Bhutan Discovered

Bhutan Discovered

244 Views
7 Days From

$3710

Bhutan Discovered

7 Days Starting in Thimphu and ending in Paro

Visiting: Paro - Thimphu, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Paro / Tiger's Nest Monastery

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

HJKB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $3710

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Experience the majestic landscapes and joyful culture of little-visited Bhutan on this enchanting 7-day adventure. Begin in Thimphu, Bhutan’s busy capital, where you’ll meet local artisans and visit enlightening museums. Take in unbeatable views of the Himalayas on your way to Punakha, where your local leader will introduce you to ancient dzongs, bridges and monasteries. Tuck into a homecooked meal at a farmhouse in the Paro Valley, try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport, and hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest monastery. You’ll soon see why Bhutan’s people are considered some of the happiest on earth.

Highlights

  • Hike to Taktsang, commonly known as the Tiger's Nest, the small monastery clinging to a rocky cliff 900 metres above the valley floor, and soak in its magnificence.

  • Discover the 15th-century fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang, and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, an ancient fortress and religious centre that sits at the confluence of two rivers.

  • Feel the heat of Bhutanese cuisine when you tuck into traditional meals made with red rice, local cheese and lots of tastebud-tingling chillies.

  • Experience Bhutanese hospitality in the Paro Valley when you enjoy a homecooked meal at a rustic farmhouse and opt to take a soak in a traditional hot stone bath.

  • Spend a day exploring Thimphu, from the city to the woodlands, visiting the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery, National Memorial Chorten, Simply Bhutan and the National Textile Museum.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Paro - Thimphu

Location: Paro - Thimphu

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: lunch, dinner

After arriving at Paro Airport and making your way through immigration and customs formalities, you will be greeted by your guide and driver and warmly welcomed to the enchanting Land of the Thunder Dragon. Drive alongside mountains, rivers, and fields of red rice to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have lunch and then head out for some sightseeing. Stop in at the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory, Bhutan’s most famous traditional incense maker, as well as the colourful Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. If you arrive in the afternoon, you'll meet the rest of your group in the evening for a welcome meeting before heading out together for dinner. Take an evening wander through the fascinating streets of Thimphu, the world’s only capital city without a traffic light!

Included Activities:
-Thimphu - Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre
-Thimphu - Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory

Day 2: Thimphu

Location: Thimphu

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today begins with a pleasant walk that meanders gently up the valley through paddy fields, pristine woodlands, and a Tibetan village, a trail that continues uphill (1 hour) to the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery – built in 1620 by Shabdrung, the first ruler of Bhutan. Back in Thimphu, stop to enjoy the incredible views from the Buddha Dordenma before visiting Simply Bhutan, a living museum where you can explore the traditional homes and lifestyles of the Bhutanese. You may like to try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport. Stop by the National Memorial Chorten – many Thimphu residents consider this to be the heart and soul of the city and gather here every day to pray and walk clockwise around the chorten. Afterward, visit a local institute where students become masters of Bhutan's 13 national arts and crafts - from carpentry and masonry to paper making and embroidery. The incredible National Textile Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of craft in Bhutan and if you’re in the mood for a spot of shopping, the National Handicrafts Emporium offers high-quality traditional goods and a small family-run enterprise that manufactures paper and paper products using traditional methods.

Included Activities:
-Thimphu - National Memorial Chorten
-Thimphu - Village walk to Cheri Dorji Dhen
-Thimphu - National Textile Museum
-Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma
-Thimpu - Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum

Day 3: Punakha

Location: Punakha

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, drive to Punakha – the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop at Dochula Pass for a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, the majestic Gangkhar Puensum. Continue the journey before taking another break. Enjoy a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499 by lama Ngawang Chogyel. Arrive in Punakha for a good night’s rest before another day of exploration tomorrow.

Included Activities:
-Punakha Valley - Chimi Lhakhang

Day 4: Punakha

Location: Punakha

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast we head out on a short hike (1.5 hours) to Khamsum Yulley Monastery – an elaborately decorated chorten, built to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to all living things. As with many monasteries in Bhutan, your leader may need to hunt around for the caretaker with the keys to have a look inside! Afterwards, head down to the convergence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, two of the main rivers of Bhutan, and admire breathtaking views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second-largest Dzong in the country, as well as the cantilever bridge that spans across the river. Drive up to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and take in the serenity and the views of this mountaintop site. Return to Punakha for the evening.

Included Activities:
-Punakha - Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike
-Punakha - Punakha Dzong view & photo stop
-Punakha - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery

Day 5: Paro

Location: Paro

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

This morning head back over the Dochula Pass and continue to Thimphu. The roads in Bhutan are narrow, and while the distances don’t appear to be very far, due to the nature of the roads and the many valleys they pass through, travelling can take some time – so this is a good chance to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. After lunch continue into the Paro Valley, stretching your legs with an optional wander around town on arrival. Get a good night's sleep tonight as tomorrow will be an active and exciting day!

Day 6: Paro / Tiger's Nest Monastery

Location: Paro / Tiger's Nest Monastery

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

After an early breakfast followed by a short drive, prepare for your hike to see the legendary Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) – a magnificent monastery, clinging on a rock cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. After approximately 1 hour ascending the mountainside, reach a small teahouse that has a wonderful panoramic view of the temple and the ideal place to enjoy lunch. For those interested, it’s possible to get a closer view by hiking another 45 minutes to 1 hour (each direction) to reach the small chorten directly across from the temple. Anyone not interested in hiking any further can relax at the teahouse and enjoy the view. In the evening, after returning to Paro, experience Bhutanese hospitality and a taste of tradition with a home-cooked meal at a local farmhouse. Soak up the friendly atmosphere and consider taking an optional hot stone bath. A great way to relax after your hiking, this bath is a form of traditional Bhutanese medicine where fresh river water is mixed with local herbs and heated with fire-roasted river stones. A soak in these soothing waters is bound to revive and relax you.

Included Activities:
-Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike
-Paro - Home-cooked dinner

Optional Activities:
-Paro - Farmhouse hot stone bath

Day 7: Paro

Location: Paro

Meals Included: breaksfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a departure transfer to Paro airport for your flight out of Bhutan.

Included Activities:
-Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (6 nights)

  • Thimphu - Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre

  • Thimphu - Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory

  • Thimphu - National Memorial Chorten

  • Thimphu - Village walk to Cheri Dorji Dhen

  • Thimphu - National Textile Museum

  • Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma

  • Thimpu - Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum

  • Punakha Valley - Chimi Lhakhang

  • Punakha - Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike

  • Punakha - Punakha Dzong view & photo stop

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Included Activities

  • Thimphu - Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre
  • Thimphu - Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Thimphu - National Memorial Chorten
  • Thimphu - Village walk & picnic lunch
  • Thimphu - Choki Traditional Art School
  • Thimphu - Drubthob Nunnery
  • Thimphu - National Textile Museum
  • Punakha Valley - Chimi Lhakhang
  • Punakha - Punakha Dzong
  • Paro - Home cooked dinner & family visit
  • Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike
  • Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer

Transport

  • BHUTAN:
  • Whilst there are approx 8000km of roads in Bhutan, the quality varies greatly depending on proximity to the major towns of Thimpu and Paro. As such, even short distances can take longer than expected. Bhutan is currently upgrading a lot of its road network and delays are common. Roads are narrow and speeds are slow. Landslides are common, particularly after rain and occasionally trips are diverted due to debris blocking roads. Thimpu is also famous as the worlds only capital city without a traffic light.

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

  • 1. Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers are included. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
  • 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 3. Entry to Bhutan is very strict and travellers can only enter Bhutan on a group visa as part of a tour. All travellers must arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 7 to be eligible for a group visa. At time of booking, please provide your booking agent with a scanned colour copy of your passport, a scanned colour passport photo.
  • 4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport). Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 60 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
  • 5. All flights to and from Bhutan are operated by a Bhutanese national carrier which fly direct to several cities within Asia/Middle East. It is not uncommon for these airlines to make last minute changes to their flight timetables. Therefore, it is recommended that you allow 24 hours of transit time both before your connecting flight to Bhutan, and after your flight out of the country ahead of your onwards connection.
  • 6. If you have booked additional accommodation and transfers in Kathmandu, please see the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information for details regarding visas and arrival in Nepal.
  • 7. The Sustainable Development Fee, charged by the government of Bhutan, is included in your trip price.

Mode of Transport

  • BHUTAN:
  • Whilst there are approx 8000km of roads in Bhutan, the quality varies greatly depending on proximity to the major towns of Thimpu and Paro. As such, even short distances can take longer than expected. Bhutan is currently upgrading a lot of its road network and delays are common. Roads are narrow and speeds are slow. Landslides are common, particularly after rain and occasionally trips are diverted due to debris blocking roads. Thimpu is also famous as the worlds only capital city without a traffic light.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Despite Bhutan being a small country, you'll experience long travel days as most roads are single lane. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.

    The trek to Tiger's Nest is quite vigorous but well worth the climb. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of this hike, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.

    Bhutan is a high-altitude destination, so taking it easy for a day or two makes for a much more comfortable trip. Drinking tea and water and avoiding strenuous exercise will help you acclimatise after arriving.

    Hot water is limited in some places. Speaking of all things heated, the Bhutanese love chilli and the food can be a touch spicy.

    All meals are included due to the nature of travelling in Bhutan. This means there may be limited choices on some days.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Thursday

Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 20, 2025
$3745

Friday - Thursday

Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025
$3785

Tuesday - Monday

Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025
$3900

Friday - Thursday

Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025
$4005

Friday - Thursday

Apr 25, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$3860

Tuesday - Monday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$3975

Tuesday - Monday

May 06, 2025 - May 12, 2025
$3710

Tuesday - Monday

May 13, 2025 - May 19, 2025
$3710

Friday - Thursday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025
$3710

Tuesday - Monday

Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$3710

Tuesday - Monday

Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025
$3710

Tuesday - Monday

Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025
$3860

Tuesday - Monday

Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025
$3860

Friday - Thursday

Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025
$4005

Tuesday - Monday

Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025
$4005

Tuesday - Monday

Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025
$4005

Tuesday - Monday

Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025
$4005

Tuesday - Monday

Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 17, 2025
$4005

Friday - Thursday

Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025
$3860

Friday - Thursday

Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 04, 2025
$3860

Friday - Thursday

Mar 13, 2026 - Mar 19, 2026
$4055

Tuesday - Monday

Mar 31, 2026 - Apr 06, 2026
$4055

Friday - Thursday

Apr 17, 2026 - Apr 23, 2026
$4205

Tuesday - Monday

Apr 28, 2026 - May 04, 2026
$4055

Friday - Thursday

Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
$3895

Tuesday - Monday

Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026
$3895

Tuesday - Monday

Sep 29, 2026 - Oct 05, 2026
$3895

Tuesday - Monday

Oct 13, 2026 - Oct 19, 2026
$4055

Tuesday - Monday

Oct 20, 2026 - Oct 26, 2026
$4205

Tuesday - Monday

Oct 27, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026
$4205

Tuesday - Monday

Nov 03, 2026 - Nov 09, 2026
$4205

Tuesday - Monday

Nov 10, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026
$4205

Friday - Thursday

Nov 20, 2026 - Nov 26, 2026
$4055

Friday - Thursday

Nov 27, 2026 - Dec 03, 2026
$3895

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours