Trip Facts:
Trip Name: Bhutan Encompassed Tour
Trip Id: TIB1396
Trip Duration: 05 Days
Max. Altitude: 3,120m/10,240 ft (The Tiger Nest Monastery)
Best Season: March to May and September to November
Meal: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation: Government approved 3 stars and Above
Transportation: Private car, van or bus (Depends on group size)
Trip Type: Private Tour
Trip Overview:
Bhutan Encompassed Tour is an exhilarating tour giving full insight of the art & architecture, tradition & culture of the Dragon Kingdom. The tour visits the prime tourist locations in Bhutan such as the colorful city of Paro including Thimphu and the old capital of Bhutan – Punakha. Other interesting feature is the hike to the Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’, perched in the vertical cliff. Dochula pass located at an altitude of 3140 meters commands spectacular panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains towards the north which can be witnessed during a clear day. Get a stunning view of Thimphu city from Buddha’s point, visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong, Kyichu Lhakang- one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and there are other historical & religious monasteries, temples to witness. Bhutan Encompassed Tour is a circuit tour round Paro, Thimphu then back to Paro and a great way to witness Bhutan in it’s unspoiled sights and sounds and mixed colors.
Trip Highlights:
- Majestic views of the world’s highest peaks onboard flight to/from Paro and excitement level builds up as the plane cuts through different hills towards the deep valley of Paro
- Guided city tour of the tiny capital Thimphu.
- Explore Paro exploding with colors and tradition
- Visit the Bhutan’s old capital city – Punakha
- Hike up to Taktsang Monastery – the Tiger’s Nest
- Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful monastery in Bhutan
- Witness the daily lifestyle and traditions of Bhutan
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival Paro (2250m) & transfer to Thimphu (2350m)
Day 02: Thimphu to Punakha (1310m)
Day 03: Punakha to Paro (2250m)
Day 04: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)
Day 05: Paro – Depart
Day to Day Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival Paro (2250m) & transfer to Thimphu (2350m)
Arrive Paro by the Bhutanese National Carrier flying over the world’s highest mountains and finally landing at the lush green Paro valley. A cool and clean fresh air greets the visitor as stepping down from the plane, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing customs and visa formalities, meet the representatives and the Bhutanese guide, and a short tour brief by the guide then transfer to Paro town for lunch.
Then drive towards Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan) for about an hour’s drive. In Thimphu, visit Buddha point for a stunning view of Thimphu city and Takin Compound- on the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. Then continue to Tashi Choe Dzong- the fortress of the glorious religion was initially constructed in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960s, Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum, Centenary Farmers Market, the new authentic craft bazaar. Overnight at Hotel (Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha (1310m)
After early breakfast, drive towards Punakha for about 1 & half hours passing along Dochu La Pass at 3140m. On clear weather, the pass commands a wonderful panorama of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, the road descends through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. En-route take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as “the Divine Madman”.
In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong. Located at the confluence of the Pho-chu (male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river), the Punakha Dzong is arguably the most impressive dzong in the country. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 03: Punakha – Paro (2250m)
After early breakfast, drive from Punakha to Paro re-crossing Dochula pass and stopping at Thimphu for lunch. Upon arrival in Paro visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan; the Dzong continues its age-old function as the seat of the district administration, district court and the monastic body. The southern approach to the Dzong has a traditional roofed cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 04: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)
After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. It’s about two hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in 8th century. Then visit the Taktsang Monastery and hike back to the road point then drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Later on, back to hotel. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 05: Paro – Depart
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains. (Breakfast only included)
Cost Details:
To obtain a special price for this trip, please kindly contact us using Request a free quote form below ↓
Includes the following service during Bhutan tour:
• Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
• 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium).
• Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
• Route Permit
• Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
• All land transportation by private vehicle
• Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Drinking water
• All internal taxes and charges
• A sustainable development fee of $200 per person per night. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
Excludes in the package cost:
• Monuments entrance fees where applicable (Entrance fees)
• Airfare & Travel Insurance
• Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
• Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Note:
On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to providing breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on a usage basis.
Our entire Bhutan tours are private journeys and tailor made programs suited for any independent travelers according to their chosen traveling dates. Should you wish, the tour can be easily customized as per your interest and activities you wish to get involve in or spend more time in your places of interest. Contact us to customize this tour as per your requirements. This tour can be undertaken round the year.
