• Ages: 4-75

• Duration: 5 Days

• Tour Guide: English

Explore Capital Town Thimphu, Paro and Punakha with this short tour package

Day 1: Arrive Paro – Haa

The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. If you arrive via Kathmandu, which offers the most breathtaking view of the range, it’s possible to see Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga as well. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative. Today we will drive to Haa at 2670 meters – the drive is around 3 hours and crosses the Chele La pass at 3800m from where you will have a view of Mount Jumolhari to the north as well as down to the Haa valley. Haa has only recently opened to tourists and the town is still very small – as yet there are only one or two basic restaurants and local lodges so the area remains quite remote. A great opportunity to view this beautiful rural scene. From Haa, you can walk to Katso village and from there you can visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo. Check into the farmhouse. Hoentay is a traditional Buckwheat dumpling special to the valley of Haa. Today we will have dinner with homestay family members.

Day 02-Haa-Thimphu

After breakfast, you will travel to Thimphu through the picturesque villages of Jabana, Susuna, and Dogakha, where you will pay a visit to the Dobji Dzong, In Thimphu, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built-in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Buddha Point the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan. Overnight Homestay/Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu-Sight Seeing

After breakfast, you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong. In the evening you can explore Thimphu freely and visit some interesting handicraft shops. Overnight Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu -Punakha

Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 2 hrs total driving time). On the way, you can stop at Dochula pass (3,000m) to witness the Himalayan peaks and circumambulate the chorten. A 40 minute downhill hike through rhododendron forests will give you a breath of fresh air which you miss in the hustle-bustle of city life. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung Take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as “the Divine Madman”. The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples.  Here, you’ll also be able to try your hand at the traditional Bhutanese game of archery.  Check into the farmhouse and prepare dinner with the family members of the homestay/farm stay and enjoy dinner with the local family.

Day 05: In Punakha/Wangdue (1310m) – Talo & Nobgang village visits 
Today visit the villages of Talo and Nobgang, the home of the queen mother of Bhutan. After breakfast, drive up the hilly road towards the villages and upon reaching exploring around with some of the home visits to observe their daily lives, have a chat and tea with them. Then return back to the valley and also visit Richengang village near Wangdue. Overnight at Homestay

Day 06: Punakha/Wangdue – Samtengang village visit 
Drive towards the village of Samtengang closer to Wangdue. Life here is still the same for ages and witnessing the daily lives of the farmers living in rural Bhutan. People here are always happy to see and welcome visitors. Overnight at Homestay/Hotel

Day 07: Samtengang – Gangtey (2320m) – Gangtey Nature trail & Phobijikha Valley Hike 
Drive to Gangtey and upon arrival in Gangtey, proceed with the Gangtey Nature trail exploring around the beautiful Phobijikha Valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and the chosen winter home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Overnight in Homestay.

Day 08: Gangtey – Paro
Re-trace the same route from Gangtey crossing over again the Dochula pass and proceed towards the Paro. Later drive to ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, 18 km from Paro town on the north side of the valley.  It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century.  Also visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Evening visit to a traditional farmhouse which offers the opportunity to mingle with local people and to get an idea of their lifestyle.  Later visit few Handicraft Souvenir shops.  Overnight at the Homestay/hotel in Paro.

Day 09: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)
After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, the view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong.  In fine weather, the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in Paro valley.  Hot-stone Bath- Hot stone bath is very unique to Bhutan and offers great medicinal values. In most cases, the bathtub is made of wood placed on a ground level in quite hut for privacy. A couple can get into one bathtub to soak. Enjoy the great ancient techniques of curing body ache, joint pain, and harness much other value. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Day 10: Depart Paro

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!

✓ Accommodation: Comfortable hotels or lodges for the duration of the itinerary.

✓ Transportation: Ground transportation as per the itinerary.

✓ Meals: Specified meals, featuring local and international cuisine.

✓ Guided Tours: Experienced local guides throughout the journey.

✓ Entrance Fees and Permits: All fees for cultural sites and necessary travel permits.

✓ Cultural Activities: Engaging in cultural experiences outlined in the itinerary.

✓ Trekking and Hiking Arrangements: If applicable, including guides and permits.

✓ Airport Transfers: Transfers at the start and end of the tour.

✗ Flights: International and domestic flights are not included.

✗ Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance is not included.

✗ Personal Expenses: Expenses of a personal nature are not covered.

✗ Beverages: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are not included.

✗ Tipping: Tips for guides, drivers, etc., are at the traveler’s discretion.

✗ Visa Fees: Bhutanese visa fees are not included.

✗ Additional Costs: Costs due to unforeseen circumstances or events beyond control.

» Group Size: Our itineraries are designed for various group sizes. Check the details to ensure it aligns with your preferences.

» Accommodation Standards: Accommodations are selected for comfort and local ambiance. Specific details can be provided upon request.

» Health and Fitness: Some itineraries may involve trekking or physical activities. Please review the fitness requirements and consult with us if needed.

» Climate and Clothing: Bhutan’s climate can vary. Check the weather conditions for your travel period and pack accordingly. Layers are often recommended.

» Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions. Guidelines will be provided to enhance your cultural experience.

» Photography: Capture memories but be mindful of cultural sensitivities. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals.

» Communication: While English is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases in Dzongkha, the local language, can enhance your interactions.

» Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency. Indian Rupees are widely accepted. Credit cards are not universally accepted, so carry sufficient cash.

» Safety Measures: Follow safety guidelines provided by our guides. Emergency protocols are in place to ensure your well-being.

» Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date. Bhutanese visas are arranged by the Bhutan Travel Center.

• Cancellations made more than 60 days before the start date: Full refund, minus any non-refundable fees.

• 50% refund of the total tour cost.

• 25% refund of the total tour cost.

• No refund.

• Any non-refundable fees incurred by Bhutan Travel Center will be deducted from the refund.
• Changes to the itinerary or departure dates are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
• In case of unforeseen circumstances leading to tour cancellation by Bhutan Travel Center, a full refund will be provided.
• We highly recommend securing travel insurance to cover unexpected events that may lead to cancellations.
• Refunds will be processed using the same method as the original payment. Please allow a reasonable processing time.
• All cancellations must be communicated in writing to Bhutan Travel Center.