Experience the magic of Bhutan on this 9-day journey that takes you through its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual heritage. From the bustling streets of Thimphu to the sacred monasteries of Punakha and the iconic Tiger’s Nest in Paro, each day unfolds a new adventure. Along the way, witness colorful festivals, explore traditional villages, and soak in the serenity of the Himalayas. This all-inclusive tour offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and unforgettable Bhutanese hospitality.
Our representatives from Laughingthrush Adventure will receive you at the airport. After quick refreshment or Lunch – Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong (The Fortress built on the heaped of jewels) respectively, the fortress date backs to 17 th century and the courtyard which was shot in Hollywood movie “little Buddha”.
Drive to Thimphu – 1hrs. Quick stop at magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang to see the oldest iron bridge built in 15 th century by a Tibetan master and architecture. Rest and acclimatize.
Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m.
Visit the National Memorial Chorten (the stupa built for the memory of our third king), and drive to Kuensel Phodrang to witness the mighty 51m tall sitting Buddha, and also visit the National Painting School to see different types of crafts in Bhutan and Changangkha Temple (13 th century old temple). Browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Museum and visit the Postal Museum.
In the evening you will visit Fortress of glorious reign (Trashicho Dzong) which also housed the office of His Majesty the Dragon King of Bhutan and next to the fortress is our royal supreme court. Walk around the craft market and main town with or without your guide to experience the tiny city of Bhutan and mingle with the locals.
Overnight in hotel at Thimphu,
Punakha is considered as the old capital of Bhutan, and also the winter resident for monastic body, so its warmer than Thimphu, you will drive via Dochula Pass (3100m), and stop for break to have coffee or tea at the high elevation with the view of 108 stupas and the Himalayan ranges. After the break, continue the scenic downhill drive stopping on the way and interacting the farmers and organic veggie vendors.
Visit Lamperi Botanical Garden that gives a wide knowledge of flora and fauna of Bhutan. Visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong, showcase the finest example of the arts and crafts of Bhutan. Visit Chime Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Mad Man’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). Join the nuns for evening prayer at Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup nunnery which ends the day.
Overnight in a typical farm house, altitude 1250m.
So today you will experience the farm house, wake up with the alarm of a chicken and have a delicious butter tea with the host, after a sumptuous traditional breakfast with host, check out the organic grown vegetable garden and dairy farm, there is a small village near the farm house, you can either go by yourself or with guide to know the villagers.
Visit Punakha Dzong (the Palace of great bliss) beautiful and important fortress in the history of Bhutan. Walk for about an hour to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten stupa. It is a beautiful walk through the pine trees, the stupa is stunning and so is the view from there. Enroute you will also be walking through a suspension bridge over the Puna Tsang Chhu – Punakha River. Continue your drive to Phobjikha.
Nature trail hike at Phobjikha (1hr hike along the glacier valley and the roosting place for the mighty Black-necked Cranes)
Overnight at farm stay (optional). Altitude 3000m
After your breakfast, stroll around the valley and visit the crane information center and the 16th century old monastery Gangtey Goenpa. Drive to Wangdue Phodrang is 2-3 hours.
The center of attraction in this town is an ancient fort built atop a hill in 1638. This fort, built at the confluence of two rivers, was originally meant to protect the invasions from the southern direction, fortunately our date coincides with an annual 3 Day festival of the valley, where you will see hundreds and thousands of local people attending the festival with their best colorful attire, it’s a treat. You can go around witness the festival, talk with people, and try local foods. we will spend the night in Wangdue.
Altitude 1200m.
Todays drive will be little longer, (5hrs approx.) but don’t worry we will have lot of stop on the way get the drive when you see meandering river and beautiful valleys perched on the mountains along the highway that is relatively free of traffic. The road takes us back to Chuzom (river confluence) where we catch a glimpse of the three shrines in Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese style which were built to ward off evil spirits, and then traverses left past Dobji Dzong, an ancient prison which now houses a monastery.
Picturesque and quaint villages dot the hillsides for the rest of our drive to Haa remains one of the least visited areas in the country and retains the air of an unspoiled, primeval forest. This valley only opened to foreigners in 2002due to its proximity to the border with Sikkim and Tibet. This valley harks back to a simpler, more traditional time, and its wooded hills give us an ideal setting for hiking and mountain biking. There are several pleasant walking trails in Haa and biking on the virtually traffic free valley to visit local areas of interest and village homes is an enjoyable way to spend the day.
Overnight in Haa.
Start early for the drive to Chele La Pass which (3,988m) from which on a clear day the view sweeps away to Bhutan’s second highest peak, Mt Jomo Lhari (7314m). Striding out along the Edelweiss covered ridge, Chelela Pass is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, which lies in between Paro and Haa valley. Haa to Paro Valley is a 2-hour drive.
Upon reaching Paro we will go witness a local playing traditional archery match and stroll around the Paro town.
Overnight at hotel in Paro.
After our breakfast, drive to the base camp, the eighth-century old monastery is perched on a rock overlooking a sheer drop and clings seemingly impossible to a cliff at 900m above the valley floor. Tiger Nest Temple is considered, one of the must-visit places around the world before we die. The hike is almost 5 hours back and forth at 30 to 40 degrees inclined, for an average trekker however it might take a full day for some depending on your pace. First of half of the hike pulls up to the cafeteria feels never ending however from the half point due to magical structure at your close sight, you are energized to push further. You actually feel very near, push yourself a little further you are at the feet of the Tiger Nest, filled with joys and happiness never like before. And on the way back, you can run down, it’s easy always.
After the trek, since you will be totally exhausted you will end the day with a perfect hot stone bath with dinner at the farmhouse. You will be saved for going expensive massage and enjoy the traditional therapy bath.
Overnight in Paro.
After a breakfast your guide and driver will see you off at the airport.
– 3*** hotel or Homestay with three meals
– Professional cultural and trekking Guide
– SUV and 4×4 Truck with experienced driver.
– Tea and bottle water throughout the trip.
– Hot stone Herbal bath
– Monumental & National Park fees
– Visa fees
– SDF Fees (SDF Sustainable Development Fees directly paid to Govt)
– Sleeping Tent
– Sleeping bag if required
– Sleeping Mat
– Solar lamp in dining and kitchen tent.
– Pillow, Inner Blanket & Hot water bag.
– Dinning Tent & Dining sets.
– Kitchen Tent & Kitchen Sets
– Toilet Tent, Pot & Paper.
– Horse for Luggage
– All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
– Medical / Travel Insurance.
