5 Nights 6 Days Bhutan Tour5 Nights 6 Days Bhutan Tour

5 Nights 6 Days Bhutan Tour

Trip Summary
  • Trip Duration6 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Maximum Altitude 3,120m
  • Activity Tour
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu
  • Best Season Either spring, between March and May, or in the autumn from September to November
Highlights

Day 01: Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu (L/D)

Day 02: Full-day sightseeing in Thimphu. (B/L/D)

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha Tour | Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong (B/L/D)

Day 04: Punakha to Paro Tour | Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery (B/L/D)

Day 05: In Paro (B/L/D)

Day 06: Depart Paro (B)

 

 

Bhutan a country nestled in the Himalayas and globally well-renowned as the Land of Happiness is famous for its ancient culture and breathtaking natural beauty. The 5 Nights 6 days Bhutan tour is a complete package for your visit to this mystic land. Here each location possesses its unique allure and stories, awaiting you to discover and explore them. This journey also presents you with the opportunity to reach out to the natural diversity, spiritual practices, and vibrant culture of this peaceful land. Therefore, this tour package transcends a mere visit; it carries profound spiritual significance as well. It can be your perfect escape to the journey of enlightenment.

Our journey begins from Paro, where the Tiger's Nest Monastery hangs precariously on a cliff perched above a charming forest of blue pine and azalea trees. This a place that every Bhutanese aspires to visit at least once in their lifetime. Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan blends its modern development with ancient traditions, serving as the political, commercial, and religious center of the country. This city offers a diverse experience from the lively local market to the serene Buddha Dordenma statue, a masterpiece of architectural wonder. The drive to Punakha, with its stunning Dochula Pass, unveils panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and vibrant prayer flags. The Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers is a magnificent testament to Bhutanese architecture and history.

Throughout the journey, we will be continually greeted by the warmth and generosity of the Bhutanese locals sharing the serene and harmonious rhythm of Bhutanese life and emphasizing peace and connection with nature and spirituality. This kind of hospitality of these individuals creates a sense of connection that transcends cultural boundaries and surely won’t fail to leave an indelible mark on our hearts.

Itinerary
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  • Arrival: As we embark on our journey, we'll first take a flight to Paro Airport. During our flight, we'll be greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the world's majestic Himalayan Mountains. If the weather favors, we might even catch a glimpse of the towering Mount Everest, standing at 8848 meters (29,029 feet), along with other majestic Himalayan peaks. Upon landing, we'll be warmly welcomed by our travel agency representative, who will be our guide for the scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of this stunning country. It is situated at an altitude of 2320 meters (7615 feet) above sea level. Thimphu is just an hour and thirty minutes away. As we make our way to Thimphu, we'll soak in the beautiful views and prepare ourselves for the exciting adventures that await us in this beautiful country.
  • Tamchhog Lhakhang: Just 15 kilometers from Paro International Airport, we will come across the Tachog Lhakhang temple located opposite the river. It is a temple accompanied by a traditional suspension bridge. This temple was built by Thang Thong Gyalpo of Tibet, who was responsible for building numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan.
  • Kuenselcholing View Point: Kuenselcholing View Point offers an excellent panorama of the Thimphu Valley and it's easily accessible from Buddha Point, also known as Kuensel Phodrang. Just a short drive from the town, we can visit the largest Buddha statue in the country. Here you can offer prayers to the Buddha and then take a leisurely walk and take a glimpse of the valley.
  • Memorial Chorten: In 1974, this specific chorten was built to commemorate the third King of the nation, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is commonly acknowledged as the father of modern Bhutan.
  • Tashichho Dzong: Its name translates to "Fortress of Glorious Religion", and was constructed in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, it accommodates the secretariat building, the throne room, the king's office, and the central monk body. Subsequently, relax for the remainder of the day and take a stroll around the city.
  • Overnight in Hotel.

 

  • Meals:Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:3* Hotel

  • Hike to Cheri Monastery (Includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary): In the early morning, we are going to hike to Cheri Goemba (also known as Cheri Dorji Dhen). The round trip will take approximately an hour. This monastery was constructed in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who established the first group of monks there. There is a high likelihood of spotting various bird species, including Mrs Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, and Ultramarine Flycatcher.
  • Paper factory: Handmade paper making is an age-old tradition in Bhutan, dating back to the 8th century in Bhutanese history. Since handmade paper holds great value as part of the cultural identity of the Bhutanese people, it has been conserved over the ages by the local population. Additionally, traditional paper is highly regarded both within the country and in the international community.
  • Weekend market: The market is held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each day the people flock to the stalls, all of them are dressed vibrantly and assembling to socialize and trade.
  • Bhutan Craft Bazaar: The private stalls boasted a diverse range of high quality products sourced from various parts of the country. There are wood-carved national symbols, bags, and Western-style clothing enhanced with traditional design elements. Here you can also find wooden and clay utensils, Bangchung and Dhapa, key hangers for jeweler’s boxes, bookmarks, and handmade packing papers (Deysho) in assorted patterns as well as more antique items. These stalls presented a distinctively rich appearance, exuding fine elegance and creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The craft bazaar also served as an excellent example of how bamboo could be utilized in constructing houses within the country. Subsequently, we would have the opportunity to take a leisurely walk around the city.
  • Overnight in Thimphu.

