Destinations: Punakha, Paro, Thimphu
Destinations: Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Bhaktapur
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
High in the Himalayas, the ancient monasteries of Bhutan beckon. Ascend to a world of lush mountain valleys, rugged cliffs and historic temples untouched by modernisation. Make a pilgrimage to sacred Buddhism sites, from the monastic school of Pangri Zampa to the magnificent statues of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang temple and nunnery.
Witness the cliffside ‘Tiger’s Nest’ monastery on a spectacular hike from the Paro Valley, then return to the comfort of your premium lodgings, with all meals included throughout your journey. Uncover a landscape of sweeping beauty and vibrant heritage with dedicated expert guidance, and discover what makes Bhutan an unforgettable destination for the ages.
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
Destinations: Punakha, Paro, Thimphu
Destinations: Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Bhaktapur
Welcome to the mountain kingdom of Bhutan! On arrival at Paro International Airport (PBH), you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan, flanked by dense, ancient forest on the banks of the Wang Chhu River. The centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is an unusual mixture of modern development and ancient tradition, famous for not having a single traffic light.
Once settled at your hotel, meet your guide for an exploratory stroll around the city’s marketplace and craft bazaar, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. Then, join your fellow travellers for a memorable welcome dinner.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 90 minutes
Arrival & Transfers:
Please book your flights to arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH) by 2pm today. Airport transfers are included on the first day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel. Check-in on Day 1 is at 2pm.
After breakfast, drive to visit one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan – Pangri Zampa. Built in the 16th century, the complex is now a monastic school where Buddhist student monks learn Lamaism – a form of Buddhism set apart by elaborate ritual – alongside astrology and philosophy.
Your sightseeing takes you into the heart of Thimphu Valley with a visit to the Simply Bhutan Museum, offering an excellent display of ancient Bhutanese architecture, widely lost to modernisation. You’ll also have the chance to visit to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Commonly known as the ‘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 Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, which boasts breathtaking views of the Thimphu Valley from beside the country’s largest Buddha statue.
Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, the centre of Bhutan’s government and religion, containing 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 a single nail or architectural plan.
After an early breakfast, hit the road for a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochula en route Punakha, which passes through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees.
The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing to your photo stop at Dochula Pass. Here, on a clear day atop the 3,100-metre-high mountain pass, you may just spot towering Himalayan peaks on the horizon.
On arrival in Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, enjoy a moment of rest before visiting Punakha Dzong. Built strategically at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, under the rule of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Punakha Dzong serves as the region’s religious and administrative centre. It was here in 1910 that the British guaranteed Bhutan’s independence, in return seizing control of the country’s foreign relations.
Following this, visit the nearby Rinchengang Village – one of the oldest in Bhutan. Take your time to appreciate the traditional architecture and welcoming locals in this remote corner of sleepy Punakha Valley, where an ancient way of life has remained unchanged for generations.
The majority of Bhutan’s population continues to live this way, tending secluded farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize and buckwheat.
Later, arrive at your hotel and check in for the evening.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
This morning, hike through fields of chillies and cabbage to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a shrine strictly built by ancient custom to deflect negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony. 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 far-spanning valley views, this charming village showcases beautiful farmhouses where flowers, corn and sweet peas are grown in abundance. Continue to the Nalanda Buddhist College – called ‘Dalayna’ by the locals – and spend the afternoon enjoying buttered tea, meeting the local monks and admiring the spectacular view.
Then travel up the ridge amid pine trees, overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, where the magnificent Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery gleams. The temple here houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, alongside other statues crafted by local Bhutanese artisans.
Later, return to your accommodation in Punakha.
After breakfast at the hotel, take a walking excursion to Chimi Lakhang, a temple dedicated to fertility. Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, many locals travel to this temple in hopes of being blessed with children.
Afterwards, drive back to Paro, descending once more from Dochula as you follow the road back through the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys. En route, visit Simtokha Dzong, originally constructed as a place of profound tantric teaching, which now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.
Upon arrival in Paro, check into your accommodation with some time spent at leisure. Centuries of myth and legend come vividly to life in this beautiful valley, home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries.
Later, dive into history with a visit to Ta Dzong. Originally built as a watchtower, the structure now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and an assortment of natural and historic artefacts.
Next, take a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, directly translated as ‘Fortress of the Heap of Jewels’. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings depicting scenes of Buddhist lore, such as the old man of long life and the life of Milarepa.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, travel to Satsam Chorten, stopping along the way at the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang. One of 108 temples built in the Himalayas under the rule of Tibet’s King Songtsen Gampo, it stands as one of Bhutan’s oldest.
Continuing on the road, you’ll arrive at the trailhead for your energising hike to Taktsang Monastery – one of Bhutan’s most recognisable monasteries, perched 900 metres above the Paro Valley on a steep cliffside.
It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress before meditating at the monastery, thus earning it the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Recognised as one of the most sacred sies of the Himalayas, the site was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now considered an important pilgrimage for Buddhists across the region.
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 regrouping this evening to say goodbye to your fellow travellers with a farewell dinner.
Please 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, and caution is recommended to travellers 65+.
After breakfast at the hotel, your tour comes to an end. Transfer to the Paro International Airport (PBH) for your flight home.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Please book your flights to depart from Paro International Airport (PBH) at any time today. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.
Even in a land renowned for myth and majesty, Taktsang Monastery is a standout attraction. Perched almost a kilometre above the Paro Valley floor in the snow-kissed Himalayas, it dazzles and astounds the senses. Said to have been visited in the late 8th century by Guru Rinpoche – who impressively arrived on the back of a tigress, giving the monastery the moniker ‘Tiger’s Nest’ – it’s a place swimming with sacred mystery.
Visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime, the pilgrimage is well worth the deliberately difficult climb. No where else can you appreciate such a glorious vision of the Himalayas.
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Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
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Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation
Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Transfers
Tipping
Please Note:
Travel Insurance
Passports & Visas
Traveller Details
Tour Pace
Travel Styles
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
Your tour begins and ends at Paro International Airport (PBH), with return airport transfers. The extended tour ends at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), with airport transfers.
Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. ** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**
Please book your flights to arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH) by 2pm on Day 1 and depart from Paro International Airport (PBH) at any time on Day 7, or from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) at any time on Day 11 for extended touring.
Return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.
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 at your starting location 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 will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Bhutan
Time zone: GMT+6 (Bhutan Time)
Telephone: +975
Currency: Bhutan ngultrum (BTN), Indian rupee (INR)
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city.
Language: Dzongkha (Tibetan)
Climate: Bhutan has a temperate but variable climate. Summers are generally warm and rainy (Jun-Aug) and winters are cool and sunny (Dec-Feb), with temperatures able to fall below 0°C.
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.
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.