Bhutan officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas. It is bordered by China to the north and India to the south. Nepal and Bangladesh are located in proximity to Bhutan but do not share a land border. Bhutanese goal of attracting high value tourists can be criticized for actually only attracting wealthy tourists and poses the question on whether by definition “high quality” actually means “of wealth”. The country currently has no UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but it has eight declared tentative sites for UNESCO inclusion since 2012. These sites include: Ancient Ruin of Drukgyel Dzong, Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary, Dzongs: the centre of temporal and religious authorities (Punakha Dzong, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Paro Dzong, Trongsa Dzong and Dagana Dzong), Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP), Royal Manas National Park (RMNP), Sacred Sites associated with Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and his descendants, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS), and Tamzhing Monastery. Bhutan also has numerous tourist sites that are not included in its UNESCO tentative list. Bhutan has one element, the Mask dance of the drums from Drametse, registered in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Bhutan is also well known for mountain adventure trekking and hiking. Jhomolhari Base Camp Trek, Snowman Trek, and Masagang trek are some of the popular treks in Bhutan.
Tour Name: Bhutan Journey for Family
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
City Covered:
Paro – Thimphu – Trongsa – Bumthang – Punakha – Paro
Day 01: Arrive Paro – Thimpu
Upon arrival at Paro airport via Druk Air, our tour representative will receive you and assist you in smooth transfer to the hotel in Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. Stay overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Start your journey with a full day sightseeing tour in Thimpu valley which include National Library (famous for its vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts), Painting School, known for its tango paintings, the Traditional Medicine Institute, the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, the Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of Bhutan’s third king, Trashichhodzong and Handicrafts Emporium. Stay overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.
Day 03: Thimphu – Trongsa (200 Kms/6 Hrs)
Post an early morning breakfast, take a road journey to Dochula Pass. On the way, halt at Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497. Later, continue your drive towards Wangduephodrang. After having lunch in Wangduephodrang, proceed towards Tongsa across Pelela pass. On the way, halt at Chendbji Chorten, built by a lama named Shida in the 18th century. Upon arrival in Trongsa, check into the lodge for overnight stay.
Day 04: Trongsa – Bumthang (68 Kms/3 Hrs)
Post breakfast in the morning, excursion to Trongsa Dzong, built by Shabdrung in 1647. And Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to King Gesar of Ling. Later, drive to Bumthang, which is around 3 hours. After traveling 29 kilometers, you’ll reach the Yutong La pass. Upon arrival in Bumthang, check in at the lodge. Post lunch, visit Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava controlled a local devil and left his body mark on a rock, Jambey Lhakhang, Tamshing Monastery, Jakar Dzong and Swiss Farm House.
Day 05: Bumthang – Punakha (205 Kms/6 Hrs)
Post breakfast in the morning, explore the enchanting valley of Bumthang. Later, proceed towards Trongsa for lunch at a local restaurant. Later, drive towards Punakha. On the way, visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong and the local town. Upon arrival in Punakha, check into the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 06: Punakha – Paro (125 Kms/4-5 Hrs)
In the morning, visit Punakha Dzong, a massive complex built at the confluence of two rivers. Post lunch, proceed towards Paro. On the way, visit the traditional Bhutanese Farm House offering insight into the local lifestyle. Upon arrival in Paro, check in at the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 07: Paro Sightseeing
Start with a full day sightseeing tour of Paro Valley which includes visit to Ta Dzong, the watchtower for the Paro Dzong. Post lunch, hit the road to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 to commemorate the Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans. On the way, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Stay overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 08: Paro Departure
Post breakfast in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport to board flight to onward destination.
TOUR ENDS…!!
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast
- All private drive for arrival and departure and sightseeing.
- English/Hindi speaking sightseeing guide
- Travel insurance
- Meals other than breakfast at hotel.
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Items of personal nature: mineral water, beverages, laundry, telephone bill.