7 Day Discover Bhutan | Private Cultural & Nature Adventure

4.9
(11 reviews)
Thimphu, Bhutan

7 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

This 6 nights & 7 days tour takes you to Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha and Paro covering western Bhutan. You will be visiting to ancient temples and fortresses. Hike up to Taktsang and enjoy dinner with local family and take traditional hotstone bath.

What's Included

Private transportation
Monument Fees (Dzongs & Temples) and Museum Fees
Bottle of water in the car.
Lunch (Optional[6])
Lunch
Dinner (Optional[6])
Dinner
Breakfast (Optional[6])
Breakfast
A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay.
3 star accommodation
Flight
Drinks & Beverages
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Visa Fee
Personal Expenses such as Laundry, Tips, etc
Travel Insurance

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Once you arrive at Paro airport, our guide will pick you up.

OR
Meeting point
Paro International Airport

Once you arrive at Paro airport, our guide will pick you up.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Arrive at Paro - Thimphu

    6 stops
  • 1
    Paro International Airport

    Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our English speaking guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital city. It is a one and half hour drive.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    On the way visit Tachogang Iron Chain Bridge, which is located on the ridge with a beautiful view. It is just a 10 minutes walk from the highway. It is a great spot for photography with a stunning view and peaceful ambience.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)

    National Memorial Chorten; Probably one of the most popular Thimphu points of interest, this chorten features as a daily place of worship in many natives’ lives.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory

    Handmade Paper Factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper. You can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Clock Tower Square

    Walk through Bhutan’s capital city exploring Clock Tower Square, a prominent landmark adorned with intricate Bhutanese motifs and stroll towards Thimphu’s iconic traffic junction, famously known as the main traffic circle as it has no traffic lights. Instead, you’ll witness a white-gloved traffic officer gracefully directing vehicles in a choreographed style that has become a tourist attraction in its own right.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Centenary Farmers Market

    The Centenary Farmers Market (Now Kaja Throm) is a vibrant and dynamic space, offering a diverse range of products and experiences.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Thimphu

    5 stops
  • 7

    After breakfast, drive north of Thimphu (approx. 30 minutes) to the trailhead of Chari Monastery. Begin a scenic hike through pine and oak forests, crossing a traditional cantilever bridge over the Wang Chhu River. The hike takes about 1–1.5 hours uphill.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Choki Traditional Art School

    Choki Traditional Art School in Thimphu (30 minutes north), Bhutan, is a remarkable institution dedicated to preserving Bhutan's traditional arts and crafts.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 9
    Pangri Zampa Monastery

    Pangri Zampa - Astrology College and seek and find out your astrology birth chart. Here, you will have a personal consultation with an astrologer, who will interpret your astrological chart and offer insights rooted in ancient Bhutanese wisdom. This enlightening session provides a deeper understanding of your life path through the lens of Buddhist cosmology.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Motithang Takin Preserve

    Royal Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin – Bhutan’s national animal.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 11
    Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)

    Proceed to Tashichho Dzong, the magnificent fortress-monastery that houses the offices of the King and the central monastic body. The fortress opens to visitors between 05:00PM to 06:30PM during weekdays and 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM.

    50 minutes Admission ticket included
  • Day 3

    Thimphu - Phobjikha

    5 stops
  • 12
    Buddha Dordenma

    Dordenma Buddha statue Atop a hill in Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, is a massive, golden Buddha sitting atop a gilded meditation hall. This massive statue of Buddha measures about 51.5 meters. Located in the Mountain of Kuenselphodrong Nature Park. It is believed that the Dordenma Buddha Statue fulfills an ancient prophecy which dates back to 12th century A.D. which is said to bestow the blessings, peace, and happiness to the whole world.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 13
    Dochula Pass

    Dochula Pass. Dochula Pass is a mountain pass located in the Kingdom of Bhutan, a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas. It sits at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. The pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic peaks of the snow-capped Himalayas. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.

