Bhutan the Last Shangri-La Tour


Trip Facts

Trip Code
HWB037
Trip Duration
9 Day(s)
Activities
Hiking, Culture
Start Point
Paro
End Point
Paro
Max Altitude
3180m
Group Size
1-12 Pax
Best Season
All Year Round
Diffic. Level
Easy
Accomodations & Meals

  • 8 Nights 3-Star Hotels
  • Daily Breakfasts
  • 8 Lunches and Dinners
  • Water bottles each day
Locations Covered

Trip Highlights

  • Experience the unique culture and natural beauty of Bhutan on an 8-night, 9-day tour.
  • Marvel at the 108 Chortens along the Dochu-La Pass and the majestic Black-necked Cranes in the Gangtey Valley.
  • Visit Thimphu Dzong, Memorial Chorten, and Buddha Point.
  • Climb up to the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest (Takshang Monastery) and create memories that will last a lifetime.
  • Enjoy a customized travel plan with the help of our expert team.

Overview


"Discover the mystical kingdom of Bhutan on an unforgettable 8-night, 9-day Bhutan tour. Explore Thimphu and Paro Valley, visiting iconic sites like Tashichho Dzong, Memorial Chorten, and Buddha Drodenma – journey to Punakha through the stunning Dochu-La Pass, adorned with 108 Chortens. Explore Chhimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, Gangtey Valley, and Trongsa with vibrant festivals. End your adventure with a hike to the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest Monastery. For a customized travel plan, our expert team is here to create your perfect 9-day Bhutan tour. Experience the Last Shangri-La with us! "

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Last Shangri-La, Bhutan! This 8-night, 9-day tour gives you the opportunity to explore this magical Himalayan kingdom. Your week-long adventure begins with a tour of Thimphu and Paro Valley, featuring must-see attractions such as Thimphu Dzong, Memorial Chorten, and Buddha Point. Then, take a journey to Punakha, crossing the breathtaking Dochu-La Pass and marveling at the 108 Chortens along the way.

Explore the mystical land of Bhutan on this 8 Nights 9 Days Tour – the Last Shangri-La! From the stunning Punakha Dzong situated between two rivers Mo Chu and Pho Chhu to the picturesque Gangtey Valley – home to the majestic Black-necked Cranes during the winter season. Then, visit Trongsa to witness the vibrant Trongsa Festivals throughout the year. As the tour comes to an end, take a hike up to the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest (Takshang Monastery) which stands tall at a height of 3180m.

For any customized travel plan, our expert team is here to help you create a beautiful itinerary. We will do our utmost to give you the best experience with our 9-day Bhutan tour.

Itinerary Expand All


Arrive at Paro Airport and then drive to the capital city Thimphu. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level. (1 hour 30 minutes drive)

On your journey to the Himalayas, be prepared to experience awe-inspiring views of the tallest mountains in the world. If the weather is favorable, you will be able to spot Mount Everest (8848m, 29,198ft) and other majestic peaks in the Himalayas.

Upon arrival at your hotel, a representative from the agency will be there to greet you and take you to the capital city of Thimphu.

Ta Dzong: The 17th-century watch tower served to guard the region against Tibetan invasion. In 1968, it was converted into the National Museum, which now houses a collection of Bhutanese art, relics, religious thankas, paintings, animals native to Bhutan, arms and ammunitions, and the country’s exquisite stamp collections. These thankas are used to bolster the visualization generated during meditation and are made from Himalayan animal fibers.

Tashichho Dzong: The Fortress of Glorious Religion, constructed in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, is an awe-inspiring sight. Home to the secretariat building, throne room, office of the king, and the central monk body, this majestic structure is a must-see for visitors. After admiring its grandeur, take some time to explore the rest of the city.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Morning visit to the Memorial Chorten: This particular Chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan.

Visit Changgangkha Lhakhang and later Visit Zilukha nunnery in Drubthob Goemba: Thimphu is the biggest nunnery in Bhutan. The Nunnery and Goemba once it belonged to the Drubthob (Realized one) Thang Thong Gyalpo often referred to as The King of the open field. In the early 15th century with his multiple talents, he popularly became the Leonardo da Vinci of the Great Himalayas.

