Bhutan Classic Tour – 6 Days

This 6-day Bhutan Classic Tour giving you an opportunity through the mystical Western valleys of the country is an ideal introduction to the Dragon Kingdom. Getting into it, you will experience Bhutanese hospitality, marvel at the pristine landscapes, and indulge yourself in Bhutan’s rich Buddhist culture. Highlights of our classic Bhutan tour consist of Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong with its wooden cantilevered bridge and the renowned Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the breathtaking Paro Valley, The National Library exhibiting ancient scriptures in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, the National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple, and after passing through the 3050m Dochu-La Pass with spectacular Himalayan views, a journey into the sub-tropical Punakha Valley featuring the incredible the Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the ‘Divine Madman’.

Categories: Bhutan Tours, South Asia Tours

General Information

Tour Highlights

Explore many of the holiest Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
Head to many cultural sites consisting of medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums as well.
Hike uphill to the renowned Taktsang Monastery.
Admire the elaborate and old-aged wall carvings and paintings in Dzongs and temples.
Visit beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to lush dense forests.

Tour Details

Duration: 6 Days/ 5 Nights
Start/ End: Paro / Paro
Tour Route: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Thimphu – Paro
Tour Type: Tailor-made tour
Tour Customizable: Definitely! Tell us your interest
Vehicle: private air-conditioned vehicle and licensed driver
Guide Service: private English-speaking guide
Tour Departure: No fixed departure. Anytime you wish!

Brief Itinerary

Day 01: Paro Arrival – Transfer to Thimphu
Day 02: Discover Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha
Day 04: Punakha to Thimphu – Paro
Day 05: Discover Paro
Day 06: Paro Departure

Full Itinerary

Day 01: Paro Arrival – Transfer to Thimphu

Enjoy a scenic flight through the most spectacular Paro valley and then, our representative will be waiting to warmly greet you at the existing door.
After lunch, we start our journey with a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum which is home to many religious arts, works, relics, and handicrafts providing a great orientation into historical, culture as well as religious past of Bhutan. We then head to the Rimpong Dzong to marvel at the painting of the great saint Milarepa who was considered as the master of meditation according to the Bhutanese. The locals also believe that the Milarepa have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. After that, we move to Thimphu – the capital city of Bhutan (1.5 hours).
Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 02: Discover Thimphu

Today, we enjoy a full day of discovering the vibrant Thimphu - once a rustic village taking place in a broad fertile river valley. We first visit the National Memorial Chorten. The site itself was first initiated by the Third King of Bhutan and it functioned as a protection from the negative elements of modernization as well as a monument to peace of the world. Several sites we will visit today consist of the National Library which is home to the 8^th-century collection of Bhutanese scriptures, the School Arts & Crafts where teaches students 13 types of Bhutanese art, the Traditional Paper Factory which displays the Bhutanese paper making process and finally, we head to the fascination replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. If time is permitted, we may visit the nursing pen for the Takin which is the national animal of Bhutan as well as head to Tashichhodzong aka the fortress of the glorious religion. The Dzong is home to ministries His Majestic’s secretariat along with the central monk body.

Later, we drive back to the hotel and relax at leisure. If you visit Thimphu at the weekend, you can spend some time stroll around Thimphu Market to get an insight into the authentic locals’ life and strive for some traditional food.
Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha

Today, we take a drive over the Dochu-La pass and if it is a lovely day, you will have an opportunity to witness an impressive view of the Himalayan peaks just before making our way descending into balmy Punakha valley (3 hours). En route, it is great to catch a glimpse of the daily life of the remote areas of the Kingdom. Once reaching Dochu-La pass, you can see vast Rhododendron forests growing to tree size covering the mountains in a riot of splendid spring color.

Upon arrival in Punakha, we head to Punakha Dzong aka “Palace of Great Happiness” constructed in 1637 by the Shabdrung is known as the “Unifier of Bhutan”. The Dzong takes place at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers (Mother & Father Rivers) and it is also the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo as well as hundreds of monks moving en masse from Thimphu for a warmer location. Once there, be ready to admire the traditional architecture with 4 intricately embossed entrance pillars which are crafted from cypress as well as decorated in gold and silver.

Later, in the afternoon, we walk to Chimi Lhakhang built by the Drukpa Kuenly who was known as the Divine Madman. The monastery symbolizes fertility; thus, you absolutely see something strange there like wooden phallus as well as phallic paintings on the wall. It is the Bhutanese culture, don’t be shy. Afterward, drive back to the hotel and relax at leisure.
Overnight in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha to Thimphu – Paro

Today, make our way to Yabesa village and enjoy a hike through paddy fields and up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten which was constructed by Her Majestic the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck on a hill of the riverbank. The chorten is home to paintings that belongs to Nyingmapa Traditions. At noon, we lunch on a poetic riverside just before discovering the Wangduephodrang Dzong constructed in 1639 and the Dzong itself strategically takes place on a spur at the confluence of the two rivers.

Later, we drive back to the hotel and take a chance to visit the handicraft and souvenir store. Then, we move to Paro to pay a visit to the Semtokha Dzong, en route. The Dzong is known as the oldest Dzong in Bhutan housing the Institute for Language & Culture Studies. Upon arrival in Paro, relax at leisure.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 05: Discover Paro

This day, we enjoy a hike to the Taktsang Goemba aka Tiger’s Nest Monastery which is one of the most iconic attractions of Bhutan. A 2-hour hike up the hill will offer you a memorable moment experiencing manifold impressive natural beauty surrounding. For a perfect hike, you can opt to hire a hiking stick or if you are not into hiking – you can opt to a horse cart. After a 2-hour hike, you can catch a view of the Taktsang Goemba perched on a sheer cliff face 900m above the valley floor surrounded by a breathtaking vista of nature. We lunch at a cafeteria nearby before driving back to Paro.

In the afternoon, we head to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. It is called ruins because this site was destroyed by fire in 1951. If the weather is fine, the highest peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari will appear like a gorgeous backdrop. Overnight in Paro.

Day 06: Paro Departure

Time to say goodbye Bhutan. Breakfast and morning at leisure until getting escorted to the airport for a flight coming home. The trip ends. Hope we had a good time together and wish that Multi Country Tours Asia can serve you next time in Bhutan.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:	• Domestic transportation • Public transport • Local guides (English speaking guides) • Domestic airfare (if any) • Accommodation (Twin bedroom sharing basis) • Meals, Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner (B – L – D) • Entrance fee
WHAT’S EXCLUDED:	• International airfare (enter Paro – depart Paro) • Visa fee • Personal Expenses • Single room supplement • Tips • Insurance