This cultural 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; the centrepiece to this tour is time spent exploring the beautiful Thimphu Valley, the capital city of Bhutan.
This five-day Bhutan itinerary also includes the perfect opportunity for a little adrenaline rush, a rafting trip on Mo Chhu or Pho Chhu river with the amazing backdrop of Punakha Dzong is an adventure to remember. No experience is required as long as you do not mind doing a bit of paddling and getting a bit wet - or very wet– then you will have an exciting time riding the white waters of the Himalayan rivers.This cultural 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; the centrepiece to this tour is time spent exploring the beautiful Thimphu Valley, the capital city of Bhutan.
This five-day Bhutan itinerary also includes the perfect opportunity for a little adrenaline rush, a rafting trip on Mo Chhu or Pho Chhu river with the amazing backdrop of Punakha Dzong is an adventure to remember. No experience is required as long as you do not mind doing a bit of paddling and getting a bit wet - or very wet– then you will have an exciting time riding the white waters of the Himalayan rivers.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Thimphu Sightseeing
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When you arrive at Paro airport, you will be immediately transferred to Thimphu to start your 5 day Bhutan itinerary! First, visit Bhutan’s largest Buddha statue perched on the hill overlooking the entire Thimphu valley below, then head to markets, the National Textile Museum, a popular temple, perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu, humming with pilgrims and then the most important fortress in the capital.
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
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After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass where we will stop for your first glimpse of the Himilayas and hike up to the Divine Madman's temple of fertility. When you arrive in Punakha, you'll start your sightseeing tour. You'll visit temples, a suspension bridge and have a picnic lunch in the park before checking into your hotel.
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, we continue to Phobjikha Valley, sitting at an average altitude of 3000m. This is a wide and beautiful valley, designated as conservation zone within the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park. It is the perfect habitat for 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 go on a long walk through the valley, in search of rare birds and perhaps a black-necked crane.
Accommodation
Dewachen Hotel & Spa★3 star
Activities
Gangtey Monastery
Black-Necked Crane Information Centre
Gangtey Nature Trail
Transportations
Private Driver from Punakha to Phobjikha Valley
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Walakha
Wangdue Phodrang
Day 4
White Water Rafting in Bhutan
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Prior to rafting, river guide provides a thorough briefing about the safety measures and guidelines. Then, you'll start your rafting journey down to Raft put-out point. You'll go over several thrilling rapids with the help of your guide and raft master. This is an exciting experience with an amazing backdrop! Once you are done with rafting, drive to Paro via Thimphu.
Accommodation
Tashi Namgay Resort★4 star
Activities
Rafting on the Mo Chhu RiverOptional Activity: AU$ 446 per person
Restaurants
Dewachen Hotel & Spa
Tashi Namgay Resort
Transportations
Minivan from Punakha to Paro
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Wangdue Phodrang
Sarpang
Paro
Day 5
Visit a Market before Departure
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Before we drive to Paro International Airport to board your departure flight, we will visit one of the craft markets where you can purchase authentic Bhutanese souvenirs for your friends and family.
Activities
Paro Craft Market
Transportations
Private Driver from Paro to Paro International Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Paro
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What’s included?
4 nights accommodation
16 activities
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 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$ 2,574/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
Bhutan in 5 days
4-star, 3-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
