Bhutan 2022 & 2023: 7-Day Luxury Small-Group Cultural & Spiritual Tour with All-Inclusive Dining, Tiger's Nest Visit & Optional Nepal Extension

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The Experiences – Sacred sites, local marketplaces and authentic food

Geographically, Bhutan sits between China and India but with a population of under a million, the country feels something of an anomaly. Famous for its sacred Buddhist sites, Thimpu will be your first stop. The capital of Bhutan is a unique fusion of modern development and ancient traditions. Discover local marketplaces selling traditional crafts and Bhutanese arts, witness the beauty of the 16th-century Pangri Zampa — Bhutan’s oldest monastery — where you’ll have the unique opportunity to interact with local monks, tickle your tastebuds with lunch at a local restaurant and experience breathtaking views over Thimpu Valley from Buddha Point, home to the largest Buddha statue in the country.

Witness the splendour behind Paro Taktsang (aka ‘Tiger’s Nest’) — one of the most famous Bhutanese monasteries — as it sits peacefully perched on the edge of a cliff, floating 900 metres above Paro Valley. A hike to the top of the cliff is rewarded with a view of this sacred site, visited by all Bhutanese at least once.

The Accommodation – Luxury hotels among picturesque backdrops

Unwind in Thimphu’s most luxurious five-star hotel with two nights at the majestic Le Méridien Thimphu. Wake to a striking Himalayan backdrop and spectacular vistas of Thimphu in a room that fuses traditional Bhutanese décor with contemporary furnishings. Thoughtful, intimate and superbly located, this hotel is everything you need to enjoy your stay in Bhutan’s striking capital.

Explore the famous 17th-century fortress, majestic rivers and Buddhist monasteries that picturesque Punakha has to offer with two blissful nights at Dhensa Boutique Resort. Sitting in the heart of vibrant Punakha Valley, the resort is fringed by thick pine forests and an abundance of walking trails and overlooks the beautiful Punakha River. Enjoy a boutique stay in this all-suite property and relax on your private balcony as you take in the sweeping views.

The grandeur of the Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront will dazzle you with a two-night stay in five-star luxury, perched on the banks of Paro River. The views alone are worth writing home about: 360-degree vistas of the majestic Eastern Himalayas surround you, while the local gastronomy and high-end amenities complete the experience.

Nepal Extension – See the world’s tallest mountain with a unique scenic flight

Not ready to end your adventure? Choose the extension option and spend four additional nights discovering Nepal’s Kathmandu and Nagarkot, with an international economy flight from Paro to Kathmandu included.

One of the world’s oldest cities, Kathmandu is brimming with medieval streets, charming shrines and spectacular natural beauty. Here, you’ll discover the grand aura of Mt. Everest with a breathtaking scenic flight high over the peak. Experience the majesty of flying above the summit of the highest mountain in the world as you take in the spectacular views over the Himalayas. Follow this with a day exploring the ageless sculptures and traditional structures of Kathmandu

Journey onto the mountain resort of Nagarkot, bypassing the rich history, ancient charm and unique culture of old-world Bhaktapur. Then surround yourself with the charming scenery and breathtaking views. Here, witness arguably one of the most amazing sunrises you’ll ever see. Wake early to watch the warm sunrise over the peaks of the Himalayas for a truly unforgettable experience.

Stay in luxury at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu – set on 37 spectacular acres of vibrant, landscaped grounds. Primely located on route to Boudhanath Stupa — the holiest of Buddhist shrines in the country as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the hotel boasts a fusion of striking Nepalese architecture and traditional Newari style.

Plus, spend one magical night at the charming Hotel Mystic Mountain Nagarkot, nestled amid the dense forest, quaint villages and majestic tiered rice fields.

Your tour starts and ends at Paro International Airport (PBH) with roundtrip airport transfers included. The extended tour ends at Kathmandu Airport (KTM).

Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed.

Please book your flights to arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH) by 4pm on Day 1 and depart from Paro International Airport (PBH) any time after 10am on Day 7. For the extended tour, flights can depart from Kathmandu Airport (KTM) any time after 10am on Day 11. Your flight from Paro to Kathmandu is included and timing will be advised closer to your departure date.

