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7 Days Essence of Bhutan Tour with Haa Valley
Paro - Thimphu (2N) - Punakha (1N) - Paro (1N) - Haa Valley - Paro (2N)
The 6 nights 7 days Bhutan tour offers you an excellent opportunity to explore natural wonders and sacred sites of Bhutan's fortresses, temples, museums, and the picturesque beauty of the Himalayas in Bhutan.
Upon arrival in Paro, you will drive directly to Thimphu to explore the iconic landmarks of the capital city, such as the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, Motithang Takin Preserve, etc. After Thimphu, you will follow the route to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, where you'll be immersed in stunning landscapes and rich local culture. Finally, you will be driven back to Paro and explore the Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) in Haa Valley and hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery).
In brief, this week-long sightseeing tour in Bhutan can allow you to explore the country's cultural essence and make memories that will last a lifetime.
- Jan. to Jun and Sept. to Dec.
- Cultural Sightseeing
- Private Tour for One and More
Highlights
- Enjoy the world-famous hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
- Admire Thimphu’s cultural wonders like National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, etc.
- Visit Punakha Dzong, the most beaufitul monastery in Bhutan.
- Explore the fascinating Haa Valley near Paro.
- Tour of Paro Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Temple.
Itinerary
Day 1: Paro Arrival and Transfer to Thimphu
Highlight: Arrive in Bhutan and visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and Buddha Dordenma Statue.
Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will meet your local travel guide and driver at the airport’s Arriving Hall.
Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of around 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).
On the way, you will first encounter a private temple - Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse. Keep driving to Thimphu, you will have a short stop at Chuzom, a confluence where the Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. It is decorated with three different styles of stupas, namely Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.
After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel. You can also take a short rest if needed.
Later, you will visit Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.
After that, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chortern (National Memorial Chorten), a stupa built in memory of the third king in 1974. The display inside shows good statues of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.
Stay overnight in Thimphu.
Thimphu National Memorial Chorten
Accommondation in Thimphu
The following local hotels are for your reference. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquiring about your trip to Bhutan.
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Thimphu Namseling Hotel
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Thimphu Druk Hotel
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Thimphu Six Senses Bhutan
Meals Included
- Lunch and Dinner
Please feel free to tell us any of your food requirement.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Highlights: Visit National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, and Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.
After breakfast, you will first visit the National Folk Heritage Museum. It dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms.
Next, you will head to visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The factor is located approximately 1 kilometer from Thimphu city, and uses the bark of two tree species (the Daphne tree, and Dhekap tree) in the manufacture of traditional paper. You can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Besides, you are able to try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.
Later, you will drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals here.
You will end today’s sightseeing after visiting Simtokha Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon in 1629. Nowadays, it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.
Stay overnight in Thimphu.
Simtokha Dzong
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring for your trip to Bhutan.
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Punakha Meri Phuntsum
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Punakha Zhingkham Resort
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Punakha COMO Uma
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
Highlights: Cross Dochula Pass and visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
In the morning, you will take a drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242m). The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is 71 kilometers, and it takes around 3 hours to complete. On the way, you will have an excellent opportunity to appreciate the panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges in Bhutan and take photos of the impressive collection of 108 chortens at Dochula Pass (3,140m).
After arrive in Punakha, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular-shaped fortress is also an honorable treasury where preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.
After witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong, you will continue to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery. Standing on a small hillock close to the village of Lobesa, it is a beautiful Buddhist monastery that was built in the 14th Drukpa hierarchy, Ngawang Choegyel.
Later, you will back to Punakha.
Stay overnight in Punakha.
Witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your reference. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquiring about your trip to Bhutan.
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Punakha Meri Phuntsum
-
Punakha Zhingkham Resort
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Punakha COMO Uma
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Punakha to Paro
Highlights: Visit Chimi Lhakhang on the way back to Paro and visit the popular Paro Rinpung Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong upon arrival.
After breakfast, you will take a 4-hour drive back to Paro from Punakha.
Upon your arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. Nowadays, it serves as an administration center and school for monks.
Then, you will continue to explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong in the north of Paro Valley. It was built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Although it was destroyed by an accident fire, its remains stand as a powerful reminder of Bhutan’s historic victories.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Paro Rinpung Dzong
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your reference. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquiring about your trip to Bhutan.
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Paro Olathang Hotel
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Paro Tashi Namgay Resort
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Paro Le Meridien Hotel
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Paro to Haa, and Drive Back to Paro
Highlight: Enjoy a day trip to Haa Valley and visit Lhakhang Nagpo.
