(Version 2024.02.24)

This fourteen night fall tour will center around the cultural and natural riches of Central & Western Bhutan. (Scroll down to the bottom to pay the $500 refundable tour deposit.)

Bhutan is a mountainous and thickly forested Himalayan kingdom (a constitutional monarchy) sandwiched between China and India that has been referred to by National Geographic as "The Last Shangri La". Bhutan has a population under one million, a low population density (~20 people per square km), and a sustainable tourism policy that is "low-volume / high-end." Although the national language is Bhutanese (Dzongkha), English is the language of instruction in schools, and many people are delighted to engage visitors in English conversation about popular topics including their country's "Gross National Happiness," spectacular architecture, Buddhist traditions, cuisine, textiles, flora, and fauna.

We have designed this experience both with comfort and authentic experiences in mind. staying in both modern and comfortable three star hotels or lodges, and farm houses.

The trip begins and ends at the international airport in Paro (PBH); Dorji will assist with booking your flights to and from Paro on Druk Airlines, the royal Bhutan airlines and with obtaining tourist visas. Opportunities also exist for trip extensions and/or stopovers in various global hubs (advice provided upon request, with costs according to the customized plan).

Tour Highlights

Unforgettable historic architecture (e.g. Fortresses, Monasteries, Monuments, Bridges, etc.)
Spectacular Landscapes including Mountain Views
Authentic Cultural Encounters
Culinary Adventures (featuring locally sourced organic ingredients)
Optional mountain river rafting and hiking experiences (with exquisite views)
Visit the most famous monastery – Taktsang – “The Tiger’s Nest”

Total price per person $6,423.00 USD double occupancy. please inquire about single supplement charge (for single travelers requiring their own hotel room).

Tour Includes

Domestic airfare from Paro to Bumthang (one way)
Fourteen nights accommodation as described in itinerary
All food and drink (including alcohol)
River rafting and camping fees
Ground transportation in well-maintained vehicles including driver
Guides & Porters

Tour Does Not Include

Round trip international airfare to and from Paro, Bhutan (e.g. from Delhi or Bangkok)
Medical or Trip Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature ( e.g. laundry, cell phone SIM card & phone charges, etc)
Medical Expenses including Medical Evacuation

NOTE: This Bhutan tour can also easily be combined with a pre-tour or post-tour visit to Eastern Bhutan and/or nearby Nepal (please inquire).

* itinerary subject to change according to unforeseen circumstances / opportunities

Day-by-Day Tour Itinerary

Day 1: 26 SEPTEMBER, Arrival in Paro

Your experience commences the moment your flight lands in Paro International Airport, the only International Airport in Bhutan. Once you clear the custom and immigration procedure, you will be warmly received by Dorji and taken for refreshments into town.

Possible program: -Visit Kichu Lhakhang
Vegetable markets
Drive to the Happiness Farm
Welcome dinner at the Happiness Farm
Overnight at the Happiness Farm

Day 02: 27 SEPTEMBER, Explore Dobji Dzong and Surroundings

Visit the historical Dobji Dzong, the pioneering model for Bhutanese fortresses, enriched with religious and cultural significance.

Learn about its transformation from a religious site to a penlop residence, a central jail, and now a monastic school.
Hike to the sacred 'Drupchu' for a chance to experience the holy water with reputed healing properties.
Enjoy another peaceful night at the Happiness Farm.
Picnic lunch
On return, hike to the Happiness Farm via Yuesakha village.( -2-3 +hr)
Optional herbal bath.
Overnight at the Happiness Farm

Day 03: 28 SEPTMEBER, Discover Thimphu

After breakfast drive to Thimphu( 1 hr)
Spend the day discovering the capital city, and visiting Takin preserve the national animal of Bhutan) and the iconic Big Buddha.
Hike to Wangditse for serene views of Thimphu city and local insights.( 1 hr +)
Visit the vegetable market
Stay overnight at the Seven Suites, Thimphu.
Dinner at the hotel.

Day 04: 29 SEPTEMBER, Spiritual Experiences in ThimphU

Hike to Tango Monastery, engage in meditation at the shrine, and relax during a riverside picnic.( 2-3 hr +)
Rest at the Seven Suites in Thimphu.
Dinner is optional in a hotel or outside.

Day 05: 30 SEPTEMBER, Journey from Thimphu to Punakha

Depart early for Dochula Pass, known for its 108 chortens and panoramic Himalayan views.
Embark on a tranquil hike from Dochula to Lungchutse Lhakhang( 3+ hrs return), and later drive to Punakha.( 1.5 hrs)
Overnight at River Valley, Punakha.
Dinner at the hotel.

Day 06: 1 OCTOBER, Punakha - Thimphu

Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, followed by a picnic lunch at the Happiness Farm 2.
After lunch, hike to the Khamsum Yuelling stupa.( 30-40 min)
End the day with a thrilling rafting excursion.
Stay another night at River Valley, Punakha.
Dinner outside at the Migrama Bistro.

Day 07: 2 OCTOBER, From Punakha to Phobjikha

Start with a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, known as the Temple of Fertility.
Travel to the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, observe yaks and explore the valley's beauty.
Visit Gantey Monastery
Visit Crane Center
Evening gentle hike for 1-2 hrs and if time permits.
Overnight stay at a local farmhouse.

Day 08: 3 OCTOBER, Phobjikha to Trongsa

Drive to Trongsa and visit the commanding Trongsa Dzong.
Trongsa to BumthangTrongsa to Bumthang
Stay at the Norbu Lingkhar Resort in Trongsa.
Dinner at the Hotel.

Day 09: 4 OCTOBER, Trongsa to Bumthang

Journey to Bumthang, engage in an evening walk
Visit the Red Panda local beer factory and have a drink?
Visit Kurje Monastery.
Wangduecholing Palace
Overnight at the Swiss Guest House.
Dinner at the Swiss Guesthouse.

Day 10: 5 OCTOBER, Bumthang

Morning visit to Ogencholing in Tang (https://www.oling.bt)( 2 + hrs)
Gentle hike -Bushman Trail from Swiss Guesthouse – Tang Bab-zur( 3-4 Hrs). Drive to Ogencholing and have lunch at Ogencholing.
Evening visit to the Burning Lake and Pemacholing Nunnery
Overnight stay at Swiss Guest House

Day 11: 6 OCTOBER, Bumthang to Paro

Fly to Paro
Drive to the Happiness Farm
Cooking competition with BBQ and drinks at the Happiness farmsome seightseeing in farm
Llunch in Paro town
Optional shopping in Paro town
Overnight at the Happiness Farm

Day 12: 7 OCTOBER, Paro

Hike to Tiger’s Nest ( 4-5 hrs +)
Spend the morning hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest
The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 hours and includes lunch
An abbreviated hike or horse ride to a midway lunch spot is an option
Taktsang Monastery clings to sheer cliffs two thousand feet above Paro Valley and has been an important place of pilgrimage and refuge for more than 1,200 years
This sacred place is named after Guru Rinpoche, who rode there on the back of a flying tigress and meditated in a cave behind the present-day monastery.
Overnight at the Happiness Farm