A Classic Bhutan tour that offers invaluable insight into the rich culture and traditions of Bhutan, accompanied by breathtaking panoramic views of snow-covered Himalayans. Bhutan developed its civilization where the people live in close harmony with nature and evolved a unique identity, derived largely from a rich religious and cultural heritage.
After centuries of self-imposed isolation, Bhutan opened its door to the outside world, unveiling the shroud of mystery and mysticism that had surrounded it for ages. Today, it is a paradise in the wilderness, amid gleaming razor peaks of the mighty Himalayas and every traveler has a lot to anticipate discovering a kingdom with incredibly unique and treasured tradition, culture, religion, and natural environment.
Bhutan is a unique country known for its scenic beauty and traditional culture dating back centuries. The serene countryside is brought alive by colorful festivals celebrated with dance and music. Religious fervor is an all-pervading force – it determines the lifestyle of the people and molds their thoughts.
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Premium Bhutan temple gateway showcasing ornate golden doors and luxury traditional architecture
Flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and customs formalities and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
The evening takes a stroll around the town’s main street.
Overnight at the hotel in 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) and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.
Afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Then visit a traditional farmhouse which offers good insight into the lifestyle of local people.
In the evening, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
After breakfast proceeds to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. En route stop at Chuzom (confluence) where the Paro river joins the Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627. It now houses the School for Buddhist studies.
Afternoon, in Thimphu, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery.
Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium & Textile and Folk Heritage Museum.
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
Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library, Painting School, and Traditional Medicine Institute.
After lunch, drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop en route at Dochula pass (3,050m) which heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan.
On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit to Punakha Dzong, the fortress of the 17th century and followed by a visit to Khamsm Yulley Namgyal Chorten.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit magnificent Wangdue Dzong and the town’s local market.
Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, and rhododendron trees, reaching Gangtey (Phobjikha).
In the evening takes a walk around Gangtey village and visits Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region.
Overnight at Camp / Guest House.
Places and attractions:
- Dargay Goemba
- Gangtey Gompa
- Temple Of Sha Radap
- Gaselo & Nahee Village
- Adha And Rukha Village
- Shaa Region Of Wangdiphodrang
- Bhey Langdrag Nye
Morning explores the Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. These cranes migrate here from the Central Asiatic plateau to escape the harsh winters.
After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass. Evening visit to Trongsa market.
Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.
Places and attractions:
- Trongsa Dzong
- Ta Dzong
- Thruepang Palace
- Kuenga Rabten Palace
- Chendebji Chorten
- Trongsa Tshechu
Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and see Ta Dzong, the watch tower, built to defend this Dzong and the surrounding region.
After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Evening at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Places and attractions:
- Jakar Dzong
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Ura Valley
- Red Panda Brewery
- Mebartsho
Bumthang is the general name given to the combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura with altitudes varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley.
Afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the country. Evening visit to the local market.
Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Places and attractions:
- Jakar Dzong
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Ura Valley
- Red Panda Brewery
- Mebartsho
The journey continues eastwards winding through more rugged terrain. The drive with spectacular views will take about 7 hours. Pass through Ura village in Bumthang before climbing sharply to the highest motorable pass in the Kingdom, the Thrumshingla pass (4,000 m).
Gradually drop down to Sengor, watching cascading waterfalls on the way.
The descent stops at 700m, on a bridge over the Kurichu. Ascent again through pine forest, maize fields, and eastern hamlets to Mongar town. Visit
Mongar Dzong, built albeit quite recently, the dzong still maintains the architectural traditions of old dzongs.
Overnight at the lodge in Mongar.
Places and attractions:
- Mongar Dzong
- Yagang Lhakhang
- Drametse Lhakhang
- Zhongar Dzong
- Phunying La
- Aja Nye
This trip of about 96 km takes 3 hours passing through Kori la pass (2,450m), the place marked by a pretty chhorten and a stone wall. The first part of the journey is through a leafy forest filled with ferns. Later road descends rapidly through corn fields and banana groves arriving at the famous zigzags of Yadi, which is a recent settlement. After that follows the Gamri river until the bifurcation to Dametsi, this temple perched on top of a steep hill was founded by Choeten Zangmo and is the most important monastery of eastern Bhutan.
This is the place from where the famous Naga Chham, mask dance with drums originated. About 30 km onwards lies Trashigang at 1000m. Trashigang is the center of the biggest and most populated district in the country. Visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri river. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and part of the Dzong is occupied by the Drukpa monastic community.
Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang.
Places and attractions:
- Trashigang Dzong
- Chador Lhakhang
- Rangjung Monastery
- Trashigang Radhi
- Merak & Sakteng
- Muenselling Institute
- Khaling National Handloom
24 km from Trashigang, visit the temple of Gom Kora, set on a small alluvial plateau, overlooking the river. Gom Kora is a famous place where Guru Rinpoche subdued a demon. Further ahead reach Doksum village where you can see women busy weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric and a chain bridge dating to the 15th century.
Visit Trashiyangtse Dzong, situated at an altitude of 1,850m. In former times Trashiyangtse was an important center because it lies on one of the carven routes leading from western and central Bhutan. The Dzong is new and nearby are the Art School and the famous Chhorten Kora. Evening return to Trashigang.
Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang.
Places and attractions:
- Chorten Kora
- Bumdeling
- Rigsum Goemba
- Tshenkharla Dzong
- Ombha Ney
- Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory
- Black Necked Cranes
After breakfast drives back to Bumthang with lunch en route.
Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Places and attractions:
- Jakar Dzong
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Ura Valley
- Red Panda Brewery
- Mebartsho
The morning after visiting Bumthang market, drive to Punakha. Lunch would be served en route at one of the famous restaurants in Trongsa town.
En route to Wangduephodrang take a short break for tea/coffee and then proceed to Punakha hotel for an overnight stay. Arrive in Thimphu and check into the hotel.
Dinner and 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
Morning free time in Punakha. After lunch drive to Paro for an overnight stay.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
After breakfast, 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
