Bhutan Discovered
Experience Overview
Experience the majestic landscapes and joyful culture of little-visited Bhutan on this seven-day adventure. Begin in Thimphu, Bhutan’s busy capital, where you’ll meet local artisans and visit a living museum showcasing traditional Bhutanese homes. Take in incredible views of the Himalayas on your way to Punakha, where your local leader will introduce you to ancient dzongs, bridges and monasteries. Tuck into a home-cooked meal at a farmhouse in the Paro Valley, try your hand at archery – Bhutan’s national sport – and hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest monastery. You’ll soon see why Bhutan’s people are considered some of the happiest on earth.
Highlights
- Hike to Taktsang, commonly known as the Tiger's Nest – the small monastery clinging to a rocky cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor – and soak in the incredible views.
- Discover the 15th-century fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang, then see the magnificent Punakha Dzong, an ancient fortress and religious centre that sits at the confluence of two rivers.
- Feel the heat of Bhutanese cuisine when you tuck into traditional meals made with red rice, datshi (a local traditional cheese) and lots of tastebud-tingling chillies.
- Experience Bhutanese hospitality in the Paro Valley when you enjoy a home-cooked meal at a rustic farmhouse and opt to take a soak in a traditional hot stone bath.
- Spend a day exploring both the city and woodlands of Thimphu, visiting the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery, National Memorial Chorten, the Simply Bhutan interactive museum and the National Textile Museum.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2142
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HJKB
Starts: Thimphu, Bhutan
Finishes: Paro, Bhutan
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (6), Dinner (6)Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4690 ($670 /day)
Itinerary
Kuzu zangpo la! Welcome to Bhutan, the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. When you arrive at Paro Airport, you’ll be greeted by your local leader and driver and transferred to your accommodation. Drive past mountains, rivers and fields of red rice to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have lunch and then head out for some sightseeing. You’ll stop by the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory, Bhutan’s most famous traditional incense maker, as well as the colourful Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. If you arrive in the afternoon, you'll meet the rest of your group in the evening for a welcome meeting at 6 pm before heading out together for dinner. Take an evening stroll through the fascinating streets of Thimphu, the world’s only capital city without traffic lights!
Included Activities:
- Thimphu - Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre
- Thimphu - Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start today with an uphill hike through the valley, passing paddy fields, woodlands and a Tibetan village to reach the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery – built in 1620 by Shabdrung, Bhutan’s first ruler. Return to Thimphu, stopping to enjoy the views from the Buddha Dordenma before visiting Simply Bhutan – a living museum where you can explore the traditional homes and lifestyles of the Bhutanese. You might like to try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport. Then, visit the National Memorial Chorten – many Thimphu residents gather here every day to pray and walk clockwise around the chorten. After, visit a local institute where students become masters of Bhutan's 13 national arts and crafts, including carpentry, masonry, paper making and embroidery. The National Textile Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of craft in Bhutan and, if you’re in the mood for some shopping, the National Handicrafts Emporium offers high-quality traditional goods like handcrafted paper.
Included Activities:
- Thimphu - National Memorial Chorten
- Thimphu - Village walk to Cheri Dorji Dhen
- Thimphu - National Textile Museum
- Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point)
- Thimphu - Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, drive to Punakha – the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop at Dochula Pass for an excellent view of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain – the majestic Gangkhar Puensum. Continue your journey before stopping for another break. Consider joining your leader for an optional short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499 by Lama Ngawang Chogyal. Arrive in Punakha and settle into your accommodation for a good night’s rest before another day of exploration tomorrow.
Included Activities:
- Punakha Valley - Chimi Lhakhang
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, head out on a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery – an elaborately decorated chorten, built to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to all living things. As with many monasteries in Bhutan, your leader may need to hunt around for the caretaker with the keys to have a look inside! After, head down to the convergence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, two of the main rivers of Bhutan, and take in the views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second largest dzong in the country. You’ll also see the cantilever bridge that spans across the river. Drive up to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and soak up the serenity and the views of this mountaintop site. Then, return to Punakha for the evening.
Included Activities:
- Punakha - Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike
- Punakha - Punakha Dzong view & photo stop
- Punakha - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head back over the Dochula Pass and continue to Thimphu this morning. The roads in Bhutan are narrow, and while the distances don’t appear to be very far, due to the nature of the roads and the many valleys they pass through, travelling can take some time – so this is a good chance to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. Be sure to have your favourite playlist, podcasts or a good book queued up for the drive. After lunch, continue into the Paro Valley, stretching your legs with an optional wander around town when you arrive. Get a good night's sleep tonight as tomorrow will be an active and exciting day!
