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About This Trip – Hotel Accommodation
During your journey through Bhutan, you’ll stay in carefully selected 3-star standard hotels that offer comfort, cleanliness, and great hospitality. Below are the properties (or similar alternatives) arranged in each city:
Thimphu: Hotel Osel, Hotel Thimphu Tower, City Hotel, or a comparable standard hotel
Punakha: Four Boutique, Hotel River Valley, Eco Lodge, Zhingkham Resort, or similar
Phobjikha: Dewachen Hotel or equivalent property
Paro: Tashi Namgay Resort, Khangkhu Resort, Tenzinling Resort, Hotel Olathang, or similar options
All hotels are based on twin-sharing standard rooms with attached bathrooms and modern amenities.
Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, our local guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. After lunch, begin your cultural immersion with visits to:
Dechenphodrang Monastic School – interact with young monks in training
Zilukha Nunnery – meet and learn from resident nuns
Memorial Chorten – a stupa built in honor of the 3rd King, now a spiritual gathering spot for the elderly
Evening: Enjoy dinner and stroll around Bhutan’s bustling capital city.
Overnight: Thimphu | Altitude: 2300m
After breakfast, explore Thimphu’s rich art, history, and spirituality:
Traditional handmade paper factory
School of Arts and Crafts (13 traditional Bhutanese arts)
Folk Heritage Museum – a look into Bhutanese daily life in the past
National Library – home to ancient scriptures and Buddhist texts
Post-lunch:
Changangkha Lhakhang – oldest temple in Thimphu with panoramic views
Takin Reserve – see Bhutan's national animal
Buddha Dordenma – massive Buddha statue overlooking the valley
Tashichho Dzong – the King’s throne and government headquarters
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Thimphu | Altitude: 2300m
After breakfast, drive over the scenic Dochula Pass (3,200m). Weather permitting, enjoy panoramic views of Bhutan's highest Himalayan peaks and stroll among the 108 memorial chortens.
En route to Punakha, take a short countryside hike to the famed Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple known for its unusual and symbolic art.
Afternoon options:
Relax at the hotel with valley views
Optional hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (1 hour uphill), offering incredible views of rice terraces and river bends
Overnight: Punakha | Altitude: 1300m
Begin with a visit to Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most architecturally significant fortress.
Optional half-day hike:
Scenic trail from the Dzong offering views of rural life, turquoise rivers, and surrounding villages
Cross a suspension bridge at the end of the trail where your vehicle will be waiting
Drive to the serene glacial valley of Phobjikha. After lunch, enjoy the Phobjikha Nature Trail (2.5 hrs) ending at Gangtey Goempa Monastery, perched above the valley.
Overnight: Phobjikha | Altitude: 2900m
Visit the Gangtey Goempa Monastery, home to many monks and rich in history.
Optional activities:
Visit the Crane Center supported by RSPN (best for bird lovers during Oct–Feb)
Nature walk or relaxation time at the hotel, soaking in the valley's peaceful views
Overnight: Phobjikha | Altitude: 2900m
Drive to Trongsa, stopping for a cultural hike to Rinchengang, a village with 400-year-old roots and great photo opportunities.
Optional stops at Rukubji village along the route.
On arrival in Trongsa, visit:
Trongsa Dzong – a strategically located fortress with deep historical significance
Watchtower Museum – offering insights into Bhutanese royalty and religion
Overnight: Trongsa | Altitude: 2200m
Transfer to Jakar in Bumthang, one of Bhutan’s most spiritual valleys, rich in legends and sacred sites.
Visit important monasteries and temples:
Jambay Lhakhang
Kurjey Lhakhang
Tamshing Lhakhang
Kharchu Monastic School
Much of the sightseeing is done on foot, providing countless photo opportunities and cultural encounters.
Overnight: Jakar | Altitude: 2650m
After an early breakfast, return to Paro by road.
Upon arrival:
Visit Paro Dzong on foot
Cross Bhutan’s oldest wooden bridge
Explore traditional Paro town and local handicraft shops
If lucky, witness a game of archery, Bhutan’s national sport
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2200m
Today is the highlight of your trip—hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Bhutan’s most iconic site clinging to a cliff 900m above the valley floor. (Approx. 3 hrs uphill)
On return:
Optional visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide.
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2200m
Early morning transfer (15 minutes) to Paro Airport for your departure. Your guide will assist with check-in and bid you a warm farewell.
Airport transfers are not included in the price of this tour, however you can book for an arrival transfer in advance. In this case a tour operator representative will be at the airport to greet you. To arrange this please contact our customer service team once you have a confirmed booking.
Your tour will conclude in San Francisco on Day 8 of the trip. There are no activities planned for this day so you're free to depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to give yourself time to fully experience the wonders of this iconic city!
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