Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon
Group Tour
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Overview
Squashed into a high pocket of land between Sikkim, Assam, Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast of India, Bhutan is an extraordinary country, home to a fascinating and unique culture, stupendous scenery and a charming people. This trip explores a land that has been cut off from the rest of the world - both geographically and through its own political desires - so much so that in many places things have barely changed at all over the last 500 years.
On this trip we visit some ...
Squashed into a high pocket of land between Sikkim, Assam, Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast of India, Bhutan is an extraordinary country, home to a fascinating and unique culture, stupendous scenery and a charming people. This trip explores a land that has been cut off from the rest of the world - both geographically and through its own political desires - so much so that in many places things have barely changed at all over the last 500 years.
On this trip we visit some of the many spectacular dzongs and monasteries of this stunning country. The dzongs are the imposing fortresses which are now the civil and religious centres of the districts, often strategically located on hillsides overlooking valleys or beside gushing rivers. We walk the trails of central Bhutan to view the rich agricultural landscapes, walking through villages of traditional houses with rows of ethereal prayer flags blowing in the breeze, and experience the cultures and customs of these gentle people.
This is a land of demons and spirits, steeped in mysticism and rituals, and will have you gasping in wonder at its unspoilt natural beauty.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses or coaster buses, depending on the group size.
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip.
On this particular trip we will be in hotels, local guesthouses and a homestay. With the latter, please note that you may have to share bathroom facilities. The accommodation in Bhutan is traditional in style and can be quite basic with limited hot water and heating. Some of the guesthouses provide their own wood burning stoves. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
Please note that if you opt for a single supplement it will cover you for all nights of the tour except the two nights at the homestay.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
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 |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour starts in Paro
Day 1 Tour starts in Paro
On arrival at Paro airport (see GETTING THERE section below) we will be met and transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital approximately one hour away. Although the Thimphu Valley has supported small settlements for many centuries and a dzong has existed there since 1216, the city didn't really develop until the King declared Thimphu the new capital in 1961. Thimphu has a youthful exuberance that constantly challenges the country’s conservatism and proud tradition. The ever-present juxtaposition of old and new is just one of its appealing qualities and today it is Bhutan’s most modern and developed city. On arrival in Thimphu, there will be some free time to settle in and relax after an introductory briefing.
Day 2 In Thimphu
Day 2 In Thimphu
We have a whole day to explore the capital and among the sites we will visit are the Cultural Heritage Museum, the Takin Park to see Bhutan’s national animal, and the Dechen Phodrung Monastery. The Post Office is an unusual and enjoyable visit too, as it displays and sells a wide range and style of philately. If time permits we will also visit the National Memorial Chorten dedicated to the third King, which is a pilgrimage site for the older generation of Bhutanese people. We may be able to witness an archery tournament down by river. Our final visit of the day will be the Trashi Chhoe Dzong, which is the spiritual and Governmental heart of the city.
Day 3 Thimphu - Gangtey
Day 3 Thimphu - Gangtey
This morning we leave the capital city behind us and head over the Dochu La Pass, which stands at 3140m. If the weather is kind to us, we will be greeted with a panoramic view of the Himalayas with a hill of 108 chortens in front of us. Here we will also visit the newest temple built in Bhutan with wall paintings of monks using laptops, airplanes, mobile phones and satellite dishes. The winding road will continue through mountain forests taking us on to Gangtey in the Phobjika Valley, our destination for the next couple of nights.
Day 4 In Gangtey
Day 4 In Gangtey
Today we will take a hike in the Phobjikha Valley starting near Gangtey Monastery. We will stroll gently uphill and visit the charming local villages of Gophu, Dogsena Pana and Jangchub Lhakhang, taking in some traditional old village life in a rural and agricultural part of the country, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. From here we will start to descend, completing the circuit towards the village of Khewa Lhakhang. During winter months we may have the opportunity to see black neck cranes in the valley.
Day 5 Gangtey - Bumthang
Day 5 Gangtey - Bumthang
We’ll drive to Bumthang today via Trongsa for lunch, and then visit the dzong. In the afternoon we’ll continue to Bumthang, stopping en route at the Chumey Yathra textile and weaving centre before checking into our hotel.
