Explore Bhutan's wonderfully diverse environment of western valleys on this cultural tour. 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.
This tour also visits ancient fortresses, temples, monasteries, markets, farmhouses and museums in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha. Your trip taps into the culture, nature and history of the country, offering a unique insight into 'the Last Shangri-La'.Explore Bhutan's wonderfully diverse environment of western valleys on this cultural tour. 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.
This tour also visits ancient fortresses, temples, monasteries, markets, farmhouses and museums in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha. Your trip taps into the culture, nature and history of the country, offering a unique insight into 'the Last Shangri-La'.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Thimphu Sightseeing
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When you arrive in Bhutan, you'll head straight to Thimphu, the capital, to begin sightseeing with Bhutan’s largest Buddha statue, perched on the hill overlooking the entire Thimphu valley below and magnificent views. Then, you'll continue to the markets, the National Textile Museum, and one of Thimphu's most famous temples, perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu humming with pilgrims and finish the day at Tashichho fortress.
Accommodation
Hotel Tashi Yoedling★3 star
Activities
Kuensel Phodrang
Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar
Motithang Takin Preserve
Centenary Farmers Market
Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan
Changangkha Lhakhang
Tashichho Dzong
Transportations
Private Driver from Paro International Airport to Thimphu
Meals
Dinner
Destinations
Thimphu
Motithang
Day 2
Drive to Punakha for Sightseeing
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After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass where you'll see the Himalayan mountain range from Bhutan for the first time. Before arriving in Punakha, you'll hike to the temple of the Divine Madman, known as the temple of fertility. Explore Bhutan's temples and the suspension bridge in Punakha, followed by a leisurely picnic lunch in the park.
Accommodation
Meri Puensum Resort★3 star
Activities
Dochula Pass
Chimi Lhakhang
Punakha Dzong
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Transportations
Private Driver from Thimphu to Punakha
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Thimphu
Dochula
Punakha
Walakha
Day 3
Gangtey and Phobjikha Sightseeing
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Today, you go into the Phobjikha Valley, sitting at an average altitude of 3,000m. The valley is a designated conservation zone within the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park. The natural habitat is home to a great variety of wildlife, including nesting grounds for endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Central Asia in the winter (late October and stay till March). You'll walk around to explore the valley and visit some of the temples there.
Accommodation
Dewachen Hotel & Spa★3 star
Activities
Gangtey Monastery
Black-Necked Crane Information Centre
Gangtey Nature Trail
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Walakha
Wangdue Phodrang
Day 4
Visit a Market before Departure
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You'll be driven from Phobjikha Valley to Paro International Airport, stopping at one of the craft markets where you can purchase authentic Bhutanese souvenirs before boarding your flight.
Transportations
Private Driver from Phobjikha Valley to Paro International Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Wangdue Phodrang
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What’s included?
3 nights accommodation
15 activities
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
Airport transfer
Entrance fees
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 2,087/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
Bhutan in 4 days
3-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
