Bhutan Tours

10-day Explorer

This trip is the same as our 7-day Bhutan Explorer, but in addition, we visit the beautiful valley of Bumthang, the religious heartland of Bhutan, where we can visit some of the kingdom’s most ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries.

1st Day: Arrive in Paro then transfer to Thimphu, the capital.

2nd Day: Tour Thimphu, the nation’s capital, and visit its temples, Dzong, monasteries, craft schools, and the national library.

3rd Day: After breakfast travel along the winding mountain road to Wangdue and visit the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Founded in 1638, this massive fort, monastery and government administrative center sits on a high ridge which commands the valleys and river below.

4th Day: Drive through the mountains and villages to central Bhutan and the district of Bumthang. Here are located some of the kingdom’s most precious and ancient Buddhist sites. Spend the next two nights in the town of Jakar.

5th Day: Return along the mountain roads, past clear fast-running rivers, terraced valleys and small villages to the town of Paro, located in a broad rice-terraced valley beside a willow lined river.

6th Day: Explore the sights of Bumthang—the Jamgay Lhakhang (temple), where in 746 A.D. Guru Rimpoche meditated in a cave and left a print of his body; the Kurjey Lhakhang, built in 700 A.D. and considered to be one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan; the 17th century Jakar Dzong (the Dzong of the White Bird), overlooking the Chhokor valley; and some of the local cottage industries.

7th Day: Return to Wangdue, to spend the night, and have time for more sightseeing in the afternoon.

8th Day: Travel to Punakha, at one time Bhutan’s capital city. Built in 1637, The Punakha Dzong, suffered many fires and earthquakes over the years. Walking across the cable suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River, you enter the massive wooden gates of the dzong to visit its courtyards, monastery, and chapels. In the afternoon we travel on to Paro.

9th Day: Spend the day visiting the many sights of Paro—The National Museum, The Rinpung Dzong, and the ruins of the Drugyel Dzong, built in 1649 to control the road to Tibet, it was destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. As an alternative, you may choose to spend the day hiking up to the Paro Taksang Monastery (also known as the "Tiger's Nest") where according to legend, Guru Rimpoche flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger.

10th Day: Depart from Paro airport.

What's included: These trips are fully guided by an experienced, professional English-speaking Bhutanese guide. They include all meals, lodging, admissions, and transportation within Bhutan.

2012 Price per person: