Classic Bhutan

Suggested Itinerary

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 ...

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 Paro – Thimphu: Arrival

Day 1 Paro – Thimphu: Arrival

Your flight to Paro is just the beginning of the breath-taking scenery that you will experience while in Bhutan. As you fly high above the southern hills of the Himalayas take in the views to the snow-capped peaks including Everest before descending into the narrow Paro Valley which opens out to display the farmland and villages dotted along the river. On arrival in Paro you will then be transferred to Thimphu, the nation’s capital. This afternoon enjoy the view of Thimphu from the 51m high Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha on top of nearby Kuensel Phodrang Hill overlooking the city. Then head to stroll the city streets visiting the VAST Art Gallery and the local bazaars.

Hotel Thimphu Tower
Dinner

Day 2 Thimphu: City Highlights

Day 2 Thimphu: City Highlights

This morning enjoy an introduction to Bhutanese culture starting with a visit to the National Library where sacred, religious and cultural texts have been carefully preserved as well as the nearby Zorig Chosum School which teaches students the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Make a stop at the Post office to see the unique and colourful stamps before heading to the Memorial Chorten, symbol of peace built by the late king. Circumambulate the chorten with the locals as they spin the prayer wheels and light butter lamps amidst the fluttering prayer flags. Later stroll along the main street of the city, Thimphu is home to a number of craft workshops which you may like to visit. If time allows, visit the Trashicho Dzong, home to various government offices and the location of the hoisting of the national flag and Marching of the Guards.

Hotel Thimphu Tower
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey: Phobjika Valley

Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey: Phobjika Valley

This morning you will drive out of the valley and up to the scenic Dochu La Pass, where you can stop for a drink at the café and enjoy the panoramic vistas of the Himalayas whilst in the company of 108 small stupas, built on the hillside at the highest point in the road. Continue to Phobjika, a valley known for the migration of the black-necked cranes who make the valley their home between November and March. This afternoon head to the Black Necked Crane Centre to learn more about the birds. There are hides which give views down the valley and an opportunity to spot the birds, the best time for this is dusk and dawn.

Dewachen Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Gangtey: Gangtey Monastery & Nature Trail

Day 4 Gangtey: Gangtey Monastery & Nature Trail

Visit the Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa Monastery in Western Bhutan, set above the Phobjika Valley, its location, in a tiny village gives commanding views out across the valley. After your visit of this large complex head out into the valley on one of the many hiking trails which cross it. The Gangtey Nature Trail is one option, taking you through bamboo and pine forest, it is a great choice for nature lovers getting you up close to the cranes and allowing excellent views of the valley. A visit to a local farmhouse then offers a chance to try some Tibetan style butter tea and homemade chhang beer.

Dewachen Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Gangtey – Punakha: Punakha Dzong

Day 5 Gangtey – Punakha: Punakha Dzong

Drive to Punakha, the former capital and a city set on the confluence of two rivers in a temperate valley at 1250m. Later visit the Punakha Dzong, often considered the most beautiful dzong in the country, built in 1637 and served as the seat of the government until the 50s, it is also the location of the crowning of all the kings of Bhutan, unfortunately it has been ravaged by fire four times but each time rebuilt and has seen a recent renovation. The Dzong has a 160m long suspension bridge crossing the Po Chhu River adorned with prayer flags.

Dhumra Farm Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Punkha: Divine Madman & Village Visit

Day 6 Punkha: Divine Madman & Village Visit

This morning head early to the Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), built in the 15th century by the 'Divine Madman' (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). Later head to the picturesque villages of Talo and Nobgang, the villages are set along a ridge above Punakha with sweeping Himalayan views. The villages are known in the region for being some of the prettiest and are dependent on agriculture, with many tropical fruit trees. Head to the Nalana Monastery at the end of the day to see the monks at evening prayers.

Dhumra Farm Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Punakha – Paro: National Museum & Ancient Temple

Day 7 Punakha – Paro: National Museum & Ancient Temple

Cross back over the Dochu-La Pass this morning as you head to Paro, set in a valley on the banks of the Chhu. In the afternoon visit the National Museum, set in the old watchtower of the Paro Dzong in a circular building. There are galleries of thangkas and statues as well as Bhutanese dress and an insight into how magic and science are intertwined in Bhutan. From here head to Kyichu Lhakhang, dating to the 7th century and one of the oldest and most beautiful in Bhutan, it comprises of two temples, the second was built in the 20th century. They are home to a number of statues and are the destination of many pilgrims coming to walk around the temples spinning the prayer wheels.

Tashi Namgay Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Paro: Tiger’s Nest

Day 8 Paro: Tiger’s Nest

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. Whilst at the monastery you can hoist your own prayer flags, the small coloured flags with prayers and mantras written on them, when the wind blows through them it will activate the blessings. This evening visit a local farmhouse for a traditional hot stone bath to soothe your muscles after the hike, river rocks are heated and then added to the water along with a blend of native herbs.

Tashi Namgay Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Paro - Depart

Day 9 Paro - Depart

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 $3,350

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