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9 Days In-depth Tour from Western to Central Bhutan
Paro – Thimphu (1N) – Punakha (1N) – Phobjikha (1N) – Trongsa (1N) – Bumtang (1N) – Wangdue Phodrang (1N) – Paro (2N)
This 8 nights 9 days Bhutan tour is suitable for those tourists who are want to explore Bhutan more deeply. This tour involves most of the highlights of western and central Bhutan, such as Bhutan National Museum, Paro Dzong, Bhutan Textile Museum, King's Memorial Chorten, Punakha Dzong, Trongsa Dzong, etc. Besides, it allows you to admire the beautiful valleys of the mysterious land. Stopping by any one of these valleys can be an unforgettable memory in your life. What’s more, you will embark on a hike to the well-known Tiger's Nest Monastery to take in the eye-catching view of Paro valley.
- Jan. to Jun and Sept. to Dec.
- Cultural Sightseeing
- Customized Private Tour for One and More
Highlights
- Admire Thimphu’s cultural wonders like National Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong.
- Visit the most beautify Punakha Dzong and Chhimi Lhakhang.
- Explore the cultural heritages of central Bhutan in Trongsa and Bumthang.
- Discover the beautiful Probjikha valley in central Bhutan.
- Visit famous Ta Dzong Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong.
- Hike toTaksang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest), the holiest temple of Bhutan.
Itinerary
Day 1: Paro Arrival and Transfer to Thimphu
Highlight: Arrive in Paro and visit Tschogang Lhakhang on the way to Thimphu; visit Tashichho Dzong and King's Memorial Chorten in Thimphu.
Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”.
Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport by Druk Air, your local guide and driver will meet you at the arriving hall of the airport. And they will have a brief introduction about themselves. Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of nearly 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).
On the way, you will first encounter a private temple - Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse. Keep driving to Thimphu, you will have a short stop at Chuzom, a confluence where the Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. It is decorated with three different styles of stupas, namely Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese.
After arriving at Thimphu, your guide will help you check in the hotel. And you can have a brief rest at your hotel if you need. Later, you will pay a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.
After that, you will head to visit the King's Memorial Chorten (National Memorial Chorten), a stupa built in memory of the third king in 1974. The display inside shows good statues of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.
Stay overnight in Thimphu.
Thimphu National Memorial Chorten
Paro including Ta Dzong Museum
Accommondation in Thimphu
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring for your trip to Bhutan.
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Thimphu Namseling Hotel
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Thimphu Druk Hotel
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Thimphu Six Senses Bhutan
Meals Included
- Lunch and Dinner
Please feel free to tell us any of your food requirement.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing and Driving to Punakha
Highlight: Cross Docula Pass and visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
Today, you will drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242m). The distance between Thimphu to Punakha is 71 kilometers, and it will take you 3 hours to get there. One the way, you will have an excellent opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view of the solemn Bhutan Himalaya Ranges and even take photos at the impressive collection of 108 chortens at Dochula Pass (3,140m).
After arriving at Punakha, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. More importantly, the rectangular shape fortress is also an honorable treasury where preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.
After witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong, you will continue to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery, is a beautiful Buddhist monastery located in the Punakha District of Bhutan. It stands on a small round hillock close to the village of Lobesa and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel.
Stay overnight in Punakha.
Witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring for your trip to Bhutan.
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Punakha Meri Phuntsum
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Punakha Zhingkham Resort
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Punakha COMO Uma
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Punakha to Phobjikha / Gangtey
highlight: Drive through Phobjikha Valley and visit Gangtey Monastery and Black-Necked Crane Information Center.
After breakfast, you will drive to Phobjikha valley (3,000m). The distance between Punakha and Phobjikha is about 80 kilometers and will take you nearly 3 hours to finish this driving journey. On the way to Phobjikha, you will get amazed by the beauty and serenity of the rich flora and fauna. And you may see some Yaks grazing in high altitude bamboo shrub along the road when you arrive at Lawala Pass (3,300m).
After crossing the pass, you will head to visit Gangtey Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Goempa. It is a very important monastery of Nyingmapa school. Thereafter, you will pay a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Information Center. The center is situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley. It has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. If you travel to Phobjikha in November to January, you can have a chance to view many black-necked cranes here.
Stay overnight in Phobjikha / Gangtey.
Gangtey Monastery
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring for your trip to Bhutan.
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Gangtey Dewachen
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Gangtey RKPO Green Resort
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Amankora Gangtey
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Phobjikha to Trongsa
Highlight: Drive to Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong and the old woter of Trongsa.
Today, you will continue to drive to Trongsa (2,220m), the center of Bhutan historically and geographically, from Phobjikha. The distance between the two places is 84 kilometers, which will take you 3 hours and 20 minutes. On arrival at Trongsa, your guide will lead you to visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan and built on a spur overlooking the gorge of the Mangde River.
Then, you will head to visit the old tower of Trongsa (also called Royal Heritage Museum), a brilliant historical center of Bhutan. The five stories of showcases center around Buddhist workmanship and imperial memorabilia, including such fluctuated treasures as the 500-year-old coat of Ngagi Wangchuk and the football boots utilized by the teenaged fourth king.
Stay overnight in Trongsa.
Visit Trongsa Dzong
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Trongsa to Bumthang
Highlight: Cross the Yotong La Pass and visit Yathra Weaving Center and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang.
Today's tour continues to go eastwardly to Bumthang (2,700m). Covering a distance of 56 kilometers, it will take you 2 hours 40 minutes to get to Bumthang from Trongsa. Firstly, the zigzag road will bring you to Yotong La Pass (3,425m). Here, you can view a Buddhist Stupa with Tibetan style and countless colorful prayer flags. Driving downhill, you will head to the Yathra Weaving Center at Zugney village where you can witness the locals waving Yathra.
