Bhutan Tour-4Nights/ 5Days

Bhutan Tour Package Cost , Itinerary
  •   Destination: Bhutan
  •  Activities: Tour
  •   Trip Grade: A
  •   Departure from: Paro
  •   Arrival on: Paro
  •  Group size: 1-35 Pax
  •  Best Seasons: Autumn & Spring
  •   Meals: All meals are included while in Bhutan (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner with Tea/ Coffee)
  •   Accomodation: All Accommodation
  •   Transportation: All Transportation

Bhutan Tour Itinerary Details:

Situated in the eastern end of the Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia. A territory of just 38,394 sq km and a population of 763092, is regarded as one of the happiest countries in the world. With the head of state- Constitutional Monarchy, Bhutan is a Vajrayana Buddhism country. Rich in culture and Nature, Bhutan accommodates some of the beautiful mountain peaks of the great Himalayas, Gangkhar Puensum (7570m), Chomolhari 7326m are some of the examples. The Gangkhar Puensum is the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. Gangkhar Puensum means “White Peak of Three Spiritual Brothers”. And Mount Chomolhari is regarded as the most sacred mountain of Bhutan and worshiped by the people of Bhutan.

 

It is believed that the Bhutan word should be taken from the Sanskrit word “Bhota- anta” which means “End of Tibet” referring to the geological position of Bhutan at the southernmost Plateau of Tibet. The country is also called  “The Land Of Thunder Dragon” as the country is highly believed in Buddhism. And the people of Bhutan call themselves “Drukpa” or Dragon People.  From Historical evidence, it is found that the region was inhabited since 2000BC or earlier. Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo influenced Buddhism religion here and also built Two Buddhist Monasteries in Bhutan.

In the 17th, 18th Century the country was much expanded, reaching its territory to Cooch Behar in the south, Assam in the east, and Darjeeling, Sikkim to the west, but after the arrival of the British East India Companyin India, Bhutan lost much of its area and a Peace Treaty was signed with British Raj.

The political system of Bhutan is a Constitutional Monarchy and the council of cabinet ministers and National Assembly has the most power- making it eligible to impeach the king with a two-thirds majority. Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk is the king of Bhutan.

 

Bhutan is rich in Flora and Fauna. With varied elevation and climate, Bhutan has five seasons- Spring, Winter, Autumn, Monsoon & Summer. There are several animals found in the lowland forests and Bengal Tiger, Clouded leopard, Red Panda, Sambar, Himalayan Black bear, Hispid harem, etc. in a higher elevation. Takin is the National Animal of Bhutan. There are several national parks and conservation areas in Bhutan and most of the natural heritage sites are still largely intact. The country is a member of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation SAARC. Bhutan, by most travelers, is believed to be “The Last Shangrila” in the world.

 

 

Apex Nepal Treks and Tours has been organizing Bhutan Tour Itinerary for Religious and non-religious travelers for a long time. We’re an experienced group of Travel Experts & Consultants who are always in the mood of making your trip more special and more memorable by making you visit hidden path treasuries. We make sure that your travel brings a lot of joy and good memories along with the best experience of Culture and Nature. We highly support Sustainable and Responsible Tourism, so our tours are arranged with the least ecological and cultural impact in the society. We are also concerned about your safety measurements, so our itinerary is made suiting your physical adaptation to the high altitude. So, let’s come together and savor the unspoiled Culture and Nature for a lifetime experience. An experience to behold…

 

 

Paro (2200m):

Filled with several sacred sites, Paro is a historical town in Bhutan. Ta Dzong, Ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, Dungtse Lhakhang and Ugyen Pelri Palace are some of the historical monuments in Paro. Built around the 15th century, Ta- Dzong, which is 6 floors and 22 meters high, is the highest building in Bhutan.

Paro Airport is one of the most extreme airports in the world, where pilots need special experiences for landing & take off due to high mountains on the surroundings (several over 5500m) and a short runway, only 1980m. Only a limited number of pilots are certified to operate commercial flights to Paro Airport of Bhutan. Taktsang Monastery of Paro, which is perched on a high cliff, is the main attraction of the country.

