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From$1,390

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Billionaire Singapore found that the top three things that luxury travel segment guests are looking for while on holiday are cultural experiences, food and drink, and experiencing local life and people. Bhutan, one of the least-visited countries in the world and home to a wealth of natural and cultural discoveries made it to the list of five destinations that are trending with Asian travellers for 2023, based on a luxury survey.

6 Days 5 Nights

Paro/Phuentsholing

Max People : unlimited

Tour Highlights

Most fascinating places with a scientific bent
Lower altitudes make it ideal for winter travel
Every attraction in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue
See the pleasant, vibrant nature of southern Bhutan.
A nice climb from Damphu town to Tsolingkhar
Take a look at the distinctive Hindu communities in the south.

Arrival Location

Paro International Airport (Google Map) / Phuentsholing (Google Map)

Departure Location

Paro International Airport (Google Map) / Phuentsholing (Google Map)

Price Includes

Airport Transfers
Stay in hotels as indicated in the itinerary
All three meals, tea and coffee
Dedicated SUV vehicle with a driver and
English Speaking Guide throughout the Trip
Short hikes, Packed lunches and snacks wherever required
Monumental Fees
Bhutan Tourism Development Fee
VISA processing Fee

Price Excludes

International Air fare
Refreshments and bottled drinks and alcohol
Tips/gratuities
Cost arising out of Flight Cancellation/road blockades/ landslides and events beyond our control
Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost

Tour variants, extensions and combinations

Dagana excursion (+1 day): Extend your trip to the south by taking a day trip to Dagana, another isolated region with a sizable ancient castle. See 7-day tour of South-West exploration.

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival, drive to Thimphu

Arrival by air at the Paro airport, followed by a drive to Thimphu, or, if arriving by road, entry into India by Phuentsholing or Jaigaon, followed by a full-day trip to Thimphu. Visit the medieval bridge constructed with centuries-old iron chains at Tachog Lhakhang. Visit the castle, Tashicho Dzong, which houses the king and the executive branch of government. Various other tourist attractions based on arrival time.

Day 2Thimphu-Damphu (Tsirang)

Drive to Buddha Dordenma, the enormous statue of the Buddha atop a valley, in the early morning, and then go to a stunning city viewpoint. See the Memorial Chorten, which is constantly crowded with worshippers. The traffic cops are signaling at intersections as you walk down Norzin Lam Street. The only capital city without traffic signals is Thimphu. Finish your walk at the handicraft market, where you may find and purchase many wonderful Bhutanese mementos for a fair price.
Then begin your trek across Dochu-la Pass to Tsirang (3010 m). You have an excellent possibility of seeing the entire mountain range in clear weather, including Bhutan’s highest mountain, Gangkhar Phuensum (7570m). Drive along the valley beneath the Wangdue Phodrang fortress as you descend to the tropical valley of the Punatsang chu river (under reconstruction). You cross the Cascade of Punatsangchu Hydro Project along the way, one of government of Bhutan’s important hydropower projects. You will also pass via Bhutan’s sole road tunnel. Arrive in the evening at Tsirang.

Day 3Damphu(Tsirang)-Wangdue/Punakha

A morning stroll through the tranquil town, the nearby botanical park, and the joint Hindu-Buddhist temple, a special design element that represents the harmony of the local Buddhist and Hindu communities. After that, walk around the recently constructed but traditionally styled Tsirang dzong and ascend a little above the town. Continue your 8 km (2.5 hours) lengthy journey while enjoying several stunning views of the diverse Tsirang nature as you pass through rice fields, forests, and around village homes. Once there, enter the Tsolingkhar temple, which also has statues of Buddhist saints and a section devoted to Hindu deities. The car will be waiting on the road at lower Tsolingkhar once you have finished descending.
You will start your drive to Wangdue after lunch, taking a lengthier detour through Tsirang Toe. Visit Singa Devi Temple, one of the few traditional Hindu temples in Bhutan, en route. You may observe the scenic ruins of a sizable dzong (castle), which is thought to be more than 200 years old, when you approach Tsirang Toe by ascending the steps above the primary school. Sang Sup Gyap, a local warlord who was overthrown from office by Jigme Namgyel, the first king of Bhutan, owned the castle. You can hike from here through the important woodland to the picturesque overlook known locally as Goemba if you feel like doing a little more walking.
When you finally arrive at the main highway beside the Sunkosh river, continue driving, partially along the bumpy road. Stop by to shop for regional goods, like delicious homemade pickles, renowned Tsirang oranges, honey, and more. In the evening, arrive in Wangdue or Punakha and have a nap.

Day 4Wangdue/Punakha-Paro

With a beautiful view of the valley and its terraced paddy fields, a short climb in the morning leads to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Visiting Punakha Dzong, the kingdom’s most elaborately decorated castle. St. Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman,” taught Buddhism by singing, drinking, and engaging in scandalous sexual behavior in the 15th century. His temple, Chhimmy lhakhang, is close by and dedicated to him. Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery, which has stupa in Bhutanese and Nepali styles and overlooks the valley from a high hill, if time permits. Afternoon trip to Paro.

Day 5Paro

Visit the National Museum and the Paro dzong (Rinpung dzong), the castle-monastery where Bernardo Bertolucci filmed Little Buddha. One of the two earliest temples ever constructed in Bhutan is the spotless Kyichu Lhakhang. The highlight of the tour is the climb to Taktsang Gomba (Tiger’s Nest). Although the hike sounds challenging, it is really rewarding. If you’re not feeling very strong, you can only climb halfway to the cafeteria, which has a wonderful perspective of the area.

Day 6Departure

If you have the time, you should visit Drugyel Dzong, a castle ruin from which, in clear weather, you can view the summit of the revered Jomolhari mountain. After that, you either fly out of Paro or drive six hours to land at the border town via Phuentsholing.