Explore the Hidden Kingdom of Bhutan
Explore the Hidden Kingdom of Bhutan
Explore the Hidden Kingdom of Bhutan
6 Days Starting and ending in Paro International Airport
Visiting: Paro, Dochula, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley
Tour operator:
Tour code:
71355P11
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
10+
Special diets catered:
We respect dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Tucked away deep in the eastern Himalayas between the mighty neighbours – China to the north and India to the south, there lies a tiny independent country that remained isolated for centuries with the rest of the world until it opened its door to the outside world in 1960s. Bhutan is one of the most beautiful and least travelled countries in the world and the last Vajrayana Buddhist Kingdom. Bhutan has both natural beauty and cultural wealth so carefully preserved and passed down from generation to generation, that visitors are not surprised to hear its nickname ‘Kingdom of Happiness’. On this 6 Days 5 Nights adventure through the hearts of 4 western districts of Bhutan, you’ll go on nature hikes and appreciate pristine natural environment, explore and ramble through rural villages and gain firsthand experience on its culture and people. Come visit Bhutan with us and explore one of the unique and extraordinary countries in the world.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Paro International Airport / Transfer To Thimphu (2334M)
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel, Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
After receiving you at the Paro International Airport, you will be taken on your first adventure in the Kingdom of Bhutan. You will visit the National Museum of Bhutan and Rinpung Dzong (administrative headquarter of Paro district) and then transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
In Thimphu, if time permits, visit the Institute of 13 traditional arts and crafts (Zorig Chusum) and National Memorial Chorten.
Leisure time to explore the streets of Thimphu.
Day 2 : Hike To Tango Monastery / Transfer To Punakha Valley (1200M)
Location: Dochula
Accommodation: Hotel, Overnight at Hotel Lobesa or Meri Puensum Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After brreakfast at the hotel, hike to the 12th-century religious site called Tango Monastery located on a mountainside north of Thimphu. The roundtrip hike takes about 1.5-2 hours through the pristine forests.
After lunch at one of the traditional restaurants, visit the Buddha Dordema statue located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley.
Transfrer to Punakha valley (2.5-hours driving time). En route stop briefly at Dochula, a sacred mountain pass and enjoy stunning views of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan if weather permits.
In Punakha, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility".
Day 3 : Sightseeing Punakha / Transfer To Phobjikha Valley (3000M)
Location: Punakha
Accommodation: Hotel, Overnight at Yueloki Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive to the nearest roadhead and hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuelley Namgeyl Chorten located on a serene hilltop overlooking the fertile valley of Punakha. The roundtrip hike takes about 2.5-hours through the terraced rice fields and gentle slopes of pine trees.
After the hike, visit the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, 17th-cenutry Punakha Dzong and spend some time appreciating the grand architecture of Bhutan and sacred wall paintings. Walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that runs across one of the glacial rivers of Bhutan.
After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha valley (2.5-hours driving time).
Day 4 : Gangtey Nature Hike / Transfer Back To Paro Valley (2200M)
Location: Phobjikha Valley
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Overnight in Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will visit one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan, 17th-century Gangtey Monastery and interact with enthusiastic happy monks. From there venture out on an exhilarating nature hike. The trail is about 5km and takes approximately 3 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farm lands and crystalline streams.
After lunch, transfer back to Paro Valley. On arrival in Paro, visit one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang. It is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet.
Day 5 : Hike To The Famous Tiger's Nest (3120M)
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel, Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After early breakfast at the hotel, you will hike to the famous Paro Taktsang popularly known as Tiger's Nest. Taktsang monastery is located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the road head. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Bhutan.Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan.
The roundtrip hike usually takes about 4-5-hours. After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, descend back to the base and drive to Paro town where you will spend some leisurely afternoon.
Later, visit one of the beautiful farmhouses for an authentic home-cooked local cuisine. You can participate in preparing some of the popular local dishes. If interested in a relaxing home span, you can soak in a traditional hot stone bath with believed to have therapeutic, revitalizing benefits for an additional fee of about $15 per person, as charged by the owner.
Day 6 : Departure From Paro International Airport
Location: Paro International Airport
Accommodation: No accommodation on the last day.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey depending on your departure time. Our guide and drive will bid you farewell.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation at 3star hotels mentioned in the itinerary or similar. We will arrange hotels that are certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Bottled mineral water in the car
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Round trip airport transfers included in the price
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Land transport included as per itinerary for the entire duration of your stay in Bhutan
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Country Entry Visas
Visa Fee is included in the price. We will also process your visa and send you the approved e-visa letter within 3-4 business days.
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
All hotel accommodations have wi-fi internet connections.
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Fully Guided
Experienced English speaking licensed tour guide included
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Local Taxes
All internal taxes are included
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Meals – Full Board
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
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Extra experience like traditional archery and dart throwing.
What's Not Included
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Drinks with Meals
All drinks not included except bottled mineral water in the car
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International Travel
International flights are not included.
There are only two airlines (Drukair & Bhutan Airlines) operating in and out of Bhutan and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season.
Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore.
We recommend you to book a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March - May and September - November.
If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Any other expenditures of personal nature
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Entry Fees
All entry fees to the museum, monuments and sacred sites are not included
Check out our Q&As
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is optional but our guide and driver work hard to offer the best experience. You may tip them if you feel satisfied with their services.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
You will have some leisure time during the tour but you must follow the time schedule set by the guide.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Except for the holders of Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders, all other nationals are required to have a visa to enter Bhutan in advance.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes, all of the accommodations where you will say are equipped with wi-fi internet service.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been in the business since the beginning of 2016.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Visitors are required to provide a COVID vaccine certificate and negative PCR test taken not more than 72 hours before the date of entry. Facemasks are mandatory at all places. Our guides and drivers will maintain a high degree of COVID-19 safety protocols. Vehicles are regularly sanitized.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, you may not join the tour that has already departed. In case you have booked that particular tour, you may join but you will not receive any refund for the portion you have missed. You also have to pay the airport pickup charges because separate transport has to be arranged.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All of our hotels are certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and are regularly inspected by the authority for health and COVID-19 safety regulations.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can always change the date of the confirmed booking. We highly recommend you let us know a few months before the original date of arrival to ensure the flights and hotels are available on the new dates especially during the high season. A trip once booked can be postponed to any future date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You'll receive a copy of your BHUTAN e-Visa and an outline of the itinerary with the list of hotels where you will stay before you travel. We always let our guests know in advance the hotels they will stay in. No surprises and disappointments! If you are coming for a trekking adventure, we will send you a suggested packing list.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Free Date Changes
Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel allows you to make 3 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bhutan acorn tours & travel, 30 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel requires a minimum deposit of 50% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bhutan acorn tours & travel charges.
Up to 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 0% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.