Bhutan Family Adventure
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Enjoy a spectacular family adventure that combines some of the best that Bhutan has to offer. A wonderful mix of gentle day hikes, archery, river rafting and lots of fun activities, it is a perfect introduction to this fascinating and beautiful country. Sandwiched between the mountainous landscapes of northern India and Tibet, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is a land lost in time. Filled with myths and legends, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is without doubt one of the most extraordinary destinations ...
Enjoy a spectacular family adventure that combines some of the best that Bhutan has to offer. A wonderful mix of gentle day hikes, archery, river rafting and lots of fun activities, it is a perfect introduction to this fascinating and beautiful country. Sandwiched between the mountainous landscapes of northern India and Tibet, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is a land lost in time. Filled with myths and legends, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is without doubt one of the most extraordinary destinations anywhere on earth. Enjoy the compelling charms of Paro and Thimphu and discover some of Bhutan’s most important cultural treasures. Trek up to the spectacular setting of the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, and spend time taking in breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas, go hiking in the forests and valleys of Gangtey and Punakha before experiencing a little something of Bhutan’s traditional culture amongst the rural farmsteads of Paro and enjoy a Bhutanese meal with a family in a traditional farmhouse. This incredible journey will take you to places that have barely changed in 500 years and introduce you to a people whose smiles, culture and way of life will leave you captivated.
*Based on a family of 4pax travelling.
Meet the Expert
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Paro – Thimphu: Arrival
Arrive into Paro on your scenic flight over the Himalayas. Your guide will transfer you to the capital city of Thimphu where you will head out to explore, starting with the 51m tall Shakyamuni bronze Buddha statue from where you can see across the Thimphu Valley. Back in the city stroll around the town taking in an art gallery as well as the local handicraft and vegetable bazaars.
Day 2 Thimphu: Bhutanese City Culture
A day in the capital allows you to start learning about Bhutanese culture beginning with a visit to the Zorig Chosum where students learn the 13 traditional crafts of Bhutan, you will be able to stop and see the students as they go about their classes. Next head to the National Library, featuring one of the world’s largest books as well as a collection of ancient Buddhist block printed texts. This afternoon get acquainted with Bhutan’s national animal at the Motithang Takin Preserve, the animal resembles a cow’s head on a goat’s body and the preserve is a research centre for protecting them. Finish off the day at the Jungshi Paper Factory, here bark is turned into paper and you can try your hand at crafting your own.
Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey: Monastery Hike
Start today with a hike to Dodey Drak Monastery. The walk takes you along an ancient forest trail to the 8th Century monastery where around 200 monks live. The monks are learning English and you will have the chance to talk with them and learn about their lives as well as having a blessing ceremony by one of the monks and then a simple lunch at the monastery. This afternoon you will be driven to the Phobjika Valley crossing high passes from which you will be rewarded with views out across the Himalayas. Arrive into the beautiful glacial valley in the afternoon, at certain times of year it is home to over 300 black-necked cranes.
Day 4 Gangtey: Nature Trail
Head to the Gangtey Monastery this morning, a complex of five temples, surrounding a central tower, the Gangtey Monastery is situated at around 2,900 metres, providing you with some spectacular views of the fertile Phobjikha Valley below. After exploring the complex you will set off on the Gangtey Nature Trail, a hike which will take you through the marshlands and wetlands of the Phobjika Valley as well as across rivers and through villages. Along the way your guide will be able to discuss the various plant life you will see and point out the birds round you. The hike finishes at Khewang Lhakhang, a temple where you can learn more about the religious and cultural history of the valley. You will also be able to visit the black necked crane visitors information centre and use the hides to spot them through the telescopes if in season.
Day 5 Gangtey – Punakha: Monasteries & Monks
Leaving the valley this morning you will head to the former capital of Punakha, lying in a sub-tropical valley. Take a pleasant walk across the terraced fields of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), built in the 15th century by the 'Divine Madman' (Lama Drukpa Kuenley), an eccentric monk famous for his folk tales. In the afternoon visit the Nalanda Monastery where you will have a chance to stop and chat with the monks, you may also like to sit with the meditation session in the evening.
Day 6 Punakha: Village Hike
Heading out on a hike this morning you will start off with an outdoor picnic breakfast at Siu-pang, an historical site on which monks would take meals when traversing the ancient trails. You will then head through forest, passing villages and rice paddy fields, stop along the way to learn about the cultural heritage of the area and have lunch in a farmhouse before you arrive to My Gakidh village. Here, an initiative is providing sustainable livelihood skills to unemployed youths to curb urban migration, there are various eco-tourism trails and homestays. Enjoy a tea ceremony in the village before returning to your hotel by car.
