Shangrila of Bhutan 5 Nights/6 Days

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey to Bhutan, known as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon." This 7-day tour offers a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual experiences. Explore the vibrant capital of Thimphu, the serene valleys of Punakha, and the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Trip Highlights:

Scenic Flights and Transfers: Arrive in Paro and enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas while transferring to Thimphu.
Cultural Immersion: Visit historical landmarks like the Buddha Dordenma, Punakha Dzong, and Tiger’s Nest Monastery, showcasing Bhutan’s unique architectural heritage.
Nature and Adventure: Hike to iconic sites, including the majestic Tiger’s Nest perched on a cliff, and enjoy outdoor activities like river rafting and exploring lush valleys.
Traditional Experiences: Engage in local customs, visit traditional markets, and savor authentic Bhutanese cuisine while experiencing a rejuvenating hot-stone bath.

Paro Dzong & National Museum: Explore Bhutanese history and art at these iconic sites.
Thimphu Sightseeing: Visit the National Library, Tashichho dzong, and experience local culture in vibrant Thimphu.
Punakha Dzong: Discover this architectural marvel lovingly nestled between two rivers.
Dochula Pass: Marvel at the panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas and visit the 108 Chortens.

Price Starting From

$ 1630

Best Time to Travel

March - May

September - November

Itinerary

Day 01: Fly to Paro & Drive to Thimphu

Arrival in Paro, meet and greet by our guide and drive to Thimpu which is about an hour. Check in at hotel and lunch.

Afternoon proceed for the visit to National Memorial Chorten: Visit this stupa which symbolizes the "Mind of Buddha." Observe local elders engaging in circumambulation around the stupa.

Kuensel Phodrang: Hike to the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park for stunning views of Thimphu Valley. Buddha Point: Offer prayers at the largest Buddha statue in the country, overlooking the valley. Evening: Stroll through Thimphu town for leisure time and shopping. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast proceed for full day tour to Thimpu which you will be visiting National Library where you can see an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts.

National Institute of Traditional Medicine: Observe the process of traditional herbal medicine (outside visit only). National Folk Heritage Museum: Gain insight into Bhutanese culture and lifestyle.

Changangkha Lhakhang: Visit this ancient temple known for its spiritual significance for children born in the Chang valley. Takin Preserve: Meet Bhutan's national animal, the Takin, in its natural habitat.

Tashichhodzong: Explore this monumental fortress, home to the central monk body and the monarch’s throne room. Free time to explore more of Thimphu on your own in evening. Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdue (71 km, approx. 2.5 hours)

After breakfast, check out and ddrive to Punakha which is the senic drive and will take around 3 hours. On the way you will visit Dochula Pass (3140 m) from there you can see the panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas and visit the 108 Chortens built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo for the King’s safety.

Visit Druk Wangyel Temple the temple honoring the fourth king of Bhutan and continue to Punakha: Arrive at the old capital and the current winter residence of the central monk body.

Visit Punakha Dzong, this majestic fortress located at the confluence of the Pho-Chu and Mochu rivers. Evening Walk: Stroll through Metshina Village and enjoy a 20-minute walk to Chhimi Lhakhang (Divine Madman’s Monastery), famous for its fertility shrine. Overnight in Wangdue/Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha to Paro (128 km, approx. 4.5 hours)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Punakha. After breakfast, check out and drive back to Paro. Visit Ta Dzong: Visit this historical watchtower converted into the National Museum, showcasing Bhutanese art and artifacts.

Continue to Rinpung Dzong the fortress built to protect the valley from invaders, now used for administration and a school for monks. Walk to Rinpung Bridge: Visit Bhutan’s oldest traditional bridge. Dhumtse Lhakhang: If time allows, visit this unique temple with beautiful paintings. Kyichu Temple: Visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, part of the 108 temples built by King Songsten Gampo. Overnight in Paro.

Day 05: A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

Breakfast at hotel. Proceed for hike to Taktsang Monastery which is the senic ehike and will take approximately 1.5 hours, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the monastery perched on the Cliffside.

Refreshment Stop at the View Point Cafeteria for refreshments and to soak in the breathtaking scenery. After tea/coffee contine hike to the Monasterywhich will take about another hour.

Monastery History: Learn about the history of Taktsang, said to be where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated in the 8th century after flying there on the back of a tigress. The current monastery structure dates back to 1692 and has been beautifully restored after a fire in 1998.

Explore the Monastery: Visit the various temples and shrines inside the monastery, experiencing the spiritual ambiance and stunning views.

Lunch: After exploring, return to the viewpoint cafeteria for a leisurely lunch. Descend back to the road, taking in the beauty of the surroundings. Visit Kichu Lhakhang: On the way back, visit Kichu Temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by King Songsten Gampo. Discover the rich history and significance of this sacred site. Evening Relaxation: Return to your hotel in Paro and enjoy a relaxing evening. Dinner: Savor a traditional Bhutanese meal at your hotel. Overnight in Paro.

Day 06: Departure from Paro

Early breakfast at hotel, check out and transfer to airport for the flight to your next destination.

Excludes and Includes

Price Inclusions

02 Night accommodation in Thimpu
01 Night accommodation in Punakha
02 Nights accommodation in Paro
Daily breakfast & dinner at hotel.
Lunch at selected local restaurant during the tour
Private transportation throughout the tour.
English-speaking guide for all sightseeing.
Entry fees to all mentioned attractions.
Bhutan Visa
Applicable local taxes & service fees

Price Exclusions

Airfare: Kathmandu – Paro– Kathmandu (Fare as per availability).
Travel insurance.
Expenses during any rescue operation.
Nepal re-entry visa fee.
Alcoholic beverages & bar bills.
All expenses of personal nature, phone calls, laundry etc.
Gratuity to staff.
Services of Porterage and other vehicles in between in case of landslides and other natural calamities beyond our control and expenses incurred during rescue services.
Services not mentioned here in.

Notes

Tour Booking

Obtaining a tourist visa for Bhutan is straightforward; applications are processed in 2-3 working days.

Travel must be booked through a local tour operator or an international partner. The operator will handle
Flight bookings
Internal transport
Accommodations
Meal arrangements
Coordination of a licensed tour guide

Payment Policy

Full payment must be made before the visa can be processed, ideally two weeks before departure, via wire transfer to the tour operator’s account.

Visa Formalities

All visitors except Indian nationals require a visa, issued from Thimphu.
Visas are granted only to tourists booked through a licensed tour operator, who will submit the visa application.
The visa will be stamped in your passport at your point of entry after payment is confirmed.
Submit a clear copy of your passport (full page) to your tour operator for the application.

Passport Validity

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates; otherwise, renewal is necessary.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation must be notified in writing (email or fax).
info@rtt.com.np/ magar.kamal2011@gmail.com

Charges apply for cancellations as follows:

More than 30 days before: Free
Within 21 days: 25% of the cost
Within 15 days: 50% of the cost
Within 10 days: 100% of the cost

Delayed Arrival/Departure

No charges for delays due to weather or roadblocks, but tourists must cover their own food, accommodation, and transport during delays.

Internet Access

Free Wi-Fi is available in tourist-rated hotels (not in farmhouses).
4G connections are available with a Bhutan SIM card. Providers: B-Mobile and Tashi Cell.

Electricity/Power Plugs

Voltage: 220 Volts (from hydroelectric plants) with electricity access at all sites.
Use a universal power adapter due to varying plugs and sockets.

Bhutan Time: Time zone: GMT +6