Adventure Friendship
All Bhutan Tour
Trip ID: UM5324
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang): Iconic cliff-side monastery, Bhutan’s most revered spiritual site.
- Thimphu Exploration: Visit Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, Folk Heritage & Textile Museums, and lively markets.
- Punakha Dzong: The “Palace of Great Bliss,” a masterpiece at the confluence of two rivers.
- Dochula & Pele La Passes: Scenic drives with panoramic Himalayan views and 108 memorial chortens.
- Gangtey Valley (Phobjikha): Serene glacial valley, winter home to the rare black-necked cranes.
- Bumthang Valley: Spiritual heart of Bhutan, home to ancient monasteries like Jambay, Kurjey, and Tamshing Lhakhang.
- Trongsa Dzong: Largest fortress in Bhutan, with sweeping valley views.
- Local Cultural Immersion: Experience archery, weaving, farmhouse visits, and authentic Bhutanese cuisine.
- Nature Walks & Hikes: Scenic trails through lush valleys, riversides, and traditional villages.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 : Arrival in Paro & Transfer to Thimphu (55 km / 1.5 hrs drive)
- Arrive at Paro Airport, surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks.
- Warm welcome by Adventure Friendship
- Scenic drive to Thimphu through lush valleys and traditional villages.
- Hotel check-in and time to refresh.
- Optional evening stroll to explore Thimphu streets and glimpse Tashichho Dzong.
- Welcome dinner featuring authentic Bhutanese cuisine.
- Acclimatization and rest for the days ahead.
- Overnight in Thimphu.
- Day 2 : Thimphu Sightseeing
- Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue with panoramic valley views.
- Explore National Memorial Chorten, a spiritual hub for locals.
- Tour Tashichho Dzong, Bhutan’s governmental and religious center.
- Discover Bhutanese rural life at the Folk Heritage Museum.
- Visit National Textile Museum and witness traditional weaving.
- Lunch at a local restaurant with Bhutanese specialties.
- Afternoon visit to Craft Bazaar and local markets for souvenirs.
- Evening leisure or optional dining in Thimphu.
- Overnight in Thimphu.
- Day 3 : Thimphu – Gangtey (150 km / 5 hrs drive)
- Depart Thimphu after breakfast and drive through scenic landscapes.
- Stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 m) for panoramic Himalayan views and 108 chortens.
- Brief stop in Wangdue Phodrang for photos and refreshments.
- Lunch en route at a local restaurant.
- Arrival in Gangtey, situated in the picturesque Phobjikha Valley.
- Visit Gangtey Goemba, a Nyingmapa monastery perched on a hill.
- Optional nature walk along serene valley trails.
- Evening at leisure in Gangtey, soaking in peaceful surroundings.
- Overnight in Gangtey.
- Day 4 : Gangtey – Bumthang (200 km / 7 hrs drive)
- Early departure from Gangtey after breakfast.
- Stop at Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan.
- Cross Yotong La Pass (3,425 m) with stunning mountain views.
- Lunch in Chumey Valley, visiting traditional weaving villages.
- Arrival in Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heart with wide valleys and ancient temples.
- Evening walk around town or visit a local temple.
- Hotel check-in and acclimatization.
- Overnight in Bumthang.
- Day 5 : Bumthang Sightseeing
- Visit Jakar Dzong (Castle of the White Bird) for panoramic valley views.
- Explore Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest 7th-century monasteries.
- Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, home to Guru Rinpoche’s sacred imprint.
- Discover Tamshing Lhakhang, known for ancient paintings and religious artifacts.
- Lunch at a local restaurant with regional dishes.
- Optional visit to Red Panda Brewery & Swiss Cheese Factory.
- Explore Wangdichholing Palace, summer residence of Bhutan’s first king.
- Evening at leisure in Bumthang town.
- Overnight in Bumthang.
- Day 6 : Bumthang – Punakha (205 km / 7 hrs drive)
- Depart early from Bumthang after breakfast.
- Re-cross Yotong La Pass for breathtaking views.
- Brief stop in Trongsa for refreshments.
- Lunch near Chendebji Chorten, a Nepalese-style stupa.
- Cross Pele La Pass en route to Punakha.
- Arrival in Punakha, with its temperate climate and scenic valley.
- Evening leisure or riverside walk.
- Overnight in Punakha.
- Day 7 : Punakha – Paro (120 km / 4.5 hrs drive)
- Morning visit to Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of Pho Chhu & Mo Chhu rivers.
- Stop at Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility.
- Scenic drive to Paro through lush valleys and mountain passes.
- Lunch en route at a local restaurant.
- Explore Paro Rinpung Dzong (time permitting).
- Evening at leisure in Paro town.
- Overnight in Paro.
- Day 8 : Paro Sightseeing – Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Early morning hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), perched 900 m above the valley.
- Lunch at the cafeteria during the hike with panoramic views.
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples (7th century).
- Explore Paro Dzong and National Museum (Ta Dzong).
- Evening at leisure and final opportunity to explore Paro town.
- Overnight in Paro.
- Day 9 : Departure from Paro
- Morning at leisure in Paro for last-minute photos or shopping.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Airport transfer for departure flight.
- Scenic flight over the Himalayas as you bid farewell to Bhutan.
Trip Cost Inclusion
- Arrival & Departure Transfers: All ground transport in a private vehicle, including airport and hotel transfers.
- Accommodation: Comfortable lodging throughout the tour.
- Sightseeing & Visa: All entrance fees to museums, monuments, and sites as per itinerary.
- Meals: Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the tour.
- Transportation: All ground transportation in a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Guide: Licensed, experienced, and friendly English-speaking Bhutanese professional guide.
- Staff Wages & Allowances: All Bhutanese staff salaries, allowances, food, equipment, and clothing.
- Water: One bottle mineral drinking water will provide during the tour.
- Government Taxes: All government taxes, permits, and official expenses.
Trip Cost Exclusion
- International Airfare: Flights to/from Paro (we can assist with flight bookings – please contact us at sales@adventurefriendship.com).
- Bhutanese Tourist Visa fee.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance (covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, etc.).
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, internet, beverages (soft drinks, alcohol, beer), and other personal expenses.
- Filming & Special Permits: Fees for filming, drone use, or special camera permits.
- Tips: Gratuities for guide and driver (tipping is customary and appreciated).
- Optional & Extra Services: Any additional activities, services, or expenses not mentioned in the itinerary or under “What’s Included.”
- Private/Customized Trips: For tailor-made itineraries or private group tours, please contact us.
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