Simtokha Dzong: Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal was one of the greatest builders of Dzongs in Bhutan to consolidate his newly acquired domain in western Bhutan and to defend himself from both the internal foes and external enemies started the construction of six Dzongs. The first Dzong that he undertook to construct was the Simtokha Dzong. The location has great historical significance. The present place where the Dzong stands was the crossroads of the three prominent western regions of Sha (Wangduephodrang), Wang (Thimphu), and Pa (Paro). The Dzong was completed in 1631 corresponding to the Iron Sheep Year of the Bhutanese calendar after two years. The Dzong was named as “Sanga Zabdhoen Phodrang” (Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras).

Later visit the weekend market in Thimphu: Held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the people crowd the stalls every day, dressed in full color, and gathered to meet and to barter, much like the street markets in London!

Overnight in Thimphu.

Altitude: 2800m/ 9240ft above sea level (5 hours drive)

Morning driving towards Gangtey, we come across a pass known as Dochula (3140m, 10362ft) from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

In the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century.  The village of Phobjikha lies a few km away. down from the monastery, on the valley floor.  This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate.

Overnight in Gangtey.

Altitude: 2200m/ 7260ft above sea level. (5 hours drive)

Morning you will hike across Gangtey Nature Trail: (Duration: Half day: two hours at a quicker pace): This is one of the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trail. On this trail you have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Goemba(Monastery), it also leads to a sloping area of green grass, flanked by pine trees on either side. You will even come across some villages, rivers, and cranes roosting on the ground.

Trongsa Museum: Situated strategically above the Trongsa Dzong, the Ta Dzong served as the watchtower for centuries. It was built by Choeje Minjur Tempa in 1652. The museum is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and includes a media room where visitors can watch a documentary program on the history of the monarchy. The Ta Dzong was renovated and converted into a museum at a cost of Nu. 97 million with funds from the Austrian government. The museum is dedicated to the coronation and centenary celebrations.

Overnight in Trongsa.

Morning visit to the famous Trongsa Festival: The day begins with the famous mask dances. Festivals in the Land Of Thunder Dragon are rich and happy expressions of its ancient Buddhist culture. These festivals are held in all districts in honor of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. There is simply no better way of experiencing the color, passion, and sheer vibrancy of Bhutan than by attending one of the numerous religious festivals that take place around the year. Tsechus are held on auspicious days and months in the Bhutanese calendar and last up to four days in which a series of highly stylized masked dance rituals are performed. Attendees adorned in astounding color gather from far and wide, sporting exotic masks and taking part in the myriad events that are on offer, from games of chance at the local fairs to elaborate mystic rituals. An experience that is not to be missed!

Later stroll around the city and relax

Altitude: 1350m/ 4455ft above sea level. (6 hours drive)

Morning drive to Punakha visits the Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built-in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of the second king, it served as a seat of the king.

Hike to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road –Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits. (30-minute hike to and fro, gently steep, good footpath across the valleys and villages)

Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue

Altitude: 2280m/7524ft above sea level. (4 hours drive)

Morning drive to Paro and visit Rimpung Dzong: The Bhutanese Dzongs are huge architectural structures constructed for a variety of functions throughout the country, from administrative buildings to monasteries and temples, yet they are carefully and thoughtfully designed and are strikingly beautiful.  The Rimpung Dzong, known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels” in the picturesque setting of the Paro valley, is, of course, no exception, built in the time of the dynamic spiritual and political leader Zhabdrung in 1644.  Once a year, as part of the Tsechu festival, one of the oldest Thongdol (gigantic scroll paintings) is ceremonially unfurled here.

Kichu Lhakhang(Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Drugyel dzong: This ruined dzong is of historical importance. It was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung to commemorate the victory of the Drukpas over the Tibetan invasion in 1644. The Bhutanese still vividly recall and celebrate this victory which was tremendously important to the history of the area. On a clear day (7326m/ 24176ft), you have a fascinating view of the white-domed peak of sacred Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess).

Overnight in Paro.

Morning hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan is one of the most recognizable cultural icons, perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. After a devastating and mysterious fire in April 1998, the monastery has been restored to its original glory. According to legend, the great tantric master Guru Rimpoche/ Padmasambhava (2nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. The five-hour hike to get to the monastery involves some gentle and steep climbs, as well as some stony footpaths and some good ones. If you choose to ride a horse, it will cost an extra US$25 per person.

Visit Farmhouse: 

Greeted by genuine smiles, visitors to Paro are invited to experience the hospitality of the local farmers. Surrounded by fields and hillsides, picturesque two- or three-story Bhutanese farmhouses dot the valley. These farmhouses are traditionally built and boast colorful decor on their outer walls and lintels. Exploring a farmhouse provides a unique insight into the lifestyle of a farming family, and for an additional fee of US$25 per person, visitors can also enjoy the experience of a hot stone bath.

Later walk around the town and see how locals live.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport. Your escort will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell

US$ 2840

$4010 X 1 :
$4010
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Got questions? Reach out to us for expert assistance in tailoring your dream trip. Let's begin your journey!

What's Included ?


  • Private transportation including airport transfers 
  • All necessary travel permits and Bhutan Visa Fee
  • English-speaking local guide throughout the tour
  • Accommodation in a twin-sharing room plan (Given tariff is based on 3-Star hotels)
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • Meal plan: Full Board Basis (Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner)

What's Excluded ?


  • Insurance of any kind
  • Single Supplement (if necessary) 
  • Airfare and airport taxes
  • Additional costs due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstance
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, guide/driver tips &, etc.

Customer Reviews


JU
John UY . Jul 24, 2019
3 Country Tour - Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan

Hassle-free is the word. If you plan to visit these countries? Anup at Himalayan Windows is the guy you need to see. Almost a year of planning and he was on top of things every single time. Any questions? He answers. Any suggestions? He answers. Better yet? You don’t need to plan anything. Have him plan it for you! He even booked us a fine dining restaurant in which my…

Hassle-free is the word. If you plan to visit these countries? Anup at Himalayan Windows is the guy you need to see. Almost a year of planning and he was on top of things every single time. Any questions? He answers. Any suggestions? He answers. Better yet? You don’t need to plan anything. Have him plan it for you! He even booked us a fine dining restaurant in which my wife was really surprised! Thanks for that one, sir! Our only interest was Bhutan and they offer everything including visas. Then, he was kind enough to suggest Tibet and we were like, why not? Since it’s a neighboring country and we haven’t visited it either. We ended up booking the 3 Country tour. Including Nepal yes! Nepal was very entertaining and with our very educated guide Anish! He knew his stuff. Smiling fella! Minus the rain coz we missed our helicopter ride to see up close and personal the all-mighty Mt Everest. But don’t get me wrong. Even if Anup knew that our helicopter ride would be canceled he still showed up, at 6 am! He kept trying and calling constantly if there could be any possibility that we could do the tour but sadly no. That is customer service at its finest. Haven’t encountered such customer service like his. 5 stars on that! Tibet was something else. Altitude sickness yes but we managed. Karma our guide was very accommodating and will give us time to wander around on our own. Knows how to manage time especially visiting the Potala Palace. When he said he’ll meet us at 7 am. He was at the hotel right on the dot. Talk about punctuality! Bhutan was magical! The moment when you land. Everything is just a breeze. Even immigration was very friendly! I have no complaints! Sangay our guide was great! We felt like we weren’t tourists. More like friends. He explained everything perfectly. He even told us to roll down our windows coz of the fresh air. The hike to Tiger’s Nest is no joke but Sangay was there all the way. We have no negative feedback the whole time we were there in the kingdom of Bhutan. A must place to visit! Our only concern was the breakfast at Shambhala Palace in Tibet. To us, it was a cool experience to have Tibetan breakfast such as the tsampa but to the others, they might not be able to enjoy it. Fewer choices of food but that didn’t bother us. Eggs, toast coffee, and tea. No continental breakfast here but we were happy about it. The hotel is nice though! Loving the touch of every piece of furniture they have. Hi-tech shower! When we had dinner they have to fetch it from the other hotel coz the cook wasn’t there anymore. They didn’t say the kitchen is closed. They still provide. We were shocked! We felt bad for the guy delivering the food to us but we gave him a decent tip. Wish we knew all their names coz they were all very nice to us from the beginning when we arrived greeted with a smile and the day we left. The security guard even gave us bottled water on the way back to Nepal. We will surely miss those hardworking folks over there! Keep smiling! One word. Anup will do anything to make your trip a memorable one coz ours was. Even side trips such as having breakfast and having us tried all the dishes or snacks that we wanted to try! Also, even if we were at other Countries he keeps in touch thru WhatsApp just to make sure everything was still in order. He even kept on checking the helicopter ride when we were away! Thumbs up, sir! Hope your business will continue to grow and may you have more customers and friends to come! You are indeed an amazing travel consultant. Thanks again for having us and making our trip a memorable one! Thank   you all, Mr and Mrs. Uy
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Trip Information Expand All


