AEIB-05 Bhutan: The Complete Kingdom (9 Days)
Expert Rating: Asia Escapes
This 9-day itinerary is a masterclass in contrasts . The inclusion of Gangtey adds an ecological and peaceful component not found on standard routes. It’s the perfect trip for those seeking spirituality, a connection with nature, and landscape photography.
Day 01. Arrival in Paro - Transfer to Thimphu (55 km / 1.5 hrs)
Scenic Arrival: Spectacular flight with views of the Himalayas. Welcome with the traditional Tashi Khaddar . Assistance at Paro Airport and departure for Thimphu en route, visiting the Iron Bridge: Stop at Tachog Lhakhang to cross the 15th-century chain bridge, a work of the engineer Thangtong Gyalpo. Memorial Chorten: Walk around the white stupa with its golden spire, the center of daily faith for the inhabitants of Thimphu. Exploration: Stroll through the main street and the local market area.
Accommodation: Thimphu (2,320 m).
Day 02. Thimphu: Spirituality, Art and Nuns
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Buddha Point: See the Dordenma Buddha (51.5 m) and its 125,000 gilded Buddhas inside. Enjoy a leisurely 1.5-hour nature walk to Changangkha Lhakhang Temple , the protector of newborns. Cultural activities include a visit to the Postal Museum (create your own stamps) and the Textile Museum. Markets include a visit to the Centenary Farmers Market and Ka Ja Throm.
Finally, conclude the day at Trashichhoedzong, the majestic administrative and religious center of Bhutan.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 03. Thimphu-Dochula Pass-Gangtey (150 km / 5 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Gangtey, passing through the Dochu La Pass (3,088 m): Views of the highest peaks (7,000 m+) and the 108 Chortens . Gangtey: Arrival at the Phobjikha glacial valley. Attendance at a prayer ceremony at the local monastery.
Overnight in Gangtey (3,000 m).
Day 04. Gangtey: Nature and Black-necked Cranes
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Gangtey Goenpa: the largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan. Nature Trail: A 5.5 km (2-hour) hike through meadows and forests overlooking the valley. Crane Center: A visit to the Black-necked Crane Information Center, a winter sanctuary for these sacred birds.
Overnight in Gangtey.
Day 05. Gangtey-Punakha (70 km / 3 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Punakha. We will visit Punakha Dzong: Visit to the “Palace of Great Happiness” at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Suspension Bridge: Crossing one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan (160 m). Chimi Lhakhang: Excursion to the “Temple of Fertility” through rice paddies. Accommodation: Punakha (1,300 m).
Day 06. Punakha: Villages and Convents
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Talo Village: a stroll through this picturesque village known for its cleanliness and beautiful farms. Next stop : Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup: a visit to the convent and higher education center for nuns with panoramic views.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 07. Punakha-Wangdue-Paro (125 km / 4.5 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Paro, visiting Wangduephodrang en route: Exterior view of the historic fortress restored in 2022. Transfer to Paro: Scenic journey back to the fertile Paro Valley. Accommodation: Paro (2,280 m).
Day 08. The Great Milestone: The Tiger's Nest
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to Taktshang: the highlight of the trip. A 5-hour hike (round trip) to the cliff-top monastery, perched 900 meters high. Drukgyel Dzong: Exterior view of the Victory Fortress overlooking Mount Chomolhari. Kyichu Lhakhang: Visit to one of the oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 9. Leaving Unemployment
Breakfast and transfer to the 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 | Highlights | Expert Details |
Thimphu | Buddha Dordenma | The energy of meditating surrounded by 125,000 Buddhas is indescribable. |
Dochula Pass | 108 Chortens | The best place in Bhutan to see the snow giants of the Himalayas. |
Punakha | Punakha Dzong | Considered the most beautiful building in the country; a unique architectural gem. |
Arrest | Tiger’s Nest | It’s not just the monastery; it’s the spiritual reward after the journey. |
Hotels listed: Hotels subject to availability
Option 01- Superior 3*
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
GANGTEY : Phobjikha Hotel ( www.hotelphobjikha.com ) / Hotel Dewachen ( www.dewachenhospitality.com ) / ABC Eco Lodge / Kichu Resort / 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 – 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
GANGTEY : Phobjikha Hotel ( www.hotelphobjikha.com ) / Hotel Dewachen ( www.dewachenhospitality.com ) / ABC Eco Lodge / Kichu Resort / OR SIMILAR
THIMPHU: The Seva – Deluxe Room ( www.thesevahotelbhutan.com )
*These hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking
