Gems Bhutan Travels

7 Day Bhutan Tour

The seven-day tour of Western Bhutan will see you discover some of the most spectacular sceneries and landmarks in this part of Asia.

Tour Highlights: Visit Thimphu's majestic Memorial Chorten, Witness first-hand Bhutanese renowned weaving culture, Cross over Dochu La - the fabulous Himalayan mountain pass, Visit the renowned Temple of Fertility – the Chimi Lhakhang, Hike to Bhutan's favorite tourist spot, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, and Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, Bhutan's oldest temple.

Day 1: Arrival & introduction to Thimphu- As you jet into Paro, the most breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and other famous Himalayan peaks will welcome you to Western Bhutan.

Once you’ve cleared through the airport, our tour guide will accompany you on a one-hour drive to Thimphu – Bhutan’s capital city. The scenic route is dotted with spectacular landmarks like the centuries-old Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched above the forested Paro Valley. En route, you will witness flourishing virgin forests as you drive along the placid Paro Chu River.

In Thimphu, expect to visit one of the city’s most iconic landmarks - the Memorial Chorten – a huge stupa built in memory of the third King of Bhutan. This Tibetan-style structure is Bhutan’s dedication to world peace and serves as a focus of daily worship for many Bhutanese.

Late in the afternoon, you will visit Tashi Chho Dzong a traditional fortified monastery located on the northern edge of the city. These impressive grounds with manicured lawns serve both as the seat of the government and home of the Central Monastic Body. Here, you will witness the ceremony of flag lowering which happens at 4:00 PM, as the King leaves the royal premises.

In the evening, you will enjoy a traditional sumptuous dinner at the Folk Heritage Museum while mingling with Bhutanese guests before retiring to your hotel room.

Day 2: A deeper exploration of Thimphu- After breakfast, you will take a deeper tour of Thimphu City focusing on its cultural sites.

During your visit to the College of Zorig Chusum, commonly known as The Painting School, you will see the 13 arts and crafts of Bhutan – a testament to the kingdom’s excellent artistic heritage. Watch the young students express their talent through thangka painting, slate curving, tailoring, stone carving, and embroidery - a truly mesmerizing and inspiring experience. If you like, you can purchase a few collectors’ items as memorabilia.

At the Textile Museum in the heart of Thimphu town, you will see first-hand the rich and diverse Bhutanese traditional weaving culture. Practiced almost exclusively by women, this antiquated textile tradition involves weaving fabrics with hundreds of Buddhist symbols, a job that takes six months to a whole year to complete.

While in Thimphu, you will also pass by the National Library, where the holy scriptures on Buddhism are kept. Afterwards you will make a stop-over at the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal- the Takin, followed by a ride to Sanjaygang for a breathtaking view of Thimphu valley.

Other visits in your itinerary include the Bhutan Post Office to see the country’s famous collection of stamps, and a visit to the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory to see traditionally made Deh-sho paper. Crown it all by taking a trip to see the Great Buddha Dordenma erected on a mountain top, followed by an overnight stay at a suitable hotel.

Day 3: Travel to and get familiar with Punakha- Start your day early and head east to Punakha – Bhutan’s old capital city. En route, you will cross over Dochula Pass, the fabulous Bhutanese mountain pass, that towers 10 000ft above sea level. During this first encounter with the Himalayas, you will see the famous 108 stupas, known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens, built in 2003 to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese soldiers over the Indian militants.

From Dochula you will descend through pine forests, as you take in breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountain range before arriving in Punakha Dzong which served as the seat of government until 1955. Located between the male and female rivers of Phochhu and Mochhu, Punakha Dzong is widely considered to be an architectural masterpiece built by The Bearded Lama in 1637–38. Legend has it that the local deity helped build the fortress during the nights. If you’re lucky you might attend the annual festival dedicated to the protecting deities of Yeshey Gonpo (Mahakala) and Pelden Lhamo (Mahakali), held on the grounds between March and April.

Day 4: Hiking in Punakha- There’s no shortage of wonderful places to see in Punakha. You will start your morning by taking a 30-minute walk hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten from the footbridge in Yepaisa Village. Built by the Queen Mother of the Fifth King, this 100-feet tall tiered Chorten is dedicated to bringing peace and harmony in Bhutan and the world.

In the afternoon, take a hike to the Temple of Fertility – the Chimi Lhakhang – mostly visited by couples from Bhutan and beyond who are trying to get children. Situated 10 km from Punakha Dzong. Legend has it that the 16th-century built temple was constructed by a Divine Madman who tried to spread Buddhism in Bhutan in an unconventional way. The temple holds fertility rituals believed to help couples who participate to conceive during their visit to Bhutan.
After this eventful day, you should be able to enjoy your overnight stay at a hotel of your choice.

Day 5: Travel to, and sightseeing in Paro- After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro and get a second chance to enjoy the scenic route back to the airport city. Once there, you will visit the Ta Dzong, a conch-shaped watchtower that hosts the national museum of Bhutan. There, you will see its unique collection of large vessels used during ancient times to cook and store water. Other items on display include traditional weapons, a variety of plants and animals, coins, jewelry, and traditional costumes collected from different parts of the country.

If you love archery, you’ll be in the right place as this is the national sport of Bhutan. The Dzong features an archery ground, and if you’re lucky you might just witness an archery match in action. Afterwards, you will take a 16 km drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong built in 1644 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invaders. In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely walk in and around Paro’s main shopping area.

Day 6: Tiger's Nest Monastery- After an early breakfast, get ready for the highlight of your travel to Bhutan – the Taktsang hike - better known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. On the trail, you will climb through beautiful pine forests before stopping for a rest and light refreshments. The three-hour hike ends when you reach the spectacular Taktsang monastery, built in 1684 A.D. Afterwards, visit Dungtse Lhakhang, a chorten with one of the most extraordinary collections of paintings in Bhutan, followed by an overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 7: Departure from Paro- Dig into your last breakfast in Bhutan before departing for Paro International Airport to catch your flight out of this magnificent country. Bon Voyage!

Package Includes

The Price Includes: Visa for Bhutan, Accommodation in a 3 star hotel on twin share, Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Government fees, royalty, taxes, surcharges including Sustainable Development Fee $ 100 per person per night, Entrance fees to monuments, national parks and road permit, Experienced and licensed English speaking tour guide, Tour vehicle and experienced driver, Airport transfers, Full service before, during and after your Bhutan trip, Mineral bottled water, Cultural performance, River rafting, and Hot stone bath

The Price Excludes: Flight tickets- domestic and international. We can arrange for you. All personal expenditures, Travel insurance, Tips for guide and driver, Alcoholic drinks, and Meals in 4 & 5 star hotels and restaurants

Package Policies

Visa is issued after full tour payment. In case the trip is cancelled due to an emergency, receive a full refund within three weeks. Package is for 4 persons and more on the tour.

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Destinations

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Bhutan, Asia