Day 6 Chokhor Valley
Day 6 Chokhor Valley
After breakfast we will have a short drive to Kharsumphe village before beginning our gradual ascent on foot to Tamshing Lakhang, with good views of Kurje Lhakhang on the other side of the Chamkhar River. Returning to our hotel via a suspension bridge across the river, we may also have time to wander along the main street in Jakar and have tea in one of the local cafes.
Day 7 Chokhor Valley - Tang Valley
Day 7 Chokhor Valley - Tang Valley
Today's 8km hike starts above the private Buddhist Monastery of Kharchu and through pastures with beautiful views onto Jakar Valley. Traversing through a pine forest, we'll reach 3,100m atop Batela Pass. Here we'll enjoy the most stunning panoramic vista of the Tang Valley, our home for the next few nights. After taking it all in, we'll start our descent to Bapzur Village where we will visit a nunnery and have a chat with some local nuns if we're lucky. Continuing by vehicle, we will enjoy a farmhouse lunch before visiting the Ogyen Choling Palace Museum. We'll be transported back to 19th and 20th Century living through the intricate recreations of granaries, homes and the like. Back at the homestay, there will be plenty of time to rejuvenate in a hot stone bath followed by a glass of locally brewed ara.
Day 8 In the Tang Valley
Day 8 In the Tang Valley
We have a good hike today, which is both challenging and rewarding, to the revered and sacred site of Thowadra Monastery. The name means ‘highest rock’ and stands at an altitude of 3400m. It was blessed by the presence of Guru Rinpoche who meditated here and left his footprints in the stone. The walk itself starts from the north end of the Tang Valley, at 2750m on a dirt road along the riverside until it crosses the river by a wooden bridge. The trail starts to climb up before a short descent and crossing another bridge. Upon reaching a chorten/ stupa, the trail again ascends through pine forest and past several monuments in the mountainside. For the last section the trail is very steep, but the monastery hangs above you on the cliff and motivates you to climb the last stone steps to the top. From here we will enjoy the fabulous view of the Tang Valley on the horizon and visit the mysterious and exceptionally holy temple, which is built directly into the cliff walls. We will then retrace our steps down to the first bridge, where our host will be waiting with a hot picnic and cup of chai before returning to the delights of our homestay.
Day 9 Tang Valley - Punakha
Day 9 Tang Valley - Punakha
After breakfast we’ll drive to Punakha, the old capital city, passing through the Trongsa Valley. We will also make a quick stop at the Chendebji Chorten situated at a river confluence. Following this, we'll cross Pele La Pass at 3400m, before descending to the valley floor at 1200m and into Punakha.
Day 10 In Punakha
Day 10 In Punakha
This morning we take a beautiful walk up to the Khamsum Namgyal Chorten, a small temple built for the present king by his mother. Wandering back down through the villages and along the riverbank takes us through an idyllic rural setting. Later we’ll visit the dzong, former capital of Bhutan, spectacularly positioned at the confluence of two thundering rivers and noted for its huge prayer hall with three giant Buddhas and wonderful painted thangkas.
Day 11 Punakha - Paro
Day 11 Punakha - Paro
Today we will retrace our steps and head for Paro – the starting point of our journey in Bhutan. But first we will have an early morning visit to the famous Divine Madman’s Temple, Chime Lhakhang, in the beautifully tranquil Lobesa Valley. Arriving in Paro late afternoon, we can visit the Paro Dzong built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Paro Dzong’s full name is Rinpung Dzong, which means ‘the fortress of the heap of jewels’. It is one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture and contains fourteen shrines. To end the day there will be time to further explore Paro at leisure.
Day 12 In Paro
Day 12 In Paro
This morning we will walk up to the Takstang Gompa, known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and standing at 3010m, stopping en route at the viewpoint and teahouse to which we will return for lunch. This is without doubt the most spectacular monastery in Bhutan, built on a rock ledge a thousand metres above the valley floor. The first and main temple was built where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tiger to meditate in this cave on a rocky ledge. The walk to the viewing point takes about 1.5 hrs with another 1.5 hrs to get to the monastery and back. In the afternoon there is an opportunity to visit our last Bhutanese temple, Kyichu Lhakhang, an auspicious 8th century temple built over the left foot of a mythical demoness who had been preventing the spread of Buddhism over Tibet and the whole of the Himalayas. This evening we will celebrate our achievements and enjoy our final group dinner of the tour.
