Bhutan leisure tour
Treat yourself to the 7 night 8 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour designed at a leisure pace so that you can enjoy and explore the Wonders of Bhutan without rushing. With this Bhutan Leisure Tour, you not only get to discover the scenic splendors of Thimphu, Phobjikha, Punakha and Paro valleys but also experience the rich and precious cultural diversity which is strongly engraved in every valley and its people.
Embark into villages frozen in time. Starting from Paro, known for the various sacred sites including the famous Tiger Nest, the tour proceeds to ‘U’ shaped- Gangtey valley via Thimphu, where you can soak yourself in its scenic grandeur.
You can take hikes through the forest, try out a traditional hot stone bath with the game of Archery, eat lunch by the riverside, meet the local families & have farm dinner surrounded by hills and its latticed pattern. Try white river rafting or meet a monk at the hilltop.
If there are festivals coinciding with your date of visit – they can always be incorporated to make your Bhutan Cultural Tour experience more nourishing and rich.
Duration: 7 Nights/ 8 Days
Location: Thimphu-Dochu La- Phobjikha-Punakha- Paro
Day 01: Arrive At Paro Airport: Paro – Thimphu (55kms/1.5hours)
Experience the breathtaking view of the great Himalayas offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight.
Our representative will receive you at the airport and drive to Thimphu. Discover the mountains speckled with sacred temples and monasteries on your way from Paro to Thimphu.
On the way, stop at Tachog Lhakhang (the Iron Chain Bridge), a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Devour yourself to the invigorating ambience of the cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags. The whole set up a feast to the eye.
Upon arriving at Thimphu (2,300 meters), check-in your hotel and freshen up before visiting the exquisite massive structure of Thimphu Tashichho Dzong- a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. Set into the Grand Kuenrey, the most splendid room of the Tashichoe Dzong. The assembly of monks performs their daily prayers here before the enormous statue of the Buddha.
Visit the local archery ground where the locals celebrate the national sport with dance and song with every hit.
Take a stroll in the evening around Thimphu town and absorb the magical atmosphere of the capital city while capturing the sight of contemporary Bhutanese life.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Explore The Northern Paradise Of Thimphu
- After a good breakfast drive up to Kuenselphodrang and capture the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue in the early morning sunrise. Apart from the serenity of the place the view of the Thimphu city from this mountain is gorgeous.
- Cheri Monastery: Drive to the Northern end of Thimphu valley and hike an hour up to the Cheri monastery; a place of tranquility and overwhelming quietness. As you approach the 17th century Cheri monastery; the other monasteries dotted atop the surrounding mountains with the backdrop of the blue sky is a delightful view to capture. Usually, you will be able to spot mountain goats freely mingling with the monks.
Return to your hotel and spend the evening on your own.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu- Phobjikha (134kms/6hours)
ourney to Phobjikha valley, one of the most serene glacial valleys of Bhutan.
- On the way, stop at DochuLa to take in the clear air at 3,100 meters. Sip a cup of hot coffee at the DochuLa cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. Take in the 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the blue sky as the backdrop.
Stop for lunch at Nobding –continue towards Gangtey after lunch:
- Upon arriving at Phobjikha, pay your respect at the Gangtey Monastery which is an important Nyingma school of Buddhism. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2,800 meters, the monastery offers a stunning view of Phobjikha valley, winter home to the rare Black-necked Cranes.
Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley): The valley is popular for its scenic splendor and cultural uniqueness. Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the Black-Necked Cranes (Grus Nigricollis), which migrate from the Tibetan plateau. The birds can be observed from early November to the end of March. Overlooking the valley is the Gangtey Gonpa.
- You can take a traditional hot stone bath while enjoying the tranquil landscape of Phobjikha valley in one of the farmhouses.
Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha
Day 04: Phobjikha – Punakha (80kms/3 Hours)
Explore serene Phobjikha valley and head towards Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan.
