Classic Bhutan
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Sandwiched between the mountainous landscapes of northern India and Tibet, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is a land lost in time. Filled with myths and legends, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is without doubt one of the most extraordinary destinations anywhere on earth. Against a backdrop of unimaginable natural grandeur, you will be transported back in time, to explore a land that for centuries was cut off from the outside world. Experiencing a truly unique journey into the heart one of the most ...
Sandwiched between the mountainous landscapes of northern India and Tibet, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is a land lost in time. Filled with myths and legends, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is without doubt one of the most extraordinary destinations anywhere on earth. Against a backdrop of unimaginable natural grandeur, you will be transported back in time, to explore a land that for centuries was cut off from the outside world. Experiencing a truly unique journey into the heart one of the most fascinating cultures on the planet, over the course of a remarkable week you will explore places that have barely changed in 500 years and meet a people whose smiles and culture will leave you captivated. This spectacular journey will introduce you to the sleepy charms of Paro and Thimphu and uncover some of Bhutan’s most important cultural treasures. You’ll trek up to the spectacular ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery and enjoy the timeless images of prayer flags fluttering before the breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas. Explore the ancient capital of Punakha with its beautiful dzong before experiencing a little something of Bhutan’s traditional culture amongst the rural farmsteads of Gangtey.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Paro – Thimphu: Arrival
Your flight to Paro is just the beginning of the breath-taking scenery that you will experience while in Bhutan. As you fly high above the southern hills of the Himalayas take in the views to the snow-capped peaks including Everest before descending into the narrow Paro Valley which opens out to display the farmland and villages dotted along the river. On arrival in Paro you will then be transferred to Thimphu, the nation’s capital. This afternoon enjoy the view of Thimphu from the 51m high Statue of Sakyamuni Buddha on top of nearby Kuensel Phodrang Hill overlooking the city. Then head to stroll the city streets visiting the VAST Art Gallery and the local bazaars.
Day 2 Thimphu: City Highlights
This morning enjoy an introduction to Bhutanese culture starting with a visit to the National Library where sacred, religious and cultural texts have been carefully preserved as well as the nearby Zorig Chosum School which teaches students the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Make a stop at the Post office to see the unique and colourful stamps before heading to the Memorial Chorten, symbol of peace built by the late king. Circumambulate the chorten with the locals as they spin the prayer wheels and light butter lamps amidst the fluttering prayer flags. Later stroll along the main street of the city, Thimphu is home to a number of craft workshops which you may like to visit. If time allows, visit the Trashicho Dzong, home to various government offices and the location of the hoisting of the national flag and Marching of the Guards.
Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey: Phobjika Valley
This morning you will drive out of the valley and up to the scenic Dochu La Pass, where you can stop for a drink at the café and enjoy the panoramic vistas of the Himalayas whilst in the company of 108 small stupas, built on the hillside at the highest point in the road. Continue to Phobjika, a valley known for the migration of the black-necked cranes who make the valley their home between November and March. This afternoon head to the Black Necked Crane Centre to learn more about the birds. There are hides which give views down the valley and an opportunity to spot the birds, the best time for this is dusk and dawn.
Day 4 Gangtey: Gangtey Monastery & Nature Trail
Visit the Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa Monastery in Western Bhutan, set above the Phobjika Valley, its location, in a tiny village gives commanding views out across the valley. After your visit of this large complex head out into the valley on one of the many hiking trails which cross it. The Gangtey Nature Trail is one option, taking you through bamboo and pine forest, it is a great choice for nature lovers getting you up close to the cranes and allowing excellent views of the valley. A visit to a local farmhouse then offers a chance to try some Tibetan style butter tea and homemade chhang beer.
Day 5 Gangtey – Punakha: Punakha Dzong
Drive to Punakha, the former capital and a city set on the confluence of two rivers in a temperate valley at 1250m. Later visit the Punakha Dzong, often considered the most beautiful dzong in the country, built in 1637 and served as the seat of the government until the 50s, it is also the location of the crowning of all the kings of Bhutan, unfortunately it has been ravaged by fire four times but each time rebuilt and has seen a recent renovation. The Dzong has a 160m long suspension bridge crossing the Po Chhu River adorned with prayer flags.
Day 6 Punkha: Divine Madman & Village Visit
This morning head early to the Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), built in the 15th century by the 'Divine Madman' (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). Later head to the picturesque villages of Talo and Nobgang, the villages are set along a ridge above Punakha with sweeping Himalayan views. The villages are known in the region for being some of the prettiest and are dependent on agriculture, with many tropical fruit trees. Head to the Nalana Monastery at the end of the day to see the monks at evening prayers.
Day 7 Punakha – Paro: National Museum & Ancient Temple
Cross back over the Dochu-La Pass this morning as you head to Paro, set in a valley on the banks of the Chhu. In the afternoon visit the National Museum, set in the old watchtower of the Paro Dzong in a circular building. There are galleries of thangkas and statues as well as Bhutanese dress and an insight into how magic and science are intertwined in Bhutan. From here head to Kyichu Lhakhang, dating to the 7th century and one of the oldest and most beautiful in Bhutan, it comprises of two temples, the second was built in the 20th century. They are home to a number of statues and are the destination of many pilgrims coming to walk around the temples spinning the prayer wheels.
Day 8 Paro: Tiger’s Nest
This morning you will visit the spectacular Taktsang Goemba, the sacred 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery built in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche; without doubt one of Bhutan's most breathtaking settings and its most revered Buddhist temple. Clinging precariously to the rock ledge, it is situated over a thousand metres above the Paro Valley floor and the walk up to it will take up most of the morning. Whilst at the monastery you can hoist your own prayer flags, the small coloured flags with prayers and mantras written on them, when the wind blows through them it will activate the blessings. This evening visit a local farmhouse for a traditional hot stone bath to soothe your muscles after the hike, river rocks are heated and then added to the water along with a blend of native herbs.
Day 9 Paro - Depart
This morning you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your international flight back home.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Tashi Namgay Resort, Paro
Located close to Paro’s international airport, on a rocky hillside overlooking the Pa Chu River, the Tashi Namgay Resort sits within the lush embrace of five acres of sprawling gardens. A unique fusion of traditional and modern design, the resort offers guests a choice of deluxe and standard rooms, as well as a range of suites, all elegantly appointed with contemporary furnishings, cable TVs, internet connection and separate bath and showers. Facilities also include a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, a gym and a restaurant serving up a mix of Bhutanese and international cuisine.
Dewachen Hotel, Gangtey
Dewachen Hotel is encircled by pine forests in the hidden valley of Phobjikha, home of the very rare Black Necked cranes. The hotel boasts fantastic valley views and a hot stone bath to ensure a relaxing and tranquil stay. The 28 double rooms have beautiful wooden interiors heated by an iron stove and hot water bags in the bed. The restaurant has the best views of the valley, paired with professionally prepared Bhutanese cuisine. From the hotel, cultural and horse-riding activities can be arranged.
Dhumra Farm Resort, Punakha
Dhumra Farm was first created in the early 1980s as a small organic farm, it has grown since then by the love and care of the owners to also include a guesthouse with a peaceful philosophy offering a retreat to travellers. Located on the quiet side of Punakha, perched on top of a hill, with sweeping views of the Punakha valley below, the forested hills beyond and the grand Punakha Dzong. The resort is a charming mid-range option, the rooms are clean, large and comfortable with modern design and feel and come with a attached private bathroom. The food is delicious farm to table Bhutanese dishes, cooked with organic local produce, most of it grown on the farm. There are plenty of trails around the farm to be explored either by bike or on foot.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
OTHER ITINERARIES IN BHUTAN
Check out our group tours in Bhutan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Bhutan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Bhutan