 

  • Meals:Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:3* Hotel

  • Today, our trip from Thimphu to Punakha will get underway. En route to Punakha, we'll pass through the Dochula Pass. The distance is approximately 74 Km and it will take around two and a half hours. During this drive, we will encounter varying altitudes and a rich variety of landscapes. We start our journey in Thimphu, which stands at 2,300m and has a relatively cool climate. As we travel along the national highway, the road climbs until we arrive at the splendid Dochula Pass at 3,120m. After crossing this pass and arriving at the Punakha Valley, which is situated at 1,330m, the terrain will start to descend and the temperature will become warmer.
  • As we drive, we will halt at the Dochula Pass, one of the most renowned and beautiful mountain passes in Bhutan. If the weather is in our favor, we will be able to catch a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayas, which even includes Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain peak in Bhutan. Sipping a cup of coffee in the picturesque cafeteria while taking in this view is bound to create an unforgettable experience in your life. At the summit of the Dochula Pass, 108 memorial chortens (Buddhist shrines) and groups of prayer flags waving in the wind will greet us with a sense of peace and spirituality. These chortens (stupas) were built to commemorate the Bhutanese soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the battle against the Assamese insurgents from India. This place, known as Druk Wangyal Khang Zhang Chortens, also symbolizes a wish for global peace.
  • On our way to Punakha, we'll take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple. During the hike, we'll pass by rice paddies and a lovely village with painted houses and many craft stores. This temple was constructed by the cousin of Drukpa Kunley to mark Drukpa Kunley's (the Mad Saint & Divine Madman) triumph over the demon of Dochu La with his "magic thunderbolt of wisdom" (phallus), which is why phallus symbols are scattered around. The temple is renowned as a place for fertility, and childless women come here to receive blessings from the lamas. It's believed that many couples manage to conceive shortly after their visit, with the monks' blessings and by being tapped on the head with a 25cm wooden phallus. Locals also commonly use the phallus symbol to protect against the evil eye.
  • Once we arrive in Punakha city, we will be greeted by the sight of numerous monks going through their chanting and praying creating rhythmic sounds that reverberate through the air. Punakha city, located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Pho Chhu (Father River), served as the former capital of Bhutan until 1995. Standing majestically at the river junction is the Punakha Dzong, which is not only the winter abode of the Je Khenpo (the head abbot of Bhutan) but also home to around 1,000 monks. This dzong, being the second oldest and second largest in Bhutan and fulfilling both administrative and monastic roles, holds a captivating legend. Renowned as the most beautiful dzong in the country, if we happen to visit in April, we will surely be enchanted by the vibrant violet blossoms of the jacaranda tree that grace the exterior of Punakha Dzong. And if our visit coincides with the Punakha Tshechu Festival, we will have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the entrancing masked dances and behold the annual exhibition of a large thanka portraying the Zhabdrung, who is regarded as the father of Bhutan. We can also join in the merriment with the locals, who flock here donned in Bhutan's traditional attire, with men sporting the Gho and women in the Kira.
  • Upon crossing the Bazam Bridge, we will be able to appreciate the magnificent Bhutanese Dzong architecture within the Punakha Dzong. These architectures are constructed using stones, pounded mud, and timber. The Dzong comprises three docheys (courtyards). The first dochey in the northern area is utilized for administrative purposes and features a large white Victory Chorten and a Bodhi tree. The second dochey is dedicated to the monastic quarters and houses two halls: one associated with Ugyen Wangchuck (the King of Bhutan), and another hall where the King was honored with the Order of the Knight Commander of the Indian Empire by John Claude White in 1905. The third dochey, located at the southernmost part, is the temple, where the remains of Pema Lingpa (a treasure revealer and one of the Five Terton Kings) and Shabdrung (the founder of the Tshechu Festival and the Bhutan National Dress) are safeguarded. At the southern end, there is the kunrey, or the "hundred-pillar" assembly hall, adorned with remarkable murals that portray the life of Buddha.
  • After Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

 

