This is a perfect journey for the travelers seeking in-depth cultural and rural lifestyle, with off-the-beaten-path experience in the four picturesque valleys of western Bhutan. The journey covers all ‘must see’ cultural attractions, historical highlights, rural lifestyle, breathtaking hikes, beautiful nature walk, and experiencing the Bhutanese way of life.
Day 1 – Hong Kong to Bangkok
Take a morning flight to Bangkok, check in the airport hotel. Enjoy free time in the afternoon. You may go shopping, sightseeing, enjoy massage and taste the local food in Bangkok. Overnight in the airport hotel.
Day 2 – Bangkok to Paro, transfer to Thimphu
Take an early morning flight from Bangkok to Paro. On fine days, you may see the spectacular Himalayas view on the plane as you approach Bhutan. Your guide and driver will greet you at the airport. Then drive to Thimphu (Driving distance: 55km. Approximately 1 hour.)
In the afternoon, visit the school of arts and crafts, followed by Trashichho Dzong, which is a large complex with the State building that house Bhutan king’s Golden Throne Room, and serve as the summer residence of Central Monastic Body.
Altitude of Paro: 2280m. Altitude of Thimphu: 2250m. Overnight in Thimphu (Phuentshopelri Hotel or similar).
Day 3 – Thimphu to Phobjikha via Dochula Pass
Morning drive to Kuenselphodrang to see Buddha Dordema, a 62m tall bronze statue. Then visit the Postal museum to see the world’s most beautiful collection of souvenir stamps, and make your own stamp using your picture.
Later, drive to Phobjikha with a stop over at Dochula Pass (3,150m) to take in the spectacular view of the Himalayas mountain range and to stroll around the beautiful 108 little stupas (pagodas).
Altitude of Phobjikha: 2900m. Driving Distance: 135km. Overnight in Phobjikha.
Day 4 – Explore Phobjikha
Morning visit the black necked crane education and information center. You may observe some cranes using the telescope in the center between end of October and March when they migrate here.
Visit Gangtey Shedra, the only Nyingma higher Buddhist studies institute in the country that offer nine years course. And the magnificent Gangtey monastery.
Try your hands on dha-tse, the national sports of Bhutan.
Take a nature hike to Gangtey Gonpa village, visit a farm house for the traditional Bhutanese cuisine and home-browed rice wine.
Altitude of Phobjikha: 2900m. Overnight in Phobjikha.
Day 5 – Sightseeing in Punakha
Morning drive to unakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan for 300 years, and visit the 17th century historical Punakha Dzong (fortress) which is deemed to be the beautiful fortress in the country.
In the afternoon, visit the royal nunnery founded by the queen mother, and Chimi Lhakhang, a temple built in the 15th century famous for fertility blessing.
Altitude of Punakha: 1300m. Driving distance from Phobjikha to Punakha: 65km. Overnight in Punakha (Hotel Vara or similar).
Day 6 – Paro
Morning drive back to Paro over the scenic Dochula pass (3,150m) , enroute stop over the Semtokha Dzong, the oldest an the first fortress built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century.
Then visit Paro Dzong and the National Museum.
Overnight in Paro (Janka Resort or similar).
Day 7 – Hike to Taktshang (Tiger Nest)
Morning hike to iconic Tiger Nest monastery that clings on the edge of a steep cliff 900 meters above Paro valley. It takes about 2.5 hours up and 2 hours back. You may choose to ride on a horseback to go halfway up the hill. You will have to hike the rest of the trail to see this magnificent monastery.
Visit a farm house for a traditional hot-stone bath and taste yak butter tea.
Overnight in Paro (Janka Resort or similar).
Day 8 – Departure
Paro ~ Bangkok ~ Hong Kong
Package Price from HK$21,800 (for a min. of 4 passengers)
Includes:
- Hong Kong~Bangkok~Paro and Paro~Bangkok~Hong Kong economy class tickets (CX/TG + KB)
- Bhutan visa US$40
- Daily sustainable tourism royalty tax of US$65 per person per night
- Driver and English speaking tour guide
- Accommodation at 3-star hotels on twin-sharing basis
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the itinerary
- One bottle of water each day
- Wearing Bhutanese costumes
- One hot stone bath
- Archery experience
- TIC stamp duty
Does NOT include:
- Travel Insurance
- Travel visa for Bangkok (if applicable)
- Airport taxes and fuel surcharge
- Tips for driver and local guide
- Laundry, drinks and other personal expenses
Hong Kong Enquiries
Connie Fok at +852 3198 9368 or [email protected]
More about Bhutan tours…
A tourist visa is required for all travellers (except for Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) and all tours must be made through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
The daily sustainable tourism royalty tariff is US$65 per person per night for 3 passengers travelling together. There is a surcharge of US$30 per person per night for 2 travellers and US$40 per night for sole travellers.
Customized itinerary, hotels and hotel rooms upgrade, and restaurant choices are possible. Clients may also arrange their own Hong Kong~Bangkok flights. For details, please contact [email protected].
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