Discover Bhutan: The Land of Happiness and Mystique
Bhutan is a land of breathtaking beauty and profound spirituality, where ancient traditions thrive alongside majestic landscapes. Known for its commitment to Gross National Happiness, Bhutan offers a journey like no other. From the striking cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery to the vibrant markets and centuries-old fortresses (dzongs), each corner of Bhutan is imbued with culture, peace, and a touch of mystery. Perfect for travelers seeking an immersive, serene, and authentic experience, Bhutan invites you to explore its pristine nature, meet its warm-hearted people, and feel the deep sense of harmony that permeates daily life.
Book your Bhutan 8 Nights Bespoke Tour
Inclusions
8 nights Accommodation
Meals as stated on itinerary
Guide as provided throughout itinerary
Transport and Driver
Entrance Fees as per itinerary
What is not included
International airfares to and from Bhutan
Travel Insurance (which is compulsory)
Some Lunches and Dinners (prices for these can vary from very cheap to western prices depending on where you are eating)
Personal purchases
Tipping is for tour guides, drivers and hotel staff - $25AUD per day. To be collected on arrival or beforehand added to your invoice.
PRICE PER PERSON
2pax – $4075 AUD per person
3 or more pax – $3880 AUD per person
*note: minimum of 2 pax per trip
For single supplement, $650 AUD pp
There is a $500 deposit for this tour the remainder is to be paid 75 days prior to the start of the tour.
After arriving at Paro Airport and making your way through immigration and customs formalities, you will be greeted by your guide and driver and warmly welcomed to the enchanting Land of the Thunder Dragon. Drive alongside mountains, rivers, and fields to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Towards late afternoon, wander through the fascinating streets of Thimphu, the world’s only capital city without a traffic light!
Included Activities • Paro – Thimphu drive (approximately 1.5 hours) • Orientation walk in Thimphu
Accommodation: Thimphu Central / Hotel Asura / o similar Meals: None
Day 2
Exploring Thimpu, Bhutan
After breakfast you will venture out to explore Thimphu. Stop off at Buddha point, named after its giant gilded Buddha statue, and take in panoramic views of the city. Take a short hike through pine trees where your leader will help you spot takin, the national animal of Bhutan, a unique goat-antelope creature. Carry on to the Zilukha Nunnery.
After lunch, your leader will weave together the fascinating cultural heritage of Bhutan during visits to the National Textile Museum, Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum (where you can try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport: archery), and the Voluntary Artists School in Thimphu, an institution where young people receive formal education in the art of traditional painting, sculpture, and woodcarving. Thimphu has an excellent range of handicrafts, most notably woven cloth, wooden masks, thangkas, silverware, jewellery, and bamboo crafts that come from all over Bhutan.
Included Activities • Buddha Dordenma • Simply Bhutan Museum • Zilukha Nunnery • Takin Conservation Park • National Library • National Textile Museum • Voluntary Artists School • National Memorial Chhorten
Accommodation: Thimphu Central / Hotel Asura / or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Drive to Punakha
After breakfast, check out of the hotel for your drive to Punakha. Before hitting the national highway, visit the Desho Paper Factory, witnessing papermaking by hand. Then, journey to Simtokha Dzong, a castle-monastery guarding against mythical demons.
Then head towards, Punakha, another charming settlement in the hills of Bhutan. Take a break at Dochula Pass to admire the breath–taking view of the eastern Himalayas (weather-permitting), including Bhutan’s highest mountain, Gangkhar Puensum. The chortens adorning the Pass honour the fallen warriors that helped build Bhutan. Before reaching Punakha, you will also stop at the Sopsokha village with its famous Chimi Lhakhang temple built by Drukpa Kuenley, the divine madman.
Arrive in Punakha for a comfortable night’s rest, anticipating the upcoming day of exploration.
Included Activities • Desho Paper Factory • Simtokha Dzong • Thimphu – Punakha drive (approximately 2.5 hours) via Dochula Pass • Sopsokha Village walk with Chimi Lhakhang Temple visit
Accommodation: Four Boutique / River Valley Punakha / or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dochula Pass, Bhutan
Day 4
Exploring Punakha
After breakfast, embark on a 1–hour hike to the ornate Khamsum Yulley Monastery, renowned for its spiritual significance. The hike is a pleasant one, through countryside, vegetable fields and pine trees. Enjoy the views from topmost floor of the monastery, then hike back down to your vehicle and visit the convergence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, admiring the breath–taking Punakha Dzong and its iconic cantilever bridge. Afterwards, visit the serene Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, perched on a mountaintop, and take in the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. Return to Punakha for the evening.