Day 13 Tour ends in Paro
Day 13 Tour ends in Paro
The tour ends this morning in Paro. Depending on your flight departure time, there may be an opportunity for some last-minute souvenir shopping and a wander before transferring to the airport.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Hotel Phuntsho Pelri, Thimphu
Within the heart of Thimphu is the Hotel Phuntsho Pelri, which translates to the “Place of Great Contentment”. The appropriately named accommodation boasts a mix of true Bhutanese architecture with detailed modern facilities. The rooms feature cable television and free wireless internet. The traditionally handcrafted furniture compliments the wooden interiors of the building, best seen at the reception desk. The hotel has a restaurant which also offers room service. The best part of the hotel has to be the Turkish Spa, ensuring the hotel lives up to its name.
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.
Mountain Lodge, Bumthang
Mountain Lodge is located about one kilometre north of Jakar town, on the way to Kurjey temple, overlooking Wangdicholing. It is one of the oldest hotels in Bumthang, owned and operated by the family. The eldest son was trained in Austria in hotel management and so they are quite efficient. All the rooms are high standard wooden paneled and individually heated by the fire-wood stove (Bukhari). There is a continuous supply of hot water from the central boiler, and a well-trained team of staff who will look after you.
Olathang Hotel, Paro
Nestled inside blue pine forests overlooking the stunning Paro Valley, the Olathang Hotel is made up of one main building and 32 small cottages dotted through the forest just 3km from Paro. The rooms are spacious with Bhutanese style décor and facilities include a restaurant serving an array of international dishes and drinks, an internet café and TV room. As Paro's largest hotel, the Olathang has hosted the King in the past, and although now some may say it is slightly out-dated, it is a comfortable option for your stay in Paro.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Tang Valley Homestay Visit
On this tour we will be given the opportunity to stay in the home of hospitable locals in the Tang Valley. This is a great way to meet and interact with the local people, understand their limited infrastructure, and be introduced to their culture and way of life. With the homestays we use the money goes straight into these remote communities, so benefiting the people directly.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. There are regular regional flights to/ from Paro (PBH) from several destinations including Delhi (DEL), Kolkata (CCU), Kathmandu (KTM) and Bangkok (BKK). For this trip, our suggested regional flights (subject to change) are shown below.
Should you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. When making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
Similarly, if you are transiting through any international airport directly on your way to Bhutan, please allow a minimum of 12 hours between flights for the transit and check-in process. You may also require a visa for the country in which you transit unless your chosen airlines have an official agreement that allows you to check your bags all the way through to/from Bhutan without you needing to leave the international transit area. There is more in the visa section below. Please contact us for advice if necessary.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| BA 143 | London Heathrow (LHR) 10:15 | Delhi Airport (DEL) 23:30 |
| KB 201 | Delhi Airport (DEL) 12:30 | Paro Airport (PBH) 15:20 |
| KB 200 | Paro Airport (PBH) 09:40 | Delhi Airport (DEL) 11:30 |
| BA 256 | Delhi Airport (DEL) 10:25 | London Heathrow (LHR) 15:55 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders and all foreign nationals currently require a visa for Bhutan and must be applied for before departure through your travel company, namely us.
If you transit through or stop over in India pre or post tour, or both, then you will need to apply for either a single or double-entry Indian e-visa in advance.
If you transit through or stop over in Nepal pre or post tour or both, then you will need to obtain a transit visa, a visa on arrival with electronic pre-authorisation or a visa in advance by visiting the Nepalese embassy or through a reputable visa agency.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Bhutan.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
Bhutan has everything from tropical jungle with heat and humidity to high mountain passes where it regularly snows. We plan all of our trips when the weather is unlikely to be very severe, although a good set of waterproofs and a few warmer layers are always advisable. In spring and autumn we should have clear weather with great views of the Himalayas. On this departure it is likely to be pretty cold at night.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour. There are some walks included in the itinerary which take you above 3000m so some may find these more challenging than usual due to the altitude and terrain. The walks are optional, but in order to get the most out of this trip we recommend that you should have a reasonable level of fitness to be able to participate in the walks.
Please note that there are a couple of long driving days on this tour, but there will be frequent stops, and the scenery and experience will more than make up for this.
Vegetarians can be catered for, but the selection and variety may be limited.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation, but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except the two nights at the homestay in the Tang Valley, where single rooms cannot be guaranteed due to limited availability there.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/ twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 9496 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.