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Bhutan in depth

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Bhutan in depth
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Bhutan in depth

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Bhutan offers a cornucopia of experiences for curious travellers - and this holiday enables you to see the very best of them. With your expert guide, explore the iconic sights in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha, as well as venturing further afield to the more remote valleys of Gangtey and Bumthang for some spectacular hikes. 

Nature-lovers will particularly appreciate the beauty of the Gangtey (Phobjikja) valley. In late autumn the endangered Black Necked Crane migrates here from Tibet for the winter, and their glorious arrival is a sight that passionate birdwatchers will not want to miss.

Highlights:

  • Immerse yourself in the capital Thimphu with your guide to get a sense of the spirituality and traditions that make this country so unique.
  • Join monks in prayer in Gangtey before exploring the exceptionally beautiful surrounding pine forests.
  • Discover the lush and expansive Tang Valley in remote Bumthang district.  This is home to the oldest and most sacred sites in the country. 
  • For the finale, hike to the country’s most iconic sight: Tiger’s Nest Monastery. 

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. To find out more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your own holiday, fill in the form below.

DAY 1: DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Bhutan.

DAY 2: THIMPHU   AN INTRODUCTION

Your guide will greet you at the airport and take you to the capital city, Thimphu. Along the way, stop by the evocative Tamchog Lhakhang temple, reached by walking across a rickety iron-chain bridge over the Paro Chhu river. Take your time to settle into your hotel. Later, your guide will introduce you to the capital itself: the everyday sights and sounds as well as its most iconic monument, the National Memorial Chorten, which presides over impressive valley views. If it’s a market day (weekends), you’ll join the dynamic throng of farmers from all over the country who gather to sell their wares. On a Saturday you’ll also be sure to come across an archery tournament or two!

DAY 3: THIMPHU   OLD AND NEW BHUTANESE ART

Thimphu is at a fascinating crossroad between tradition and modernity, which is encapsulated in its approach to the arts. Discover the two inspiring organisations that seek to preserve traditional arts and crafts while promoting contemporary talent. See local artists at work and try your hand at creating your own Thanka (a traditional Buddhist fabric painting).

DAY 4: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA VIA THE DOCHULA PASS

Today you’ll set off with your guide and driver for the scenic drive to Punakha.  Weaving through pine and cedar forests, you will stop en route at the Dochula Pass where 108 stupas stand in honour of fallen Bhutanese soldiers. On a clear day, you will also see panoramic views of the mighty Himalayan range. This journey will also take you via Chimi Lhakhang, otherwise known as the Temple of Fertility, the notorious temple adorned with phalluses.

DAY 5: PUNAKHA   GILIGANG TRAIL

The Giligang Trail is the best day trek in Punakha. Prepare for the day ahead with a picnic breakfast in the serene gardens of the Khamsum Chorten before the temple’s visitors start to arrive. The trek is between 4-5 hours in all, taking in rice paddies, pine forests and spectacular mountain-top views - your expert guide will be by your side throughout to tell you more about the region. You will end up at Punakha Dzong, arguably the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. With a name that translates as “the palace of great happiness”, you are sure to end your day with a smile.

DAY 6 & 7: PHOBJIKHA (Gangtey)   VALLEYS AND HIKING

The 4-hour drive to Gangtey is incredibly scenic as it passes through fertile valleys, gradually climbing to the Lawa pass. Here you can take in spectacular mountain views of Mount Jomolhari, lying on the border of Bhutan and Tibet. Check in to your hotel in Phobjikha valley before taking on a half-day hike through rhododendron forests up to Shasi La Pass. Wander through small local villages and chortens before descending back into the valley.

On your second day you’ll visit Gangtey Goempa. This can be timed with the Tshewang prayer ceremony where, alongside crimson-robed monks, you’ll hear chants and blessings for personal fulfillment and long life. Later, explore the Gangtey nature trail passing by grass plains, farmhouses, and dense pine forests before reaching a vast open space to admire the expansive, lush Phobjikha valley.

*A wonderful time to visit is during the Black Neck Crane Festival which is held annually in early November. Please note that hotel reservations to coincide with the festival need to be made well in advance (up to a year).

DAY 8: Gangtey to BUMTHANG    

It's a long drive today but worth the effort to get to Bumthang, the most remote and sacred of Bhutan’s valleys. The journey will be broken up with stops for lunch in Trongsa and at a weaving centre, a community cooperative for over 200 remote households in the 13 villages across the district.

