On a weeklong small-group tour, discover Bhutan, Asia's best-kept secret. It is a relatively new travel destination, overshadowed and nestled between China and India, with many untold secrets hidden in its natural beauty and peaceful villages. The landscape is dotted with monks dressed in red, historic Buddhist temples, and warm smiles. It is a serene country where gross national happiness is valued more than money, where chilies are consumed as a vegetable rather than a spice, and where the thunder dragon, Druk, is inscribed on the national flag, symbolizing the Bhutanese people: loyal, patriotic, and living in a complete sense of belonging within the kingdom.
Highlights
Hike Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten monastery built to bring peace to the world
Visit Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory and Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center
Discover Thimphu, the world's only capital without traffic lights!
Hike Tiger's Nest, a tiny monastery perched 900 meters above the valley floor.
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
After arrival at Paro Airport and making your way through immigration and customs formalities, meet and greet your guide and driver and warmly welcomed to the enchanting Land of the Thunder Dragon. Drive for approximately 2 hours alongside mountains, rivers, and fields of red rice to Thimphu, the Bhutan capital city. After lunch, you may visit Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory, Bhutan's famous traditional incense maker, as well as the colorful Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. Once everyone has arrived, join the meeting and dinner before wandering and exploring the fascinating streets of Thimphu, the world's only capital city without a traffic light!
Today begins with a pleasant walk that meanders gently up the valley through paddy fields, pristine woodlands, and a Tibetan village, a trail that continues uphill (1 hour) to the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery – built-in 1620 by Shabdrung, the first ruler of Bhutan. Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Thimphu for an afternoon of sightseeing. Begin by visiting the National Memorial Chorten – many Thimphu residents consider this to be the heart and soul of Thimphu and gather here every day to pray and walk clockwise around the chorten. Afterward, visit Drubthob Nunnery, the Choki Traditional Art School, and the incredible National Textile Museum. Visit the National Handicrafts Emporium which, offers high-quality traditional goods and a small family-run enterprise that manufactures paper and paper products using traditional methods.
This morning, drive to Punakha – the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop at Dochu-La pass for a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, the majestic Gangkhar Puensum. Continue the journey before taking another break. Enjoy a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499 by lama Drukpa Kunley. With its three towers and wonderful location, a confluence of the two rivers is considered by many to be the most beautiful of Bhutan’s 21 Dzongs. Arrive in Punakha for a goodnight's rest before another day of exploration tomorrow.
Head down to the convergence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, two of the main rivers of Bhutan, and admire breathtaking views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second-largest Dzong in the country, as well as the cantilever bridge that spans across the river. Afterward, join your leader for an optional hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery – an elaborately decorated Chorten, built to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to all living things. As with many monasteries in Bhutan, your leader will need to hunt around for the caretaker with the keys to have a look inside!
This morning head back over the Dochu-La and continue to Thimphu (approximately 4 hours). The roads in Bhutan are narrow, and the distances do not appear to be very far, due to the nature of the road. With the many valleys they pass through, traveling can take some time – so this is a good chance to relax and refresh. After lunch in Thimpu, continue by vehicle into the Paro Valley. This evening, experience Bhutanese hospitality and a taste of tradition with a home-cooked meal at the rustic Tshering Farm House. Soak up the friendly atmosphere and try your hand at Bhutan's national sport, archery, with an introductory lesson.
After an early breakfast followed by a short drive, prepare for your hike to the legendary Taktsang (Tigers Nest) – a magnificent Monastery clinging to a rock cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. After approximately 1 hour of ascending the mountainside, reach a small teahouse that has a wonderful panoramic view of the temple and is the ideal place to enjoy lunch. For those interested, it’s possible to get a more intimate view by hiking another 45 minutes to 1 hour (in each direction) to reach the small chorten directly across from the temple.
Included Activities:
Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike
Day 7: Paro | Return Home
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before a departure transfer to Paro airport for your flight out of Bhutan
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,7102-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Notes
Select a Date
Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to increase at any time. Book early to get the best rate.
Initial deposit is $400 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
6 Nights Accommodations
6 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Sustainable Development Fee
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Optional Activities
For those traveling internationally with Intrepid: emergency evacuation and medical insurance are mandatory, and comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See here for more details
Visa and passport fees
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
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