7 Day All-Inclusive and Fully Customisable Adventure Tour in Bhutan
Private Adventure Holiday in Bhutan
Plan your once-in-a-lifetime experience to explore the happiest country in Asia and immerse yourself in its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Having served over 17,996+ satisfied travellers, Bhutan Drukasia is arguably the foremost experts on Bhutan tours in the world. Explore Bhutan stress-free, you are in safe hands!
Highlights
- Visit National Memorial Chorten and the Thimphu Tashichho Dzong
- Spot Bhutan's national animal, the majestic Takins
- Hike up to the magnificent Tiger’s Nest Monastery with its breathtaking views
- City tour around Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan and picnic lunches with a view
- Dress up in traditional gho (men) or kira (women)
- Guaranteed visa approval for Bhutan
- 6 nights stay in carefully handpicked 3-star accommodations throughout your trip
- Daily 3 meals at restaurants or hotels and an aauthentic home-cooked dinner
Accommodation
Accommodations at 3-star hotels are included in the package. If you prefer, you can upgrade to 5-star resorts and enjoy luxury amenities such as spas for an additional fee. Simply inform Bhutan Drukasia, and they will assist you with the arrangements.
Do share your preferred hotel(s) during discussions with Bhutan Drukasia before payment. If not indicated, selections are made based on the best options as shared by our guests' reviews. Certain hotels may charge additional fees on top of the standard normal rate. The 3-star hotels Bhutan Drukasia usually uses for their trips are:
Thimphu
- Hotel Changangkha
- Bhutan Peaceful Residency & Spa
- Thimphu Central Hotel
Punakha
- The Four Boutique
- Zhingkham Resort/Dharma Siddhi Apartment
- Meri Puensum Resort
Paro
- Silver Cloud Hotel
- Hotel Olathang
- Rema Resort
- Zhidheychen Resort
- Lhayhuel Resort
Gangtey
- ABC Lodge
- Hotel Phobjikha
- Phuentsho Yangkhil Lodge
- Dewachen Hotel//Home Stay
Bumthang
- Bumthang Mountain Resort
- Rinchenling Resort
- Valley Resort
- Dekyil Guest House
- Swiss Guest House
Program
Culture
Experience the vibrant culture of Bhutan by visiting must-see locations like Paro Valley, Thimphu and Punakha Dzong, and by enjoying local cuisine with a local family.
Nature
Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Bhutan through activities such as trekking, hiking, and wildlife spotting in national parks like Kuenselphodrang Nature Park.
Festivals
Witness colourful and vibrant festivals, such as the Paro Tsechu and Thimphu Tshechu, showcasing Bhutanese traditions and customs.
Detailed Itinerary
Note: This is just a sample itinerary. All parts of the package are 100% customisable.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro, Head to Thimphu
- Elevation: 2,334 meters / 7,329 feet
- Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, you will take it easy to acclimatise to the altitude. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel, and let yourself have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine.
Buddha Point [1 hour]
Located at Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the 51.5-metre-tall bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The Buddha Dordenma symbolises indestructibility, and is said to emanate peace and happiness to the world.
National Memorial Chorten [1 hour]
Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten. Chorten means ‘Seat of Faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments, the ‘Mind of Buddha’. Treat yourself to the fantastic depiction of Buddhist teachings in the form of paintings and sculptures at this temple. As the name denotes this National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974, in memory of the Third King.
Tashichhodzong (Thimphu Dzong) [1 hour]
The “fortress of the glorious religion” was first constructed in 1641 and restored by the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichhodzong houses the offices of some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monastic body.
Day 2: Thimphu
- Elevation: 2,334 meters / 7,657 feet
- Drive Time ~N/A
Takin Enclosure [2 hours]
On the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange-looking beast some say looks like a bee-stung moose.
Wangditse Day Hike [2 hours]
The walk from the Radio Tower to Choekhortse Goemba via Wangditse is a moderate hike with great views over Thimphu. The peace road finishes at the broadcast tower, which further up is adorned by fluttering prayer flags. The view of south Thimphu from here is superb. The trail heads up for a while and detours to right through an apple orchard and a few farmhouses above the trail. From here, the trail drops down gently through oak, blue pine, and rhododendron until you reach Wangditse monastery.
After another section through the forest, the trail ends up at Choekhortse Goemba (9,870 feet / 3,010 meters), a private temple where monks often go for meditation. From here, you turn left to continue straight downhill back to the Radio Tower.
Wangditse Goemba was founded in 1750 by the attendants of Bhutan's 8th desi, Yeshey Rabgye. It was renovated in 2002 after it suffered serious damage in a windstorm in 1995. The goemba houses the statues of the guardian deities Yeshey Gonpo (Mahakala), Palden Lhamo (Mahakali) and Tsheringma (the Goddess of Longevity).