    40 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 14
    Wangdue Dzong

    Continue your descent through lush forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron as the landscape gradually transforms into the fertile and subtropical Punakha Valley. Continue further and Phobjikha, pausing briefly for photography of Wangduephodrang Dzong at the Bridge. Our journey then takes us over the scenic Lawa La Pass as we make our way to Gangtey.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Phobjikha Valley

    Phobjikha valley is also the winter home of Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north (Tibetan plateau) to pass their winter in the milder and lower climate. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and offers incredible scenery.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 16

    On arrival in Gangtey, set out on the Gangtey Nature Trail, which is one and a half hours, one of the most scenic walks in the region. The trail begins from Gangtey Monastery and meanders through pine forests, flower-dotted meadows, and stretches of open valley.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    Gangtey - Punakha

    7 stops
  • 17
    Black Necked Crane Center

    After breakfast visit the Crane Information Center where you get information about the valley.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 18
    Gangtey Monastery

    And Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century, perched atop a small hill that overlooks almost the entire Phobjikha Valley, the spectacular Gangtey Monastery is surrounded by a large village. A must-visit when in Gangtey.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 19
    Punakha

    Then drive to Punakha (2 hrs). Along the way, pass traditional villages, terraced rice fields, and beautiful river valleys that showcase Bhutan's rural charm.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 20
    Punakha Dzong

    In Punakha visit Punakha Dzong in local attire (can be optionally, depending on the price), one of the majestic fortresses that sits at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Female) and Pho Chhu (Male) rivers. To access the dzong, you’ll need to cross the Bazam Bridge, originally a bridge built in the 17th century.. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan.

    50 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 21
    Punakha Suspension Bridge

    And take a short walk to the iconic Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding valley.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 22

    Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch by the riverside in Punakha, with breathtaking views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It is the perfect setting to relax and soak in the serene natural surroundings.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 23
    Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

    Later, 45 minutes hike (one way) to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Khasum Yulley Namgyal is a beautiful chorten located on a ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha overlooking several villages.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • Day 5

    Punakha - Paro

    5 stops
  • 24
    Chimi Lhakhang Temple

    3-star Accommodation

    50 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 25
    Paro

    Start the journey to Paro (5 hrs).

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 26
    Rinpung Dzong

    In Paro, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, is one of Bhutan's most iconic fortresses, located in the scenic Paro Valley. Its full name, Rinpung Dzong, translates to "Fortress of the Heap of Jewels".

    50 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 27
    Chencho Handicrafts

    Later, visit Chencho Weaving Center in Paro Town, a locally-run weaving center showcases the intricate art of traditional Bhutanese weaving, offering visitors a chance to witness skilled artisans at work and stroll.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 28
    Paro town

    Later enjoy some free time to explore the charming Paro downtown. Stroll along the main street lined with colorful traditional Bhutanese architecture. You may also explore the local market area or simply relax at a cozy café

    50 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Day 6

    Paro

    3 stops
  • 29
    Paro Taktsang

    breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery, the wooded structure stands bravely on a cliff in the upper Paro Valley. The walk of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours one way. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche have flown here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century.

    5 hours Admission ticket included
  • 30
    Tshering Farmhouse

    Picturesque farm houses dotted the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for dinner with them and experience their hospitality. A visit gives you an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of Bhutan. And try the Hot Stone Bath (Extra charge). A Bhutanese hot stone bath is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing and is also believed to have numerous health benefits.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 31
    Namgay Artisanal Brewery

    Namgay Artisanal Brewery: Did you know Bhutan has some of the most reputed and highly enjoyed brews? Well, if you are a beer lover and want to taste some of the finest brews, you must visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro Valley.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Day 7

    Departure

    1 stop
  • Paro International Airport (Pass by)

    In the morning drive to the Airport for flight to your onward destination.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by OMSHA Travel - Travel Guide to Bhutan

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 11 11 reviews
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