Bhutan Odyssey
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Journey DMC Bhutan
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
Read the full journey overview
Unveil Bhutan's rich tapestry of history and natural wonders on a comprehensive tour of the western and central regions. Immerse yourself in the enchanting stories and ancient tales that infuse every corner of this mystical land. Explore the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, the winter sanctuary of the revered black-necked cranes, while listening to the folklore that surrounds their presence. Your journey takes you to the serene Haa Valley, tucked away in the pristine western Bhutan. As you venture deeper into the heart of the country, don't miss Chele La, offering a panoramic view of the majestic Chumolhari and Jichu Draksey mountains, a breathtaking spectacle that connects you to Bhutan's spiritual heritage and natural splendor.
The memorable moments
DAYS Activities Accommodation Meal DAY1 Welcome to Bhutan- Paro Airport Hotel [-/L/D] DAY2 Paro-An excursion within Hotel [B/L/D] DAY3 Paro / Thimphu- Exploring beyond Hotel [B/L/D] DAY4 Thimphu – Punakha Hotel [B/L/D] DAY5 Punakha / Wangduephodrang / Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours’ drive) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY6 Gangtey / Trongsa (120 km, 4.5 hours’ drive) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY7 Trongsa / Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours’ drive) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY8 Bumthang- The full package for religion Hotel [B/L/D] DAY9 Bumthang / Wangduephodrang (205 km, 7 hours’ drive) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY10 Wangduephodrang / Paro (77 km, 3 hours’ drive) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY11 Paro (Excursion to Haa Valley) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY12 Depart Paro- back to the Airport [B/L/-]
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Bhutan- Paro Airport — Your journey to the enchanting Kingdom of Bhutan begins with a captivating flight, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscapes. Whether you are flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, your arrival in Bhutan promises a mesmerizing aeronautical experience. Upon landing at Paro Airport, you will go through immigration and customs procedures. Bhutan takes pride in preserving its unique culture and environment, and these formalities are a part of the country's commitment to responsible tourism. From the airport, you will be transferred to your selected hotel in Paro, where you will check in and have some time to relax.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 2: Paro-An excursion within — Your second day in Bhutan is packed with cultural exploration and visits to significant landmarks in the charming town of Paro. Begin your day with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel in Paro, preparing you for a day of cultural immersion. Your first stop is Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum of Bhutan. This unique circular building was originally a watchtower and has been transformed into a museum that showcases Bhutan's rich cultural and historical heritage. After visiting the museum, take a leisurely walk down the trail to reach Rinpung Dzong. This stunning fortress monastery boasts a long and captivating history, and its architectural beauty is a testament to Bhutanese craftsmanship.
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Day 3: Paro / Thimphu- Exploring beyond — On your third day in Bhutan, you will travel from Paro to Thimphu, the vibrant and modern capital of the country. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, which serves as the contemporary capital of Bhutan. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes and offers glimpses of Bhutan's natural beauty. En route to Thimphu, make a stop at Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. This historic structure now houses the School for Buddhist Studies. Explore the dzong's architecture and its role in Bhutanese education and culture.
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Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha — On the fourth day of your Bhutan journey, you will explore Thimphu in the morning and then embark on a scenic drive to Punakha in the afternoon. After breakfast, we will go sightseeing in Thimphu.
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Day 5: Punakha / Wangduephodrang / Gangtey (70 km, 2-3 hours) — After enjoying your breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. This journey covers approximately 70 kilometers and should take around 3 hours, offering you the opportunity to witness the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Bhutan. Your first stop will be at the majestic Wangduezhong. Dzongs are distinctive Bhutanese fortress-monasteries that serve as administrative centers and places of worship. WangdueDzong is known for its grandeur and architectural splendor. After visiting the dzong, you can wander through the local market in Wangduephodrang. Bhutanese markets are colorful and bustling, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people. As you continue your journey towards Gangtey, you will pass through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees. Upon arriving in Gangtey, spend your evening taking a leisurely walk around Gangtey village. This charming village offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Bhutanese rural life. Visit GangteyGoenpa, which is the only Nyingmapa monastery in the region. Nyingmapa is one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. For the night, you have the option to camp under the stars, immersing yourself in Bhutan's pristine nature, or stay at a guesthouse, where you can enjoy the comforts of modern amenities while still being close to the natural surroundings.