Accommodation: Four Boutique / River Valley Punakha / or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Khamsum Yulley Monastery
Day 5
Drive to Phobjikha
Commence your drive to Phobjikha today. Pass through lush forests and verdant vegetation, and if luck is on your side, you can spot the native wildlife, ranging from langur monkeys to barking deer known as muntjacs. Cross the Lawa La pass and emerge into the stunning valley of Phobjikha with its vast wetlands and yaks and horses grazing on them.
After arriving at your lodge and checking in, go for a visit of Gangtey Goemba. Gangtey Goemba, nestled in Bhutan’s Phobjikha Valley, is a revered Buddhist monastery known for its stunning hilltop location and affiliation with the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. It features ornate structures and serves as a spiritual center attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. Offering serene surroundings and cultural insights, it stands as a significant destination in Bhutan’s religious and cultural landscape. The rest of the day is free for you to relax at the hotel or take a leisurely stroll around the countryside.
Included Activities • Punakha – Phobjikha drive via Lawa La Pass (approximately 3 hours) • Gangtey Goemba visit
Accommodation: Dewachen Resort / Hotel Phobjikha or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gangtey Goemba
Day 6
Exploring Phobjikha
Embark on a day of exploration starting with a visit to the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), where you’ll learn about the black-necked cranes that fly in the winter to Phobjika Valley. The RSPN’s efforts focus on protecting these birds and other vulnerable species.
Afterward, enjoy a gentle two-hour hike around the valley with your guide, taking in scenic views of the wetland, lush forests, and local landmarks.
Included Activities • Black-necked crane information center visit • Phobjikha Valley hike
Accommodation: Dewachen Resort / Hotel Phobjikha / or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Exploring Phobjikha
In the morning, return across Dochula Pass and continue the journey to Thimphu. The roads in Bhutan are narrow, making travel time longer despite short distances. Enjoy the passing scenery and relax. After lunch, proceed to Paro Valley and consider exploring the town and its local markets upon arrival. Also make your way to Ta Dzong museum for an insight into the Bhutanese history.
An exciting and active day awaits you tomorrow!
Included Activity • Phobjikha – Paro drive (approximately 5 hours) • Ta Dzong Museum • Kaja Throm Market visit
Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort / Lhayhuel or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Drive back to Paro
Start your day with an early breakfast and a short drive, as you prepare for an incredible hike to the renowned Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor, this magnificent monastery offers breath–taking views. After approximately an hour of ascending the mountainside, you’ll reach a small teahouse with a panoramic view of the temple. An additional 45–minute will take you to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Situated on a precarious cliffside, it is bound to take your breath away! Explore the monastery before returning to the teahouse for lunch.
In the evening, upon returning to Paro, indulge in Bhutanese hospitality and traditional flavors with a home–cooked meal at a local farmhouse. Immerse yourself in the warm and welcoming atmosphere, and if you wish, treat yourself to an optional hot stone bath. This therapeutic bath, using fresh river water infused with local herbs and heated by fire–roasted river stones, is a traditional Bhutanese remedy. It offers a rejuvenating and relaxing experience, perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking.
Included Activities • Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery hike (3120 m) • Traditional Farmhouse visit for dinner
Optional Activity • Traditional Hot Stone Bath at the farmhouse
Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort / Lhayhuel or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Departure Dy
It is time to bid adieu to this beautiful country! Have breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Trip Notes
The Trip Notes on this link are always the most up to date version. When booking a tour in advance things can change.
All you need to do is choose your dream destination and a package that suits you, pick your chosen duration and dates, and select something that meets your interests and price and we do the rest. Click the button below to fill in the form if you will request for a self-guided travel experience.
What people are saying about our Bespoke Travel Experiences
DanikaBali 2022
Read More
10/10 recommend travelling with Vibrant Women. Our group booked a solo trip organised by Tammie. From the get go, everything was organised exceptionally well. I have done a large amount of travel through south east Asia, USA and UK and found the trip with Vibrant women one of the best experiences I have ever had.
Having an agent who genuinely wants to help makes a huge difference when travelling overseas.. if you are thinking about booking a trip with Vibrant Women you will not regret it!
LauraBali 2022
Read More
We had a fantastic time, the itinerary was seamless - very well organised with flexibility to suit also. The accommodation was beautiful and everyone we encountered was so helpful and friendly. We had a great trip and would recommend.
LauraBali 2022
Read More
"We had a fabulous time! Already our next trip is planned! Vibrant Woman was perfect and we couldn’t fault any of it."
Previous
Next
Cancellation Policy
This Getaway has a $500 non-refundable non-transferable deposit. Final payment is due 75 days before the start of the trip. From 75 – 30 days to the start of the trip 50% of the amount paid will be retained in the case of a cancellation. This is because we have already paid in advance for accommodation, transport and activities and this money will not be returned to us. For cancellations less than 30 days and for no shows the entire amount will be retained. In addition, once the tour has commenced no monies will be returned to you. This is why travel insurance is compulsory.