Bhutan Vacation Package: Experience The Culture and Beauty of Bhutan

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Today you begin your Bhutan journey by boarding your international flight to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival, you are met by your private guide and driven to your hotel. After check-in, spend some time relaxing and recovering from the flight. Later, your guide will show you around the chaotic Kathmandu metropolis. Starting off in Durbar Square, make your way to the market quarter on Thamel and the House of the Living Goddess before you explore some of the more unconventional areas that you would only discover with a local.

Day 2: Traversing to Thimphu

This morning, you’ll be driven to Kathmandu airport in order to take a brief one and a half hour flight to Paro. On reaching, you’ll meet your private guide who will stay with you for your entire trip. As per your personal preferences, he can suggest stops en route that suit your personal interests. On your one and a half hour journey from Paro airport to Thimpu, you will stop at Simtokha village which is home to a Dzong, known to guard the locals against a demon who disappeared into a nearby rock. The road into Thimpu follows the Paro Chhu river closely with picturesque views back across the Paro valley.

Day 3: Thimphu Exploration

The whole day today is yours to uncover the city with your guide. Thimphu is best explored on foot, but in case you wish to visit one of the sites of interest situated on the surrounding hills, your guide is always there. The King's Memorial which was built in honor of the third king is of particular interest. Each day a number of Bhutanese come to pray and spin the colorful prayer wheels which is a nice spot to people watch.

Day 4: Venturing to Punakha

Today, get ready for a picturesque drive to Punakha, over the Dochu La pass offering splendid views. The journey takes about 3 hours but visiting the Chimi Lhakhang temple in between is worth a stop before reaching Punakha. The temple can't be reached by road and so your guide will lead you on a brief walk through rice paddies to the temple itself, an especially memorable way to reach. On reaching Punakha, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of your day at leisure to just relax.

Day 5: Exploring Punakha

The Punakha Dzong is located on the convergence of the Mo and Pho river. Today, your guide will show you around the temples, towers, and courtyards. It has suffered from several fires and flooding over the years but is still one of the most astonishing dzongs in Bhutan.

Day 6: Visiting Phobjikha

Today, you will be driven to Gangtey Valley. In case you happen to visit over the winter months, you will see the captivating Black-necked crane migration.

Day 7: Phobjikha Exploration Tour

Explore the Gangtey Valley today with your guide. The attractions include walking the Tenkhor Yuetshe Sum Trail and heading to the black-necked crane research center.

Day 8: Heading to Jakar, Bumthang Valley

This morning, start your journey to Bumthang. Along the way, Trongsa is a great stop off point for enjoying some lunch and visiting the astonishing Trongsa Dzong, which is the largest Dzong fortress in Bhutan.

Day 9: Walking Tour of Jakar, Bumthang Valley

Today, get ready for a walking tour of some of the temples in the Jakar area which includes the scenic Thangbi Mani Lhakhang, situated in a quaint corner of the valley framed by wonderful mountains. There will also be the opportunity to visit Jakar Dzong, the ideal vantage point for views across Jakar.

Day 10: Visiting Paro

You’ll return back to Paro today by road which takes about 5 hours. Your guide can suggest some nice places to stop en route to enjoy the scenery and some light refreshments. On reaching Paro, you have the rest of the day to relax. There is an open-air terrace in your hotel with views right across the valley.

Day 11: Paro Highlights Tour

You’ll be driven 12 km out of Paro today to Taksang, which is known famously as Tiger's Nest Monastery. The highlight of most of the Bhutan trips, the monastery sits on a high rocky ledge with spectacular views. Depending on your fitness, the climb from the car park takes 2 to 3 hours with small cafes to stop off for some tea or coffee en route. Once you have reached the hermitage itself, you then retrace your steps back to the car park. If you feel like you might not be able to make it to the hermitage itself, we still would suggest a visit to view the monastery from a viewpoint with a splendid vista of the cliff face.

Day 12: More Time in Paro

Today, spend the day at Cheli La, which is one of the highest passes in the area. Here, you will walk to some local villages accompanied by your guide for a taste of local life as well as to admire the mountain views.

Day 13: Returning Back to Kathmandu

This morning, you’ll be driven to the airport to catch the brief flight back to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, you’ll meet your private guide and will be driven to your hotel. Depending on your flight timing, you may have some extra time in hand to explore Kathmandu. Do visit the Thamel market for some offbeat souvenirs.

Day 14: Departure Back Home

Today, after breakfast, you’ll be driven to Kathmandu airport for your onward flight back home.

If you have any queries regarding traveling in Bhutan or planning a visit to the country, you can fill out the inquiry form or contact us at Priyanka.sharma@Leisure.com and we’ll try to answer them for you as soon as possible. For more travel inspiration, read all our articles for some amazing trips around the world.