Bhutan Highlights Tours

5.0/5 from 622 reviews
  • Destination
    Bhutan
  • Duration
    6 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Relaxing
  • Activities
    Cultural Tours
  • Accommodation
    3-Star Hotel
  • Meals
    B.L.D
  • Group Size
    Min. 1 Pax
  • Best Time
    March to May and Sept to Nov

Bhutan Highlights Tours is a six-day cultural tour filled with insightful visits to Bhutan's ancient heritage sites and cultural hubs. Discover secluded Buddhist gompas, magnificent forts or dzongs, grand castles, and beautiful lakhangs (Buddhist temples). We will take you on a hike through forested hills, villages and paddy fields. Experience the rich wildlife and fascinating local culture that Bhutan is famous for.

Your trip starts with a breathtaking flight over high mountains to Paro International Airport, Bhutan's one, and only international airport. After an exciting landing at the airport nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, you begin your Bhutan Highlights Tour.

A short and scenic drive across the gorgeous Bhutanese countryside brings you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Walk around the stunning National Memorial Chorten, built-in memory of the third king of Bhutan.

A drive up to the hilltop shrine of Buddha Dordenma offers you a spectacular view of the capital city. The Buddha Dordenma is a giant gilded statue of Sakyamuni Buddha which holds 125,000 miniature statues inside its 169ft. tall frame.

A visit to the Royal Textile Academy, Folk heritage Museum and Painting School will let you experience firsthand Bhutan's unique arts and crafts. Before leaving Thimphu we take you to the local market and Motithang Takin Preserve.

The next city on your Bhutan Highlights Tour itinerary is Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. Set in a picturesque location at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, Punakha is a charming city dotted with traditional dzongs, wooden houses, and monasteries. In Punakha, you will visit the grand Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most beautiful and ancient dzongs.  The six-storied building is a marvelous example of traditional Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship.

After exploring Punakha you head to Phobjika, a glacial valley located under the shadows of the Black Mountain. The valley is the nesting site of the endangered Black-necked Cranes which are sacred to the Bhutanese. Explore the beautiful valley by taking a nature hike and walking through villages, paddy fields, and alpine meadows. Before leaving Phobjika you visit the Gangtey Gompa, an impressive monastery built on a ridge overlooking Gangtey.

From Phobjika you head back to Paro and continue with explorations of more ancient landmarks.  Paro is one of Bhutan's important cities and is home to some of the most popular heritage sites in the country.

You will visit the Rinpung or Paro Dzong, a majestic building on a hill overlooking the city. Dating back to the seventeenth century Paro Dzong was a military fort that defended the settlement of Paro from the Tibetan invaders. The National Museum which lies close to the Paro Dzong showcases Buddhist paintings, murals, and ancient artillery and armors used by the Bhutanese army. You wind up your interesting tour with a hike to Bhutan's iconic cliffside monastery Taktsang Monastery or Tiger's Nest.

Bhutan Highlights Tours can be done year-round. However, spring and autumn seasons offer favorable weather conditions for traveling. As the tour involves easy walking, travelers of all ages and fitness levels can do this trip. The hikes to Taktsang Monastery and the Gangtey Nature Trail can be skipped if you find them strenuous.

Bhutan Highlights Tours offers you a fantastic opportunity to visit the major Bhutanese cities – Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjika, and Paro. Join this once-in-a-lifetime tour and discover the unique culture of a hidden Himalayan kingdom.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Paro Arrival & Driving to Thimphu

Welcome to the Asian nation, the Land of the Thunder Dragon! Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your native travel guide and driver at Paro International airport, then be escorted to Thimphu, the capital town to begin your fantastic journey.

You can first all visit the National Memorial Chorten (shrine), a monument dedicated to the past third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Quite a memorial stupa, it's additionally one necessary spiritual center for Bhutanese daily worship. Afterward, drive to Buddha read Point Where a colossal bronze sculpture of Buddha Dordenma sits. The sculpture is placed on a lotus and below it's a meditation hall housed with one hundred twenty-five tiny statues of Buddha. This Buddha dominates over the natural depression of Thimphu, and you'll be able to hardly tell whether or not the read from Buddha Dordenma or the read of Buddha Dordenma is additionally spectacular. If you happened to go to Thimphu on weekends, don’t miss the Weekend Market in that their area unit organic farm merchandise and souvenirs available.

Overnight Stay in Thimphu at 3-star Hotel.

