Classic Bhutan
Suggested Itinerary
To view images fullscreen please turn device
Overview
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. Against a backdrop of unimaginable natural grandeur, you will be transported back in time, to explore a land that for centuries was cut off from the outside world. Experiencing a truly unique journey into the heart one of the most ...
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. Against a backdrop of unimaginable natural grandeur, you will be transported back in time, to explore a land that for centuries was cut off from the outside world. Experiencing a truly unique journey into the heart one of the most fascinating cultures on the planet, over the course of a remarkable week you will explore places that have barely changed in 500 years and meet a people whose smiles and culture will leave you captivated. This spectacular journey will introduce you to the sleepy charms of Paro and Thimphu and uncover some of Bhutan’s most important cultural treasures. You’ll trek up to the spectacular ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery and enjoy the timeless images of prayer flags fluttering before the breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas, before experiencing a little something of Bhutan’s traditional culture amongst the rural farmsteads of Gangtey.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE PARO - THIMPHU
DAY 1: ARRIVE PARO - THIMPHU
After arriving in Paro you will be met and driven an hour along the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, at 2320 metres. You can stop on the way to take in the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan's iron bridge builder. After some time to relax and freshen up before enjoying your first opportunity to explore a little of this magical capital with its busy shops and bazaars and photogenic citizens in national dress. Given the high altitude we recommend that you take things fairly easy today, until you have had a chance to acclimatise properly.
DAY 2: THIMPHU
DAY 2: THIMPHU
Today offers a chance to fully appreciate the cultural charms of the Bhutanese capital. You may choose to visit the National Library, the Textile Museum or the Zorig Chusum (famed for its Thangkha paintings), before moving on to the city's Folk Heritage Museum and the impressive Memorial Chorten. You could visit Changangkha temple, perched on the hilltop overlooking the town where devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels. There is also Trashichhoedzong, Buddha Point and the Motithang Takin Preserve.
DAY 3: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
DAY 3: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
This morning you will drive out of the valley and up to the scenic Dochu La Pass, where you can stop for a drink and enjoy the panoramic vistas of the Himalayas. You will notice the change of climate and vegetation as we approach low-lying Punakha at 1250 metres. 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). Then we will visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”, built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu.
DAY 4: PUNAKHA - GANGTEY
DAY 4: PUNAKHA - GANGTEY
After breakfast hike to the 17th century Chorten Ningpo, with its magnificent statue of Maitreya (the future Buddha) and images of the great lamas of the Drukpa lineage. The great oak tree outside the monastery is said to have grown out of the blazing log that the 'Divine Madman' threw. In 2005 the monastery began to house orphans from the nearby village, founding a small Buddhist educational institution. Then drive to Gangtey at 2900 metres. A visit to a local farmhouse then offers a chance to try some Tibetan style butter tea and homemade chhang beer.
DAY 5: GANGTEY - PARO
DAY 5: GANGTEY - PARO
This morning you can do a nature walk and cultural tour of the valley, visiting Semchubara and Khewang villages along the way. Then you will make the return journey to Paro via Wangdi. Wangdi was originally considered Bhutan's secondary capital and it commands an important central position. Sadly, Wangdi Dzong was gutted by fire in June 2012, destroying in a few hours a magnificent building that had stood proudly for hundreds of years.
DAY 6: PARO
DAY 6: PARO
Head out today to explore the town. Nestling amongst some of the most picturesque landscapes in Bhutan, Paro is home to an impressive Dzong, the setting for the famous spring Tecshu Festival, as well as the Ta Dzong, the watchtower originally built to defend Rinpung Dzong which, since 1968, has housed the country's National Museum. From the National Museum, you may like to take a leisurely hike along the forested hillside to Zuri Dzong. You will be driven back to Paro where you may wish to visit the weekly market or visit Dumtse Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder.
DAY 7: PARO
DAY 7: PARO
This morning you will visit the spectacular Taktsang Goemba, the sacred 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery built in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche; without doubt one of Bhutan's most breathtaking settings and its most revered Buddhist temple. Clinging precariously to the rock ledge, it is situated over a thousand metres above the Paro Valley floor and the walk up to it will take up most of the morning. This afternoon is then free to perhaps visit the beautiful 1200 year old Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, one of the 108 temples miraculously constructed by King Songten Gampo in a single night.
DAY 8: PARO - DEPART
DAY 8: PARO - DEPART
This morning you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your international flight back home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Zhiwa Ling Resort, Paro
The 45 room Zhiwa Ling Hotel combines the best of modern comforts and traditional Bhutanese hospitality. Decorated throughout with intricate stonework and elaborate wooden corniches, this 4-star property is one of only two in the country to be ISO certified. Set amongst 10 acres of enchanting countryside, the hotel’s 45 lavishly appointed suites offer spectacular views, private balconies, spacious living areas and wifi connections. The resort also features two restaurants, a spa, a relaxing tea house and an in-house temple, as well as offering the chance to enjoy yoga and Buddhist meditation classes with visiting teachers.
Meri Phuensum Resort, Punakha
Located just five kilometres from Punakha village and offering panoramic views of the river and the valley from its hilltop location, the family run Meri Puensum Resort provides a choice of tastefully furnished standard and deluxe en suite rooms. Spacious and comfortable, many of the rooms also come with their own private balconies. Ideally situated for exploring the cultural landscapes of the Punakha Valley and the nearby Wangduephrodrang Valley, the hotel also features a large multi-cuisine restaurant and a covered outdoor lounge area that provides an ideal spot for relaxing at the end of the day.
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.
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.
GUIDELINE PRICE & 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 two people 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
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
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