Bhutan Round Trip - The Kingdom in the Himalayas

The best months for a trip to Bhutan are March to May and September to November. In spring, nature is in bloom and autumn offers clear views of the Himalayan mountains. Many Tshechu festivals also take place during these periods.

Finally, the time has come! You will land at Paro airport and after receiving your luggage, you will be warmly welcomed by your private guide in the arrival hall. We hope you had a pleasant journey with the Drukair and could already enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayan Mountains and Mount Everest from the air in beautiful weather.

Your destination today is Thimphu, the Bhutanese national capital. You will check into your hotel, the modern Hotel Osel, and after freshening up in your room, join an interesting sightseeing tour. You will visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument built in memory of the third king of Bhutan as well as the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue. Towering high above the city, this is the largest seated Buddha statue in Bhutan, as well as one of the largest in the world, at a height of approximately 50 meters. We hope you packed your camera, because you will be completely amazed by the fantastic view of the Thimphu valley.

With great photos in your luggage, we will continue to Zilukha Nunnery. Not far from the city center, about 60 nuns live and pray here.

Another important attraction is the Tashichho Dzong. Also known as Thimphu Dzong, one of the most beautiful and famous monastic fortresses in the country awaits you here, which is also the seat of government and also houses the throne room of the king.

Tip: If you are in Bhutan in autumn, you must not miss the famous Thimphu Tshechu Festival. Because that's when the whole city turns upside down: great mask dances, drum rolls and prayers to make the gods have mercy attract countless tourists every year.

Travel time Paro airport - Thimphu hotel: 47 km / approx. 1:30 hours

Overnight stay with full board in Thimphu, Bhutan

Put on your walking shoes! Today a great hike to the Tango Monastery awaits you. After you have reached the easily accessible hiking trail about 45 minutes away by car, you will hike for about an hour through pine and mixed forests. Then you have finally made it! Founded in the 12th century, the monastery is today one of the most important training centers for Buddhist philosophy and mediation in the country.

Back in Thimphu, you'll fortify yourself with a fresh lunch before visiting a local art school and the Textile Museum. The Textile Museum displays traditional clothing from the past and present, as well as richly decorated traditional costumes of Bhutan. And this is far from all for today! Afterwards we have organized a visit to the Museum Simply Bhutan for you. If you feel like it, you can try on traditional clothes and take great photos in front of painted backgrounds. You will also find a souvenir store and various handicraft exhibitions.

Full board accommodation in Thimphu, Bhutan

Enjoy the rich breakfast in the restaurant before you leave the Bhutanese capital Thimphu and head to Punakha. For about an hour you will follow the winding road until you reach Dochula Pass at 3116 meters above sea level. And this magnificent place is really not to be missed: Numerous colorful prayer flags and 108 chortens, embodying the omnipresent consciousness of Buddha, adorn this extraordinary place. Here you will make a stopover. Weather permitting, you can even enjoy a magnificent view of the snowy and ice-covered Himalayan peaks.

From here you will continue your ascent. You will hike for about two hours to the picturesque Lungchutse Monastery, which is located at an altitude of 3,456 meters. Once at the top, we guarantee that all the efforts will be quickly forgotten, because on a clear day, a magnificent 360° panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountains, Chomolhari, Masang Gang and Zongophu Gang Table Mountain awaits you. Now you have enough time to capture the great panorama for eternity. Take great photos and enjoy this unique view. Afterwards, head back to your transfer vehicle through the forest covered with raw dodendrons, hemlocks, junipers and bamboos and continue your journey to Punakha. If time permits, you will visit the Chimi Lhakhang temple, founded by Drukpa Kinley. Numerous women and young couples still come here today to pray for fertility.

Trip duration Thimphu - Punakha: 74 km / approx. 3 hours

Overnight stay with full board in Punakha, Bhutan

We hope you have your camera well charged, because today is full of eventful activities. Today we invite you to start the day with an interesting sightseeing tour. First you will visit the famous Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers. Built in 1637, the famous Dzong is one of the best preserved monastic fortresses in the country. The temple is simply fascinating in its splendor and beauty.

Afterwards, you will drive to Khamsum Chorten, about 30 minutes away, where you will take a short hike. You will cross a suspension bridge and pass through picturesque rice fields before the path leads slightly uphill through the forest surrounded by pine trees. The hike takes about an hour until you reach the impressive four-story temple. Please keep in mind that in summer the trail can be a bit muddy.

