Detailed Program
On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by our representative, and transferred to your Paro hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Places and attractions:
Accommodation options:
Drive northwest up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, its towering walls are still an imposing sight. On a clear day, there is a splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong.
Visit one of the typical village houses clustered near the Dzong. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. In the afternoon visit Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower and now the National Museum. Then walk down the hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), ‘the fortress of the heap of jewels.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
Time & Distance: 8km, 3 hours
Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a short climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen with snowcapped mountains behind.
Above the camp are Jele-la pass (3,400m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins). There is also a Lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni.
Overnight camp.
Places and attractions:
Time & Distance: 10km 3-4 hours
Begin with a one-and-a-half-hour climb and then ascend more gradually upwards. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You will have fine views of Jhomolhari and other snow-capped peaks if the weather is right, and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. You may see yak herders around your campsite.
Overnight camp.
Time & Distance: 11km, 4 hours
The trail follows the ridge, and on a clear day, the views of the mountains and valley are sensational. You will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is close to the Jimilangtsho lakes, which are famous for their giant-sized trout.
Overnight camp.
Time & Distance: 11km, 4 hours
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herder’s camps and get an idea of how these people live. We camp overnight close to Simkota Lake, and if you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner.
Time & Distance: 10km, 4 hours
Today begins with a gradual climb, and if the weather permits you will enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, and a host of other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite beside a community hail near Phajoding cafeteria.
Overnight in camp, Checkout for weather conditions.
Time & Distance: 5km, 3 hours
The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
Accommodation options:
After breakfast, a full-day excursion to the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. The drive from Thimphu crosses Dochu-la pass (3,088m) from which there are the most enchanting mountain views. In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong situated at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
Built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this Dzong played important role in Bhutan’s history. Then drive to Wangduephodrang, to visit 17th-century Wangduephodrang Dzong and the local market. In the evening drive back to Thimphu.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
Accommodation options:
A full day of sightseeing in Thimphu, including visits to the following, as time permits:
National Memorial Chorten – built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king (the father of modern Bhutan) and as a monument to world peace;
Tashichhodzong – the impressive fortress/monastery housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body;
Handicrafts Emporium – a wide assortment of intricately hand-woven textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at this government-run outlet, and many smaller handicrafts shops around town;
National Library – established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage, it now holds an extensive collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts;
Institute for Zorig Chusum – more commonly known as the Painting School, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan;
National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) – the rich herbal medicines made up of plants abundant in the kingdom are dispensed here, and traditional medicine practitioners are trained.
In the evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for the flight to the onward destination.
Frequently Asked Question
In Bhutan, each season has its charm; as a result, the country offers a variety of activities to tourists based on their interests. Nonetheless, the most popular months to visit are usually March, April, and May, when the country is at its most beautiful as the spring season begins, as well as later in the year in August, September, October, and November.
These are the peak seasons because the weather is pleasant and warm at this time of year, not to mention the festival months. However, Truly Bhutan is focusing on spreading out visitation throughout the year because come rain or shine, there is something for everyone at all times of the year.
Winters are cold, but there are winter treks and festivals in southern Bhutan, which has warm weather all year. Winter in Bhutan is distinguished by clear blue skies, but you must bring your jackets.
Except for Indian nationals with valid Indian passports, all visitors traveling to Bhutan must obtain a visa before arrival. After we have confirmed your visit to Bhutan, you can simply download and fill out the Visa Application form from our website and send it to us.
We will process the visa confirmation letter and send it to you within 7 working days.
You will need your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months after its expiry date, your airline e-ticket, whether purchased through us or a third-party website and your Visa confirmation letter, which we will send you before you arrive in the country.
Please also bring a copy of your tour itinerary with you.
You can fly into Bhutan via Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines from Bangkok, Kathmandu, New Delhi, India, Calcutta, Dhaka, Bagdogra, or Singapore. Road access to Bhutan is also available through Phuntsholing, Gelephu, and SamdrupJongkhar in southern Bhutan.
We can book your tickets. Please keep in mind that all tickets are electronic and will be delivered to you via email.
- Inclusion
- Exclusion
- Insurance
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
