AEIB-03 Bhutan The Kingdom of Happiness 6N-7D
Expert Rating : Asia Escapes
This 7-day itinerary is what we classify as a ” Spiritual Immersion Route . ” Unlike other express tours , this program beautifully balances physical activity with cultural contemplation. Strategic Acclimatization : The trip is cleverly designed . It begins in Thimphu (2,320 m), descends to Punakha (1,300 m) to allow the respiratory system to rest in a warmer climate , and ends in Paro for the great physical challenge of Tiger’s Nest . Architectural Riches : Few itineraries include Simtokha Dzong ( the oldest ) alongside Wangduephodrang ( the most recently restored ) . This offers the traveler a unique comparative view of the evolution of Bhutanese art . Contrasting Landscapes : The transition from the pine and rhododendron forests in the heights of Dochula to the rice paddies and fruit orchards of Punakha offers exceptional photographic opportunities . Focus on Authenticity : The inclusion of Rinchengang Village and Ka Ja Throm Market elevates the trip from being purely touristic to being a human experience , allowing direct contact with the
Day 01. Arrival in Paro - Transfer to Thimphu (55 km / 1.5 hrs)
Scenic Flight: Thrilling descent into the Paro Valley with views of the world’s highest peaks. Welcome with the Tashi Khaddar (white scarf). Assistance and departure for Thimphu en route, visiting the Iron Bridge: Stop at Tachog Lhakhang to cross the 15th-century chain bridge, designed by the engineer Thangtong Gyalpo. Memorial Chorten: Walk around the white stupa with a golden spire, the epicenter of local faith in Thimphu. Trashichhoedzong: Visit the “fortress of glorious religion,” the seat of government and the King’s throne, built without a single nail. Overnight: Thimphu (2,320 m).
Day 02. Thimphu: Tradition and Spirituality
Breakfast at the hotel and visit to Buddha Point: Visit the colossal Dordenma Buddha (51.5 m) and meditate among 125,000 golden statues. Gentle walk (1.5 hrs): Trail through pine forests and prayer flags to Changangkha Lhakhang , the temple that protects children.
Museums and Culture: Visit the Postal Museum (personalized stamps) and the Textile Museum. Local Life: Explore the Zilkha Convent and the vibrant Ka Ja Throm market district , where modernity meets agricultural tradition. Accommodation: Thimphu.
Day 03. Thimphu-Dochula Pass-Punakha (75 km / 2.5 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Punakha en route, passing through the Dochu La Pass (3,088 m): Panoramic views of the Himalayas and the 108 Chortens . Visit to the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple. Punakha Dzong: Explore Bhutan’s most beautiful palace, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers. Suspension Bridge: Cross the 160-meter-long bridge over the Mo Chhu River, a marvel of local engineering. Chimi Lhakhang: Hike through rice paddies to the famous “Temple of Fertility.” Overnight in Punakha (1,300 m).
Day 04. Punakha: Landscapes and Living History
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Khamsum Yuelley Namgel: a 2-hour hike (round trip) to this stupa with spectacular views of the upper valley. Royal Picnic: Lunch on the riverbank, enjoying the natural surroundings. Wangduephodrang: Visit to the strategic fortress, restored after the 2012 fire. Rinchengang Village: Explore this ancient village, famous for its mud-brick houses and community of skilled stonemasons. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 05. Punakha-Paro (125 km / 4 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Paro and return journey to the fertile Paro Valley via the scenic highway. Ta Dzong: Visit to the National Museum, housed in a former watchtower.
Rinpung Dzong: Tour of the “Jewel Pile Fortress” and its murals depicting Buddhist cosmology. Rural Experience: Visit to a traditional farm with archery (the national sport) and local hospitality. Overnight in Paro (2,280 m).
Day 06. The Great Landmark: Taktshang (Tiger's Nest)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will visit Bhutan’s star attraction, Tiger’s Nest. Sacred Hike: A 5-hour trek (round trip) to the monastery perched 900 meters above the valley. It is the most sacred site in the kingdom. Kyichu Lhakhang: On the way back, a stop at one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Free afternoon: Final shopping and a stroll through the picturesque center of Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day 7. Leaving Unemployment
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer: Breakfast and transfer to the international airport for your connecting flight.
