8 days Bhutan tour itinerary

Q: What can I eat during my Bhutan trip?

In the Paro region of Bhutan, staple foods include rice, buckwheat, corn, and red rice. Chili and dairy products are commonly used as accompaniments. One of the most famous traditional dishes is Emma Datshi, which consists of chili with cheese. While beef, lamb, and pork are popular meats, it's important to note that Bhutan follows Buddhist principles of non-violence and does not slaughter animals within the country. Most of the meat available in the market is imported from neighboring India and primarily caters to tourists. Beverage options include black tea, butter tea, rice wine, and beer.

8 days Bhutan tour cost:

The 8 days Bhutan tour cost given below is inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.

Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.

Solo travel: US $ 2420 per person.
2 Persons: US $ 2000 per person.
3 People or more: US $ 1930 per person.

Nature of trip: Privately guided travel to Bhutan.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Thimphu, Bhutan’s beautifully located capital city which is about 45 minutes drive (53km) from the airport.

In the afternoon visit the Tashichho Dzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit the National Library which has a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that, drive to Painting School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will see students at work producing intricate design on cloth. If time permits, also visit the Traditional Medicine Institute.

Highlights

Pristine villages and farmhouse visit.
See women weaving tapestry of textiles.
Ancient temples, Dzongs and towns.
Experience typical Bhutanese dinner and drinks with local host.
Spectacular hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Day 1 :

P Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing (54 km, 1 hour drive):

Your guide and driver will meet you at the Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu valley. A short stop to view Tamchog monastery built in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo. Afternoon – visit memorial chorten, tallest statue of Buddha (51.5 meter), Changangkha lhakhang, Takin preserve center. In the evening, visit Sangaygang view point and Dupthop lhakhang, the oldest nunnery in Thimphu.

Free To Stroll In The Town For Shopping And Photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 2 :

Thimphu sightseeing:

In the morning, visit to:

National postal museum where you can print your pictures on the official Bhutanese stamps.
Textile museum.
School of 13 arts and crafts.
Simply Bhutan. You can enjoy Ara (local alcohol), visit folk museum and witness the cultural show and many more.

Afternoon – witness the archery match at Changlimithang stadium.

In the evening, visit Tashichho dzong, the royal secretariat. In early autumn, the grand Thimphu festival is held here.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 3 :

Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing (76 Km, 2 hours drive):

In The Morning, Drive To Punakha.

Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan until the rule of second king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

On the way, visit the beautiful Dochu La Pass (3140 m).

Just few kilometers below is Chimi lhakhang built in 1499 to honor Drukpa Kuenley or “The divine madman”. The temple is also popularly called The temple of fertility. He was known as The divine madman for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism often with sexual overtones.

After lunch, visit to the majestic Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Then hike to the beautiful Khamsum Yulley monastery built by Her Majesty Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.

In the evening, walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 m) across Pho chu river. You can enjoy the view of Punakha valley below.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 4 :

Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey sightseeing (75 km, 2 hours drive):

In the morning, drive to Gangtey and Phobjikha. A short stop on the way to view Wangdue Phodrang dzong.

Note: The lower part of the valley is called Phobjikha and upper part is Gangtey.

The Gangtey monastery is perched on a hillock overlooking the beautiful Phobjikha valley. It is the roosting ground for the rare black necked cranes in winter.

– Visit Gangtey Gompa monastery built in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley. The annual black necked crane festival is held here.

– Then visit the crane information center.

In the evening, walk around the beautiful Phobjikha valley.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 5 :

Gangtey – Thimphu sightseeing (142 km. 4 hours drive):

In The Morning, Drive To Thimphu.

We occasionally stop on the way to take pictures.

In the afternoon, visit to:

Witness archery match at Changlimithang stadium.

Then free for shopping.

Dinner And Overnight In Hotel.

Day 6 :

Thimphu – Paro sightseeing (54 km. 1 hour drive):

In The Morning, Drive To Paro And Visit To Ta Dzong, The National Museum Of Bhutan.

Then visit Rinpung dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is the finest illustration of Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship you’ll see.

In the afternoon, excursion to the beautiful Cheli La pass (3988 meters). You can enjoy the beautiful view of the Himalayas. The Cheli la pass boasts of the highest motorable road in Bhutan.

Drive back to Paro. On the way, visit to the Kila Gompa nunnery which houses around 90 nuns. It was initially started as a meditation center in the 9th century.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 7 :

Paro sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery: (Highlight of 8 days Bhutan tour Itinerary)

In the morning, drive to Satsam chorten and 2 hour hike till the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang – highlight of 8 days Bhutan tour itinerary).

– Probably the most photographed monument in Bhutan – it is a world heritage site. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew here on a back of a tigress.

Afternoon – visit to Drugyel dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

– Then visit Kichu lhakhang, the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in 659 AD by the Tibetan king Srongtsen Gampo. He built 108 temples in a single day across the Himalayan region to subdue an ogress. Six of them are in Bhutan and most prominent of them are Kichu in Paro and Jambay lhakhang in Bumthang.

In the evening, visit to a typical Bhutanese farmhouse.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 08 :

Departure (End of 8 days Bhutan tour Itinerary):

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell (End of 8 days Bhutan tour itinerary).

FAQs

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Can I have my own Bhutan group tour?

Yes, if you are traveling with a group of friends or with your family, you can customize your own Bhutan group tour. Please contact your professional travel consultant to discuss and arrange a customized group tour thatmeets your needs and preferences.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan, and what is the weather like?

Climate: The ideal seasons for travel in Bhutan are from March to November when the weather is most suitable.
Off-peak season: From December to February, it is winter and considered the off-peak travel period. During the day, temperatures hover around 15 degrees Celsius, dropping below freezing at night. From June to September, it is summer and the rainy season, with temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius during the day and 15 degrees Celsius at night.
Peak season: The peak travel periods are from March to May and September to November.

What can I eat during my Bhutan trip?

In the Paro region of Bhutan, staple foods include rice, buckwheat, corn, and red rice. Chili and dairy products are commonly used as accompaniments. One of the most famous traditional dishes is Emma Datshi, which consists of chili with cheese. While beef, lamb, and pork are popular meats, it’s important to note that Bhutan follows Buddhist principles of non-violence and does not slaughter animals within the country. Most of the meat available in the market is imported from neighboring India and primarily caters to tourists. Beverage options include black tea, butter tea, rice wine, and beer.

What should I wear during my visit to Bhutan?

Bhutan experiences long hours of sunlight, and the UV rays can be intense. It is recommended to bring your own sunscreen, hat, and wear long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and consuming fruits is essential.

Are there any rules for traveling in Bhutan?

Respect for Customs and Regulations: Please show respect for Bhutan’s religious customs, traditions, and adhere to the relevant government regulations during your visit.

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