6 Nights 7 Days Bhutan Tour

Trip Facts

  • Duration 7 Days
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Destination Bhutan
  • Transportation Private Comfortable Transportation
  • Activity Cultural and Historical Tours
  • Best Season Feb - May and Sept- Dec
  • Group Size Mini 2, Max 16 People
  • Trip Start/End Paro Bhutan
  • Max Altitude 3,180m/10,434ft

Highlights

  • Perfect combination of a cultural tour and a natural trip, including a visit to some of the most famous landmarks in Bhutan.
  • Sightseeing tour of the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu, and Bhutan’s two other most important cities, Paro and Punakha.
  • A short hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in Paro.
  • Strolling the local markets for handicrafts and unique souvenirs
  •  Visiting Punakha Dzong, Ta Dzong, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Chagri Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, Drugyel Dzong, and Kichu Lhakhang among other historically important landmarks in Bhutan.

 

6 Nights 7 Days Bhutan Tour Overview

This 6 Nights 7 Days Bhutan Tour gives you a personal introduction to the last Himalayan Kingdom, often called the 'The Last Shangri La. The carbon-neutral Buddhist country has some of the oldest Dzongs, monasteries, temples, and jaw-droppingly beautiful Himalayan landscapes. As 70 percent of the country is covered in forests, Bhutan has abundant flora and fauna, which makes it an excellent escape for nature lovers. In our 6 Nights and 7 Days Bhutan Tour, you become familiar with Bhutan's cultural and natural parts. We start the tour with a flight from Kathmandu to Paro and a drive to Thimphu.

 

Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, is thriving with uniqueness. The rise of technology and modernization is a poetic contrast in this centuries-old, traditionally clad small town. Whether it is the smartphone-carrying Buddhist monks or the giant penis symbols hung outside houses for luck, Thimphu is a genuinely intriguing destination. It is also among a few places in Bhutan where you will find western-style nightclubs, cafes, bars, and restaurants.

 

We visit the Chagri Monastery, National Memorial Chorten, Mini Zoo, the National Library, and the Sangaygang View Point, among others, while in Thimphu. The next highlight is the Punakha Valley. The drive from Thimphu to Punakha valley is a delight in itself. We cross the Dochu La ( pass), drive across lush, balmy Himalayan valley landscapes, and visit a famous fertility temple en route to Punakha. While in the Punakha valley, we visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and Punakha Dzong. These historical sites are surrounded by extraordinary beauty- the chorten sits on a hillock, and the Dzong lies between two rivers.

 

For our final sightseeing/hiking adventure, we drive back to Paro Valley. Here we hike to the most famous landmark in Bhutan- Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger's Nest. We visit a couple of beautiful Dzongs later in the afternoon and conclude the day. We will enjoy the weekend market in Thimphu and Paro if we are there during the weekend. Otherwise, we will visit souvenir shops and other local markets for handicrafts and local products.

 

Adventure Club Trek has been organizing treks and tours to Bhutan since 2008. Our Bhutan representatives ensure your trip is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. For a similar but shorter trek, consider the Cultural Tour of Bhutan-6 Days, and for a longer cultural tour in Bhutan, we offer Bhutan Cultural Tour with Bumthang Trek, Three Days-12 Days.

Itinerary

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As your flight nears Bhutan, you can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will take you to your hotel in Thimphu for a good night's sleep. However, if your flight arrives early and you want to visit a few places in Thimphu then it can be arranged too.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsLunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,320m/7,612ft

After Breakfast, we visit Memorial Chorten (built-in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-to 1972), nunnery temple, and mini zoo to see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Today, we also visit other landmarks of Thimphu including the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Bhutanese traditional painting school, folk heritage museum, the majestic Tashichho Dzong, and the traditional paper factory. However, some of the landmarks are closed on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Therefore, if we are in Thimphu during the weekends, we explore the Weekend Market instead.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Luncha and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,320m/7,612ft

After breakfast we drive to Punakha via Dochu La (Pass), a vantage point to catch the panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas. Then, we hike up to Lungchutse Monastery which takes around 2 hours. It is a beautiful trail to the monastery as we walk amidst lush green forest dotted with rhododendrons, crossing a few high ridges decorated with colored prayer flags. The views of the Himalayas make the hike more interesting. After exploring the monastery, we head back to Dochu La. Driving through hemlock, fir, and rhododendron forest, we head towards Punakha. On the way, we stop at Metshina Village which houses Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to ‘’Divine Madman’’ or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. The path to the temple is through a rice field and it takes around 20 minutes to reach there.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Luncha and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,250m/4,100ft

After breakfast drive to Gangtey. En route sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang, which includes: visiting 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 an auspicious sign, representing the spread of the Buddhist religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Drive further to Gangtey. While in Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa. 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 with other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. After lunch, explore the valley. After sightseeing drive back towards Punakha

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Luncha and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,250m/4,101ft

After breakfast, we begin our drive to the Paro valley. In Paro, we visit Rinpung Dzong which means “fortress made from a heap of jewels."We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country, and Drugyal Dzong, built-in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Luncha and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,250m/7,382ft

After breakfast, we hike for 4 to 5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where the Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Luncha and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,180m/10,434ft

Today concludes your 6 nights 7 days Bhutan Tour. Bid farewell to your guide and other tour mates. A representative from Adventure Club Trek for Bhutan will drop you off at the airport according to your flight schedule.

