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Bhutan Discovered

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Bhutan Discovered

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Description

Experience the majestic landscapes and joyful culture of little-visited Bhutan on this seven-day adventure. Begin in Thimphu, Bhutan’s busy capital, where you’ll meet local artisans and visit a living museum showcasing traditional Bhutanese homes. Take in incredible views of the Himalayas on your way to Punakha, where your local leader will introduce you to ancient dzongs, bridges and monasteries. Tuck into a home-cooked meal at a farmhouse in the Paro Valley, try your hand at archery – Bhutan’s national sport – and hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest monastery. You’ll soon see why Bhutan’s people are considered some of the happiest on earth.

Trip Name
Bhutan Discovered
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Hike to Taktsang, commonly known as the Tiger's Nest – the small monastery clinging to a rocky cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor – and soak in the incredible views.
  • Discover the 15th-century fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang, then see the magnificent Punakha Dzong, an ancient fortress and religious centre that sits at the confluence of two rivers.
  • Feel the heat of Bhutanese cuisine when you tuck into traditional meals made with red rice, datshi (a local traditional cheese) and lots of tastebud-tingling chillies.
  • Experience Bhutanese hospitality in the Paro Valley when you enjoy a home-cooked meal at a rustic farmhouse and opt to take a soak in a traditional hot stone bath.
  • Spend a day exploring both the city and woodlands of Thimphu, visiting the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery, National Memorial Chorten, the Simply Bhutan interactive museum and the National Textile Museum.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Thimphu
Kuzu zangpo la! Welcome to Bhutan, the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. When you arrive at Paro Airport, you’ll be greeted by your local leader and driver and transferred to your accommodation. Drive past mountains, rivers and fields of red rice to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have lunch and then head out for some sightseeing. You’ll stop by the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory, Bhutan’s most famous traditional incense maker, as well as the colourful Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. If you arrive in the afternoon, you'll meet the rest of your group in the evening for a welcome meeting at 6 pm before heading out together for dinner. Take an evening stroll through the fascinating streets of Thimphu, the world’s only capital city without traffic lights!
Day 2 - Thimphu
Start today with an uphill hike through the valley, passing paddy fields, woodlands and a Tibetan village to reach the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery – built in 1620 by Shabdrung, Bhutan’s first ruler. Return to Thimphu, stopping to enjoy the views from the Buddha Dordenma before visiting Simply Bhutan – a living museum where you can explore the traditional homes and lifestyles of the Bhutanese. You might like to try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport. Then, visit the National Memorial Chorten – many Thimphu residents gather here every day to pray and walk clockwise around the chorten. After, visit a local institute where students become masters of Bhutan's 13 national arts and crafts, including carpentry, masonry, paper making and embroidery. The National Textile Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of craft in Bhutan and, if you’re in the mood for some shopping, the National Handicrafts Emporium offers high-quality traditional goods like handcrafted paper.
Day 3 - Punakha
This morning, drive to Punakha – the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop at Dochula Pass for an excellent view of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain – the majestic Gangkhar Puensum. Continue your journey before stopping for another break. Consider joining your leader for an optional short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499 by Lama Ngawang Chogyal. Arrive in Punakha and settle into your accommodation for a good night’s rest before another day of exploration tomorrow.
Day 4 - Punakha
After breakfast, head out on a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery – an elaborately decorated chorten, built to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to all living things. As with many monasteries in Bhutan, your leader may need to hunt around for the caretaker with the keys to have a look inside! After, head down to the convergence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, two of the main rivers of Bhutan, and take in the views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second largest dzong in the country. You’ll also see the cantilever bridge that spans across the river. Drive up to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and soak up the serenity and the views of this mountaintop site. Then, return to Punakha for the evening.
Day 5 - Paro
Head back over the Dochula Pass and continue to Thimphu this morning. The roads in Bhutan are narrow, and while the distances don’t appear to be very far, due to the nature of the roads and the many valleys they pass through, travelling can take some time – so this is a good chance to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. Be sure to have your favourite playlist, podcasts or a good book queued up for the drive. After lunch, continue into the Paro Valley, stretching your legs with an optional wander around town when you arrive. Get a good night's sleep tonight as tomorrow will be an active and exciting day!
Day 6 - Paro
After an early breakfast followed by a short drive, prepare for your hike to see the legendary Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) – a magnificent monastery, clinging on a rock cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor. After ascending the mountainside, you’ll reach a small teahouse with a panoramic view of the temple where you’ll stop for lunch. If you’re interested, you can get a closer view by hiking another 45 minutes to 1 hour (each direction) to reach the small chorten directly across from the temple. Otherwise, you can simply relax at the teahouse and enjoy the view. Return to Paro in the evening, then experience Bhutanese hospitality and a taste of tradition with a home-cooked meal at a local farmhouse. Soak up the friendly atmosphere and consider taking an optional hot stone bath – a form of traditional Bhutanese medicine where fresh river water is mixed with local herbs and heated with fire-roasted river stones. After today’s hike, a soak in these soothing waters is bound to revive and relax you.
Day 7 - Paro
Have breakfast at your hotel, then take a departure transfer to Paro Airport for your flight out of Bhutan.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 3,566-
05-05-202611-05-2026AUD $ 5,995-
12-09-202618-09-2026AUD $ 5,435-
18-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 5,285-
22-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 5,485-
29-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 5,435-
06-10-202612-10-2026AUD $ 5,490-
10-10-202616-10-2026AUD $ 5,730-
13-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 5,640-
20-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 5,640-
27-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 5,640-
03-11-202609-11-2026AUD $ 5,760-
10-11-202616-11-2026AUD $ 6,330-
21-11-202627-11-2026AUD $ 5,490-
28-11-202604-12-2026AUD $ 5,640-
08-12-202614-12-2026AUD $ 5,290-
01-01-202707-01-2027AUD $ 5,320-
26-01-202701-02-2027AUD $ 5,320-
19-02-202725-02-2027AUD $ 5,320-
12-03-202718-03-2027AUD $ 5,320-
19-03-202725-03-2027AUD $ 5,320-
27-03-202702-04-2027AUD $ 5,320-
30-03-202705-04-2027AUD $ 5,320-
06-04-202712-04-2027AUD $ 5,320-
16-04-202722-04-2027AUD $ 5,320-
23-04-202729-04-2027AUD $ 5,530-
27-04-202703-05-2027AUD $ 5,530-
04-05-202710-05-2027AUD $ 5,530-
10-09-202716-09-2027AUD $ 5,530-
17-09-202723-09-2027AUD $ 5,530-
21-09-202727-09-2027AUD $ 5,530-
28-09-202704-10-2027AUD $ 5,530-
05-10-202711-10-2027AUD $ 5,530-
08-10-202714-10-2027AUD $ 5,745-
12-10-202718-10-2027AUD $ 5,745-
19-10-202725-10-2027AUD $ 5,745-
26-10-202701-11-2027AUD $ 5,745-
02-11-202708-11-2027AUD $ 5,745-
09-11-202715-11-2027AUD $ 5,745-
19-11-202725-11-2027AUD $ 5,745-
26-11-202702-12-2027AUD $ 5,745-
31-12-202706-01-2028AUD $ 5,530-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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