Private roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.

You MUST complete your booking form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.

Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Bhutan on your chosen tour start date.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.

Your Bhutan visa is included as part of your package. A clear colour, scanned copy of your identification pages of the passport you will be travelling on plus the arrival and departure flight details must be submitted no later than 60 days prior to your departure date in order for your visa to be processed in time for your departure.

Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements. Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Important Destination Information: Bhutan

Time zone: GMT+6

Telephone: +975

Currency: Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu)

Accessing money: Cash is advised as ATMs are not always reliable. Bank of Bhutan (BoB), Bhutan National Bank and Druk PNB Bank ATMs accept some foreign credit cards, but ATMs in Bhutan use the magnetic strip rather than digital chips, and some foreign banks do not permit withdrawals via this method.

Language: Dzongkha

Climate: The centre enjoys a sub-tropical climate with very cool winters while the northern parts have a harsher climate, including snowfall two to three times every winter.

Important Destination Information: Nepal

Time zone: GMT+5:45

Telephone: +977

Currency: Nepalese rupee

Accessing money: ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.

Climate: In northern Nepal, summers are cool and winters are severe, while in the south, summers are very hot while winters are mild to cold. Nepal has five seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter.

Day 1: Arrive Paro, Bhutan – Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)

Welcome to the mountain kingdom of Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport (PBH), you will be met and transferred to your luxury hotel located in the heart Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. The centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development fused with ancient traditions. With a population of about 100,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Later in the day, you’ll take an exploratory stroll around the local marketplace located a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, where you’ll visit the local craft bazaar, offering an abundance of genuine Bhutanese arts and crafts.

Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a memorable welcome dinner.

Accommodation: Le Méridien Thimphu

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Thimphu

After breakfast, you’ll drive to visit the oldest monastery in Bhutan. Built in the 16th century, Pangri Zampa is now a monastic school where Buddhist student monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.

Your sightseeing journey takes you into the heart of Thimphu Valley with a visit to the Simply Bhutan Museum, offering an excellent display of ancient Bhutanese architecture, slowly lost to modernisation. Another highlight today is a visit to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Commonly known as ‘Arts and Crafts School’ or ‘Painting School’, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

After lunch in one of Thimphu’s local eateries, continue to Buddha Point in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park – home to the largest statue of Buddha in the country and offering breathtaking views of the Thimphu Valley. Later, visit Tashichho Dzong: Fortress of the Glorious Religion. This is the centre of government and religion, and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in a traditional Bhutanese manner – without nails or architectural plans.

Accommodation: Le Méridien Thimphu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha (Altitude 3,080–1,300m)

After an early breakfast enjoy a dramatic drive (approx. three hours including scenic stops) over the high mountain pass of Dochula (3,080m) to Punakha, passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees.

The journey continues over the 3,080m mountain pass where, on a clear day, the towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests where you’ll stop briefly at Dochula Pass to take in the grand vista of the eastern Himalayan Range.

On arrival in Punakha, have time to rest before visiting Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Serving as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history.

Following this, visit the nearby Rinchengang Village, one of the oldest villages in Bhutan. Here you will experience traditional architecture and delightful local people in a remote corner of sleepy Punakha Valley, where an ancient way of life has remained unchanged for generations. The majority of the population of Bhutan continues to live as it has for centuries – in small isolated farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize and buckwheat.

Accommodation: Dhensa Boutique Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Punakha

This morning, take a short hike through fields of chilies and cabbages to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu River and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.

After lunch, embark on an excursion to the village of Talo, located just above Punakha Valley. Built on a plateau with majestic views across the valley, this charming village showcases beautiful farmhouses where flowers, corn and sweet peas are grown in abundance.

Following this, visit the Nalanda Buddhist College – locals call this place ‘Dalayna’ while the monks refer to it as ‘Nalanda Buddhist College’. Spend the afternoon enjoying buttered tea, a spectacular view and interactions with local monks.

On the way back to the hotel, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery. On a ridge amid pine trees, overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, gleams the magnificent structure of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (temple), which houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, as well as other examples of statues made entirely by local Bhutanese artisans.