DAY 9: BUMTHANG   RELIGIOUS HEARTLAND

Bumthang is home to the oldest and most sacred of Bhutan’s monasteries. Today you will explore several of them on gentle walks, including the 7th Century temple, Jambay Lhakhang designed to convert Tibetans to Buddhism, and Kurjey Lhakhang, the final resting place of the remains of the first three Kings of Bhutan. Later visit JakarDzong, or ‘Castle of the White Bird’, initially constructed in 1549.

DAY 10: BUMTHANG   TANG VALLEY

Explore the most remote valley in the Bumthang region today, Tang valley, which is around a 4-hour drive from your accommodation. Visit the 16th Century Ugyen Choling Palace and museum where you can discover how people have lived over the centuries in rural Bhutan. Afterwards, head to the Burning Lake (MebarTsho) in the Tang River, an important pilgrim site covered in fluttering prayer flags and butter lamps (butter lamps traditionally burn yak butter!).

DAY 11: PARO   AN INTRODUCTION

Depart Bumthang this morning on a 30-minute flight to Paro. After checking in to your hotel, your guide will introduce to you the historic town on an orientation tour. Visit the Paro Rinpungdzong, which towers over the town and affords impressive views of the valley. Head to the National Museum, an ancient 17th Century watchtower now home to a fascinating collection of art, costumes, and weaponry as well as religious Thangka paintings. Later head to JangstaDumgtseg Lhakhang, a small temple housing a Buddha that was carried here all the way from Tibet. End the day with tea, local wine, and snacks over archery at a traditional farmhouse.

DAY 12: PARO   HIKE TO THE TIGER’S NEST

Your hike to the incredible Taktsang monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, clinging to a sheer cliff face 900m high begins north of the Paro valley. The ascent will take 2-4 hours as the terrain is steep in parts and altitude is high (3,120m). You will be greeted in the end by a truly breathtaking and iconic cultural site, making the hike well worth it!

DAY 13: ONWARD FLIGHT

You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport for your onward flight. 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays range from roughly £3,000 to £8,000 per adult, with an average price of £3,500. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Bhutan Mountain Resort

Bhutan Mountain Resort, Bumthang

A charming, family-run resort set near the Bumthang Chu River and Valley.

Dewachen

Dewachen, Gangtey

A comfortable property on the edge of the Black Mountain National Park with a bird's-eye view of the valley below.

Dhensa

Dhensa, Punakha

Set amongst a pine forest overlooking the Punakha River, combining modern and traditional Bhutanese architecture.

Hotel Druk

Hotel Druk, Thimphu

Hotel Druk is in the heart of Thimphu city, with characterful Bhutanese-style rooms.

Zhiwa Ling Heritage

Zhiwa Ling Heritage, Paro

Intricate Bhutanese architecture and comfort in Paro Valley.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Bhutan's National Sport

Bhutan's National Sport, Various Locations

Khuru is a hugely popular social activity played in groups throughout the country.

Butter Lamps and Monk Blessing

Butter Lamps and Monk Blessing, Gangtey

Travel with your guide to Gangtey Goempa to experience an early morning traditional Tshewang prayer ceremony.

Exploring Dochula Pass

Exploring Dochula Pass, Punakha

Dochula Pass offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas where you can stop off for a bite and a drink.

Exploring Punakha Dzong

Exploring Punakha Dzong, Punakha

Punakha Dzong dates back to the 17th century when it was built by the 1st Rinpoche and arguably the most beautiful.

Farmhouse Visit

Farmhouse Visit, Gangtey

Learn about day to day life in a typical household and learn a little about the local community and their culture.

Gangtey Nature Trail

Gangtey Nature Trail, Gangtey

The Gangtey Nature Trail is a gentle two-hour trek that lets you soak up the remarkable Phobjikha Valley.

Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery

Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery, Paro

No cameras/phones are allowed into the monastery so the interior is something you will have never seen before.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha

Cross the Mo Chhu River on one of Bhutan's unique prayer flag adorned iron-chain suspension bridges.

Morning Visit to Buddha Dordenma Thimphu

Morning Visit to Buddha Dordenma Thimphu, Thimphu

The Buddha Dordenma is an enormous golden statue in the mountains overlooking the Thimphu Valley.

The 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan

The 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan, Thimphu

Art and craft are hugely important in Bhutan and there are 13 arts and crafts that represent the spirit and identity of the country.

The Fertility Temple & The Divine Madman

The Fertility Temple & The Divine Madman, Punakha

When you go to Bhutan, prepare not to be embarrassed about the proliferation of phalluses painted around most doorways!

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Bhutan in depth'

Ready to enquire about this holiday?

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

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