 

Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (3120m):

Built around the Taktsang Senge Samdup Cave after Guru Padmasambhava from Tibet meditated here in the 9th century, Taktsang Monastery has become a symbolic historical monument of Bhutan. Paro Taktsang is the thirteenth cave that Guru Padmasambhava meditated around. The present monastery was built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye.

Also known as Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava is regarded as the second Buddha by Buddhist scholars related to the Nyingma School which is the ancient school of the Buddhist religion.

Taktsang which means “Tigress Lair”. It is believed that Padmasambhava flew on a Tigress back to this place from a place called Singye Dzong and meditated there for some time.

Another legend tells us that the wife of an Emperor, her name was Yeshe Tsogyal, became a disciple of Guru Padmasambhava. Once enlightened she turned herself into a Tigress and carried Guru Padmasambhava to this cave for meditation where Guru Padmasambhava manifested himself into Eight Incarnated Forms.

Yeshe Tsogyal is also known as the “Victorious Ocean of Knowledge” and is believed to be the “Mother of Tibetan Buddhism”.

Hanging on a precarious cliff of 3120m above sea level and 900m above the Paro valley, is located about 10km from the center of Paro and can be reached there by Hiking. The north track through the rocky plateau is more adventurous and is called “Hundred Thousand Fairies” or “Bumda” in Bhutan. Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest is the most searched and visited landmark in Bhutan.

 

Thimpu (2334m):

Situated in the western central part of Bhutan, with an average elevation of 2334m above sea level is a beautiful city called Thimpu- which is the capital city of Bhutan. Thimpu is the largest city of Bhutan with a 26.2 sq km area and a population of over 12000. The city is ranked fifth highest capital in the world. Regarding its geographical location & Proximity, Thimpu doesn’t have its own Airport which is unusual for a capital city. The other town- Paro, which is 52km away, has the only Airport in the country. In the early days, the Thimpu valley consisted of several groups of Hamlets. Raidak river which is also known as the Thimpu river flows through the town and originates from the Himalayan glacier. Thimpu has several places to visit around eg. Tashichho Dzong, Zilukha Nunnery, Heritage Museum, Traditional School of Arts & Crafts, Takin Sanctuary, Memorial Chorten, etc. In our itinerary, we would be spending two nights here to cover up those valuable places to see.

 

Punakha: Punakha is a beautiful town 72km away northeast of Thimpu valley at an elevation of 1242m above sea level. It was the capital city of Bhutan from 1637AD to 1907AD, until Thimpu was crowned as a capital city. The climate in Punakha valley is very pleasant all around the year, not too cold in the winter. The city is built on the convergence point of the two largest and most significant rivers of Bhutan- Pho Chu River & Mo Chu River. And the valley is also famous for rice farming as the soil here is very fertile and the weather is pleasant here. There are several historical and cultural monuments in and around Punakha Valley eg. Punakha Dzong, Hontsho Village, Simtokha Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, etc. Punakha Dzong is the largest Dzong in Bhutan and also possibly the most beautiful and most Picturesque one. Dzongkha language is widely spoken in Punakha Valley.

 

Gangkhar Puensum: Lying on the border with Tibet, this is the highest mountain in Bhutan. Towering at 7570m above sea level, it is the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The name Gangkhar Puensum means “White Peak of  Three Spiritual Brothers”. In Bhutan mountains above 6000m have been prohibited to climb because of religious belief.

Chomolhari Mountain: Situated at the border of Tibet (Yadong County) and Bhutan, Chomolhari Mountain is the most sacred mountain in Bhutan. It’s a magnificent mountain towering  2700m above the plain and 7326m above sea level. The mountain is sometimes called “The Bride Of Kanchenjunga”Mount Kanchenjunga is in Nepal and the 3rd Highest mountain in the world with a height of 8586m high.