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After an early breakfast followed by a short drive, prepare for your hike to see the legendary Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) – a magnificent monastery, clinging on a rock cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor. After ascending the mountainside, you’ll reach a small teahouse with a panoramic view of the temple where you’ll stop for lunch. If you’re interested, you can get a closer view by hiking another 45 minutes to 1 hour (each direction) to reach the small chorten directly across from the temple. Otherwise, you can simply relax at the teahouse and enjoy the view. Return to Paro in the evening, then experience Bhutanese hospitality and a taste of tradition with a home-cooked meal at a local farmhouse. Soak up the friendly atmosphere and consider taking an optional hot stone bath – a form of traditional Bhutanese medicine where fresh river water is mixed with local herbs and heated with fire-roasted river stones. After today’s hike, a soak in these soothing waters is bound to revive and relax you.
Included Activities:
- Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike
- Paro - Home-cooked dinner
Optional Activities:
- Paro - Farmhouse hot stone bath (25 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Have breakfast at your hotel, then take a departure transfer to Paro Airport for your flight out of Bhutan.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Airport Departure Transfer
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
David - Traveled, April 2024
Great trip! Go now before the tourists flood in! Bhutan is beautiful both in terms on nature and culture. 100% recommend!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2024
Shobha - Traveled, April 2024
I have already shared information on how to book this exceptional tour to those who went to my graduate school and mentioned to me that visiting Bhutan is on their bucket list.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2024
Tim - Traveled, March 2024
Trip well worth the experience. Had a great group of people and a good guied, Indra Hang Subba. Would recommend if you are thinking of doing bhutan, very stress free.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
Shiseido - Traveled, March 2024
Our trip was above our expectations and more!! This will be a trip that will be unforgettable and we have meet the most amazing people on this trip and so happy that we’re able to connect and enjoy our trip all as one! We are immensely grateful to Indra Hang and our driver for their dedication, hospitality, and genuine care, which made our trip to Bhutan truly extraordinary. We wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure in the Land of the Thunder Dragon
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
George - Traveled, March 2024
An amazing and moving experience. Bhutan is a very special place in this world and I’ve never been anywhere quite like it. Like every Intrepid trip I’ve been on, things were handled ethically and thoughtfully. Both our tour leader, Hang, and our driver were absolutely great. Bhutan will stay in my heart.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
Jerri-leigh - Traveled, November 2023
Bhutan is an incredible country. So peaceful and welcoming. Amazing architecture and scenery. Our guide Sangay and driver Tshring worked well together. Nothing was too much trouble and I have left with so much knowledge of both Bhutan and Buddhism.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
dana-lynne - Traveled, November 2023
Bhutan is such a magical country. Not overrun by tourism, this trip gets into the culture and the nature. Fabulous itinerary and experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Jerri-leigh - Traveled, November 2023
Bhutan is an incredible country. So peaceful and welcoming. Amazing architecture and scenery. Our guide Sangay and driver Tshring worked well together. Nothing was too much trouble and I have left with so much knowledge of both Bhutan and Buddhism.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Alison - Traveled, October 2023
This trip is fantastic. From the minute you land at the beautiful Paro airport, you will experience the wonders of Bhutan. Packed with things to see and do plus excellent hotels. Guides have good English and local knowledge Highly recommend this is a tour you should do.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2023
Kimberly - Traveled, September 2023
Once you step off the plane in Bhutan there is a sense of peace. I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful country. Our guide, Tulsi was excellent!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Richard - Traveled, September 2023
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, comfortable trip to the wonderful Bhutan this is the one for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Lisa - Traveled, April 2023
Bhutan is such a beautiful country, highly recommend visiting. Hopefully you would be as lucky as us to have Sangay as your tour leader and Karma as the highly experienced driver and professional photographer! Amazing trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2023
Linda - Traveled, April 2023
Bhutan is a country that has been relatively untouched by the outside world. Except for some products, you feel as if you have stepped out of the busy world we live in. The highlight of doing the hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery made it for me. Doing this country is a must.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2023
bonita - Traveled, March 2023
The trip to Bhutan with Intrepid was like going to nirvana. Such a clean, friendly, peaceful country and guides.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2023
Kathryn - Traveled, March 2023
Not much to say other than go to Bhutan! If you get Sangay as your guide and Sungten as your driver then you have hit the jackpot.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2023
Eniko - Traveled, September 2022
I would highly recommend this tour to others, as someone who has travelled extensively it is rare to be able to see a country returning to tourism after COVID restrictions that retains their past history and culture while embracing the future
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2022
John - Traveled, September 2022
Bhutan has been the best kept secret of countries on the planet !! It is a must to see snd experience !! I was on the first plane post COVID and was extremely privileged to experience this amazing country people and beauty ! Thank you intrepid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2022
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