Institute of Zorig Chusum [1 hour]
Commonly known as the Painting School or the School of the Thirteen Arts, the Institute offers you a glimpse of novices learning 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. It is a hands-on trip for you. Enjoy a few moments with future artists of the country.
Simply Bhutan [1 hour]
Simply Bhutan is an interactive living museum that gives an introduction to Bhutanese traditions. There’s also a café that dishes nosh that locals eat at home.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
- Elevation: 1,242 meters / 4,075 feet
- Drive time: ~2.5 hours
You will set off early from Thimphu after breakfast. Then proceed to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, about 2 1/2 hours drive from Thimphu across Dochu-la pass. Once you cross the pass, you wind down into a warm fertile valley and meander along a gently flowing aquamarine river that leads you to the Punakha Dzong, the second dzong to be built in Bhutan. Wind down into a warm fertile valley and meander along a gently flowing aquamarine river that leads you to the Punakha Dzong, the second dzong to be built in Bhutan.
Chimi Lhakhang [1 hour]
Also known as the Fertility Temple, this monastery is located in the beautiful village of Sopsokha. It stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was constructed in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpaheirarch. This monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, the 'Divine Madman', known for his risqué behavior. The footpath to Chimi Lhakhang meanders through beautiful terraces of paddy fields. The walk across the fields takes about 30 minutes. Many have been blessed with children after praying at the temple.
Dochula Pass [1 hour]
At 3,100 meters, this beautiful pass located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu offers stunning 360-degree panoramas of the Himalayas mountain range. Here you will also see 108 chortens built by Her Majesty The Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The pass is a popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists.
Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge [1 hour]
At 160 meters, this is known as the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. From here, you will get spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.
Punakha Dzong [1-2 hours]
Located strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by the Great Unifer of Bhutan as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government in Bhutan was introduced in the 17th century. The first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. Damaged by four fires and an earthquake over the centuries, the Dzong was fully restored in recent years by the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It is now the winter home of Je Khenpo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. Marvel over intricate woodwork by the best craftsmen in Bhutan.
Day 4: Punakha to Gangtey
- Elevation: 3000 meters / 9,843 miles
- Drive time: ~2 hours
The valley of Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the Black necked crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to the end of March.
Black-Necked Crane Information Centre [1 hour]
The valley of Phobjikha is known as the winter home of the Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to an end of March. Black-necked Crane Information Centre, which has informative displays about the cranes and the valley environment. You can use the center’s powerful spotting scopes and check what you see against its pamphlet ‘Field Guide to Crane Behaviour’. If the weather’s iffy you can browse the library and handicraft shop, and watch videos at 10 am and 3 pm (Nu 200).
Gangtey Goempa [1 hour]
Situated on a forested hill overlooking the entire Phobijkha Valley is Gangtey Goemba, a monastery dating back to the 17th century. The largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan, it was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay, the grandson and reincarnate of Pema Thinley, a 15th-century “treasure seeker” who had predicted that a goemba named gang-teng (hilltop) would be built on this site and that his teachings would spread from here.
Home Visit [1 hour]
Visit a Bhutanese family at their home and share dinner over conversations. Take a peek into their lives and experience dining in a traditional Bhutanese home embraced by the warm hospitality of the family.
Day 5: Gangtey to Paro
- Elevation: 2,200 meters / 7,218 feet
- Drive time: ~5 hours
The beautiful valley of Paro is home to many of Bhutan's old monasteries and temples. The country's only Airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley
Kyichu Lhakhang [1 hour]
At 1,300 years old, this is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Like the Jambhay Lhakhang in Bumthang, it is one of 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue and vanquish an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Legend has it that all 108 temples were built in a single night. The Kyichhu temple’s name means “reservoir of peace”. Next to the temple is a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. You will see photographs and other personal artifacts belonging to the Rinpoche.
Paro Town [1 hour]
Explore the main street of Paro town and check out if there's anything you will like to pick up as a souvenir!
Paro Valley [1 hour]
The beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan's old monasteries and temples. The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley.
Tachog Lhakhang [1 hour]
In the 14th century, an emanation of Guru Padmasambhava, the great Siddha Thangtong Gyalpo had been to many places and built about 50 iron bridges in the parts of this world, for the benefit of all beings. When the great Siddha was in Phagri in Tibet, the Haa Chundu and Paro Jodarkay requested him to come to Bhutan for the benefit of Buddha’s teaching and people.
In Bhutan, the great Siddha had built about eight bridges and established several Lhakhangs, such as Deoeteng Lhakhang, Phurdo Geonpa, Mindral Goenpa, Bardrong Lhakhang, etc. Specially Dumtse Lhakhang at Paro Droelphug Jangsa was built for remedy of subduing Sadak and Lunyen in the country.
The place where Tachong Lhakhang is situated above Chhuzom the great Siddha had meditated for seven days, and he has the vision that the Lhakhang should be built at that place, and the name of the place is also given by Tachog Gang. Because this particular place is suitable for meditation, and to accomplish ones Buddha’s activities. The natural situation of the place is also in the triangle shape.
