Essential Bhutan
Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang & Paro
based on 10 nights & daily experiences
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* Pricing is a guideline only and excludes special offers. Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
Price includes:
Internal flights
Accommodation
Private transfers
Daily experiences
Full Board
Including Government Royalty Fees
per person on a full board basis in Bhutan, private transfers and guiding. Price is based on 2 people sharing 1 room.
At a Glance
In-depth itinerary that takes you from the more-touristed Western circuit into the pristine Central valley of Bumthang
Discover the best of Bhutan, from jaw-dropping Tiger's Nest Monastery to Punakha's scenic rice field
Authentic seasonal experiences including farmhouse cooked dinner, tea with local family, apple plucking and matsutake mushroom-picking
Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit to Bhutan and we can do our best coincide your trip with one of the many festivals taking place through the year, making the journey even more special
Have a private expert guide and driver throughout your journey in Bhutan allows complete flexibility allowing a trip totally tailored to you
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Best time to Visit
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In the western, central and eastern Bhutan you will mostly experience cold European-like weather. Winter lasts here from November to March. The Monsoon occurs between June and August when the temperature is normally between 8° and 21°C. October and November are arguably the best months, when the monsoon has passed and the skies are clear. The spring months of March, April and May are best for the flora, but it can be stormy as the monsoon builds up for July-September.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 3993 8476 to start planning your holiday.
Itinerary
This itinerary provides a more in-depth introduction to Bhutan allowing you to explore the highlights, gaining an understanding of what makes this country so special. Through this trip you’ll get to experience spell-binding rural scenery, with lush green terraced rice-paddies rolling up to high mountain passes with Buddhist prayers fluttering in the wind, and snow-capped mountains beyond.
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Days 1-2: Thimphu
Starting the journey in Thimphu, you’ll have one night on arrival in this capital city. Thimphu offers a fantastic mix of ancient and traditional culture combined with an ever-growing café and restaurant scene. We have included a private guide for you, and throughout your time in Bhutan, to make sure that you get the most out of your adventure. Spend your days exploring the highlights including the Takin Preserve, Centenary Farmers Market, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk Heritage and BBS Tower Viewpoint.
Accommodation: Taj Tashi (1 night)
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Days 2-4: Punakha
From Thimphu you’ll then drive through the magnificent mountain pass of Dochu La with 108 memorial stupas into Punakha, where you will be spending the following two nights. This region of Bhutan is known for its outdoor activities and fantastic trekking routes due to its lower elevation and tropical surrounds. Upon arrival, enjoy a hike through lush rice fields into the temple of Chimmi Lhakhang, dedicated to Bhutan's favorite saint.
As the new day beckons, you will enjoy another short hike up to the Khansam Yulley, a relatively new temple which comes with a fantastic view of the Mo Chhu Valley down below. Afterwards, we head into a one-hour Butterfly Trail through the farmland, stopping off for tea in the local home. Of course, it is also home to the beautiful Punakha Dzong, a highlight of any visit to Punakha, and we have included a visit here with your guide.
On your final day in Punakha, we visit the stunning hilltop nunnery for a unique chance to interact with the local nuns, before setting off into Gangtey.
Accommodation: COMO Uma Punakha (2 nights)
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Days 4-6: Gangtey
You'll then head further east to Gangtey, which is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. During the months of November to February, Gangtey becomes home to the sacred and revered Black Neck Cranes making it a beautiful time to visit, especially for keen ornithologists. We have included visits to Gangtey Goempa overlooking the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, alongside a 1.5-hour nature trail through the jungle before coming out on the valley floor. We can also include a hike through Longtey Village with colorful rhododendron forest towards the idyllic Kumbu village.
Accommodation: Gangtey Lodge (2 nights)
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Days 6-8: Bumthang
A 5-hour scenic drive carries you through Pele-La and Yotong-La pass as you make a brief stop at Trongsa Dzong, an ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family. Finally, you will arrive in the remote Bumthang, relatively untouched from classic trail and where you will find some of the most charming sights in Bhutan.
Bumthang is the religious heartland and home of the largest temples in Bhutan. This day tour will bring you to visit Jakar Dzong, one of the largest in the country, hike through Kurjey Lhakhang's beautiful landscape to Tamshing Monastery, and finally experience first-hand the unique local cottage, brewery and cheese industries.
From around mid-July to the second week of August, we also arrange a matsutake mushroom-picking activities in the forest of Ura village.
Accommodation: Yozerling Lodge (2 nights)
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Fly from Bumthang to Paro
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Days 8-11: Paro
To finish your trip, you will fly back to Paro for your final three nights. With Paro having the only international airport in Bhutan this is a natural place to end your trip. On your arrival, we can organize a moderate half-day biking into the tranquil village surrounding Paro and learn about their farming traditions. Between July to August, we can also organize apple plucking activities.
As another day beckons, enjoy an off-the-beaten hike to Zurig Lhakhang for a spectacular view of the Paro Valley.
However, on top of that we like to save the best to last and have included a hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery for you which is spectacular and justifiably world renowned, concluding with a home-cooked dinner on a local farmhouse before you bid farewell to the Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan.
Accommodation: COMO Uma Paro (3 nights)
Location
Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang & Paro
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
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- Award-winning tour operator