These 12 days of Reflections of Bhutan introduce you to the world’s last remaining Himalayan kingdom and land that remains the most unspoiled and most beautiful example of the Himalayan Buddhist way of life in existence today. Visit the Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, and Gangtey valleys.
In Paro you will visit the Ta Dzong National Museum, with its fascinating collection of art, relics, and artifacts; the ruined fortress of Drukgyel Dzong where Bhutanese warriors fought in past ages against invaders from Tibet and where sacred Mount Chomolhari looms above the ruins. You will trek to one of Bhutan’s most famous sights, Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest, clinging to a 3,000ft. High cliff above the Paro Valley. Taktsang is the place where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on a tiger to bring the Buddhist Dharma from Tibet to Bhutan.
Fly into the Kingdom of Bhutan. On the flight, you can see breathtaking views of the Great Himalayan Mountains. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed to the Kingdom by a Host from Truly Bhutan and lunch will be served at a hotel. Start the day by visiting the National Museum (Ta- Dzong) and Paro-Rinpung Dzong. Overnight: In a hotel at Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
After breakfast, about an hour’s drive will take you to Thimphu, the only Capital City in the world without traffic lights. After having lunch in a hotel, we will visit Memorial Chorten and then stroll around Thimphu city interacting with Bhutanese. You will for sure like to step into some beautiful handicrafts shop.
Overnight: In a 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
Visit the General Post Office and purchase the world’s most beautiful postage stamps, collector’s items, and postcards at face value. Visit the Arts and Crafts school where one can see young children at work. Visit the Traditional Medicine Institute where the ancient healing arts are still practiced. Visit the Memorial Chorten built in 1974 to honor the memory of the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, popularly known as the Father of Modern Bhutan
Visit the mini zoo/sanctuary where one can see the Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan. Drive up to the viewpoint and take a hike for about an hour to see clear uninterrupted views of the Thimphu valley.
Explore Thimphu on foot, visiting the Handicrafts Emporium and other Arts & Crafts stores. Buy stunning Kira that can be used as bed covers or wall hangings, jewelry, and much more.
Overnight: in a 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
The drive begins with the ascent to the Dochula pass at an altitude of 3150 meters. On a clear day, you can see the whole range of the Bhutanese Himalayas from here. The pass has 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens. Then descend to Punakha and visit the dzong. After lunch continues driving to the town of Wangdue and checking in a hotel.
Overnight: in a hotel at Wangdue.
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
We will drive to Trongsa. It is 128 kilometers and 5 hours drive from Wangdue. The road will climb all the way to the Pele-la pass (3300m). It is a landmark between east & west, and from here we will drive on to Trongsa. On the way, we will come across Yak herders camps and encounter Yaks, especially during winter. We will see high Himalayan villages like Rukubji and Chendbji. All the houses cluster at one place and fields at another. The road then descends through Rukubji village further down to Chendebji village. Here you will see the 18th-century Nepalese-style stupa built by saint Shida. The drive to Trongsa from here is about an hour and a half with great views of the historical Dzong and valley.
Overnight: Trongsa.
Places and attractions:
- Trongsa Dzong
- Ta Dzong
- Thruepang Palace
- Kuenga Rabten Palace
- Chendebji Chorten
- Trongsa Tshechu
In the morning after breakfast, we will take an excursion drive to Kuenga Rabten. It was the winter Palace for our beloved 2nd King Jigme Wangchuk. It is 23 kilometers from Trongsa and it takes about 2 hours by car. This palace is under the Special Commission of Cultural Affairs and we do not require any permit to visit the interior. Visit Trongsa Dzong. It was built at different periods on a spur overlooking the Mangde-Chu River and it is one of the longest & most impressive Dzongs in Bhutan along with Trashi Chhodzong in Thimphu.
The evening drive to Bumthang will climb all the way to the Yutong la pass (3400m). It will be the highest pass on your trip to Bhutan. After the pass, we will go down through the Chumey valley before we reach Jakar. This valley is famous for Yathra weaving in central Bhutan.
Overnight: Bumthang.
Places and attractions:
- Jakar Dzong
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Ura Valley
- Red Panda Brewery
- Mebartsho
After breakfast makes a hike to Tangbi Mani countryside. It is a very easy trail and we will come across a few villages. Here they have a very old monastery with Gomchens & the local community school. We will return for lunch in Jakar.
After lunch, we visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang, and the Swiss Cheese Processing Unit. Here they produce cheese, apple juice, herbal brandies, etc. Visit Jakar Dzong and more if time permits.
Overnight: Bumthang.
Places and attractions:
- Jakar Dzong
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Ura Valley
- Red Panda Brewery
- Mebartsho
Excursion to the Ura valley is (48Km) which takes us across blue pine forests & wonderful views of the Choekhor & Chumey valleys. Visit Ura Lhakhang, which will give you an insight into the lifestyle of the people of central Bhutan. Visit some local houses in the village and talk to the local people casually and understand their daily way of life. Ura is one of the most beautiful and interesting villages in Bumthang.
Overnight: Bumthang.
Places and attractions:
- Jakar Dzong
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Ura Valley
- Red Panda Brewery
- Mebartsho
We will drive to Gangtey Goemba and enjoy the view of Phobjikha valley which is reserved for the migration of the black Neck Crane. The people out here have become friendly with the endangered species. After having a picnic lunch here and drive to Wangdue.
Overnight: Wangdue.
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
Early breakfast then drives to Thimphu for our lunch, as well as shopping for souvenirs and then an evening drive to Paro.
Overnight: Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Hike or take a horse ride to Taktsang Monastery viewpoint. Taktsang meaning “Tiger’s Nest” is built around a cave in which Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated clings seemingly impossible to a cliff at 3000 feet above the valley floor.
When we are coming back and reach the main road we turn right and drive further to Drukgyel Dzong. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built it in 1649. It was damaged by fire in 1951. On the way back, we will visit one of the oldest monasteries that we have in Bhutan. It is called Kichu Lhakhang and was built in the 7th century by the first King of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo to spread the Buddhist Dharma throughout Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
A representative from our company will bid you a farewell.
- 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