One day he had seen a woman with the signs of Dakini, and he gave her three blessing pills. After some time, she had a son, named Dewa Zangpo. People in the place asked her about his father. He was pointing his finger to the sky and said that his father is in the sky. A still picture of this story exists in the wall painting and Statue in the Lhakhang. During the time of Desi Tenzin Rabgay, the Lhakhang was completely rebuilt as it was seen as the protector of Paro Valley.
Day 6: Paro
- Elevation: 2,200 meters / 7,218 feet
- Drive time: N/A
Are you ready? You will be making the hike up to one of the key highlights in Bhutan today! Tiger's Nest aka Taktsang Monastery.
Hot Stone Bath [1 hour]
After the trekking, A Bhutanese traditional hot stone bath will be specially arranged for you to relax your muscles. The process of a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is unique. It uses Menchu (medicinal water) which is nothing but fresh river water mixed with Artemisia leaves. The water is heated using river stones that are roasted on fire till they are glowing red. The temperature of the water can be increased by adding more heated stones into a wooden chamber via a chute. This chamber is connected to the main tub (also made of wood) which contains the water. The holes in the chamber allow the heat to be infused into the bath (so there is no danger of being burned by the hot stones) and the stones are said to release key minerals into the water which are believed to have medicinal benefits. One can soak in the water for about half and hour after a tiring day. **additional charges USD 25 per person.
Taktsang Monastery [6 hours]
Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, this monastery set dramatically on the cliffs of Paro Valley, is Bhutan’s most famous landmark. In fact, some tourists would even say that “A trip to Bhutan is not complete without climbing to Taktsang.” According to local folklore, the Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress (his consort Yeshey Tshogyal) and meditated in one of the caves, before emerging in eight manifestations. A hike up to Taktsang draws people with different interests. It fills those who are spiritually inclined with a sense of peace, while avid hikers feel a sense of achievement upon reaching the monastery. Take time to process the mental and physical sensations that wash over you during the uphill climb as you ascend more than two thousand feet from the valley floor to reach the monastery.
Day 7:Depart Paro
- Elevation: 0 meters
- Drive Time ~N/A
Today you will bid a fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take a flight back home. Bhutan Drukasia hopes by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And they look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek!
Guides and Suggested Itineraries
- First tip: always go to your guide for discussions big and small. Whether you're a fast walker/climber, prefer going slow to have a feel of the land, wish to swap a place out for another - do share, so they've time to make arrangements. Do note that your final itinerary is still subject to changes, perhaps due to ad-hoc local events or weather conditions, etc.
- Two: A longer itinerary provides wider options for travelers who prefer variety to their stay in Bhutan. Instead of going to another monastery, you can go for a trek. Instead of going for a trek, you can visit a Museum. It is suggested that you use your itinerary as a guide rather than a fixed schedule. Unexpected stuffs always happen in Bhutan.
- Three: Yours is an exclusive holiday, not to be combined with other groups at any point of stay. This explains the freedom to be flexible on this trip of a lifetime - time and weather permitting, and to the final professional discretion of your guide.
Location
Places to visit
Day 1 - Thimphu
- Buddha Point
- National Memorial Chorten
- Tashichhodzong (Thimphu Dzong)
Day 2 - Thimphu
- Takin Enclosure
- Wangditse Day Hike
- Institute of Zorig Chusum
- Simply Bhutan
Day 3 - Punakha
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Dochula Pass
- Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge
- Punakha Dzong
Day 4 - Gangtey
- Black-Necked Crane Information Centre
- Gangtey Goempa
- Home Visit
Day 5 - Paro
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Paro Town
- Paro Valley
- Tachog Lhakhang
Day 6 - Paro
- Hot Stone Bath
- Taktsang Monastery
Food
All meals are included. Meal restrictions, allergies, special specifications for guides, etc. (if any) should be raised at least 7 days before departure (to the best of their abilities). All requests after this timeline will be subject to availability.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
What's included
- Private guided tour
- Visas for Bhutan
- Airport transfers
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels
- 6 nights accommodation at 3 star hotel + homestay
- A qualified and licensed English-speaking guide
- An experienced driver
- A tour vehicle
- Entry fees and road permits
- Government fee, royalty, taxes and surcharges
- Mineral bottled water
- Set of traditional costumes(to be returned at the end of your stay)
- Full service and assistance before, during, and after your Bhutan trip
What's not included
- Flights into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged)
- Flights on other airlines to connect with Drukair flights
- Meals at 4-5 star restaurants
- Hotel stays outside of Bhutan
- Personal expenditures
- Travel insurance (can be arranged)
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Alcoholic drinks
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Paro International Airport
22 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you'll find your guide and driver holding Druk Asia's signboard with your name(s) on it and a big smile on their faces, all the way till your last day at the departure hall.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.