Bhutan has always followed its own path, and this week-long adventure explores its cultural and natural highlights. Hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, meeting with artisans and monks, immersing yourself in the Himalayas, and visiting intricate dzongs showcase the country’s beautiful diversity. Without the hassles of multi-day road journeys, this private tour will provide you with the ultimate exploration of Bhutan.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Paro – First Impressions
Today’s flight into Paro will be spectacular, and you will follow a path through the Himalayan peaks. Soon, you will touch down, and your private transfer will greet and transfer you to your luxurious accommodation in the heart of Paro. Your first afternoon in Bhutan will be a feast for the senses. Almost all of the locals will be in traditional dress: the women in colorful ankle-length dresses and contrasting jackets and the men in knee-length robes with silk scarves. The streets are almost devoid of vehicle traffic, especially when you wander down the lanes of cobblestone. In the distance, you can spot temples peeking out from mountain slopes.
What's Included:
Day 2
Paro – Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Day 3
Thimphu – Artisans and Locals
Day 4
Punakha Valley – The Himalayas
Day 5
Punakha Valley – Bhutan’s Spiritual Capital
Day 6
Punakha Valley – Black Mountains Day Trip
Day 7
Paro – Across the Mountains
Day 8
Paro – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Hike along a narrow valley trail to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is the most iconic of all journeys in Bhutan
- Discover the silence of the wilderness as you are immersed in Himalayan landscapes
- Spend a couple of days exploring the spiritual history and visiting temples across the Punakha Valley
- Meet with the locals throughout your tour, especially on a day in Thimphu that will allow you to converse with artisans and to try out the country’s national sport
- Hike in the vastness of the Black Mountains and search for wildlife en route to a temple hidden in the trees
- Visit a lively local market in Wangdiphodrang and enjoy the cultural intimacy of an afternoon in Punakha Dzong
- Be among the first generation of foreign visitors to be granted access to the inside of the Tiger’s Nest, which is Bhutan’s holiest site
- Explore a town that has only recently been opened to foreign visitors with a morning in Haa
Detailed Description
Bhutan is an incredible destination for travelers who are willing to fully engage and immerse themselves in their surroundings. You will meet the locals, converse with monks, join the pilgrims, and become fully immersed in a very alternative way of life. What makes Bhutan so beautiful are the things that cannot be seen in pictures. During your time in the country, you will feel like you are fully involved with local culture and life. Even the iconic postcard of Tiger’s Nest Monastery is an experience that you will likely remember for the personal connections you create rather than the sublime views of the valley.
This private 8-day tour explores the essence of Bhutan, leading you to destinations and highlights that showcase why the country is so unique. You will first fly to Paro, which houses the only international airport in the country. Only by walking at a leisurely speed can you awaken your senses to Paro. After your first day of initial impressions, you will travel to the country’s holiest site of the Tiger’s Nest. You will trek with the pilgrims and enjoy the privilege of being among the first generation of foreign visitors to Bhutan.
The following day, you will have a short drive to the capital Thimphu, which will be a great city to meet with locals and share stories. You can also spend time with artisans, try your hand at the national sport of archery, meet monks in a monastery, and get a feel for the changing face of the nation. Every journey is memorable, and the viewpoints will be astonishing. In the Punakha Valley, you will visit one of the country’s most inspiring dzongs, which is a fortress-type city. Punakha was the original country capital and is where many of Bhutan’s monks live during the winter months.
You will then spend a couple of days in the valley. Here, you will visit Punakha Dzong as well as the temples and sites that make the area so significant. It is as immersive a destination, and you will be glad to spend several nights in the region, which will allow for a day in the city, a day in the valley, and a day in the Black Mountains. This alpine journey into the wilderness will include a temple in the forest, animals on the plains, and the untamed beauty of a national park.
You will return to Paro and make a morning stop at the country’s liveliest market in Wangdiphodrang, which is also another great place to meet with the locals. Your final night will be in Paro, but your final morning will be spent in Haa, which is a nearby town that has only recently been opened to foreign visitors. Here, you will receive a very warm welcome from people the incredibly friendly locals. To conclude your stay, you will fly home from Paro.
Starting Price
$4,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
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