Today, you will drive 2.5 hours from Paro to Haa (2,740m). On the way, you will pass through the Chele La Pass (3,988m), which offers the majestic panorama of the Himalayan Ranges and the valley beyond. If weather permits, you will capture a stunning view of Bhutan's second-highest peak, Mt.Jomolhari (7, 314m) from here.
After arriving at Haa, you will head to visit Lhakhang Nagpo, also called the Black Temple. With a history of 1300 years, it is one of the oldest temples in Haa Valley. It is said that when searching out auspicious locations for two new temples the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo released one black pigeon and one white pigeon. And the black pigeon landed here, the white one at Lhakhang Kharpo (White Chapel).
In the late afternoon, you will drive back to Paro.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Lhakhang Nagpo
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Taktsang Monastery Hike in Paro
Highlight: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.
After breakfast, you will start your hike to Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery). Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is about 3 km one way and takes around 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.
After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.
In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Special Notice
You're not allowed to take photos inside Taktsang Monastery, but you can take a nice shot on your hiking road to the monastery. At the temple entrance, you have to deposit all belongings, like cameras, phones, other electronic equipment, etc.
Kyichu Lhakhang
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your reference. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquiring about your trip to Bhutan.
-
Paro Olathang Hotel
-
Paro Tashi Namgay Resort
-
Paro Le Meridien Hotel
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Tour Price
Add-on Activities
The general travel itineraries in Bhutan are usually leisure and relaxing. To make the most your time in Bhutan, you can choose to have more activities as you like, such as light hiking around the town or a featured culture experience.
Here we offer you the most popular travel ideas that most of our travelers choose to experience as an add-on activity during their trips in Bhutan. For more available activities or anything you want to add on to your trip in Bhutan, just feel free to contact us.
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Bhutan Hot Stone Bath
The popular Hot Stone Bath, a traditional healing process in Bhutan, is a great experience for you to relax and refresh yourself after one-day hiking or trekking. Different from hot spring, it is a kind of hot water bath offered in a traditional way with a wooden tub and herbs in the water. You can experience it in a local farmhouse or in a resort.
Please notice that you need to pay additional fees for the hot stone bath (usually within 30 minutes).
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Sightseeing Hiking
Even you don't take the trekking tour in Bhutan, you can also experience pleasant hiking on your travel days. Especially during your trips in western and central Bhutan, like in Gangtey, Bumthang, and Trongsa, there are some easy hiking and trekking trails around the town. You can take light hiking for 1 to 2 hours after general daily sightseeing. Just feel free to tell your guide if you are interested in an extra hiking experience.
Generally, you don't need to pay extra money for the hours' hiking.
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Cultural Exploration
Bhutan is a place that rich in culture and handicraft. If you want to experience more local culture and the real life of the locals, you can ask for more activities, such as a visit to a local weekend market, a class of traditional Bhutan archery or traditional weaving in Bhutan. Just feel free to let us know want you are looking for and want to experience during your Bhutan tour, we will help you find the best options to do.
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Farmhouse Homestay
All of our tour packages cover the accommodation from 3-star hotels to 5-star hotels and resorts. But if you want to get closer to the local Bhutanese' life, it is suggested to take one night stay in a farmhouse. It will be an unforgettable experience to eat ordinary food and dishes and live in the typical Bhutanese house just like a Bhutanese does.
Since the accommodation is required to be arranged in advance, if you are keen on a homestay in Bhutan, please tell us as early as possible.
Food and Drinks
All of our Bhutan tour packages include three meals a day. The local restaurants often provide Bhutanese food. In some hotels, you can also have western Buffet at breakfast and dinner. There are also local markets selling fresh fruits, such as apples, pineapples and so on. If you have any requirements on food, such as vegetarian, please feel free to tell your travel consultant or your local guide.
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Bhutanese Food
Most of your meals are in local restaurants, which offers typicla bhutanese food. The most popular food among local people is the Chili Cheese.
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Western Buffet
Besides the traditional Bhutan dishes, you can also have western buffet in some hotels in Bhutan. There are more choices for you.
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Western Breakfast
The breakfast offered in Bhutan hotels often include the egg, the toast with butter, honey and jams. You can choose to have a cup of tea or coffee.
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Water and Drinks
For every day trip, we offer one bottle of water for each tourists. There are also kinds of soft drinks you can buy in the restaurant, hotel or shops in the town in Bhutan. Also, you can taste the local beers if you want.
Bhutan Tour Planning FAQs
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