 

 

Trip Highlights

Bhutan Tour Highlights:

 

  • Unlocking hidden Natural and Cultural treasures of Bhutan
  • Spectacular views of Himalayas
  • One of the Happiest Countries in the world
  • Diverse landscape & Unique culture
  • Unspoiled Nature
  • Unique Hospitality
  • Quality Tourism rather than Quantitative
  • Beautiful ancient Monasteries
  • Several religious Heritage sites
  • Traditional School
  • Spectacular Mountain Flight to Paro (by Druk Air)

Day to Day Itinerary

Bhutan Tour Itinerary

Day01: Arrival at Paro International Airport(2200m)- Drive to Thimpu (2334m),51km (1.5 to 2hrs drive)
Upon arrival and welcome at the Airport we’ll drive to Thimpu which is around 2hrs drive from Paro. After being welcomed at Hotel and being freshened up, we’ll have lunch here. And after Lunch we’ll visit the Traditional School of Arts & Crafts.
Tashichho Dzong: Centuries old Dzong which was used as a fortress cum monastery in ancient time is now the office of ministers and home of the Royal Throne. Tashichho Dzong is situated on the bank of Wang chu river. It’s a beautiful ancient historical building. Tashichho Dzong is also known as “Fortress of Glorious Religion”
Traditional School of Arts & Crafts Thimpu: With the exclusive purpose of  conserving the rich culture and prosperous tradition of bhutan. Traditional School of Arts and Crafts provides free Education, Food and Lodging to all students. Students, depending on their interest and talent, can specialize in one of the thirteen arts and crafts choices.
Paper Factory:  If time permits, we’ll visit Paper Factory. The traditional way of manufacturing paper from Daphne tree and Dhekap tree bark can be seen at Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The authentic handmade paper is called “Dehsho” in Bhutanese language. Notebooks made of this paper are long lasting and good for souvenirs.
 
Day02: Thimpu- Punakha 76km, 2.5hrs- Dochula Pass (3080m) & Punakha Sightseeing
After having a pleasant sleep and healthy breakfast with fresh air we’ll start our day  driving to Punakha via Dochu La (3080m)
Later afternoon, we’ll visit Punakha Dzong, built in the middle of Male & Female rivers. Visit Chime Lhakhang.
DochuLa Pass (3080m):  It’s a beautiful pass with 108 memorial Chortens called “Druk Wangyal Chortens”, in between Thimpu and Punakha valley. From here you can see several snow covered mountains, including Gangkhar Puensum 7570m. It’s a beautiful place where we can stroll for a while taking some pictures and breathing cool and fresh himlayan air.
Punakha Dzong: Also known as the Palace of Great Happiness, Punakha Dzong is the administrative Centre of Punakha District. It is the second largest and 2nd oldest Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong was built in 1637 by Gyaltsen. Built at the confluence of  Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, Punakha Dzong is the most iconic landmark of Bhutan after Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery Paro ). Pho Chu and Mo Chu are two major rivers of Bhutan and believed to be Male and Female rivers. The Punakha Dzong is 6 stories high with 180m long and 72m wide magnificent architecture presenting Bhutanese culture and history. The dome of Utse is polished with gold. The Punakha Dzong is also called as Punthang Dewa Chhenbi and formerly was known as Pungtang Dechen Phodrang Dzong. All of Bhutan’s Kings have been crowned here.
Chime Lhakhang: Blessed by many great saints, Chime Lhakhang Temple was built in 1499 after Drukpa Kunley subdued a demon on this location (near Lobesa). The temple is also known as “The Fertility Temple”. Women wishing for a Child do visit this temple and make a prayer.
Day03: Punakha Sightseeing- Drive to Paro (116km), 3.5hr drive
After a nice breakfast we’ll visit Hontsho Village and Simtokha Dzong
Afternoon we’ll drive back to Paro
 Hontsho Village: 
Hontsho is a beautiful village near Punakha. There are several Tibetan Refugees living in this village. We’ll visit this village to see and understand Tibetan people’s daily life and their culture. The village is located en route to Thimpu before reaching Dochula Pass.
Simtokha Dzong: A small and beautiful Dzong built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang. It means “Keeper of Secret Chants”. The Simtokha Dzong is built in a strategically important location providing an entrance to the adjoining valleys. The road through  Simtokha Dong goes to Dochula Pass and eastern Bhutan. Simtokha literally means “On Top Of The Demon”.
Day04: Paro- Tiger’s Nest Hiking (3120m)- Visit other places
We’ll have a healthy breakfast in the morning with fresh air, a charming and peaceful environment around. After breakfast we’ll hike to Tiger’s Nest. It would be a beautiful hike to the Tiger’s Nest. The view is magnificent with occasional beautiful clouds covering the tip of Mountains making you feel the serene remoteness and tranquil environment providing you a heavenly feel of nature.
Built on a high cliff 900m above the Paro valley,Tiger’s Nest, is a historical, cultural and religious masterpiece of Bhutan or of the world.
Later, we’ll visit the National Museum & Ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, etc.
 
