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Bhutan Luxury Cultural Tour with All-Inclusive Dining & Tiger's Nest Visit
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Bhutan Luxury Cultural Tour with All-Inclusive Dining & Tiger's Nest Visit
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Bhutan Luxury Cultural Tour with All-Inclusive Dining & Tiger's Nest Visit

Operated by: Luxury Escapes Tours
Overview
7 days
3 places
1 country
18+ yrs
moderate
This offer has sold out
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to:
Paro
Thimphu
Punakha
Paro

Set amid the spectacular Himalayas, the small mountain kingdom of Bhutan is a unique destination that retains a distinct spirit largely untouched by the modern world. On this luxury, small-group tour, immerse yourself in authentic Buddhism and discover its impact on this one-of-a-kind country. Witness the magnificence of the famed ‘Tiger’s Nest’ monastery with a spectacular hike to the clifftop, visit local marketplaces and become spellbound by one of Asia’s most beguiling regions. Experience this breathtaking region’s famed beauty by staying in luxury, handpicked accommodation, including two nights at the five-star Le Méridien Thimphu, two nights at the stunning Dhensa Boutique Resort in picturesque Punakha and two nights at Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront, offering panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas.

Savour the delights of the region with daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, be regaled with expert knowledge thanks to the service of local guides, enjoy an included Bhutan visa and tourist tax, private transportation throughout and so much more.

Overview
7 days
3 places
1 country
18+ yrs
moderate
This offer has sold out
Choose a tour option
Itinerary & map
What you'll see

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 of Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan, flanked by dense, ancient forestry on the banks of the Wang Chhu River. The centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development fused with ancient traditions, famously still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Later in the day, 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, before joining your fellow travellers for a memorable welcome dinner.

Inclusions
Le Méridien Thimphu (Classic Room) or similar
Dinner

After breakfast, drive to visit one of the oldest monastery 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 – and astrology and 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 being lost to modernisation. You’ll also have the chance to 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 Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park – home to the largest statue of Buddha in the country and offering breathtaking views of the Thimphu Valley. Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, the centre of government and religion and home of 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.

Inclusions
Le Méridien Thimphu (Classic Room) or similar
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After an early breakfast enjoy a dramatic drive (approx. three hours including scenic stops) over the high mountain pass of Dochula 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 visible on the horizon. 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 Himalayas.

On arrival in Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, enjoy a moment of 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 – 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 villages in Bhutan. Here you will experience traditional architecture and delightful locals 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.

Inclusions
Dhensa Boutique Resort (Suite Room) or similar
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, hike through fields of chillies and cabbages 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 majestic views across the valley, 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, a spectacular view and interactions with local monks.

On a ridge amid pine trees, overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, gleams the magnificent structure of the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang temple and nunnery, which houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, as well as other examples of statues made entirely by local Bhutanese artisans. This nunnery is your final stop for the day, before your return to your accommodation in Punakha.

Inclusions
Dhensa Boutique Resort (Suite Room) or similar
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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, locals travel to this temple to pray to be blessed with children.

Afterwards drive approximately five hours 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, 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. 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, which directly translates to ‘Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.’ 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.

Inclusions
Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront (Classic Room) or similar
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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 Tibet’s 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 known as ‘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 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.

Inclusions
Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront (Classic Room) or similar
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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.

Inclusions
Breakfast
Highlights & inclusions
The following are included in your tour package:

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 by Guru Rinpoche in the late 8th century – who impressively arrived on the back of a tigress, giving the monastery the moniker ‘Tiger’s Nest’ – it’s a place that’s swimming with sacred mystery, visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. While the climb is (deliberately) tough, it’s well worth it – where else can you admire such a glorious vision of the Himalayas?