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Day 6: Gangtey - Trongsa (120 km, 4 hrs.) — Begin your day with an early morning exploration of the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. This valley is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and is particularly famous for being the winter home of the Black Necked Cranes. These graceful and rare birds migrate to Bhutan from Tibet during the winter months, and if you're lucky, you might get to witness their elegant dance in the open marshes. After your morning adventure, enjoy a delicious lunch in a local eatery, savoring Bhutanese cuisine and refueling for the journey ahead.
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Day 7: Drive throngs / Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours’ drive) — After breakfast start your day by visiting two significant cultural landmarks in Trongsa:
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Day 8: Bumthang — Bumthang is a region of immense religious significance, and today's itinerary will immerse you in the rich spiritual heritage of Bhutan. Start your day by visiting Tamshing Lhakhang, a sacred temple with a fascinating history. It was built by the renowned Treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa, who is a revered figure in Bhutanese Buddhism. After exploring Tamshing Lhakhang, proceed to Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the Bumthang valley. Dzongs in Bhutan serve as both fortresses and monastic centers.
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Day 9: Bumthang / Wangduephodrang — Begin your day by exploring the vibrant Bumthang market, where you can witness the hustle and bustle of local trading and experience the authentic Bhutanese way of life. After you visit the market, embark on a scenic drive from Bumthang to Wangduephodrang. This journey covers a significant distance of approximately 205 kilometers, and it's estimated to take around 7 hours. During your drive, you will stop for lunch at one of the famous restaurants in Trongsa town. This will be a perfect opportunity to savor Bhutanese cuisine and take a break from the road. After arriving at Wangduephodrang we will transfer you to the hotel.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 10: Wangduephodrang / Paro (77 km, 2-3 hours) — Today's journey takes you from Wangduephodrang to Paro, covering a distance of approximately 77 kilometers, which should take around 3 hours by road. Start your day by visiting Chimi Lhakhang, located on a hillock in the center of the valley in Punakha. This temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the "Divine Madman," and is famously known as the temple of fertility.
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Day 11: Paro (Excursion to Haa Valley) — Begin your day early to embark on an exciting excursion to Haa Valley. This picturesque journey will take you through some of Bhutan's most stunning landscapes. Start by driving towards Haa via Chele-la pass. After traveling 4 kilometers, the road to Haa diverts from Bondey village. As you continue your drive, you'll pass through blue pine and rhododendron forests, experiencing the natural beauty of Bhutan. After approximately 45 kilometers of driving, you will reach Chele-la Pass, which stands at an elevation of 4200 meters. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to clear views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey.
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Day 12: Depart Paro — After breakfast, transfer to the airport.
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What's included in your experience
Included
- Double room on a sharing basis in government-approved 3-star hotels
- Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
- English-speaking and knowledgeable guide
- Comfortable SUV and a reliable driver
- Museum entrance fees
- Visa fee and processing charges
- Tourism Development Fund
- Government taxes
- All administrative cost
- Full service & and assistance on the Bhutan trip.
Not included
- Airfare (we can arrange your tickets for you if you wish)
- Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels
- Travel or health insurance
- Wire transfer
- Laundry
- Gratuity/Tip for guides and drivers
Essential trip information
Before you go
Note: All information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge but please note that changes to our trips can and do occur. This may be due to our effort to improve our program or logistical reasons such as changes in flight schedules, traffic conditions, weather conditions, or government policies. Journey DMC will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes but cannot be held liable for any alterations to the published itinerary.
Fitness & eligibility
2
Meeting point
Paro
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