Best of Bhutan

Best of Bhutan

77 Views
9 Days From

$2950

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

This Best of Bhutan tour explores the wonderfully diverse environment of Bhutan’s western valleys as well as their cultural heritage. Drive over high mountain passes and through rapidly changing vegetation from pine forests to hills covered in rhododendrons, magnolias and dwarf bamboo –abundant with birds and wildlife. The centerpiece to this tour is time spent exploring the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, winter home to the rare Black-Necked Crane. This tour also visits ancient fortresses, temples, monasteries, markets, farm houses and museums in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Highlights include the Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong,The National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple, the National Library exhibiting ancient scriptures, Phobjikha Sanctuary and Punakha Dzong. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Thimphu

  • Paro

  • Punakha

  • Wangdue

  • Dochula Pass

  • Taktshang Monastery

Places You'll See

Punakha

Best Of Bhutan

Best Of Bhutan

Best Of Bhutan

Taktshang

Tashicho Dzong

Dochula

Tachog Lhakhang

Best Of Bhutan

Buddhapoint

Best Of Bhutan

Takin Park

Market

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Paro To Thimphu (1.5 Hr)

Location: Paro

Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, ResortResort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Paro Airport to Thimphu City (1 hr. 30mins)
After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your World Tour Plan guide and
driver and transferred to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, travelling through the spectacular
countryside en route. All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed
in traditional Bhutanese style.
On arrival into Thimphu check-in to your hotel and take lunch. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Thimphu, both by vehicle and on foot. Your options include visits to the National
Memorial Stupa; and the Takin Preserve – home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal.
Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
...more ...less

Day 2 : Thimphu Sightseeing

Location: Thimphu

Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sightseeing in the Thimphu Valley today.
This morning visit the majestic Trashichhoe Dzong and the newly consecrated Tara Lhaden
Zhingkham Lhakhang (temple). Continue on to the awesome Golden Buddha which also offers
an excellent 3 km hike option with sensational valley views.
Other recommended places to visit are Zorig Chusum – the Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of
Bhutan (sometimes closed for visitors); the Folk Heritage museum; the National Library, which
holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts; the hand-made paper making factory & the weekend market (Fri-Sun) where everyone goes to buy an array of fresh fruits & vegetables;
home-wares, handicrafts and clothes.
Don’t forget to take a wander along Thimphu’s main street, Norzin Lam, which offers good
shopping and the Craft Bazaar. For those who have an interest in quality weavings and local art
check out the Gagyel Lhundrup weaving centre, where you can interact with the weavers, and
the adjacent S. Bishwa art gallery. The city bars are also worth a visit. Your guide will advise you
the best options. Please note Tuesday is ‘dry day’ in Bhutan and most bars in the city will
remain closed. Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.

Day 3 : Thimphu To Phobjikha

Location: Punakha

Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley (5 hrs)
This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Phobjikha Valley. En-route
passing the Semtokha Dzong, built in 1629 & the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley, which today it is a monastery. Continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view
the 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low intensity conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border.
On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya and depending on
the time of the year the vista can vary from alpine snow (November – March) to a profusion of blossoms (March – May) splashed among the soft green of the wild herbs and forest trees.
When the ruins of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (tragically destroyed by fire in June 2012)
come into view, notice the large cacti that cover the hillside below which, were planted long
ago to discourage invaders from climbing the steep slope to the Dzong. From the road view Rinchengang, one of Bhutan’s oldest villages, which did not have access to water, electricity or
schooling until the early 1990’s.The craftsmen of Rinchengang are sought after for their skills in construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs (temples).
Until recently the Phobjikha valley’s only electricity came from solar or mini hydro plants. In 2011 underground cabled electricity is gradually connecting the valley to the national grid. Potatoes are this region’s primary cash crop and mainly exported to India. Phobjikha is a glacial
valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan.
It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home (lateOctober to early February) of the rare black necked crane, which annually flies in from Tibet.

Day 4 : Phobjikha

Location: Taktsang

Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sightseeing in the Phobjikha Valley.
While you are in Phobjikha you will visit the Black Crane nature information centre and the
sacred Gangtey Monastery plus enjoy time to wander through Gangtey village and hike the
Gangtey Nature Trail. There are many additional hikes available in this beautiful valley and your
guide will advise you the best options. Overnight Phobjikha Valley – BhutaneseStyle 3* Hotel.

Day 5 : Phobjikha To Punakha

Location: Bhutan International Airport - Paro

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Phobjikha Valley to Punakha Valley. (3 hrs)
Depart early this morning to the Punakha Valley which holds the title as the winter capital
because of its more temperate climate. Arriving into the Punakha valley visit Chimi Lhakhang, a
monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk),
which is a pleasant, easy 20 minute walk across paddy fields. It is believed that childless women
who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing) from the resident monk.
After lunch enjoy an orientation tour of the valley including the nunnery and, time permitting,
consider a visit to the small village of Nobgang, original home to the 4 former Queens (all
sisters) of the previous 4th King or to the small village of Talo where you can wander through
the serene grounds of the monastery with its beautiful gardens. Overnight Punakha Valley –
Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.

Day 6 : Punakha

Location: Punakha

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong, which formerly served as the seat of the
government and is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body). This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress and a centre of both monastic and administrative functions, has adapted and evolved for modern day use. Don’t forget the local market if you are in Punakha on a Saturday morning.
This afternoon we recommend a fascinating drive to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten through fields of vegetables, rice paddies and tiny hamlets. This Chorten holds very special significance being consecrated in 1999 and dedicated to the protection of the former Crown Prince –
today’s current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Overnight Punakha Valley – Bhutanese
Style 3* Hotel.

Day 7 : Punakha To Paro

Location: Paro

Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Homestay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart Punakha early morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley, once again
traversing Dochu La, and arriving in Paro town in time for a late lunch at one of the local
restaurants.
This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge; Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit followed by a visit to the old ruined fortress of the Drugyel Dzong (14km from Paro). This is the historical site of the Fort of
Drukpa Victory, from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders again and again. On a clear day views of the 7314 m snow domed peaks of sacred Mt Chomolhari can be seen.
Overnight Paro Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.

Day 8 : Paro

Location: Paro

Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Homestay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, hike up to Taktshang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery’. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 1⁄2 hours and from there you will enjoy a
spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. It is
said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months.
The principal Lhakhang (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 beauty. After visiting the monastery, walk back down to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further down to the road point.
Then drive back to hotel. On the way visit Kichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demon lay across the
whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To
overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans.Thus, it happened that in about the year AD 638 the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over
the very heart of the demon. In the evening relax. Overnight Paro Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.

Day 9 : Departure

Location: Paro International Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, after breakfast representative from World Tour Plan will see you off at the Paro airport for your onward flight.

What's Included

  • 1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day

  • Accommodation

    Bhutanese style 3-star hotels with private bathrooms.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Country Entry Visas

  • Entrance Fees

  • Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

  • Fully Guided

  • Local Taxes

  • Meals – Full Board

  • All entrance fees and sightseeing. Bhutan visa fees Bhutan tour visa which will be process by us. Bhutan hot stone herbal bath. Bhutan Government royalties & local taxes. Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours All hotel tax & service charges. Mi

What's Not Included

  • International flights not included. Flight into Bhutan can be arranged with us.

  • Meals – Breakfast Only

  • Drinks with Meals

  • International Travel

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

    All touring & transfers throughout your journey excluding flight service.

  • Insurance

    We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance against medical and personal accident risks (including repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services), as well as cancellation insurance. You should be aware that some policies may not cover travel to Bhutan and may not cover activities such as trekking, mountain biking and rafting. Please ensure that your policy provides a sufficient level of protection and covers you for the activities involved in this package. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you in Bhutan. ...more ...less

  • Train Tickets

  • Additional Services

    Drukair/ Bhutan Airlines flights to/from Paro Bhutan. Personal items – phone calls, laundry, drinks etc. Travel Insurance – which is mandatory to enter Bhutan.

  • Is Travel insurance mandatory ?

    Yes, Mandatory to get travel insurance, and you need to sent travel insurance along with passport for visa processing.

Mode of Transport

SUV Vehicle

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    yes, Mandatory

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    Yes

  • Company Instant Book

    yes, but atleast 10 days before departure date

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    no

  • What is the maximum group size?

    40

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    yes

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    yes

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    no

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    US dollar recommended

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    no

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    3 star hotel

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    yes but with guide only

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    no

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    yes

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    not required to be fit to do this tour

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    no

  • What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

    tour will commence with 1pax also

  • What is the tipping policy?

    No rules.

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    guide and driver

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    yes

  • Why travel with us?

    1. We are home based and we know Bhutan well.2. Expertise & Teamwork- The secret to our success 3. Your interest is our business 4. Flexible tour

  • Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?

    After you’ve arranged your trip and paid the SDF, the actual processing of a Bhutan visa is little more than a formality. After you’ve made your tour payment and have sent a digital photograph, scan of your passport photo page, and proof of your (mandatory) travel insurance, the agency will email you a copy of your visa authorization after a few days. The visa itself costs US$40 and will likely be bundled with the overall tour price. Visas are not issued by embassies overseas but rather stamped into your passport upon arrival at Paro airport after you present your visa-authorization letter. At land borders, you will meet your guide at the crossing; they will process the visa for you as you wait. After the work and cost of making all the other arrangements, the process of obtaining a visa for Bhutan is quite stress-free.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    World Tour Plan was established in 2013 by a team of true professionals with years of experience and capacity in the tourism and hospitality industry. Emblazoned with our mission of being ‘At its best for Travelers’ we endeavor to make each one of your visits a truly special one.

  • How do I get to Bhutan?

    There are a number of airports where you can fly into Bhutan from (Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.). At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Also, there are three land border crossings which you can travel into the kingdom overland. All crossings are along the Indian border only – Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Jasmine  

Best of Bhutan tour

01-Nov-2020

First of all Thank you world Tour Plan for arranging such a wonderful tour. Our guide and driver was friendly . As we were with our young kid, our guide made sure that tour was flexible. For that thank you Sonam and Yeshey for being thoughtful. We would love to come back to Bhutan with our family. ...more ...less

Desum   Guest from India

The best tour organized by World Tour Plan

02-Dec-2024

Upon arrival to Bhutan , I was warmly welcomed by my tour guide Mr. Rabsel , he is preety humble and polite person. I enjoyed his guidance during my stay in Bhutan

Guest from India
Saskia   Guest from Germany

Great Trip

02-Dec-2024

Great trip! Very good Organisation, dorji is a very kompetend guide & we hat a very good driver!

Guest from Germany
Lee   Guest from America

Amazing experiences

02-Dec-2024

My 5 day trip to Bhutan was exceptional. I ended up having a personal tour, just me plus my guide and driver. Everything was customised to my needs, my guide called ahead to ensure all of my meals were aligned with my specific dietary requirements at hotels, restaurants and a farm house. The hotels were fabulous, with friendly staff that would do anything to help. The many sights around Bhutan were incredible, and my guide was very patient/helpful as we tackled the Tigers Nest on my last day - a combination of an injured knee plus difficulty with altitude meant I needed to take things very slow, with plenty of stops - but we made it, and so worthwhile, a real'must do' activity. Kinley (guide) and Kim (driver) were great- very informative and entertaining. I highly recommend this trip... ...more ...less

Guest from America
Chris   Guest from America

Excellent tour

01-Mar-2024

Everything about the tour was excellent. The itinerary was very interesting and the selected hotels were convenient and comfortable and the staff and and and food were very good. But what made the tour most enjoyable was my guide, Tenzin, and my driver. Their English was excellent and they were fun, flexible and knowledgeable. I can not recommend them highly enough. ...more ...less

Guest from America
Joseph   Guest from America

Wonderful trip organized by World Tour Plan

02-Dec-2019

Tashi & Kiinshu were wonderful to be around. They even laughed at my bad jokes. Tashi was very smart and could answer any question. This tour was the right amount of time for me, but gauge that for your interests. You may want to stay longer in the country. You can always return but for many this may be a once in a life time journey. The country is very safe, clean, and very advanced when compito a place like Kathmandu. The one thing I caution is to bring all the cash you may need to convert. Licky I always bring emergency cash with me. One of my banks didn’t support the local currency. My second card requires the chip be read in the ATM not the strip. The ATMs only read the strip today (Dec 2019). My bank did tell me a shop could manually enter the number for a purchase but I didn’t try only because I was moving on to many more international stops and I didn’t want to carry purchases. I probably could have shipped but didn’t think at the time. That said exchange rates were very good at the bank and there was no fee other then built in exchange rate. Bhutan is beautiful. You’ll have your evenings free. After about 6. All food was wonderful and I had no stomach issues. I prefer spicy and Bhutan is known for spicy but they were making dishes mild for the white lad from Ireland. Their King is doing a great job. The country is moving in the right direction. Go now instead of later incase they open the country to more tourists. Hopefully they don’t because you don’t want these beautiful places to be overrun with tourists. I have a world eSIM in my iPhone. Not supported in Bhutan but you can buy sim at airport on landing. Sit on the left side of plane if you can on the way in to see the Himalayas. ...more ...less

Guest from America
Sheerin   Guest from France

See you Next time

02-Dec-2024

I had a very pleasant 13 days tour in Bhutan with WORLD TOUR PLAN. It was very organized and had a thorough itinerary with professional management. The guide was insightful ( fooding, lodging , good communication skills, etc) and a great companion. I had, luscious Bhutanese food at various restaurant. I was in tuned with the nature and the cultural sights that Bhutan had to offer....The night life was very lively and peaceful. I had a great experience and it was a blissful getaway from my busy schedule; thanks to this company. Therefore, i would like to recommend my fellow travelers, aspiring to visit Bhutan to grab the package offered by WTP without a second thought!! Anyhow, I am looking forward for my second visit. ...more ...less

Guest from France
Wengmeng   Guest from America

I will come back to Bhutan again

02-Dec-2024

I cannot express how incredible my experience was. From booking my tour the tour experience itself, I’ve greatly appreciated all the staff who made my trip so special. The owner of World Tour Plan helped with my visa and flight and continued to answer any questions I had throughout my trip. My guide and driver were exceptional. They truly went above and beyond my expectations and took note of my interests and tailored my experience to my preferences. I cannot say enough good things, and I highly recommend this experience to anyone else who may be interested. I came to Bhutan as a tourist, and I left with so so many friends and hope to return soon. Thanks again! ...more ...less

Guest from America
Suk Han Tshang   Guest from America

Best Bhutan tour by World Tour Plan

01-Aug-2024

It was well organised, a balance of history and cultural.

Guest from America
Salim Oguz   Guest from America

Wonderful experiences with amazing guide Singye

02-Dec-2024

Thank you for the excellent work by the guide Singay, as a well travelled person I can state that he was one of the best guides I have worked with.

Guest from America
Read all 11 reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Sunday - Monday

Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 24, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Monday - Tuesday

Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Feb 18, 2025 - Feb 26, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Feb 19, 2025 - Feb 27, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Thursday - Friday

Feb 20, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Friday - Saturday

Feb 21, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Saturday - Sunday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Sunday - Monday

Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Monday - Tuesday

Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 05, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Thursday - Friday

Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Friday - Saturday

Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025
$2950 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    World Tour Plan allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    World Tour Plan requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world tour plan charges.

    Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Best of Bhutan

9 Days Starting in Paro, BhutanBhutan and ending in Paro,

Visiting: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Taktsang

Tour operator:

World Tour Plan

Tour code:

WTP101

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 18

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

8-99

Special diets catered:

VegetariansMeat

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2950 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 12-Feb-2025 but subject to change.