BHUTAN - EXPLORATION

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Overview
Detail Itinerary
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INC./EXCL.
Accommodation

BHUTAN – EXPLORATION Overview

The ideal time for trekking and touring in Bhutan is late September to late November. This is the time when the skies are generally clear and the high mountain peaks rise to the flamboyant blue sky.

March and May is another option to make up your minds about visiting Bhutan although it is the monsoons and you are likely to get wet no matter what. The plus side to this time of the year is that you could witness one of Bhutan’s most exotic natural surroundings in bloom.

To avoid the monsoons you could visit Bhutan during the months of June and August when an average of 0.5meters that is 1.5feet of rainwater hits Thimphu and up to 1meter that is 3feet saturates the eastern hills.

Winter is a good time for touring in western Bhutan including activities such as bird watching in the subtropical jungles in the south and white water rafting. The days during winters are sunny and cool but it’s quite cold once the sun sets. From December to February the road from Thimphu to Bumthang and the east are generally closed because of the snowfall issues. It would be best not to plan to visit these regions at this time of the year while you are on your visit to Bhutan.

In recent years overcrowding has become an issue in Bhutan during the major Buddhist festival known as Tsechus which takes place at Thimphu and Paro. This festival takes place during the best seasons and you stand a much better chance of getting flights, accommodation, and probably a more intimate and rewarding festival experience if you schedule your trip around one of the other cultural events.

We at Earthbound Expeditions generally don’t suggest a limited itinerary to visit Bhutan as it cost quite a lot and you have to enjoy the tour taking enough time to explore it.

P.S
• Bhutan tour can be combined with Nepal, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Tibet Lhasa, Taj Mahal or Jaipur in India.
OR
• It can also be combined with Buddhist circuit tour like Lumbini – Nepal, Boudhagaya, Kushinagar or Sarnath in India.

Altitude Chart (mtr)

Brief ItineraryView full

Day 1 : Arrive Paro - Thimphu
Day 2 : Thimphu - Punakha
Day 3 : Punakha - Phobjikha
Day 4 : Phobjikha - Paro
Day 5 : Paro
Day 6 : Paro
Day 7 : Paro departure

Day
1

Arrive Paro - Thimphu

On arrival at Paro airport, on a clear day the panoramic view of the Himalayas are sensational including the Mt. Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steeps turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro International Airport. Upon arrival and completing your visa formalities, you will be received by your guide, drive to Thimphu the Capital City of Bhutan. The drive to Thimphu follows the Pa Chu River and down to its confluence with the Wang Chu River, continues your drive up valley to Thimphu.Check-in at the hotel then visit Memorial Chorten(Stupa) built in memory of the late king,largest Buddha Statue,and later in the evening visit the TashichhoeDzong, “The fortress of the glorious religion” houses the throne room of His Majesty the King.Free time in town.Overnight: Thimphu.

Meal

B/L/D

Accomodation

Hotel

Altitude

2,334 m

Day
2

Thimphu - Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha,the road climbs a series of zigzags over the Dochula Pass (3050 meters) with its (weather permitting) spectacular views of the snow capped drive to Punakha Eastern Himalayas, on the way you can seeSemtokhaDzong(first Dzong in Bhutan)from road side, continue drive to Punakhavia Dochula pass (3050m). From there gradually descend through varied forest finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. VisitChimiLhakhang(Temple) dedicated to DrukpaKuenley, popularly known to the west as the divine mad man. You will have to walk through the paddy fields and few local farm houses for about 20 mins to get to the temple.Visit the PunakhaDzong; this is one of the most impressive Dzong in the Country located at the confluence of the two rivers, Pho-chu and Mo-chu. Literally meaning male and Female River. Punakha was also the former Capital of Bhutan. Later in the afternoon hike 45 minutes to impressive KhamsumYuelleyNamgyalChorten (Stupa) which is, located on a ridge. The view of the valley below is magnificent and the Stupa here was constructed to remove or overcome the negative forces in the changing world.

Meal

B/L/D

Accomodation

Hotel

Altitude

1,200 m

Day
3

Punakha - Phobjikha

After Breakfast drive to Phobjikha Valley (Gantey) about 3 hours,“the winter home of Black Neck Cranes”. Upon arrival visit the Gantey Monastery founded in the year 1613 and afternoon you can do a one hourNature Hike and explore the beautiful valley of Phojikha.

Meal

B/L/D

Accomodation

Hotel

Altitude

1,200 m

Day
4

Phobjikha - Paro

After breakfast drive to Paro.The drive will take about 6 hours over the Dochula Pass once again. Lunch at Thimphu, after lunch you may walk around the streets of Thimphu for last minute shopping before driving back to Paro.

Meal

B/L/D

Accomodation

Hotel

Altitude

2,195 m

Day
5

Paro

Morning visit National Museum and RimpungDzong,the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the Dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action.Visit DungtseLhakhang and visit Kyichu, the oldest temple founded in 7th century by Tibetan king SongsangGangpo, then free time in the town.

Meal

B/L/D

Accomodation

Hotel

Altitude

2,195 m

Day
6

Paro

Take the trail to Taktsang Monastery, one of the most sacred places for the Bhutanese in the Country. Your 3-4 hour walk through the oaken and the pine forest is rewarding with an unforgettable view of the 1000 meters below and a chance to see the unusual temple clinging to the side of the cliff. People from all over Bhutan and neighboring countries try to visit this monastery once in their live time as it is believed that one gains merit after visiting.A less strenuous pony ride to the temple is also available on extra payment.

Meal

B/L/D

Accomodation

Hotel

Altitude

2,195 m

Day
7

Paro departure

Morning, leave for airport for your departure flight.

Meal

Check out the selection of date for availability

All our published dates are guaranteed departures. If the dates don’t match with your travel plans, we are more than happy to create your desired date. Let us know what kind of trip you are looking for and our travel experts will help plan your tailor-made trips in your dream destination.