10-Day Central Bhutan Tour
10-Day Central Bhutan Tour
10-Day Central Bhutan Tour
10 Days Starting in Paro and ending in Thimpu
Visiting: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bhutan, Trongsa, Bumthang
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BHU559
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
35-79
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through Central Bhutan, the last great Himalayan kingdom. This tour offers an immersive experience into Bhutan's rich history and culture, with visits to stunning monasteries, temples, and traditional houses. Marvel at the sacred Tiger's Nest Temple perched high above the valley, explore the cultural highlights of Thimphu, and enjoy a tranquil hike to Cheri Monastery. Discover the natural beauty of Paro Valley and the peaceful valley of Wangdiphodrang. Stay in hand-picked 4-star accommodations and enjoy a unique dining experience. With comprehensive sightseeing, local guides, and small group sizes, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure in one of the most intriguing countries on the planet.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Paro (L,D)
Location: Paro
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
You will be met at Paro airport and driven to your hotel.After lunch, you will visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum.Below the museum is the Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.Enjoy your Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2 : Paro – Thimphu (B,L,D)
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's excursion is to the Taktsang Monastery to visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong which is 16 km up the valley and was built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. The Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day to experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m).On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. We stop for a rest and lunch at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery.The Primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort.In the evening, drive to Thimphu.Our last stop, visit Tamchog Monastery built by Thangthong Gyalpo (popularly known as Lama Chazampa, which literally means, the Iron Bridge builder) in the 15th century.Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3 : Thimphu Sightseeing (B,L,D)
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese paper factory at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).Before return back hotel we visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by the opportunity to do some shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu
Day 4 : Thimphu Sightseeing (B,L,D)
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Changangkha Lhakhang and Philatelic office.After lunch, hike to Cheri Monastery. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 5 : Thimphu - Punakha (B,L,D)
Location: Punakha
Accommodation Name: 4-Star Hotel In Central Location
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. On the way, stop for a while to view Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male river) and Mo Chu (Female river). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. Dinner and overnight in Punatsangchhu Cottages or similar.
Day 6 : Punakha - Gangtey (Altitude 3,120 M) (B,L,D)
Location: Gangtey, Bhutan
Accommodation Name: Punatsangchhu Cottages
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we drive to the beautiful valley of Gangtey. Enroute is sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang including a visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong(from outside) built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers.Drive further to Gangtey.After lunch visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, from outside. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter.
Day 7 : Gangtey – Trongsa - Bumthang (B,L,D)
Location: Trongsa
Accommodation Name: Punatsangchhu Cottages
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Trongsa.Visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive dzong of Bhutan, built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Shabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family and first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong.Then visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower. The chapel inside the Ta Dzong is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal. After lunch, drive to Bumthang to overnight.
Day 8 : Bumthang Sightseeing (B,L,D)
Location: Bumthang
Accommodation Name: Punatsangchhu Cottages
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong, which literally means “The Castle of White Bird”. The current structure was built in 1667. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. The temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang and was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rimpoche restored his life force. Under the temple is said to be a lake in which Guru Rimpoche hid several Terma. In October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here.After lunch, we visit Kurjey Lhakhang which is named after the body print of Guru Rimpoche, built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message), established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa temple in the kingdom. In the evening, visit Membarstho which literally means, “The burning Lake”.
Day 9 : Bumthang – Thimphu (B,L,D)
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation Name: Punatsangchhu Cottages
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early breakfast, drive to Thimphu.Lunch will be served on the way. Dinner and overnight in Thimpu.
Day 10 : Thimpu Departure (Altitude 2,280M) (B)
Location: Thimphu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
What's Included
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GUIDE
English-speaking local tour guides who live and breathe the destination – they will bring your itinerary to lifeFor a group of more than 10 people, on top of local tour guides, we will provide an experienced tour director. He or she will oversee your entire journey, accompany you every day and connect you to the people, places and encounters in a way you’ll never forget.
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MEALS
Welcome & Farewell DinnerFull Breakfast DailySelected Lunches and Dinners: B= 9 breakfast; L= 9 lunch; D= 9 dinnerA Unique & Varied Dining Experience
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TRANSPORT
Transportation in the countryside (4-wheel drive on Japanese jeep)All touring in air-conditioned vehiclesAll airport transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
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SIGHTSEEING
Comprehensive sightseeing as per itineraryAll entrance and monument fees as per itineraryCultural performanceLocal Government fees& taxes
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ACCOMMODATION
Stay at excellent hand-selected high-quality 4* accommodation in central location or adjacent to monuments or strategically at the edge of a wilderness.9 nights’ accommodation based on double/twin occupancy with daily breakfasts
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FIRST-CLASS SERVICE
24/7 local assistance and travel guidanceAirport Meet-and-Greet welcome service with local tour guideGuaranteed departures with Just Two GuestsSmall group with maximum 16 guestsA unique "local-host" experience exclusively offered by Tweet World Travel
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International airfare to and from Bhutan is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, etc.
, are not included. -
Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers are not included.