Accommodation: Dhensa Boutique Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Punakha – Paro (Altitude 2,280m)

After breakfast at the hotel, take a walking excursion to Chimi Lakhang. Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, it is also known as the temple of fertility, where locals travel to pray to be blessed with children.

Afterwards drive (approx. 4 - 5 hours) back to Paro, descending from Dochula and following the road back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys. En route, visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching, which now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.

Upon arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and centuries of myths and legends and is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries.

After time to rest, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts. Following this, take a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, directly translating to ‘Fortress of the Heap of Jewels’, which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore, such as the old man of long life and scenes from the life of Milarepa.

Accommodation: Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

​Day 6: Tiger’s Nest

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, travel to Satsam Chorten, stopping en route at the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.

On arrival at trailhead point, embark on a walking excursion* to Taktsang Monastery – one of the most famous Bhutanese monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900 metres above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place, visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the base of Tiger’s Nest before returning to the hotel for a well-earned rest.

This afternoon is at your leisure before you regroup this evening and bid farewell to your fellow travellers with a special dinner.

*Note: Due to its location, the only way to get to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is by hiking. No vehicles make the drive up to the monastery. On average it takes between four and five hours to do the roundtrip hike. A reasonable level of fitness is required.

Accommodation: Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

​Day 7: Depart Paro

After breakfast at the hotel, your tour comes to an end. Transfer to the Paro International Airport (PBH) for your flight home. Depending on your flight time, the day is at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

​NEPAL EXTENSION

Day 7: Paro – Kathmandu, Nepal

Transfer to Paro International Airport (PBH) early this morning for your included flight to Kathmandu (KTM).

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is one of the world’s oldest cities. The old part of the city, with narrow medieval streets and lovely little shrines, centres on Durbar Square.

In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Pashupatinath Temple – Nepal’s most important Hindu temple, situated on the banks of the holy river Bagmati. As the powerhouse of Hinduism, pilgrims and devotees come here for blessings, with many also choosing to be cremated on the banks of the holy river.

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Flight: Departs Paro International Airport (PBH) at 7.45am and arrives into Kathmandu (KTM) at 8.45am (Druk Air)

Day 8: Kathmandu

Start the day with a breathtaking scenic flight around Mt. Everest, followed by a full day of sightseeing exploring the shrines, temples and ageless sculptures of Kathmandu and Patan. Visit Kathmandu City, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.

Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal, rich in Buddhist symbolism and attracting thousands of pilgrims daily. Observe people here light butter lamps, sing mantras, spin prayer wheels or simply stroll around the dome. In the evening, this place offers an amazing view with thousands of butter lamps lit up around the stupa.

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

​Day 9: Kathmandu – Nagarkot

Today, drive to the breathtaking mountain retreat of Nagarkot. En route, we make a stop at Bhaktapur city – a treasure of medieval arts and architecture.

Bhaktapur translates to ‘place of devotees’ and is a very old and fascinating place, rich in history and Buddhist symbolism. Bhaktapur Durbar Square displays Nepal’s ancient charms, especially the culture and work of the Newari people. Strolling through its old, traditional streets feels like going back in time. Walk further south to reach Pottery Square. Here, you can admire the beautiful handicrafts and try your hand at spinning your own clay pot.

After the visit, continue your drive to Nagarkot with its breathtaking mountain scenery and check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy to scenic vistas from the comfort of the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Mystic Mountain Nagarkot

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

​Day 10: Nagarkot – Kathmandu

Today, wake up and witness the sunrise over the Himalayas. Before returning to Kathmandu, discover the healing nature of Nagarkot. Take a walk through the tranquil Buddha Peace Park, visit the ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan or walk part of the Nagarkot panoramic hiking trail with plenty of photo opportunities and striking lookout stops along the way.

Once back in Kathmandu, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to independently explore the city or enjoy a spot of last-minute souvenir hunting.

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

​Day 11: Depart Kathmandu

After breakfast at the hotel, your tour comes to an end. Transfer to Kathmandu Airport (KTM) for your flight home. Depending on your flight time, the day is at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast