Destinations: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
Destinations: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
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.
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
Destinations: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
Destinations: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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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 hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
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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.