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:3* Hotel

  • Today, our day will commence with crossing Bhutan's longest bridge, which measures 160 meters. As we cross the bridge, we'll be able to take in the beautiful views of the Panakha Valley and the glacial-fed Po Chu River beneath us. Subsequently, we will embark on a hike that will take approximately an hour or less. We'll follow the trail leading to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, passing by terraced rice paddies along the way and coming across farmers who are busy working in the fields.
  • The khamsum yulley was built in 1990 by the queen's mother, Ashi Tsering Yangdon Wangchuck to ward off evil forces and bring peace to Bhutan and the world. Each floor of the chorten is dedicated to different protective deities. It took Bhutanese carpenters, painters, and sculptors 9 years to complete this unique Bhutan-style pagoda. Once we ascend to the rooftop climbing the stairs, you will also be able to relish a broad view of Punakha.
  • Following this, we will make our way back to Paro and pay a visit to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. This nunnery is perched on the summit of a 1550-meter hilltop, encircled by lush green pine forests. Originally, it was founded as a Buddhist college for nuns. Here, we will be allowed to closely examine and gain an understanding of the spiritual lives led by the nuns. Inside the nunnery complex, there is a temple that displays a splendid 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, also referred to as Chenrezig, which is adorned with 1,000 hands and 1,000 eyes.
  • After this visit, we will drive back to Paro and overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

 

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:3* Hotel

  • Our day begins early with a hike to the Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger's Nest and regarded as Bhutan's most prominent cultural symbol. It is situated 800 meters (or 2640 feet) up what appears to be a vertical cliff. In April 1998, it was mysteriously destroyed by fire, but it has now been fully restored to its previous splendor. The round-trip hike takes approximately five hours, with a combination of smooth and rocky paths. Additionally, we have the option to avail of the horse-riding service for the uphill journey, which incurs an extra cost of $25 per person.
  • Once the hike is over, we'll head to the farmhouses in Paro. There, we'll be able to fully appreciate the captivating decorations of these farmhouses and get a peek into the daily life of a farming family. Moreover, for an additional $25, you can experience a hot stone bath right inside the farmhouse. Afterward, we'll take a leisurely walk around the town to soak up the local way of life and enjoy the unique charm of the area.
  • Overnight stay in a hotel at Paro.

 

  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:3* Hotel

After having an early breakfast at the hotel, we will be transported to the airport. Our escort will assist us with the departure formalities and bid us a warm farewell, bringing an end to this enchanting journey. 

  • Meals:Breakfast
Cost Details
Cost Includes
  • Flight ticket Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu
  • All airports pick up and drops
  • Accommodation as per the mentioned hotels
  • Breakfast, dinner at the hotel, and lunch at the Restaurant
  • Lunch at the local tourist restaurant
  • All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary in SUV/Creta or Similar
  • English-speaking accompanying guide
  • Daily government royalties and taxes (100$ USD per night)
  • Entrance Fees
  • Bottle of water per day per person
  • Visa Fee

 

Cost Excludes
  • Insurance of any kind/medical expenses
  • Beverage (alcoholic/non-alcoholic)
  • Expenses of a personal nature (like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, camera/video fees shopping, etc.)
  • Traditional Mask dance, cultural show at Farm House USD 150 per group
  • Archery – The national sport at farmhouse USD 20 per person
  • River rafting in Punakha USD 150 Lump sum from 01-06 pax
  • Bhutanese dress (Gho & Kira) $10USD per person per day
  • Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath at farmhouse USD 25 per person
  • Bank charges for transferring cash and using the card.

 

Essential Information

Visa and Permits

  • International tourists from all over the world, except Indian, and Bangladeshi citizens, require visa approval to get entry to Bhutan.
  • Government-licensed agencies like us can arrange visas for tourists.

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

  • The Bhutan government charges a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night for international tourists.

Best Time to Visit

  • The best times to visit Bhutan are March to May and September to November, which offers pleasant weather, and clear skies.

Currency and Payments

  • The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the local Bhutanese currency, also Indian Rupees are widely accepted inside Bhutan.
  • Credit cards are not widely used in remote areas, so better to carry enough cash for personal expenses.

Food and Water

  • Bhutanese cuisine is a little bit spicy.  Can request less spice if needed.

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi is available in every hotel. Getting a local SIM card is better for 24 hr. connection.

Health and Altitude

  • There is a rare possibility of altitude sickness
  • Take a slow hike to Tiger Nest and stay hydrated all the time.
  • Basic first-aid service can be done by a local guide.

Cultural Highlights

  • Participating in Bhutan’s traditional archery if interested.
  • Explore local crafts, including hand-woven textiles and thangkas paintings that can be best for unique souvenirs

Local Etiquette

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting monasteries and dzongs
  • Always remove your shoes before entering religious places.
  • Avoid pointing at sacred objects or stepping over them.

 

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