Bhutan Tour Packages: Wander Around in the Clouds – 8 Day Itinerary

Bhutan, a beautiful country surrounded by the Himalayas, hidden between India and Tibet. In this tour from our range of Bhutan tour packages you will embark on a 8-day adventure around Bhutan. You will explore Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, uncover a fine example of Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture at the Punakha Dzong (fortress), and explore Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan signifying the beginning of Buddhism in the country. As well as offering the best of Bhutan and tourism hotspots, this itinerary also offers many opportunities to experience Bhutan tradition, culture, and local life, with visits to the School of Arts and Crafts, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the Dechenphodrang monastic school

If you’re looking for the best month to visit Bhutan consider March-May or October-December. For more information see our Bhutan tour guide or contact us.

Itinerary

Day 01| Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr)
Day 02| Thimphu – Punakha (2 Hrs)
Day 03| Punakha Sightseeing
Day 04| Punakha – Phobjikha (2 Hrs)
Day 05| Phobjikha Sightseeing
Day 06| Phobjikha – Paro (5 Hrs)
Day 07| Paro Sightseeing
Day 08| Departure

• Places Covered: Thimphu, Punakha/Wangdue, Phobjikha, Paro & Haa

Day 01 Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr) & Thimphu City Tour

Early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan

Upon your arrival in Paro airport our guide will be there to welcome you and transfer to Thimphu. After Lunch visit the Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3^rd King.

Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley offering a beautiful view of the valley. Enclosure where the national animal, Takins are kept and drive to visit the largest and the newly built statue of Buddha offering magnificent view of entire Thimphu valley.

After 5 PM, visit the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the king. Evening walk around the happening town, the largest and the most crowded town in Bhutan.

Overnight: Thimphu 3 star hotel.

✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

Day 02 Thimphu – Punakha (2 Hrs) & Sightseeing on Route

Morning visit to the weekend market.

Visit the traditional Hand Made Paper Mill.

Visit the School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan.

Visit Folk Heritage Museum which explains how a traditional house used to be like in the olden days. Later visit the National Library which houses the collection of Bhutanese rich religious text and the contemporary Buddhism teachings from master all around the world.

Drive further up to visit the Dechenphodrang monastic school and meet the young monks.

Later continue to Zilukha nunnery to meet the nuns and interact with them.

Lunch in the town and drive to Punakha crossing over Dochula pass.

En route just before arriving the hotel, taka a nice hike through the paddy field and old village to visit Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus.

Overnight: Punakha 3 star hotel.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

 Day 03 Punakha Sightseeing

Morning drive to visit Punakha Dzong (fortress).

This is a must to see fortress in Bhutan and a fine example of Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture. After the visit if you are in mood for a nice half-day hike, you could start the hike right above the Dzong with a short steep climb offering a great view of the valley with houses spread all around and the never-ending turquoise river and its sandy riverbed. The hike ends through the farm field crossing the newly constructed bridge, where your car will be waiting at the other side of the river.

After lunch could go for an hour hike (uphill) to the temple of Khamsum Yuley Lakhang overlooking the paddy field and the snakelike river bends.

Or could relax in the balcony of the hotel to enjoy the view and the nature.

Overnight: Punakha 3 star hotel.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

Day 04 Punakha – Phobjika (2 Hrs) & Sights in the Valleys

If you are staying in hotel Meri Puensum, hotel Zandopelri or hotel Densa, early morning it will be a treat to walk up to the hilltop to visit the nunnery and interact with the nuns and enjoy the magnificent view of Punakha and Wangdi valley.

Later after breakfast drive to the remote isolated valley of Phobjikha.

En route could stop for a short hike to the ancient village of Rinchengang overlooking the ruins of Wangdi Dzong.

This valley is protected being winter home for the endangered Black Necked Cranes migrating to Bhutan every end of Oct to end of Feb.

Upon your arrival could go for a short walk in the valley.

This is a very remote village, and the hotel standard is very basic. Farmhouses stay optional.

Overnight: Phobjikha 3 star hotel.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

Day 05 Phobjika Sightseeing

Today, will be a very relaxing day.

After late breakfast could go for Phobjikha Nature trail hike (2.5 Hrs), which offers beautiful view of the valley. It starts from the valley and end with Gangtey Goempa temple at the hilltop overlooking the valley. Gangtey Goempa temple is a beautiful temple, richly renovated with many monks living. Could also visit the Crane Canter supported by the RSPN. Can have an option to visit a village and a farmhouse for lunch/dinner.

Overnight: Phobjikha 3 star hotel.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

Day 06 Phobjikha – Paro (5 Hrs) & Paro Dzong

Morning retraces the drive back to Paro crossing over Dochula La pass. Upon arrival in Paro, visit Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Continue further to stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicraft stores. You could get some opportunity to see the traditional game, Archery match going on.

Evening back to the hotel.

Overnight: Paro 3 star hotel.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

Day 07 Paro Sightseeing

Morning drive to the base for the hike to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro valley.

Most of the day will go on the hike.

On the way back, if you have the energy and time visit the Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which marks the beginning of Buddhism in the country.

Hot stone bath available at an additional cost. Farewell dinner with your guide.

Overnight: Paro 3 star hotel

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

Day 08 Departure

Morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Your guide will bid you farewell at the airport.

✓ Breakfast

Price

Price per person based on two-people group size: £2,153
– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing
– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Summary

Day 1: Fly to Paro, transfer to Thimphu, visit Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin enclosure, Buddha statue, and Tashichho Dzong.

Day 2: Explore weekend market, paper mill, arts school, Folk Heritage Museum, and National Library. Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, hike to Chimi Lakhang Temple.

Day 3: Visit Punakha Dzong, optional hike to Khamsum Yuley Lakhang or relax at the hotel.

Day 4: Drive to Phobjikha, visit Rinchengang village, and explore Phobjikha valley known for Black Necked Cranes.

Day 5: Relax with Phobjikha Nature trail hike and visit to Gangtey Goempa temple. Optional village visit and farmhouse lunch/dinner.

Day 6: Return to Paro via Dochula La pass, visit Paro Dzong, stroll through old town, and watch archery match.

Day 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest, visit Kichu Lakhang, optional hot stone bath, and farewell dinner.

Day 8: Transfer to airport for departure flight. Bid farewell by guide.

FAQs

1. What is included in the tour package?
   • The tour package includes accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), guided sightseeing tours, and transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
2. What is the best time to take this tour?
   • The best time to take this tour is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
3. Are there any physical fitness requirements for the tour?
   • While most activities are suitable for all fitness levels, some optional hikes may require moderate physical fitness. Participants should be able to walk on uneven terrain and handle short uphill climbs.
4. Is travel insurance included in the package?
   • Travel insurance is not included in the package. It is recommended that participants arrange for their own travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.
5. Are there any additional costs during the tour?
   • Additional costs may include optional activities, personal expenses, and gratuities. Entrance fees to certain attractions not mentioned in the itinerary and optional spa treatments are also not included.
6. What is the accommodation like during the tour?
   • Accommodation is provided in 3-star hotels throughout the tour. Hotels are selected for their comfort, cleanliness, and convenient location, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests.
7. How do I book this tour?
   • To book the tour, you can contact the tour operator directly or make a reservation through their website. Ensure to check availability and inquire about any special requirements before booking.