The view from the top of the Punakha valley is simply gigantic: the snow-covered mountains, clear rivers and green fields - this untouched landscape will make your heart beat faster. You will discover a traditional structure built by order of the mother of the new king, dedicated to the welfare of the Kingdom of Bhutan and all living creatures. Tip: From the roof terrace, the view is particularly impressive.

With great photos, return to your transfer vehicle and drive back to Paro via Dochula Pass. On the way, stop at Semtokha Dzong for great photos of the Thimphu Valley.

Once in Paro, your first destination is the impressive Rinpung Dzong, also known as the Dzong of Paro. The present administrative headquarters is home to about 200 monks as well as all the administrative staff. In its watchtower is the National Museum Ta Dzong, which houses everything typical of Bhutan, such as works of art, weapons and stamps. Here you will get an insight into the history of the country and enjoy a great view of the Paro Valley.

The evening is at your leisure. Stroll along the quaint shopping street where you can look for souvenirs and gifts for your family.

Travel time Punakha - Paro: 117 km / approx. 4 hours

Overnight stay with full board in Paro, Bhutan

Today's tour starts in the small village of Shaba: You will hike steeply uphill to Drakarpo Monastery, which, like the world-famous Tiger's Nest, is located high up in a rock face. But the best: Shortly before you reach the monastery, you will reach a cave from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the picturesque Paro Valley. A magnificent panorama awaits you! According to a legend, a previous incarnation of Namkhai Ningpo sought out this special place to meditate. You will visit the main altar in the monastery and listen to the numerous stories about Guru Rinpoche before descending back to the picturesque valley.

In Paro, you will fortify yourself with a fresh lunch and then visit Sangchen Choekhor Monastery, which is located at an altitude of 2,800 meters and is an important training ground for monks.

In the evening, return to your hotel and end the day with an excellent dinner.

Overnight stay with full board in Paro, Bhutan

An essential experience in every Bhutan trip is a trip to the world-famous Tiger's Nest at 3,120 m above sea level. The monastery is located just outside of Paro on a steep mountainside and is particularly sacred due to its inaccessible location. But where does the name Tiger's Nest actually come from? It is said that the founder of Buddhism, Guru Rimpoche, came flying on a tiger in the 8th century and meditated on the rocky outcrop.

Follow the narrow trail that goes uphill through the forest - and is very rocky in places. If it rains, you should be especially careful, as it can be very slippery. The hike takes about three hours. On the way you can see the temple from different perspectives. Especially with each gain in altitude, the views of the temple change. After about an hour of climbing you will reach the first viewpoint, where there is also a small cafeteria. And the effort is well worth it! During a light lunch, you can take in the spectacular panorama of the world-famous Tiger's Nest. Enjoy this magical view and take some last great photos until you head back downhill towards the forest parking lot. Here, your transfer vehicle will be waiting to take you to the Kyichu Lhakhgang Buddhist Temple. This is one of the most beautiful and oldest temples in Bhutan, which according to legend was built by King Songsten Gampo of Tibet.

Overnight with full board in Paro, Bhutan.

Today, unfortunately, it is time to say goodbye. The last day of your trip has begun. After a hearty breakfast in the restaurant, you will pack your bags and your guide will take you to the airport for your return flight with Drukair. We hope you have an unforgettable time in the Kingdom of Bhutan and return home with countless new impressions and great photos.

We are also happy to organize an extension on site or in another Asian country, such as Nepal, India or Thailand. Just contact us! We will be happy to advise you about the different stay possibilities.

Duration of the trip: 7 days / 6 nights

Included

• 6 nights in the above mentioned accommodations or similar:

  • 2 nights at Phuntsho Pelri Hotel*** with full board in a standard room in Thimpu

  • 1 night in Punatsangchu Hotel*** with full board in a standard room in Punaka

  • 3 nights full board at Namsaycholing Hotel*** in a standard room in Paro

• Transfers
• Continuous support by a local English speaking driver-guide with sightseeing and trekking by arrangement
• Entrance fees and all necessary permits for the entrances to the dzongs, monasteries and monuments
• Visa fee
• Tourism Development Fund

Not included

• International flights
• Meals and drinks that are not mentioned in the scope of services
• Optional excursions (sightseeing, entrance fees, etc.)
• Tips and personal expenses
• Travel protection

Notes

• Due to road works / closures there may be extensions in the transfer time. Some roads can also be very bumpy.