National Museum (Ta Dzong): National museum of Paro was established in 1968 in the renovated ancient Ta-Dzong building by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The original building was from 1649. The museum is rich in collections of cultural historical artifacts of Bhutan with more than 3000 artifacts- most of them over 1500 years old.
Ruins of Drukgyel Dzong: Situated on a ridge in the upper Paro valley, Drukgyel Dzong built in 1649, is one of the most famous and beautiful archeological monuments in Bhutan. The ancient defensive Dzong commemorates victory over invasion from Tibet. The Dzong was built by Tenzin Drukdra.
Day05: Departure
After a nice and healthy breakfast, we’ll start to prepare our unward Journey. We’ll transfer you to the Airport for your scenic and lovely flight to home or to another destination

What's Included

Bhutan Tour Cost Include:

 

  • Both ways Flights (Kathmandu- Paro- Kathmandu)
  • All Airport Transfers in a Private Vehicle
  • Bhutan Visa and all the required documentations
  • Hotels in Bhutan (3 Star Level Hotels)
  • All Meals ( Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner with Tea/ Coffee)
  • All Sightseeings as per itinerary, in a private vehicle
  • Guided Tour with all guide’s expenses
  • Entrance fees of all sightseeing spots
  • All the local & Government Taxes, etc.

What's not Included

Bhutan Tour Cost Does Not Include:

  • Very personal expenses
  • Personal Insurance
  • Tips, Donations, etc.

Accommodations

All accommodations are included in Bhutan. 3 Star Level Hotels

Meals

All meals are included while being in Bhutan (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner with Tea/ Coffee)

Best Time to Travel

Best Time to Travel Bhutan:
Bhutan has mainly five seasons- Autumn, Winter, Spring, Monsoon & Summer.
“Autumn: October, Number, December ” has a clear and fresh sky with pleasant temperature.
“January & February: These months have cooler weather and might have some snowfall on higher elevation.
“Spring: March-April- May”: Valleys would be blooming with flowers and the sky is clear too.
So, considering the natural scenery and cultural sights- October, November, December, March, April & May months are suggested to visit Bhutan. And if you wish to see snowfall then January or February months.  However, Bhutan can be visited all around the year suiting your vacational period and timing.

Bhutan Tour Itinerary

Day01: Arrival at Paro International Airport(2200m)- Drive to Thimpu (2334m),51km (1.5 to 2hrs drive)
Upon arrival and welcome at the Airport we’ll drive to Thimpu which is around 2hrs drive from Paro. After being welcomed at Hotel and being freshened up, we’ll have lunch here. And after Lunch we’ll visit the Traditional School of Arts & Crafts.
Tashichho Dzong: Centuries old Dzong which was used as a fortress cum monastery in ancient time is now the office of ministers and home of the Royal Throne. Tashichho Dzong is situated on the bank of Wang chu river. It’s a beautiful ancient historical building. Tashichho Dzong is also known as “Fortress of Glorious Religion”
Traditional School of Arts & Crafts Thimpu: With the exclusive purpose of  conserving the rich culture and prosperous tradition of bhutan. Traditional School of Arts and Crafts provides free Education, Food and Lodging to all students. Students, depending on their interest and talent, can specialize in one of the thirteen arts and crafts choices.
Paper Factory:  If time permits, we’ll visit Paper Factory. The traditional way of manufacturing paper from Daphne tree and Dhekap tree bark can be seen at Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The authentic handmade paper is called “Dehsho” in Bhutanese language. Notebooks made of this paper are long lasting and good for souvenirs.
 