Day 02: Thimphu - Punakha

This morning you may begin the day by visiting the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutanese, that could be a sensible place to show textile weaving – Bhutan’s living national art. you'll not solely feast on the attractive costumes, however conjointly find out about the sort of textiles, the types of native dress and also the techniques of weaving. Next, go to Folk Heritage depository, Associate in Nursing informative depository replicating a standard house of yesteryears. It provides you a glimpse into Bhutan’s rural modus vivendi of Bhutanese villages and rural households by organizing demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits and customs, instructional programs, analysis and documentation. Then attend visit Traditional Painting faculty, a college wherever students are tutored to create Bhutan’s thirteen ancient arts and crafts, like painting, carving, embroidery, statue-making so on. Last activity of nowadays is visiting the national animal - goat antelope in Motithang Takin Preserve, a singular trying animal with the top of sheep and body of cows.

Leaving Thimphu, drive through a forest of pine and hemlock, up to cross over the Dochu La Pass (Alt: 10142ft/ three,050 m). From the place, you'll get pleasure from the wide views of the majestic range. Keep driving on the winding road to the fertile vale of Punakha (Alt: 4430ft/ one,350 meters).

Overnight Stay in Punakha at 3-star Hotel.

Day 03: Punakha to Phobjikha

After breakfast, you'll attend visit Punakha Dzong, sitting in an exceedingly sultry, fertile and exquisite natural depression between Pho Chhu ( Male River) and Mo Chhu (female river). With white-brilliant walls, red roofs and therefore the close charming nature, Punakha Dzong is praised because of the most stunning one in Bhutan’s twenty-one Dzong. once the spring comes, the encircling lilac rosewood tree trees in blossom build Punakha Dzong additional beautiful.

Leaving Punakha, you'll drive toward Phobjikha's natural depression (80km/3hrs). En route, you'll visit the glamorous Gangtey Goempa, Associate in Nursing seventeenth-century cloister of Nyingmapa faculty of Tibetan Buddhism settled on a wooded hill high the inexperienced expense of the whole Phobjikha natural depression. Its prayer hall is that the one in all the foremost grandiose in Bhutan country with eight nice pillars that square measure the most important of their kind either.

Upon arrival, at Phobjikha natural depression, enjoy some tea Associate in Nursingd snacks before venturing out on a glamorous Nature Hike which is 5km and takes three hours to complete. you'll practice lush forest, stunning meadows and crystalline streams to encounter with some peaceful native villages and farms, that could be a nice chance to induce getting ready to our Mother Nature and perceive ancient livelihood of the folks living there. If your tour falls between Oct and Gregorian calendar month, you'll be rewarded a rare likelihood to visualize the large black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet to Bhutan once a year.

Overnight Stay in Phobjikha at 3-star Hotel.

Day 04: Phobjikhka - Paro

After breakfast, started to journey back to Paro (approximately five.5-hours). Upon reaching Paro, take some rest, then have to be compelled to visit its 2 landmark sites - Rinpung Dzong and Bhutan National depository.

Rinpung Dzong, conjointly called Paro Dzong, is supposed because of the finest example of Bhutanese dzong. Perching on the aspect of the Paro depression Wall, Rinpung Dzong was a vital bastion for the dominion of Bhutan nation against invasion from the north. At present, it homes the Monastic Body and government offices and is the spiritual, military, body, and social centers of their district.

Bhutan National Museum is housed in Rinpung Dzong’s tower, keeping the made culture and history of Bhutan nation. There area unit several spectacular collections displayed in its 5 galleries, together with ancient thangkas, pageant masks, spiritual statues, fascinating carvings, etc.

Overnight Stay in Paro at 3-star Hotel.

Day 05: Paro - Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)

Start the day with a short drive to Paro’s higher depression. If the day is obvious, you’ll have AN lingering read of the “Goddess” – Mt.Chomolhari (23,640 feet).

Afterward, it’s a brief drive to Taktsang's path ahead. Take a difficult 2~3 hours’ trek to Taktsang religious residence, the foremost celebrated religious residence in Bhutan, additionally referred to as “Tiger Nest religious residence, as a result of Guru Rinpoche reportedly flew to the positioning on the rear of a flying tiger late within the seventh century. Between blue pines and blue air, the religious residence perches miraculously on a drop-off nearly a pair of,700 feet higher than Paro’s depression floor. Break on the means for tea and snacks in a tiny tea house, and therefore the read of each Taktsang religious residence and Paro depression is impressive.

Overnight Stay in Paro at 3-star Hotel.

Day 06: Paro Departure

Your journey in Bhutan involves an Associate in the Nursing finish today! when breakfast, your guide can decide you up from the building to the aerodrome in time for the scheduled flight to your next destination. Before that, you'll take a rest at the building or opt for a walk close.

