A Week in Bhutan
Thimphu, Punakha & Paro
based on 6 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 vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
Price includes:
Private transfers
Daily experiences
Full Board
Bhutan visa and government royalty fees
Accommodation
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
Perfect introduction to Bhutan seeing all the major highlights on a private tour with your own driver and personal expert guide
Combine the capital Thimphu, with the fertile valley of Punakha and Paro with the amazing walk to Tiger's Nest Monastery
See the local life in action with farmhouse home-cooked dinner, archery experience and brushing shoulders with the locals at Centenary Farmers Market
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
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 858 523 9000 to start planning your vacation.
Itinerary
This fascinating journey is ideal for the first-time visitor to Bhutan, experiencing all the must-see highlights of Bhutan with your own exclusive driver and guide getting a great introduction taste to this beautiful country.
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Days 1-2: Thimphu
Your arrival destination in Bhutan is Paro where you will be met by your team. We suggest heading straight to Thimphu, a drive of just over an hour and it is Bhutan's capital city. Here you will have the chance to explore the major sights of the city including the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk Heritage Museum, a stunning view from BBS Tower and see Bhutan's national animal in Takin Preserve. Also if your stay spans a weekend there is a fantastic market to visit.
Accommodation: Taj Tashi (1 night)
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Days 2-4: Punakha
Next, head to Punakha which is about a three hour drive from Thimphu and takes you over the Dochula Pass from where you should see some dramatic views of the high snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the distance. You then head down into the fertile Punakha Valley. We have included an easy one hour walk past rice paddies and local villages.
The next morning, you can enjoy a thrilling white water rafting at the confluence of Pho and Mo Chhu with a leisure lunch by the river. Afterwards, Punakha is also home to Bhutan's best Dzong (or fortified monastery) and it is worth seeing it when the maroon-clad Buddhist monks are chanting in unison.
Your final day in Punakha begins with a visit to the stunning hilltop nunnery and enjoy the opportunity to interact with local nuns.
Accommodation: COMO Uma Punakha (2 nights)
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Days 4-7: Paro
Finally, drive back to Paro, which takes around five hours or so, with opportunities to stop for an apple plucking session in either Thimphu or Paro, if you are visiting during the season of July and August.
Paro contains a wealth of things to see and do, and of course the fabulous Tigers Nest Monastery which you can walk to the following day. It involves a steep 800-meter ascent, but there are numerous rest-stops on the way and your reward is absolutely amazing when you see the monastery at close range.
Other highlights in Paro includes an off-the-beaten hike to the 15th century Zurig Lhakhang for a fantastic view of Paro Valley. You will also have the chance to practice Bhutanese national sport first-hand: the archery.
Finally, we also included a visit to the 7th century Kyichu Lhakang and a visit to a local farmhouse for a home-cooked dinner.
Accommodation: COMO Uma Paro (3 nights)
Location
Thimphu, Punakha & Paro
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator