In this tour, you will discover four regions of eastern and central Bhutan – including the sacred valleys of Paro and Bumthang, the secluded and highly protected glacial valley of the Phobjikha Valley, and the “bustling” city of Thimphu – the seat of the world’s newest democracy in 2008. We will visit fortress-like Dzongs (temples), see traditional handicrafts being made, and make visits to smaller villages on one of our famous “village strolls”. Depending on the timing of the tour we will include local religious dance festivals on the itinerary.
Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets, and museums. Enjoy 5-star cuisines, including an opportunity to sample some of Bhutan’s fiery Chilli dishes. Spend a night in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, winter home to the Black-Necked Crane.
Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900 m above the valley floor. Marvel at the elaborate and ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests. Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.
The flight to Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the most scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. Upon your arrival representative from Truly Bhutan will receive you and transfer you to the hotel through the fascinating valley of Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong (national Museum). Rinpung Dzong (the fortress of the heap of Jewels built in the 17th century). After lunch visit ruined Drukgyel Dzong. Kyichu Lhakhang was built in the 7th century. Evening leisure walk in Paro mini town. Overnight in hotel.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Morning hike to Taktsang Temple the most popular site in Bhutan. The hike to Taktsang takes about an hour uphill to the viewpoint and another hour to the monastery. Guru Rinpoche meditated here in the 8th century. The Desi Tenzin Rabgay extended the temple in the 17th century to the present structure. Lunch at Cafeteria. After lunch, stroll down to the road point and drive to Thimphu for about an hour and a half. Thimphu is the modern capital town of Bhutan. Overnight in hotel.
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
Morning Thimphu sightseeing includes – a visit to Folk and Heritage Museum; Late King’s Memorial Stupa; Textile museum; Takin Reserve (National animal); weaving center; and Traditional Hand made Paper Factory. Afternoon visit Painting School, which preserves our traditional paintings, sculpturing, and wood carving; National Handicraft Emporium. Evening at leisure in Thimphu City.
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
Depart to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,100m) On a clear day, the pass offers the most spectacular view over the greater eastern Himalayas including the highest peak of Bhutan. short hike about an hour to the temple of divine madman, also well known as the temple of fertility, through villages and the rice fields. visit Dzong was built in 1638, Punakha was the capital city of Bhutan till 1955, and still, the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot resides there during the winter season. Overnight in hotel.
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
Drive to Trongsa for about 5 to 6 hours. A short stop at Wangdi town. Continue your journey crossing Pele la Pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west. Stop for lunch at Chendebji near a large historic stupa built in the Nepalese style. Visit Trongsa Dzong. Then visit Ta Dzong (watchtower) museum. Then continue to Bumthang for about 3hrs. On the way stop at the Chumey weaving center. Overnight at tourist Lodge.
Places and attractions:
- Jakar Dzong
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Ura Valley
- Red Panda Brewery
- Mebartsho
Morning – visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Guru Rinpoche meditated here in the 8th century; Jambay Lhakhang was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Tamshing Lhakhang was founded in the 15th century by Pema Lingpa the treasure reveler, Kencho Sum Lhakhang. Later see the Jakar Dzong, the Dzong. The evening takes a stroll through the Bumthang market area. Overnight in hotel.
Places and attractions:
- Jakar Dzong
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Ura Valley
- Red Panda Brewery
- Mebartsho
The route back to Pelela Pass (alt. 3,300 m) via Trongsa, Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and chosen home of black-necked crane, which migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. Explore Phobjikha and also visit Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa Monastery in Bhutan. Late afternoon drive to Punakha for Overnight in Hotel.
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
Morning drive north of Punakha valley, hike 45 minutes to Khamsum Namgyal Chorten Depart Punakha for lunch in Thimphu. If you have forgotten to buy any souvenirs for your close ones, this is the final time. Later drive back to Paro for overnight in hotel.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
After early breakfast in the hotel drive to the airport for the flight to the onward destination.
- 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.
Bhutan Travel Info
Travel Essentials
- Travel/Medical Insurance: Ensure a worry-free journey with Bhutan's dedicated travel and medical insurance plans offered by the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan. Visit RICB for more information.
- Banking: Modern banking facilities are available in urban areas of Bhutan, with banks like Bank of Bhutan Limited, Druk PNB, and Bhutan National Bank. ATMs are common in Thimphu and Phuentsholing, but scarce in rural areas. Complete your banking in major cities.
- Money Matters: Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is equivalent in value to the Indian Rupee. Foreign travelers should bring traveler’s cheques or cash, especially USD. Credit cards like Visa and American Express are accepted in most areas.
- Communication: Bhutan's telecommunications are well-developed with internet cafes, mobile phone coverage, and international roaming available in most towns.
- Electricity: Bhutan operates on 230 volts and 50 Hertz. Ensure your devices are compatible with the three types of plugs commonly used.
- Time Zone: Bhutan's time is six hours ahead of GMT.
Health, Safety, and Customs
- Health and Inoculations: Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Avoid untreated water and ice cubes; instead, opt for bottled water, which is readily available.
- Safety Precautions: Bhutan is generally safe, but avoid walking alone or staying out late, especially after 9 PM. Secure your belongings, particularly in the capital, Thimphu.
- Customs Regulations: Personal belongings, 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and professional equipment are exempt from customs duty. Importing restricted items, such as wildlife products, antiques, and drugs, is prohibited.
Accommodation, Food, and Shopping
- Accommodation: Bhutan offers a range of accommodations, from quality 3-star to luxury 5-star hotels in places like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. Travelers can also opt for camping when venturing beyond urban areas.
- Food: Bhutanese cuisine is rich and spicy, featuring dishes like ema datshi. International cuisine such as Indian, Continental, and Chinese is available in most restaurants, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Shopping: Bhutan offers unique handicrafts, including hand-woven textiles, wooden bowls (Dapas), silver statues, Thangkas, and local postage stamps. Note that the buying and selling of antiques is strictly prohibited.
Travel Kits and Clothing
- Clothing and Essentials: Bhutan's climate is diverse, so dress in layers and pack accordingly. Respectful clothing is required when visiting monasteries and religious sites, and hats should be removed in sacred areas.
- Travel Kits: Pack items like sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, antihistamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a flashlight, warm clothes, and a hat. The diverse climate means temperatures range from 20-25°C in summer to below 15°C in winter.
Experiences and Activities
- Photography: Capture Bhutan's stunning landscapes, rural life, and architecture. Indoor photography in sacred sites requires special permission.
- Guides and Interpreters: Bhutan offers certified guides fluent in various languages, ensuring you get the best experience when visiting sacred sites and cultural landmarks.
- Festivals and Holidays: Each district in Bhutan celebrates its unique annual tshechu. Check local schedules to plan your visit around these vibrant festivals.
- Weights and Measures: Bhutan uses metric measurements for weight, with advanced electronic scales commonly found in major cities.
- Best Price Guaranteed
- Book Now, Pay Later
- Local Expertise
- Hand-Picked Hotels
- Value for money
- Quality Service
- Responsible Tourism
- Tailor-Made Holidays
- No Booking Fee
- 100% Visa Approval
- 24/7 Customer Service
- No Hidden Costs