Day02: Thimpu- Punakha 76km, 2.5hrs- Dochula Pass (3080m) & Punakha Sightseeing
After having a pleasant sleep and healthy breakfast with fresh air we’ll start our day  driving to Punakha via Dochu La (3080m)
Later afternoon, we’ll visit Punakha Dzong, built in the middle of Male & Female rivers. Visit Chime Lhakhang.
DochuLa Pass (3080m):  It’s a beautiful pass with 108 memorial Chortens called “Druk Wangyal Chortens”, in between Thimpu and Punakha valley. From here you can see several snow covered mountains, including Gangkhar Puensum 7570m. It’s a beautiful place where we can stroll for a while taking some pictures and breathing cool and fresh himlayan air.
Punakha Dzong: Also known as the Palace of Great Happiness, Punakha Dzong is the administrative Centre of Punakha District. It is the second largest and 2nd oldest Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong was built in 1637 by Gyaltsen. Built at the confluence of  Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, Punakha Dzong is the most iconic landmark of Bhutan after Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery Paro ). Pho Chu and Mo Chu are two major rivers of Bhutan and believed to be Male and Female rivers. The Punakha Dzong is 6 stories high with 180m long and 72m wide magnificent architecture presenting Bhutanese culture and history. The dome of Utse is polished with gold. The Punakha Dzong is also called as Punthang Dewa Chhenbi and formerly was known as Pungtang Dechen Phodrang Dzong. All of Bhutan’s Kings have been crowned here.
Chime Lhakhang: Blessed by many great saints, Chime Lhakhang Temple was built in 1499 after Drukpa Kunley subdued a demon on this location (near Lobesa). The temple is also known as “The Fertility Temple”. Women wishing for a Child do visit this temple and make a prayer.
Day03: Punakha Sightseeing- Drive to Paro (116km), 3.5hr drive
After a nice breakfast we’ll visit Hontsho Village and Simtokha Dzong
Afternoon we’ll drive back to Paro
 Hontsho Village: 
Hontsho is a beautiful village near Punakha. There are several Tibetan Refugees living in this village. We’ll visit this village to see and understand Tibetan people’s daily life and their culture. The village is located en route to Thimpu before reaching Dochula Pass.
Simtokha Dzong: A small and beautiful Dzong built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang. It means “Keeper of Secret Chants”. The Simtokha Dzong is built in a strategically important location providing an entrance to the adjoining valleys. The road through  Simtokha Dong goes to Dochula Pass and eastern Bhutan. Simtokha literally means “On Top Of The Demon”.
Day04: Paro- Tiger’s Nest Hiking (3120m)- Visit other places
We’ll have a healthy breakfast in the morning with fresh air, a charming and peaceful environment around. After breakfast we’ll hike to Tiger’s Nest. It would be a beautiful hike to the Tiger’s Nest. The view is magnificent with occasional beautiful clouds covering the tip of Mountains making you feel the serene remoteness and tranquil environment providing you a heavenly feel of nature.
Built on a high cliff 900m above the Paro valley,Tiger’s Nest, is a historical, cultural and religious masterpiece of Bhutan or of the world.
Later, we’ll visit the National Museum & Ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, etc.
 
National Museum (Ta Dzong): National museum of Paro was established in 1968 in the renovated ancient Ta-Dzong building by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The original building was from 1649. The museum is rich in collections of cultural historical artifacts of Bhutan with more than 3000 artifacts- most of them over 1500 years old.
Ruins of Drukgyel Dzong: Situated on a ridge in the upper Paro valley, Drukgyel Dzong built in 1649, is one of the most famous and beautiful archeological monuments in Bhutan. The ancient defensive Dzong commemorates victory over invasion from Tibet. The Dzong was built by Tenzin Drukdra.
Day05: Departure
After a nice and healthy breakfast, we’ll start to prepare our unward Journey. We’ll transfer you to the Airport for your scenic and lovely flight to home or to another destination

What's Included

Bhutan Tour Cost Include:

 

  • Both ways Flights (Kathmandu- Paro- Kathmandu)
  • All Airport Transfers in a Private Vehicle
  • Bhutan Visa and all the required documentations
  • Hotels in Bhutan (3 Star Level Hotels)
  • All Meals ( Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner with Tea/ Coffee)
  • All Sightseeings as per itinerary, in a private vehicle
  • Guided Tour with all guide’s expenses
  • Entrance fees of all sightseeing spots
  • All the local & Government Taxes, etc.

What's not Included

Bhutan Tour Cost Does Not Include:

  • Very personal expenses
  • Personal Insurance
  • Tips, Donations, etc.

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