Get acquainted with the fascinating culture of Bhutan by visiting Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, and visiting the Gangtey.

Trip Duration

6 Nights/ 7 Days
Max. Altitude

3,180m/10,434ft.
Touring Grade

Easy+Light
Accommodation

Hotel (Kichu Resort)
Meal

6 Dinner, 6 Breakfast, 5 Lunch
Trip Activity

Cultural & Historical Tour

Punakha Dzong, Tiger's Nest Monastery, Gangtey Monastery, Rinpung Dzong Cultural and Historical Tours

The Last Shangri-La tour of Bhutan is an attempt to introduce you to the rich cultural heritage of this small mountainous kingdom, also known as the Last Shangri-La. Your week-long tour of Bhutan begins with a visit to the country’s capital, Thimphu, where you will visit the Memorial Chorten, Mini-Zoo, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk Heritage Museum and the magnificent Tashicho Dzong (fortress). Next, you will travel to Punakha via the Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters) and visit the Chimi Lakhang Temple on the way. Before you head to Paro, you will also visit Punakha Dzong and explore the wonderful Gangtey Village. In the beautiful Paro Valley, you will visit the Rinpung Dzong and the Kichu Lakhang Temple. Your tour ends with a hike to the famous Tigers Nest Monastery, a perfect way to end your trip to the Last Shangri-La.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01 : Arrival in Paro then transfer to Thimphu 2,320m/7,612ft
Day 02 : Sightseeing in Thimphu 2,320m/7,612ft
Day 03 : From Thimphu to Punakha 1,250m/4,101ft
Day 04 : Excursion to Gangtey 2,900m/9,515ft
Day 05 : From Punakha to Paro 2,250m/7,382ft
Day 06 : Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery 3,180m/10,434ft 4-5 hrs
Day 07 : Final Departure from Paro, Bhutan

Note: If you would like to discuss Nepal and Bhutan tour package itinerary and cost, please feel free to contact us. We are available for you 24×7.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP PACKAGE:

This is a general itinerary package below, which can always be “customized” individually. The trek/climb package can be redesigned or redeveloped according to your interests, for more information please contact us.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Paro then transfer to Thimphu

As your flight approaches Bhutan, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas, including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, you will be greeted by a representative from AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions who will take you to your hotel in Thimphu for a good night’s sleep. However, if your flight arrives early and you wish to explore some of the sights of Thimphu, this can also be arranged. Spend the night in Thimphu.

Travel Distance: 54 km Drive: 1 hour
Maximum Altitude: 2,320m/7,612ft.
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Namgay Heritage)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 02 :

Sightseeing tour in Thimphu

In the morning, you will visit the Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third king of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the Nunnery Temple, a mini zoo to see Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. Today, you will also visit other landmarks in Thimphu, including the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the Bhutanese Traditional Painting School, the Folk Heritage Museum, the majestic Tashichho Dzong, and a traditional paper factory. However, some landmarks are closed on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Therefore, if you are in Thimphu on the weekend, you will explore the weekend market. And you will spend the night in Thimphu.

Maximum Altitude: 2,320m/7,612ft.
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Namgay Heritage)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03 :

From Thimphu to Punakha

After breakfast, you will drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass (3,100m), where on a clear day you will have spectacular views of the Himalayas. Then, you will drive downhill through rhododendron, cedar and hemlock forests. On the way, you will visit Chimi Lakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the divine madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenli. Upon reaching Punakha, you will also visit Punakha Dzong which was built between 1637-1638 and is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.

Travel Distance: 76 km Driving: 2-3 hrs
Travel Distance: 54 km Driving: 1 hour
Maximum Altitude: 1,250m/4,101ft.
Accommodation: Hotel (Kichu Resort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04 :

Excursion to Gangtey

In the morning, you will explore Wangdue Phodrang. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings. You will then drive through dense oak and rhododendron forests to reach Gangtey, a beautiful village surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains. From here, you will enjoy views of the majestic Black Mountain Range as well as the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, the winter habitat of black-necked cranes. Gangtey Monastery is located on the top of a small hill that rises from the valley floor. You will explore the Phobjikha villages before returning to Punakha for an overnight stay.

Travel Distance: 164 km Driving: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,900m/9,515ft.
Accommodation: Hotel (Kichu Resort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05 :

From Punakha to Paro

After breakfast, you will begin your drive to Paro Valley. In Paro, you will visit Rinpung Dzong which means “fortress made of a pile of gems”. You will also visit the oldest temple in the country, Kichu Lakhang, and Drugyal Dzong, built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders in the 1600s. Spend the night in Paro.

Travel Distance: 130 km Driving: 4 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,250m/7,382ft.
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06 :

Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery

After breakfast, you will hike for 4 to 5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bhutan and located at 3,180 meters. It is said that Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) climbed on the back of a tiger and flew to meditate in the cave where Taktsang Monastery is now located. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria restaurant located about halfway up the mountain. After exploring the monastery, you will hike to the valley floor. You will spend the night in Paro.

Duration - Hiking: 4-5 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,180m/10,434ft.
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07 :

Finial departure from Paro, Bhutan

Today you will bid farewell to the small Himalayan kingdom and its friendly people. Druk Air usually departs early in the morning to avoid bad weather. So, after breakfast, you will be taken to the airport in the morning for your final departure.

Meals: Breakfast