AEIB-04 Bhutan: The Kingdom of Clouds and Spirituality (8 Days)
Expert Rating: Asia Escapes
This 8-day itinerary is exceptional because it doesn’t stick to the classic tourist routes. The inclusion of the Chele La Pass and Kila Convent on day 7 allows travelers to experience the altitude and nuns’ monastic life, something few tours include.
Day 01. Arrival in Paro - Transfer to Thimphu (55 km / 1.5 hrs)
Scenic Arrival: Spectacular flight over the Himalayas and welcome with the traditional Tashi Khaddar . Assistance and departure for Thimphu en route, visiting the Iron Bridge: Stop at Tachog Lhakhang to cross the 15th-century chain bridge. Monuments: Visit to the National Memorial Chorten , a local center of prayer. Local Life: Stroll along the main street and visit the Centenary Farmers Market , the largest agricultural and artisan market in the country. Accommodation: Thimphu (2,320 m).
Day 02. Thimphu: Cultural and Natural Immersion
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Buddha Point: Visit to the Dordenma Buddha (51.5 m), one of the largest gilded bronze statues in the world. Gentle Walk: A 1.5-hour hike through pine and rhododendron forests to Changangkha Lhakhang , the Temple of Newborns.
Museums: Visit to the Postal Museum (create your own stamps) and the Textile Museum. Spirituality: Visit to the Zilkha Monastery and conclude at the majestic Trashichhoedzong , the seat of government and religion.
Overnight in Thimphu (2,320 m).
Day 03. Thimphu-Dochula Pass-Punakha (75 km / 2.5 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Punakha en route, passing through Dochula and over the Dochula Pass (3,088 m): Panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks and the 108 Chortens ( Druk Wangyal ).
Descent: Journey to the Punakha Valley (1,300 m), famous for its abundant harvests and mild climate. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 04. Punakha: Rural Life and Monastic Formation
Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgel: a 2-hour hike (round trip) to this stupa with stunning views of the Mo Chhu River. We will visit the villages of Talo and Nobgang: meeting with local families at their traditional farms and flower gardens. We will also visit the Nalanda Buddhist Institute: a visit to the monastic college (Dalayna) to observe the life of the student monks. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 05. Punakha-Simtokha-Paro (125 km / 4 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Paro. We will visit Wangduephodrang: Exterior view of the strategic fortress restored in 2022. Simtokha Dzong: Visit to the oldest surviving complete dzong (1629), famous for its 300 slate carvings. Culture in Paro: Visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong , the “jewel pile fortress” with its murals depicting the life of Milarepa. Overnight in Paro (2,280 m).
Day 06. The Tiger's Nest and Druk's Victory
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Taktshang: the absolute highlight of Bhutan. A 5-hour hike (round trip) to the monastery perched 900 meters above the valley. Drukgyel Dzong: Visit to the fortress that witnessed the victory over Tibetan invaders, with views of Mount Chomolhari (7,314 m).
Kyichu Lhakhang: A stop at one of the oldest and most sacred shrines, dating back to the 7th century. Overnight stay.
Day 7. The Chele La Pass and the Hidden Convent
Breakfast and visit to Chele La (3,988 m): Journey to Bhutan’s highest motorized pass, covered in prayer flags and rhododendrons. Kila Goemba: Hike (2-3 hrs) from the pass to Bhutan’s oldest convent, home to 40 nuns on the mountainside.
Accommodation: Unemployment.
Day 8. Leaving Unemployment
Breakfast and transfer to the international airport for your departure 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 | Highlights | Expert Details |
Thimphu | Buddha Dordenma | The energy experienced while meditating among 125,000 golden statues is unique in the world. |
Punakha | Talo Village | It is the perfect place to see the cleaner and more aesthetic side of Bhutanese rural life. |
Arrest | Tiger’s Nest | It’s not just a monastery; it’s the emotional climax of the journey through Bhutan. |
Chele La | Alpine Landscape | The views of Jomolhari from this point are the best you can get by road. |
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 )