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle, including airport transfers
  • Assistance in acquiring a Bhutan visa and visa fee
  • Accommodation at a 3-star category hotel approved by the Bhutanese Government
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the tour
  • Highly experienced local tour guide during the tours
  • Entrance fees at the temple and monuments during the tours
  • All applicable government taxes and SDF - Sustainable Development Fee
  • Our office expenses and service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary.”
  • Airfare to/from Paro
  • Personal shopping, internet/Phone bills, and laundry
  • Pony service and porters
  • Tips for tour guide and driver 

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Amazing Manaslu and Bhutan Adventure

    This was our 2nd tour with NHT. In short: we can confidently recommend "the Team."

    We were 6 friends eager to return to Nepal for trekking while also exploring Bhutan. The tour was excellently organized, incorporating our ideas and special requests, whether cultural interests, health needs, specific visits, or dietary preferences. The close communication with Ganga (CEO) and his brother ensured quick email responses. Just great service from start to finish.

    The entire Manaslu trekking crew, including guides and porters, was outstanding! We had so much fun together and always felt secure. Our lead guide, Ram, was exceptional. Always a step ahead yet adaptable to the situation, our humor, and even Danish sarcasm :-) . We know NHT has other guides of his level, but Ram truly made a difference for us.

    Bhutan and Manaslu were two of the most incredible experiences we've ever had! Both are extraordinary yet so distinct – I won’t even try to describe them here. Instead, Nepal Hiking Teams' website was great for inspiration and planning (or just send them an email).

    For context, we opted for the Manaslu circuit trek to enjoy one of Nepal's most breathtaking treks with a rich cultural touch, while steering clear of the busy Everest trails. We did encounter some tourists, but there was plenty of space. And the natural beauty? Simply spectacular.

    Soren T
    - Excellent

    Mr. Soren T

    17th Nov 2024
  • Exciting and most memorable experience

    Experience of a lifetime! Leading up to the trip, I felt some excitement and uncertainty because I was traveling from New Jersey to Nepal, so it was a trip to the other side of the world. Also knowing we were going to trek to the highest region in the world.

    Once we arrived in Kathmandu, we met up with our guide (Bhim). After a few minutes of talking with him, I felt a sense of calm and my excitement of joy grew from there. And I was right he and his team made sure we had the best experience possible.

    The full trek going and coming was incredible. Our guide, Bhim, made sure we had the best experience. Can’t say enough of how wonderful he and his team made this one for the books!

    I highly recommend booking with this company and Bhim! Namaste!

    O
    - Excellent

    Mr. Oscar A

    12th Nov 2024
  • Solo Traveler

    I just completed trekking in Nepal together with another solo traveler. The service of Nepal Hiking Team was exemplary from the start till the end. Nothing beats word-of-mouth good reviews. 

    Mr. Ganga has been very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop for the package tour.

    Our guide Bibek was very patient and sincere as he led us through the trek. He resolved issues with his heart and people skills and gave assurance whenever plans suddenly changed.

    He ensured things were changed for the better. Our porter, Rajendran, was also good and always arrived ahead of time to ensure our rooms were confirmed.

    - Guided by Bibek Dhamala

    N
    - Excellent

    Ms. Norleen A

    21st Oct 2024
  • Amazing experience thanks to our 5-star guide/porter team

    We had the best time in Nepal. The beautiful views and warm hospitality of the Nepali people are truly unparalleled.

    Instrumental to our amazing experience were our guide, Netra, and porter, Vasu.

    We were super well taken care of. Netra was quick to assess our physical abilities and was able to effectively set the pace for our hikes. He had very good knowledge of the route and terrain. Importantly, this was our first time attempting a hike at a high altitude, so he took extra care to check on us regularly.

    On a personal note, proper gear, including a powerful down jacket for -20 degrees Celsius and a proper hiking backpack, is super essential.

    Overall, I would highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team and Netra/Vasu for your Nepal adventure!

    G
    - Excellent

    Ms. Gen T

    14th Oct 2024
  • Fabulous Trip – Excited for Many More with NHT

    We were a group of 17 people from California who had been preparing for a year for this trip. Nepal Hiking Team was referred to us by one of my friends. After talking to & interviewing several companies, NHT seemed very responsive, cost-effective & experienced. After the trip, they proved us nothing less.

    Their guides are top-of-the-line, very kind, and helpful. They made sure we all were prepared for the next day, set our expectations rights, & guided us through managing altitude sickness.

    We all made it to Nepal and came back happy and healthy.

    We all thank NHT for making our dream come true, and looking forward to many more with them.

    S
    - Excellent

    Ms. Shaili A

    8th Oct 2024
US$ 1770Per Person
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