In the morning, hike from your hotel to Gangtey Monastery. The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from Khewa Lhakhang and ends at the Mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hiking places for Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds–Black Neck Cranes. (1.5 hours)
Upon reaching Punakha; walk along the path through the traditional houses of Sopsokha village amidst agricultural fields of rice and mustard, leading to a hillock where the temple of the Divine Mad Monk is located. Sopsokha village is a typical example of clustered settlement. You may witness unusual paintings of phallus on the walls of the houses. The phallus paintings are traditionally believed to ward off evil influences and bad-mouth/gossips of others that bring bad luck.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
Day 05: Explore Gems Of Punakha
Drive further to take a small hike to Nyzergang to visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Temple.
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: Drive further to take a small hike to Nyzergang to visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. We can begin the day with a hike up through fields of rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The scene from the stupa is spectacular. The Stupa stands majestically on the high hilltop of the Punakha Valley. This structure is a classic example of gorgeous traditional architecture. It was built by the Queen Mother for dispelling negative forces and to maintain peace and harmony in the country and for all the living beings.
It is a moderately strenuous hike of about one hour from the car parking
After the hike visit Punakha Dzong:
Punakha Dzong is just as striking inside as outside and it is arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Located magnificently between Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) confluence, the intricate carving and amazing architecture of the Dzong is a great source of inspiration. This famous structure built-in 1637 has a lot to tell about the historical background and various Tibetan invasions won from this strategically located Dzong. It also houses the kingdom’s most sacred relic, the “Rangjung Karsa-pani”.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha.
Day 06: Punakha- Paro (120kms/3-4hours)
Take a scenic drive from Punakha to Paro and on the way stop at Royal Botanical garden, Lamperi. It is a breathtaking 125 acres’ botanical garden with 46 species of rhododendron flower. You can choose to boat here. The best time to visit this place will be between April and June. The park also has trekking routes, walk around the Baritsho Lake, tree house, and camping space for visitors. The annual rhododendron festival is held here.
- Visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery where they brew many styles of beers considering the different drinking palates for taste, making sure that all beer-lovers are satisfied.
This added to the innovative nature of craft brewers all over the world have taken the market by storm, allowing them always to brew something new.
- Evening free or can visit the Paro town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 7: The Iconic Tiger’s Nest Hike (4-6 Hours)
Get your energy up at breakfast this morning to hike up to the iconic Taktsang Monastery. Venture through the pristine surroundings of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Be rewarded to an overwhelming sight monastery resting on the edge of a cliff at 900 meters above Paro valley.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery or Taktshang Goemba is one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites of Bhutan and acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived at this place from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and blessed the entire place.
Visit ancient Kichu Lhakhang built in the 7th century
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 08: Departure
Our team will drop you at the airport and bid you farewell.
HIGHLIGHTS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the beautiful valley of Thimphu, the only capital with no Traffic Lights
Journey to the Golden Punakha Valley
Discover Paro valley with traditional mud rammed homes & hill top dotted with temples
Take a hike through Chagri monastery and take photographs with monks
Enjoy an authentic Bhutanese Farm lunch
Explore the stunning Phobjikha Valley, the winter habitat of the endangered Black-Necked Cranes.
Visit popular cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs) and museums.
Visit timeless traditional villages tucked away in pristine mountain landscapes
Transport yourself to the realm of timeless Buddhist culture, where its pure traditions have flourished since the dawn of time.
Walk through the ancient trails
Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
Hoist prayer flags
Relish Bhutanese Arts and Craft
PACKAGE COST FROM
$ 2000
PACKAGE INCLUSION
Sustainable Development Fee to the Government of Bhutan which goes towards the development of schools. hospitals. etc.,
Bhutan Visa
Accommodations in 3- star properties. (Can be upgraded to 4 & 5-star with additional Premium)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide.
All ground transportation
All internal taxes and charges including Entry Fees
Mineral Water while traveling
Complimentary from company:
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
PACKAGE EXCLUSION
Airfare (can be arranged with us)
Travel Insurance
Any Expenses of Personal Nature
Tips for the guide and driver