  • MealsBreakfast

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance
  • Pickups and drops from hotels and airports
  • Government-approved A and B-category hotels on a twin-shared basis
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the tour
  • Safe drinking water will be supplied during the tour
  • Transportation in a comfortable private vehicle(s)
  • English-speaking, trained, and experienced local guide and staff
  • Company services and all required Bhutanese government taxes/royalties

Price Excludes

  • Entry Visa fees - at present $30 for 15 days, US$ 50 for 30 days
  • Airfare for international flights to and from Bhutan
  • All entrance and permit fees for visits to monuments and museums
  • Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry)
  • Travel and Medical/Evacuation Insurance
  • Tips and gratitude provided to staff.

Useful Info

Visa Information

Indian, Bangladeshis, and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry by producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC). For other tourists, you will need to acquire visa clearance in advance. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Tourists are also required to book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors.


You are required to send the photo page of your passport (passport scanned copy) to your tour operator, who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD 40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. You will be required to show your visa clearance letter at your point of entry, and the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Accommodation

The government approved and classified hotels in Bhutan as grades A, B, and C. These government-approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels elsewhere. Based on availability at the time of booking, we will be accommodated in A-grade hotels in Paro and Thimpu and B-grade hotels in Punakha, Wangdue, and Bumthang. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request. 

Meals

All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) will be made available on the trip. A variety of meals are available in most hotels, the most popular being Indian, Chinese, and the more common continental food. Non-vegetarian dishes are generally available in Bhutan - pork, beef, chicken, and fish. The best advice is to ask the hotel and restaurant to recommend what is fresh and in season.

 

Weather Information

There is no appropriate season which is to say that Bhutan's warm and temperate climate, never-ending festivals, and rich and abundant heritage sites provide visitors with a wide array of experiences throughout the year across the country. Bhutan has all four seasons, and the climate varies widely depending on the altitude.

Spring (March, April & May)

This is considered the most beautiful time of the year, radiant and ablaze with a spectacular array of bright colors. This is when the valleys are green with fresh vegetation, fruit trees are blossoming, and locals are naturally mirthful and cheery when visitors are most welcome. Also, you can witness the famous Paro tsechu festival.

Autumn (September, October & November)

Autumn is lovely, with clear and crisp blue skies providing a grand view of some of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. It is the best time for trekking and traveling. The climate is cool and temperate. You can get lovely photography opportunities of willows shedding their golden brown leaves, the solitude of parks, and somber views of dzongs and monasteries.

Monsoon (June, July & August)

During these months, Bhutan receives more rainfall than any other region in the Himalayas. Glorious sapphire skies and warm weather are a pleasant time to spend visiting places of cultural and historical interest though this season is not the best time for trekking. Enjoy a warm, aromatic tea while watching the rainfall from your hotel window. Or, if you possess an adventurous spirit, grab an umbrella/raincoat while it is raining and take a day tour through the town.

Winter (December, January & February)

Winter in Bhutan is sunny, calm, and agreeable. Much of the east-west highway remains snowbound during winter. It is the best time to tour the western districts of Paro, Wangdue, Punakha, Thimphu, and Haa. One of the chief attractions in winter is the beautiful Gangtey (Phobjikha) valley, where you can expect to see a vast expanse of rolling plains with bamboo shrubs.

Safety Guidelines

Credit cards are not a convenient payment source in Bhutan, as only a handful of hotels in a few places provide this facility. Also, only MasterCard and Visa. US dollars are the most convenient currency and are cashed by most banks.

You should avoid drinking tap water altogether, but it is okay to use it for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is widely available and is best for drinking. It is also wise to carry water purification tablets when trekking in remote locations of Bhutan.

The local currency is the Ngultrum, pegged to the Indian Rupee. Note: The Indian Rupee in 500 and 1000 is no longer accepted in Bhutan.

Bhutan is the only country in the world that has banned the consumption and sale of tobacco, resulting in smoking being disallowed mainly in public places. Consumption is not entirely prohibited in Bhutan so if you want to smoke, bring your cigarettes and ask your guide where you can light up. (seal opened pack only)

Tuesdays are considered the national 'dry day,' with the sale of alcohol prohibited.

When taking photos/filming inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious institutions, check with your guide whether it is permitted, as some areas do not.

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