| Image : Bhutan Prayer Wheel |

Experience Bhutan

 

We visit mysterious Bhutan. Closed for centuries and still with only limited access. Marvel at the amazing beauty and monasteries tucked into ravines and on Himalayan mountain ledges.

Bhutan is also the home of the rhododendron. They can be seen in all manner of hues and shades, ranging from dense shrubs to trees over 20 metres tall. Some of these ancient trees are the progenitors of what later became cultivated and celebrated in gardens worldwide. Bhutan regulates group sizes and maximum tourist numbers per annum. Join us on our unique tour of amazing Bhutan.

Explore this rarely visited but fascinating destination including the world famous Rhododendron Festival (normally 3rd week of April).

Includes

  • Meals as per final itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Light lunch, D = Welcome, Farewell and other dinners as shown included.
  • Accommodation: 3-4 star twin share rooms.
  • Local guide(s).
  • Group transport.
  • Entrances to activities as per itinerary.
  • Items shown as included in the final itinerary.

    Excludes

    • Flights
    • Visas and Entry Fees
    • Gratuities
    • Drinks and other discretionary items
    • Items not specifically shown as included in the final itinerary.

    Itinerary

    Explore this rarely visited but fascinating destination including the world famous Rhododendron Festival (normally 3rd week of April).

    Day 1: Paro

    Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu • Morning: Arrive at Paro International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and driver who will assist with your transfer to Thimphu. Paro Airport is small by international standards but no less of an art! We wouldn’t mind you waiting while you check out the arts if you like.

    Afternoon: Drive to Thimphu (54 km, 1.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through the Paro Valley to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Check into hotel.
    Its your call, either relax in the hotel or visit the local market. D

    Day 2: Thimphu

    Morning: Visit Tashichho Dzong and the National Folk Heritage Museum. Explore Tashichho Dzong, a fortress-monastery that serves as the office of the king and the summer residence of the central monastic body. Learn about Bhutanese rural life through exhibits at the museum.

    Afternoon: Visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (Arts and Crafts School), National Memorial Chorten and the Buddha Dordenma statue. Observe students practicing traditional arts and crafts at the school.

    Then, visit the Memorial built in memory of the 3rd king of Bhutan, known as the father of modern Bhutan. Then drive to see the massive Buddha statue (one of the largest sitting Buddha statue) which offers panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley.

    Evening: Visit the Takin Preserve and explore the local market. See the takin, Bhutan’s national animal, at the preserve and enjoy shopping for local crafts in the market.

    Difficulty: Easy B,L,D

    Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha and Rhododendron Festival (3rd week of April)

    Morning: Drive to Lamperi Botanical Park (30 km, 1 hour). Attend the Rhododendron Festival featuring various species of rhododendrons and cultural performances.

    Afternoon: Continue to Punakha (30 km, 1 hour). 2024/25 ©zerocarbongetaways Enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha.

    Evening: Visit Punakha Dzong. Explore Punakha Dzong, known for its stunning architecture and location at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

    Difficulty: Easy B,L,D

    Day 4: Punakha Exploration

    Morning: Visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery (7 km, 20-30 minutes). The nunnery offers panoramic views of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys and is a serene place for meditation and reflection.

    Afternoon: Visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, offering spectacular views of the river and valley. • Evening: Return to Punakha and relax. Spend a relaxing evening at your hotel or explore the local area.

    Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. B,L,D

    Day 5: Punakha to Paro

    Morning: Drive back to Paro. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Bhutanese countryside without entering the capital.

    Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Bhutan and Paro Rinpung Dzong. Explore the museum housed in an ancient watchtower and visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery.

    Evening: Stroll through Paro town and shop for souvenirs. Enjoy an evening exploring Paro town and its markets.

    Difficulty: Easy B,L,D

    Day 6: Tiger’s Nest Monastery

    Morning: Optional hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) (4 km one way, 2-3 hours ascent, 1-2 hours descent). Undertake a picturesque hike to this sacred site perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley. For a less strenuous option, stop at the viewpoint. Alternative: Hike to the viewpoint only (4 km round way), which offers stunning views of the monastery without the strenuous climb. Note: This is one of the highlights of Bhutan, but if you are not sure this is your cup of tea, we’ve arranged optional drive to Chelela Pass, which offers stunning views of Paro and Haa Valley.

    Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local café at the base of the hill. • Evening: Spend the evening at leisure in Paro. Enjoy an optional relaxing traditional hot stone bath in a farmhouse and take a stroll around the town.

    Difficulty: Moderate dependent upon choice.

    Join in for the included Farewell Dinner tonight. B,L,D

    Day 7: Paro

    Departure
    Morning: Group transfer to Paro International Airport (10 km, 30 minutes).       B

    THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

    Available dates:

    April

    Pricing:

    Email info@travlink.net or within NZ call 0800 99 77 88 for more about this unique tour