Payment: A deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to book the tour with Himalayan Windows (HW). The remaining balance is to be paid three days prior to the departure date. Payment can be made via Wire Transfer or Credit Card. All credit card payments are securely processed and a bank fee applies.

Cancellation: For cancellations more than 30 days before the Tour Start Date, there will be no cancellation fee. If the cancellation happens within 29-4 days prior to the Tour Start Date, a charge of 30% of the total invoice amount will be applied. Cancellations occurring within 3 days or less of the start date or in the case of a no-show, 100% of the total invoice amount will be charged. Learn more about Terms and Conditions.

Accommodation: Accommodation is typically provided in twin rooms in cities, though a single supplement can be requested for an additional fee. During peak season, it can be difficult to find single or twin rooms in the mountains, so our lodges usually offer dormitory-style accommodation. Our priority is always to provide clean and safe rooms for our guests.

Meals: Our packages in Bhutan include full board meals, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. For treks, all meals are provided, but you will need to pay extra for drinking water and snacks.

Nepal Visa: If you are planning a trip to Nepal, you must have a valid passport and Nepal Visa. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa before your arrival. To be eligible, your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from your Tour Start Date. If you are planning on traveling to multiple countries on your trip, make sure to get a multi-entries Nepal Visa.

Bhutan Visa Clearance: All visitors to Bhutan must have a valid Bhutan Visa Clearance before their trip. To obtain it, you must submit a color-scanned copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the start date of your tour. Your tour operator will send you a Visa Clearance prior to your departure, which you must present at the Druk Air/Bhutan Airlines counter during check-in. Once you arrive at Paro Airport, your passport will be stamped with the original visa.

Tibet Group Visa (TGV): All travelers from any nation intending to go to Tibet from Nepal must obtain a Tibet Group Visa (TGV) in Kathmandu with the help of a tour operator. To ensure the successful application of the TGV, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu 3-4 working days before your travel date. If you are coming from China, you will not require a TGV; instead, you will need a Chinese Visa and Permit. To find out more about the process of entering Tibet, please look into the Tibet entry procedure.

Nepal & Bhutan: Visiting Nepal and Bhutan at the same time is ideal as they share a similar climate. From high mountains to low land sub-tropical plains and jungles, the two countries have similar weather. The best time to visit is from March to April (spring) and October to December (autumn and early winter). During these months, the air is clean and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are colder months, while June, July, and August (summer) are typically monsoon seasons.

Tibet: It is best to visit Tibet between April and October when the weather is warm and the skies are clear. However, from November to March, it is still possible to explore certain areas like Namtso, Everest Base Camp, and Mount Kailash, as long as the roads are not blocked by snow. Temperatures during this time may be quite cold.

HimalayanWindows strongly recommends that anyone planning to travel in the Himalayas purchase Travel Insurance. This policy will provide coverage in the case of medical emergencies, evacuation, theft, loss of belongings, and last-minute tour/ticket cancellations. Having this protection in place will help ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable.

FAQS


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Bhutan tour Where is Bhutan? Bhutan is a small, landlocked country situated in the eastern Himalayas between China and India. Its landscape ranges from Subtropical plains and forests in the south to subalpine forests and the snowy Himalayas in the North. Bhutan is a principally Buddhist country, and it is recognized as the last stronghold of Mahayana Buddhism. Do I need to use a… Read More »

US$ 2840

$4010 X 1 :
$4010
  • Best Price Guaranteed
  • Free Cancellation
  • Privacy Protected
  • Secure Online Payment
  • Guaranteed Departure
OR
Customize My Trip
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