Day 7 Punakha: River Rafting
A morning on the river awaits you today as you head out on a rafting trip on the Mo Chhu where the gentle rapids will provide some excitement all the while surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery. You will then head to the Punakha Dzong, built in the 17th Century it has been restored to its original glory. Nearby is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan which you can cross, the gentle sway can be exhilarating as you walk across.
Day 8 Punakha – Paro: Botanical Gardens & National Museum
Heading west today you will once again climb up to the Dochu La Pass, this time however make a stop at the Lamperi Recreational Park, home to Bhutan’s Botanical Gardens, visiting in the spring and early summer you will see many of the plants blooming as you head along the trails and along the lake shore. Arriving into Paro visit the National Museum before taking a walk through the forested hillside along the Zuri Dzong trail giving spectacular views of the valley. Back in the car head back to Paro for some time to explore before an early evening visit to the Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple which was built to mark the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. You may like to light butter lamps here, considered a way of earning merit and dispelling darkness in Buddhism.
Day 9 Paro: Tiger’s Nest Monastery
This morning you will walk up to the Takstang Gompa, known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. It is one of the most famous and sacred of Bhutan’s monasteries, built on a rock ledge a thousand metres above the valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The walk to the viewing point takes about 1.5 hours with another 2.5 hours to get to the monastery and back. When you arrive at the monastery, the guide will organise your offerings of votive lamps, prayer flags, incense and prayer offerings. At the main temple you can choose to make these prayer offerings along with the locals on their pilgrimage and pujas, giving thanks to the local deities for your time in Bhutan. Later in the day enjoy a traditional hot stone bath with aromatic native herbs.
Day 10 Paro: Rural Family Home
Join a Bhutanese family in their farmhouse today for a cooking demonstration and lunch of traditional dishes, try some yak butter tea and help the family take care of their livestock and crops. Over 85% of Bhutanese live in this way of substance farming and you will gain a real insight into local life. This afternoon learn Bhutanese archery skills using a traditional bow and arrows on a local Bha Cho archery range or at the hotel. Archery or “Da” in Dzongkha is embedded in the Bhutanese culture and you will often see depictions of gods and deities holding a bow and arrow, a symbol of wisdom. Archery became Bhutan’s national sport in 1971 and is one of the main social events in Bhutan, leading to regular competitions and archery festivals around the country.
Day 11 Paro: Departure
This morning you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your international flight back home.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Naksel Resort & Spa, Paro
Naksel Resort & Spa is a community based, eco-friendly and energy efficient project that blends traditional Bhutanese architecture with modern comforts and amenities. The main construction materials for Naksel are locally purchased and the resort is made up of traditional mud bricks, windows and locally crafted furniture from Ngoba. Rooms come equipped with Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, ensuite bathroom facilities, hair dryer, mini bar, tea & coffee making station and electronic safe and there is a Himalayan Herbal Spa where guests can relax and enjoy a variety of treatments and take advantage of the fitness and spa facilities on offer.
Dewachen Hotel, Gangtey
Dewachen Hotel is encircled by pine forests in the hidden valley of Phobjikha, home of the very rare Black Necked cranes. The hotel boasts fantastic valley views and a hot stone bath to ensure a relaxing and tranquil stay. The 28 double rooms have beautiful wooden interiors heated by an iron stove and hot water bags in the bed. The restaurant has the best views of the valley, paired with professionally prepared Bhutanese cuisine. From the hotel, cultural and horse-riding activities can be arranged.
Dhumra Farm Resort, Punakha
Dhumra Farm was first created in the early 1980s as a small organic farm, it has grown since then by the love and care of the owners to also include a guesthouse with a peaceful philosophy offering a retreat to travellers. Located on the quiet side of Punakha, perched on top of a hill, with sweeping views of the Punakha valley below, the forested hills beyond and the grand Punakha Dzong. The resort is a charming mid-range option, the rooms are clean, large and comfortable with modern design and feel and come with a attached private bathroom. The food is delicious farm to table Bhutanese dishes, cooked with organic local produce, most of it grown on the farm. There are plenty of trails around the farm to be explored either by bike or on foot.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on a family of four (children 12 years or younger), travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN BHUTAN
Check out our group tours in Bhutan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Bhutan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Bhutan