Bhutan Cultural Tour from Paro to Phuentsholing-7 days

Phuentsholing Buddha Temple

Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan

Tiger's Nest Monastery

10% OFF on MONSOON OFFER !!! (Valid from 15th June to 31st Aug )

Trip Introduction

Bhutan, a country blessed with tranquil nature, diverse landscape, and a rich vibrant cultural heritage. Bhutan was closed to the outsiders until recently - therefore the country has been able to preserve its unique lifestyle and culture and retains its character as one of the most mysterious countries in the world. Lying between Tibet in the north and India in the three sides, the Himalayan Kingdom is also famous as the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon'. Bhutan is the only last remaining country in the world which follows the Mahayana Buddhism as the country’s state religion, although most of the Nepali speaking Bhutanese in the south practice Hinduism. A country with mesmerizing cultural and natural grandeur, Bhutan celebrates festivals throughout the year. The major festivals are named after the famous towns, people gather to nearby town during the festivals, and the town thoroughfares become lively with ritual celebrations. This tour takes you to the picturesque valleys, monasteries, and rural villages, thus making it a perfect introductory tour of Bhutan's cultural lifestyle.

The Bhutan Cultural Tour from Paro to Phuentsholing tour begins in the scenic Paro Valley with a hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) monastery. After visiting Thimphu, a unique capital city that has a blend of traditional and modern touch, we drive across the picturesque Dochu La Pass into the subtropical valleys of Punakha. From Punakha, we make an excursion to Gangtey and return to Punakha the same day. The tour concludes at Phuentsholing, from where you continue to your onward destination.

Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro (2250m / 7382ft):
Crossing over the Himalaya Mountains, the flight to Paro offers spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by the guide and transferred to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, you can visit shops in Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (54Km/1 hr):
In the morning, you will be taken to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain at 7,314meters. You will then hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. It is absolutely breathtaking, situated at 10,400 feet and perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Guru Rinpoche (great spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. Explore the monastery and hike down to the valley floor. This evening, you can drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Thimphu (2320m/7610ft):
Morning sightseeing in Thimphu includes, Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, nunnery temple and traditional paper factory. After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the giant Buddha statue on a hill overlooking Thimphu which is reputed to be the largest Buddha Shakymuni in the world. You will then visit majestic Tashichhodzong, seat for the national government. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu-Punakha(1300m / 4265 ft): 76km/3hrs
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Devine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. If you wish, receive the blessing from the Lama’s wooden phallus! After lunch, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 5: Excursion to Gangtey (2900m/9512 ft, To & fro 170km/5 hrs):
After breakfast, you will drive to Gangtey. En route you will stop at the site where Wangdue town existed before. Continuing on to Gangtey, you will pass through dense forests of fir, hemlock, oak trees and rhododendrons. On taking the diversion from the high-way, and crossing a small pass blanketed with dwarf bamboos, you will arrive at Gangtey. From Gangtey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjikha Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. We visit the crane roosting places. Later in the evening, we drive back to Punakha. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 6: Punakha-Phuentsholing (234Km/7 hrs):
After early breakfast, we drive to Phuentsholing, the frontier town which serves as a convenient exit/entry point is a fascinating mixture of Indian and Bhutanese, a perfect example of mingling of people and their culture. Lunch will be served en route in a local restaurant. The 7-hours long drive is beautiful, and you'll see some waterfalls along the way. On arrival, check-in to the hotel. Overnight hotel in Phuentsholing.

Day 7: Depart Phuentsholing:
After breakfast, we drive out of Phuentsholing for your onward destination. From Phuentsholing, you can continue the tour to Sikkim and Darjeeling of India, or get back to home via Nepal or India. Alternatively, you can also return back to Paro for your onward flight.

What's Included

All meals, tea & snacks
Government approved A category hotel in Thimpu & Paro and in other places B or C category hotel on twin sharing basis
All airport pick up and drop
Ground transport in comfortable private vehicle
Experienced English speaking guides and local staff
All city tour
Government taxes, permits, sightseeing, entrance fees for museums and monuments
Bhutan Visa fee

What's Not Include

Airfare to/from Paro, Bhutan
Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet , laundry etc.)
Trip cancellation and Medical/Evacuation Insurance
Tips for Staff (guide and driver )

Tour Cost

1-2 people = USD 2220 per person
3-12 people = USD 1920 per person
( Note! above price valid until end of 2013 )

Accommodations

Hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified by the government as grade A, B and C. These government approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels elsewhere. Based on availability at the time of your booking, we provide grade A and B hotels in Paro and Thimphu. We use B & C category or other hotel in other places because A category hotels are not available in other places except in Paro and Thimpu. Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort or similar in Paro and Hotel Migmar or similar in Thimpu. Since the Phuentsholing to Paro Tour with Thimphu and Punakha is designed on twin sharing basis, you share room with your fellow traveler but in case you prefer single rooms we charge USD 300 as single supplement.

Meals

All your meals included in during your stay in Bhutan. A variety of meals are available in most hotels – the most popular being Indian, Chinese, and the more common continental food. Non vegetarian dishes are generally available in most parts of Bhutan - pork, beef, chicken, and fish. The best advice is to ask the hotel and restaurant to recommend what is fresh and in season.

Equipments & Packing List

While packing for Bhutan Cultural Tour from Paro to Phuentsholing certain equipments are essential. Please Click here for this trip's comprehensive checklist.

Trip Start Dates

We will organize this trip on the dates requested by you. Please contact us for your customized departure date. You can join our Bhutan Cultural Tour from Paro to Phuentsholing as per your convenience. Spring season (March to June) and in the autumn season (September to November) are the best time to visit Bhutan. The months of April and May offer the natural grandeur of rhododendron blooms. The spring season also observes the biggest festival of Bhutan.

Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.

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Bhutan Cultural Tour from Paro to Phuentsholing Departure dates & price

Trip Facts

Price From

$ 1920 USD

Trip Code

HGTBT-0199

Activities: Cultural Tours & Sightseeing, 4x4 Driving, Overland Tours, Exclusive Trip
Trip Duration:7 Days
Altitude:2900m/9512 ft
Accommodation: 6 nights hotel
Meals:All Meals, tea/coffee, snacks
Transportation: 4WD car or Hiace
Group Size: max 12 people
1-2 pax: USD 2220 pp
3-12 pax: USD 1920 pp