  • Six nights of luxury accommodation, including two nights at the five-star Le Méridien Thimphu, two nights at the stunning Dhensa Boutique Resort in picturesque Punakha and two nights at the five-star Le Méridien Paro Riverfront, offering views of the Eastern Himalayas
  • Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, including unique local dining experiences
  • Spectacular hike to the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, Bhutan’s most sacred summit
  • Explore the nation’s vibrant Buddhist soul with included visits to Bhutan’s famous monasteries
  • Guided visits to Bhutan’s most important museums and cultural centres
  • Journey through the scenic mountain pass of Dochula
  • Visits to local markets showcasing genuine Bhutanese arts and crafts
  • Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Private air-conditioned transportation throughout
  • The services of an expert, English-speaking local guide
  • Bhutan visa
  • Government royalty and taxes as applicable
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Dates & pricing
No departures available
Sorry, this offer has sold out!
Give our team a call on 00 800 101636 for more tour options
No departures available
Sorry, this offer has sold out!
Give our team a call on 00 800 101636 for more tour options
Things to know

Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.

  • Luxury Escapes asks that you please complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
  • Traveller Details are required in full to confirm all arrangements for your tour. Please complete the Traveller Details form as soon as possible in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Failure to complete the form within 30 days of departure may result in losing your spot on the tour.
  • If your booking is on a non-guaranteed departure, this initial email is not your tour confirmation. Tours often require a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, so your departure may not be guaranteed immediately.
  • Please note that for guaranteed departures, a minimum of two people are required to book. In the event that only one passenger has booked, you will be given the opportunity to move your departure to another date.
  • Once there is an update on the status of your tour, you will be contacted via email by the Luxury Escapes’ Tours Concierge Team, and they will advise if the tour has been confirmed. Please do not book flights or make any non-flexible arrangements until you receive this update.
  • Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com, who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.
  • For tours that allow children, the child must be 10 years or over and must share a room with an adult.
  • Children are the same price as adults.

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

  • All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
  • Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
  • Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
  • Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

  • You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your My Escapes.

Please note:

  • Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
  • Rooms will be made available after 3pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request. Subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
  • Maximum room capacity (Twin Share) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.
  • All special requests, such as those regarding bedding preferences, are subject to availability and can only be confirmed upon check-in. Room assignments and bedding configurations may vary based on the destination and hotel policies, and are handled directly by the hotel staff.

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 hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.

  • Return international flights
  • Single supplement
  • Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
  • Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.

Transfers

  • Arrival and departure transfers are available on the first and last day of your tour only.
  • If you have booked your pre- and post-tour accommodation through Luxury Escapes, transfers may be available for select tours (not available for Trusted Partner operated tours).
  • If you have booked pre- or post-tour accommodation outside of Luxury Escapes, you will forfeit your complimentary airport transfers.
  • Please note ‘Private Transfers’ refers to transfers that are exclusive for your tour group and may be shared among other members of your group if arriving on the same flight or another flight arriving within a 30-minute window.
  • Flight information must be provided to Luxury Escapes 60 days prior to departure in order to book transfers. Please see Destination information for airport pick-up and drop-off information.

Please Note:

  • Bhutan visa is covered by the tour and guests do not need to purchase.
  • Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 20kg on tour.
  • Passengers are permitted one additional, smaller hand-piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 7kg on tour.

Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Passports & Visas

  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).

Traveller Details

  • Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller. This information can be added directly to your ’My Escapes’ account.
  • Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
  • We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact tours@luxuryescapes.com so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
  • Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
  • Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
  • If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
  • Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Tour Pace

  • It’s important to note that specific activities and intensity levels may vary between different tour operators and destinations. When selecting a group tour, it’s advisable to carefully review the itinerary, activity descriptions and fitness requirements to ensure a suitable match for your preferences and physical capabilities.
    • Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
    • Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
    • Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.

Travel Styles

  • Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.
  • Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.
  • Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.

Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour.
  • There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
  • Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).

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. ** 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 3pm 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.

Roundtrip 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.

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

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.

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.

  • Please note: For complimentary transfers to be fulfilled outside of arrival and departure date, all pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings must be booked through Luxury Escapes no later than 60 days before departure. After this time, any pre- or post-tour accommodation bookings made will not be eligible for complimentary transfers.
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