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Bhutan Expedition: Temples, Villages, and Scenic Peaks

0/5
Duration

8 Nights / 9 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Experience the rich tapestry of Bhutan with the “Bhutan Expedition: Temples, Villages, and Scenic Peaks.” This journey begins in Paro, where you’ll visit ancient temples and the revered Rinpung Dzong. Travel to Thimphu to explore the National Memorial Chorten and the bustling city sights. Proceed to Punakha, where you’ll discover the fertility shrine of Chimi Lhakhang and the stunning Punakha Dzong. Venture through the scenic Pele La Pass to Bumthang, exploring its sacred monasteries and the historic Trongsa Dzong. Continue to Gangtey for insights into the black-necked cranes and local culture before concluding your adventure in Paro with a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This itinerary blends cultural exploration with breathtaking landscapes, offering a deep dive into Bhutan’s heritage and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
4 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
5 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
6 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
7 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
8 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %
9 Discount on 9-person group 9 9 %
10 Discount on 10-person group 10 10 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Paro - Thimphu

On arrival at Paro airport, meet your driver and transfer to Thimphu. Check in at your hotel. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, established in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo. This sacred site is known for its intricate murals and historic significance. Explore Rinpung Dzong, a grand fortress monastery that serves as the administrative and religious center of Paro district, featuring impressive courtyards and traditional Bhutanese architecture. Tour Ta Dzong, originally a watchtower, now housing the National Museum of Bhutan with exhibits showcasing Bhutanese art, culture, and history, including ancient thangkas and artifacts.

Day 2: Thimphu

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a large stupa erected in 1974 in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, with a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection and spinning prayer wheels. Explore Changangkha Lhakhang, a revered temple with panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley, known for its colorful prayer flags and rich spiritual history. Discover Zorig Chusum, the school of traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, where students practice 13 different arts including painting, sculpture, and embroidery, offering insight into Bhutan’s artistic heritage. Tour the Folk Heritage Museum, showcasing traditional Bhutanese rural life with artifacts such as farming tools, household items, and traditional costumes. Visit Tashichhoe Dzong, a majestic fortress and the seat of the Bhutanese government, known for its impressive architecture, lush gardens, and the central throne room of the King.

Day 3: Thimphu - Punakaha

Drive to Punakha, checking in at your hotel upon arrival. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built by Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the "Divine Madman," famous for its association with fertility and blessings for couples. Explore Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress located at the confluence of the Phochu and Mochu rivers, renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant murals, and significant role in Bhutan’s history.

Day 4: Punkaha - Bumthang

Drive to Bumthang via Pele La Pass, a high mountain pass offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and picturesque landscapes. Stop at Rukubji, a charming village known for its traditional Bhutanese houses and local culture. Visit Chendebji Chorten, a large stupa built in the 18th century to cover the remains of an evil spirit, modeled after Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, and adorned with painted eyes to ward off evil. Continue to Trongsa and explore Trongsa Dzong, a grand fortress with a rich history as the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan, where Bhutanese kings were appointed before ascending the throne.

Day 5: Bumthang

Discover Bumthang, often called Bhutan’s “mini Switzerland” for its scenic valleys and lush landscapes. Visit Kurje Lhakhang, a sacred temple complex comprising three temples built on the site where Guru Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated, featuring beautiful architecture and religious artifacts. Explore Jampay Lhakhang, a 7th-century monastery built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, known for its historical significance and architectural beauty, with recent renovations preserving its ancient charm. Tour Tamshing Lakhang, founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, featuring ancient religious paintings and artifacts, and known for its association with the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 6: Bumthang - Gangtey

Visit the Yathra Weaving Centre, where traditional Bhutanese textiles are crafted, showcasing intricate weaving techniques and colorful patterns unique to Bhutanese culture. Arrive in Gangtey and visit Gangtey Gompa, an important Nyingma monastery located on a hill overlooking the Phobjikha Valley, known for its spiritual significance and stunning views. Explore the Black-Necked Crane Information Center, which provides educational displays about the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate to the Phobjikha Valley, with information on their habitat and conservation efforts.

Day 7: Gangtey - Paro

Drive back to Paro and check in at your hotel. Visit Semtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, and now serving as a monastery and administrative center with rich historical and architectural significance. Explore Dungtse Lhakhang, a unique temple designed as a ‘mandala,’ with its floors representing different levels of initiation, featuring intricate murals and spiritual symbolism.

Day 8: Paro

Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), perched on a cliff 800 meters above the Paro Valley, offering breathtaking views and a profound spiritual experience linked to Guru Padmasambhava’s meditation. Visit Drugyel Dzong, a historic fortress built in 1646 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders, with stunning views of Mount Jumolhari and a picturesque village at its base.

Day 9: Paro - Departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your Bhutan sightseeing and expedition tour.

Included/Excluded

  • Bhutan Government Royalty of US$ 65/person/night
  • FIT surcharges of US$40/person/night for a single traveler and US$30/person/night for a double
  • Twin sharing hotel rooms at 3 star hotels
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments) with standard menu at 3 star hotels
  • English speaking tour guide service
  • All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
  • All entrance fees to museums and monuments
  • Mineral drinking water ( Day Tour)
  • Visa fee of US$40/person (must be paid in advance with tour cost)
  • All internal taxes and fees
  • Any air fare
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • 4 star and 5 star accommodations and meals (optional)
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Or anything not mentioned above.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

4 Star hotels

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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