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Additional Activities
Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and processing are not included for travelers.
Mode of Transport
Transportation in the countryside is provided by 4-wheel drive Japanese jeeps. All touring and airport transfers are conducted in private air-conditioned vehicles.
Accommodation
Stay at excellent hand-selected high-quality 4* accommodation in central locations or adjacent to monuments or strategically at the edge of a wilderness. 9 nights’ accommodation based on double/twin occupancy with daily breakfasts.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the name of the tour?
10-Day Central Bhutan Tour
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Which country does this tour visit?
Bhutan
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What are the highlights of the tour?
Discover the last great Himalayan kingdom, one of the most intriguing countries on the planet and learn about the secret kingdom's rich history and culture. Travel through a hidden realm of incredibly beautiful landscapes and beautiful traditional houses. You’ll meet the extraordinary, kind-hearted and peaceful Bhutanese people who embrace their culture as a precious heritage. Visit many of the monasteries and temples in this region to experience the religious and cultural practices of local people. Experience the magnificent sacred Tiger's Nest Temple, perched 3,000 feet above a valley. Experience cultural highlights in Thimphu including Monasteries, National Museum, and the Tashichho Dzong. See the soaring Himalayan peaks and the natural beauty of Paro Valley. Enjoy a tranquil hike to Cheri Monastery, the first Buddhist monastic school established in 1627. Immerse in the local culture as you explore Para and Thimphu. Stay on our hand-pick the high quality 4-star resorts and hotels. Stop at Dochula pass for a spectacular 360-degree view of the snow covered Himalayas. Sightseeing in the peaceful valley of Wangdiphodrang. Visit the "The Castle of White Bird", a dzong fortress of the Bumthang District overlooking the Chokhor valley.
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What type of accommodations are provided?
Stay at excellent hand-selected high-quality 4* accommodation in central location or adjacent to monuments or strategically at the edge of a wilderness. 9 nights’ accommodation based on double/twin occupancy with daily breakfasts.
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What meals are included in the tour?
Welcome & Farewell Dinner. Full Breakfast Daily; Selected Lunches and Dinners: B= 9 breakfast; L= 9 lunch; D= 9 dinner. A Unique & Varied Dining Experience.
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What type of transport is provided during the tour?
Transportation in the countryside (4-wheel drive on Japanese jeep). All touring in air-conditioned vehicles. All airport transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles.
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Are there any exclusions I should be aware of?
International airfare to and from Bhutan is not included. Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers. Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, etc., are not included. Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers are not included. Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included. Visa fees and processing are not included for travelers.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Founded in 2012, the Tweet World Travel Group is an Australian-owned corporation and one of the country's leading wholesalers for Worldwide River Cruises, Tour Operators, and Travel Technology Providers. With headquarters in Adelaide, South Australia, the company has a wide reach, with local operational offices throughout Asia.
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Are there any health requirements or vaccinations needed for the tour?
Ensuring your health and well-being during your tour is of utmost importance to us. Many destinations may have specific health requirements or recommended vaccinations to help protect both you and the local population from potential health risks. To determine the health requirements or vaccinations needed for your chosen tour destination, we strongly advise consulting with a medical professional or a travel health clinic. They have access to the latest information about health risks in different regions and can provide personalized recommendations based on your medical history and the specific areas you plan to visit. Additionally, some countries may require proof of certain vaccinations, such as yellow fever, before granting entry. It's essential to research and adhere to these requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. If you have any concerns or questions about health requirements for your upcoming tour, feel free to reach out to our team. While we can offer general guidance, we always recommend consulting with a medical professional for personalized health advice tailored to your needs and travel plans. Your health and safety are paramount, and we want to ensure that you're well-prepared and informed before embarking on your journey.
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How can I provide feedback or reviews about the tour experience?
We highly value your feedback and reviews about your tour experience. Your insights help us continuously improve our services and create exceptional travel experiences for our clients. Here are a couple of ways you can provide feedback: 1- Tweet Trip App: If you've downloaded our Tweet Trip App, you can often find a section dedicated to providing feedback or reviews. This streamlined approach ensures that your thoughts are directly communicated to us for consideration. 2- Online Form: We may send you an online feedback form via email after your tour concludes. This allows you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and comments about your experience conveniently. 3- Hard Copy: If you prefer a more traditional approach, some tours may provide a hard copy feedback form that you can fill out and hand over to your tour guide or agency representative. When providing feedback, consider sharing both positive aspects that you enjoyed and constructive criticism that can help us enhance our services. Here are some points to consider: Your overall satisfaction with the tour. The quality of accommodations, transportation, and activities. The professionalism and knowledge of your tour guide. Any challenges or issues you encountered. Suggestions for improvement. Any standout moments or experiences. Your feedback is instrumental in our commitment to deliver exceptional travel experiences. We appreciate your time and honesty in sharing your thoughts with us. Whether you choose to provide feedback through the Tweet Trip App, an online form, or a hard copy, rest assured that your input will be carefully considered to continually elevate the quality of our services.
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Low Deposit
Tweet World Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 65 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tweet world travel charges.
Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 55% of booking price.
At 39 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.