After that, keep driving to Bumthang. On arrival at Bumthang, you are going to worship the Jambay Lhakhang, a temple built by the King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 659 AD. It is said that Guru Rinpoche was the one who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rinpoche restored his life with his magical powers. If you visit Bumthang in October or November, you may have a chance to join in the highly popular Jambay Tsechu Festival here.
Stay overnight in Bumthang.
Jambay Lhakhang
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring for your trip to Bhutan.
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Bumthang Ugyenling
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Bumthang Jakar Village
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Amankora Bumthang
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Bumthang to Wangdue Phodrang / Gangtey
Highlight: Take a long road trip back to Gangtey.
Today, you will set out in the early morning after breakfast and travel to Wangdue Phodrang (1,273m) through Pele La Pass (3,300m). With a total distance of 190 kilometers, it will take you about 7 hours to get to Wangdue Phodrang. After arriving at Pele La Pass, you can see a brilliant stupa with colorful prayer flags in front of you. Besides, if weather permits, you will get a fantastic view of Mt.Jomolhari and Jichu Drake on the way.
You will arrive at Wangdue Phodrang in the late afternoon. Your guide will help you check in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Wangdue Phodrang/Gangtey.
Pele La Pass
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring for your trip to Bhutan.
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Gangtey Dewachen
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Gangtey RKPO Green Resort
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Amankora Gangtey
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Wangdue Phodrang to Paro
Highlight: Visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and drive back to Paro.
In the morning after breakfast, you will move to visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. It was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638 atop a high ridge between the Puna Tsang Chhu and the Dang Chhu. After that, you will spend 3 hours driving to Paro from Wangdue Phodrang to Paro.
In the evening, you can freely explore Paro to experience its unique lifestyle here.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring for your trip to Bhutan.
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Paro Olathang Hotel
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Paro Tashi Namgay Resort
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Paro Le Meridien Hotel
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Taktsang Monastery Hike in Paro
Highlight: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it.
After breakfast, you will start your hike to Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery). You will spend 5 to 6 hours for the hike.
Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory.
After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Special Notice
Travelers cannot take pictures in the monastery, but you can take a nice shot on your road to Taktsang Monastery. At the entrance, you have to deposit all belongings, like cameras, phone, other electronic equipment, etc. at the entrance.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring for your trip to Bhutan.
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Paro Olathang Hotel
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Paro Tashi Namgay Resort
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Paro Le Meridien Hotel
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Tour Price
Add-on Activities
The general travel itineraries in Bhutan are usually leisure and relaxing. To make the most your time in Bhutan, you can choose to have more activities as you like, such as light hiking around the town or a featured culture experience.
Here we offer you the most popular travel ideas that most of our travelers choose to experience as an add-on activity during their trips in Bhutan. For more available activities or anything you want to add on to your trip in Bhutan, just feel free to contact us.
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Bhutan Hot Stone Bath
The popular Hot Stone Bath, a traditional healing process in Bhutan, is a great experience for you to relax and refresh yourself after one-day hiking or trekking. Different from hot spring, it is a kind of hot water bath offered in a traditional way with a wooden tub and herbs in the water. You can experience it in a local farmhouse or in a resort.
Please notice that you need to pay additional fees for the hot stone bath (usually within 30 minutes).
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Sightseeing Hiking
Even you don't take the trekking tour in Bhutan, you can also experience pleasant hiking on your travel days. Especially during your trips in western and central Bhutan, like in Gangtey, Bumthang, and Trongsa, there are some easy hiking and trekking trails around the town. You can take light hiking for 1 to 2 hours after general daily sightseeing. Just feel free to tell your guide if you are interested in an extra hiking experience.
Generally, you don't need to pay extra money for the hours' hiking.
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Cultural Exploration
Bhutan is a place that rich in culture and handicraft. If you want to experience more local culture and the real life of the locals, you can ask for more activities, such as a visit to a local weekend market, a class of traditional Bhutan archery or traditional weaving in Bhutan. Just feel free to let us know want you are looking for and want to experience during your Bhutan tour, we will help you find the best options to do.
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Farmhouse Homestay
All of our tour packages cover the accommodation from 3-star hotels to 5-star hotels and resorts. But if you want to get closer to the local Bhutanese' life, it is suggested to take one night stay in a farmhouse. It will be an unforgettable experience to eat ordinary food and dishes and live in the typical Bhutanese house just like a Bhutanese does.
Since the accommodation is required to be arranged in advance, if you are keen on a homestay in Bhutan, please tell us as early as possible.
Food and Drinks
All of our Bhutan tour packages include three meals a day. The local restaurants often provide Bhutanese food. In some hotels, you can also have western Buffet at breakfast and dinner. There are also local markets selling fresh fruits, such as apples, pineapples and so on. If you have any requirements on food, such as vegetarian, please feel free to tell your travel consultant or your local guide.
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Bhutanese Food
Most of your meals are in local restaurants, which offers typicla bhutanese food. The most popular food among local people is the Chili Cheese.
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Western Buffet
Besides the traditional Bhutan dishes, you can also have western buffet in some hotels in Bhutan. There are more choices for you.
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Western Breakfast
The breakfast offered in Bhutan hotels often include the egg, the toast with butter, honey and jams. You can choose to have a cup of tea or coffee.
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Water and Drinks
For every day trip, we offer one bottle of water for each tourists. There are also kinds of soft drinks you can buy in the restaurant, hotel or shops in the town in Bhutan. Also, you can taste the local beers if you want.
Bhutan Tour Planning FAQs
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