Price Includes
- Accommodation in suggested hotels, approved by the Department of Tourism (DOT)
- Breakfast and dinner at the hotel (some lunches at local restaurants or hotels en route)
- All transfers and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
- Local guide service in the client’s language: English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, French and Turkish.
- Assistance at airports and train stations by an English-speaking representative.
- Sustainable Development Rate and Taxes
- Tickets (According to itinerary)
- Bhutan visa fees
Price does not include
- Tips for porters, waiters, drivers, guides, etc.
- Camera fees at monuments.
- Extra expenses at the hotel such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
Intended vehicle (AC):
- 01- 02 Pax: 4 x 4 SUV Hyundai Tucson / Santa Fe / Kia Sorento / Sportage / Seltos)
- 03 – 04 Pax: Toyota Hiace Bus / Hyundai H1
- 05 – 06 Pax: Toyota Hiace Bus
- 7-8 Pax and above: Toyota Coaster Bus
Location | Highlight | Expert Details |
Thimphu | Buddha Dordenma | One of the largest statues in the world; the energy you feel when meditating surrounded by 125,000 Buddhas is indescribable. |
Thimphu | Trashichhoedzong | The “fortress of the glorious religion.” To see it illuminated at sunset is to understand the majesty of Bhutan’s royal and spiritual power. |
Dochula Pass | 108 Chortens | The most iconic photo spot. On a clear day, it’s the best place in Bhutan to see the snow-capped giants of the Himalayas. |
Punakha | Punakha Dzong | Considered the most beautiful building in the country. The confluence of the two rivers (Macho and Hembra) creates a unique atmosphere of peace. |
Punakha | Chimi Lhakhang | The famous fertility temple. Its walk through rice paddies offers one of the most rural and authentic scenes of the trip. |
Arrest | Tiger’s Nest | It’s not just the monastery; it’s the journey. The ascent amidst prayer flags and the scent of pine is the very essence of adventure in Asia. |
Arrest | Ta Dzong | The National Museum provides the necessary context to understand why Bhutan has kept its culture almost intact in the face of globalization. |
Arrest | Kyichu Lhakhang | One of the oldest sanctuaries (7th century). The serenity of its inner courtyards allows for a deep spiritual connection before departing. |
Sights | Closing Day / Restriction |
Ta Dzong (National Museum) | Closed on government holidays. |
Textile Museum (Thimphu) | Closed on weekends and public holidays. |
School of Arts and Crafts | Closed Sundays and from December 20th to March 10th. |
Post office | Closed Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. |
Market (CFM) | Closed on Tuesdays. |
Hotels listed: Hotels subject to availability
Option 01- Superior 3* Properties
PARO : Paro Eco Lodge ( www.bhutanecolodges.com ) / Hotel Olathang ( https://bhutanhotels.com.bt/hotel-olathang ) Tashi Namgay Resort ( www.tashinamgayresort.com ) / Rema Resort ( www.remaresort.com ) OR SIMILAR
PUNAKHA: Dragon’s Nest Hotel ( www.bhutanecolodges.com ) / Meri Puensum Resort / Zhingkham Resort ( https://bhutanhotels.com.bt/zhingkham-resort ) / The Four Boutique Hotel ( www.fourboutique.com.bt ) OR SIMILAR
THIMPHU: City Hotel ( www.cityhotelthimphu.com ) / Tashi Yid-Wong Hotel ( www.tashiyidwonggrand.com ) / Hotel Osel ( www.oselbhutan.com ) / Bhutan Peaceful Residency & Spa ( www.bhutanpeacefulresidency.com ) OR SIMILAR
Option 02- Superior 4*
PARO: Hotel Kaachi Grand – Premier Room ( www.kaachigrand.com )
PUNAKHA: Dragon’s Nest Hotel ( www.bhutanecolodges.com ) / Meri Puensum Resort / Zhingkham Resort ( https://bhutanhotels.com.bt/zhingkham-resort ) / The Four Boutique Hotel ( www.fourboutique.com.bt ) OR SIMILAR
THIMPHU: The Seva – Deluxe Room ( www.thesevahotelbhutan.com )
*These hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking.
