crafts and visit the Bhutanese traditional paper factory. Then we return back to town to visit the handicraft stores and stroll around the tiny capital city. Then in the evening, we visit Zangdopelri Temple, the Changlimithang where young Bhutanese practice Archery Game.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242 m /4,075 ft)- 4 Hours

After breakfast, we leave Thimphu and drive steeply through a forest of pine and cedar and reach Dochula Pass (3,050 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and hosts several chortens. Then we will continue to Lobesa where we visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple on a small hill. This Temple is dedicated to the Great Yogi of 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine Madman” to the westerners. It is believed that this Temple blesses women who seek fertility. Then we will continue to Punakha. In Punakha, we visit majestic Punakha Dzong, situated between Phochu and Mochu River, this Dzong is the most magnificent Dzong of Bhutan and had served as the Capital of the country in the 17th and 18th centuries. Presently the Dzong is the district administration and judiciary office as well as the winter home for Bhutan’s Spiritual Leader Je Khenpo and the 600 monks of Thimphu and Punakha.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Drive to Gangtey Monastery and to Phobjikha Valley (3,000m/9,800 ft)- 3 Hours

After breakfast, we drive 30 minutes to Wangdue at an elevation of 1,350 meters (4,430 feet), one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan. We make a short visit to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong dramatically located on the spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu Rivers. Then, we will continue our journey for another two hours and enter into the broad Phobjikha Valley through a forest of Oak and Rhododendron and often encountering the Gigantic Yak. Phobjikha is also the chosen home of the Rare Black-Necked Crane which migrates from the Central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. The other side of the pass that overlooks the valley is a realm of high altitude dwarf bamboo, the favorite food of Yaks. We will visit the Gangtey Monastery, perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the monastery. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western side of Bhutan and the largest in Bhutan is headed by its spiritual Master known as Ninth Gangtey Tulku. The road continues for a few more kilometers beyond the monastery to the village of Phobjikha.The valley of Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Phobjikha.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Drive back to Paro - 170 km/ 5 Hours

After breakfast, we drive back to Paro and may stop at the Dochula Pass for few minutes for a leg stretch and photographs. In the clear day, we see the view of Bhutan’s 200 mile snow-capped peaks in the north if you had missed the earlier day. Then we resume our journey to the oldest Simtokha Dzong built in 1629 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. It now houses the institute of traditional studies for lay men and women. Then we continue to Paro.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Sightseeing of Paro Valley

After breakfast, we will visit Drukgyal Dzong built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. The Dzong was destroyed by fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. On a clear day, you get the magnificent view of the Mount Chomolhari, (7314 m / 23,990 ft). Then we drive back to Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 17th Century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo. After lunch, we visit the National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong) which contains works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armor and rare stamps. Then we hike down to Paro (Rimpung) Dzong. After Paro Dzong, we will walk through a traditional covered bridge across the river to board the vehicle.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Hike to Tiger's Nest Taktsang Monastery (3,048 m/10,000 ft)-5/6 Hours

After breakfast, we drive to the base of Tiger’s Nest and hike to the Monastery which takes around 2 hours to reach the Cafeteria which gives the great view of Taktsang Monastery. Further 30 minutes hike takes us to magnificent Taktsang where we will be greeted by the in-house monks. This is the most important Monastery in Bhutan where Guru Rinpoche was flying on a Flaming Tigress from Singye Dzong in Eastern Bhutan and meditated for three months. He flourished Buddhism in Paro from 8th Century. After Lunch, we walk down to the car and drive to hotel. In the evening, you may walk around the Paro town.

Accomodation:

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Fly Back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drive to airport and fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, drive to hotel and rest unless you want to go for sightseeing. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner to mark the success of your trip.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop you to airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with office representative.
3 nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
7 Nights in Bhutan at Standard Boutique Hotels in with all meals.
Bhutan Visa Fees, all paperwork for Bhutan tour, Bhutan Travel permit.
Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu Airfare.
All drives, sightseeing and transfer in Kathmandu and Bhutan as per the program.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
Kathmandu sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
All sightseeing in Bhutan with English Speaking Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
English Speaking Tour Escort throughout the tour.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at airport (USD 30/- for 15 Days).
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu except welcome and farewell dinners.
Donation to the Monasteries in Bhutan.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Other than in our include section.