Luxury Bhutan

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

Located between the mountainous landscapes of northern India and Tibet, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is a land lost in time. Filled with ancient fortified dzongs and mountaintop monasteries, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is without doubt one of the most extraordinary destinations anywhere on earth. Against a backdrop of towering snow-covered mountains, take time to enjoy this unique country in true style, staying at some of the finest hotels that Bhutan can offer. Over the course of a remarkable ...

Read More

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.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

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.

Pemako Thimpu
Dinner

Day 2 THIMPHU

Day 2 THIMPHU

Today offers a chance to fully appreciate the cultural charms of the Bhutanese capital, beginning with a visit to the National Library and its extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. This will be followed by visits to the Textile Museum and the Zorig Chusum (famed for its Thanka paintings), before moving on to the city's Folk Heritage Museum and the impressive Memorial Chorten. The afternoon will then be spent exploring the sites around Trashichhoedzong, Buddha Point and the Motithang Takin Preserve, before returning to your hotel by way of a local craft bazaar or the Jungshi Paper Factory, where you can observe the fascinating process of Dehsho paper making. Dehsho paper played a crucial part in Bhutanese culture as monks used it for woodblock printing, writing prayer books and mantras.

Pemako Thimpu
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 THIMPHU - PUNAKHA

Day 3 THIMPHU - PUNAKHA

This morning you will drive into the stunning Punakha Valley to visit the old Bhutanese capital. The journey will take you by way of the spectacular Dochu La Pass where, weather permitting, the drive should herald some quite spectacular 180 degree views of some of the highest mountains in the country. Strategically positioned at the confluence of two thundering rivers, Punakha lies in the heart of some of Bhutan's most famous rice growing areas and, after checking in to your hotel, there will be an opportunity to explore something of these beautiful surroundings.

Como Uma Punakha
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 PUNAKHA

Day 4 PUNAKHA

The first visit of the morning will be to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, whose complex houses a 14 foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, the largest of its kind in the country. Alongside the temple is a higher centre for learning where, alongside their more orthodox religious teachings, the nuns learn about Thangka paintings, pottery and tailoring. The next visit of the day will be to the impressive 17th century Punakha Dzong, before a hike down through the rice paddies brings you to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. The rest of the day is then at leisure.

Como Uma Punakha
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 PUNAKHA - PARO

Day 5 PUNAKHA - PARO

This morning you will make the return journey to Paro. On arrival back into the town you will have time to freshen up before heading out to explore the town. Nestling amongst some of the most picturesque landscapes in Bhutan, the Paro Valley is a wide and verdant region of west Bhutan, recognized as one of the most beautiful in the whole country, it is also home to an impressive Dzong, the setting for the famous spring Tecshu Festival and the famous Tiger's Nest monastery.

Uma Paro
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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. Later today you will get the opportunity to learn Bhutanese archery skills using a traditional bow and arrows on a local Bha Cho or archery range. 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. If you are lucky you may even see local matches in the main archery range of towns and large villages. After you have tried archery, your guide might even challenge you to a game of khuru – traditional Bhutanese darts!

Uma Paro
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 breath-taking 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.

Uma Paro
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 DEPART PARO

Day 8 DEPART PARO

This morning you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your international flight back home.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

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

8 days from $7,375

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 9496 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

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

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

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?

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

Hike to Taktsang and make a traditional prayer offering, enjoy archery at the local range, Thimphu farmers market, hike in the forests of Phobjikha valley, visit Punakha monastery festival, cycle to Haa valley or make a sand mandala with a Buddhist monk.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN BHUTAN