Uma-Bukhari-2

 

Bhutan, once obscured from the rest of the world, has become the hippest destination on every discerning traveler’s “must-go” list. Blessed with natural (and unspoiled) beauty, unique culture, astonishing architecture, affable citizens, abundant happiness and some of the best hotels on the globe, Bhutan promises an extraordinary adventure-filled journey to every visitor. For those who seek luxury and exclusivity, our “Live it up in the Clouds” luxury tour is literally that! Stay at lavish international standard hotels, pamper yourself at sensual spas, wine and dine at restaurants and pubs that locals would approve of, shop at quaint boutiques for quality fashion and souvenirs, and visit some of the most amazing cultural sites, this tour lets you discover the true Bhutanese way of life in style and comfort.

ITINERARY

Day 01| Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr)
Day 02| Thimphu – Punakha (2 Hrs)
Day 03| Punakha Sightseeing
Day 04| Punakha – Phobjikha (2 Hrs)
Day 05| Phobjikha Sightseeing
Day 06| Phobjikha – Paro (5 Hrs)
Day 07| Paro Sightseeing
Day 08| Departure

* Itinerary can be customized as per your requirement/duration
* Itinerary is subject to flight and hotel availability

BOOK THE ITINERARY

maps

Off Season High Season
1 Pax 2 pax 3 pax & Above 1 pax 2 pax 3 pax & Above
USD $ 1790 USD $ 1650 USD $ 1440 USD $ 2070 USD $ 2000 USD $ 1790

Day 01| Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr)

Early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan (Please check the flight timing). The flight from Delhi/Kathmandu is considered as one of the most scenic flight offering the view of the world’s top ten highest peaks. Upon your arrival in Paro airport our guide will be there to welcome you and transfer to Thimphu. After Lunch visit the Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King. This place now happens to be a get together point for the elderly people, who spend their whole day chanting prayers and meeting their friends. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley offering a beautiful view of the valley. Enclosure where the national animal, Takins are kept and drive to visit the largest and the newly built statue of Buddha offering magnificent view of entire Thimphu valley. After 5 PM, visit the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the king. Evening walk around the happening town, the largest and the most crowded town in Bhutan.

Overnight: Thimphu| Altitude: 2300m

 

Day 02| Thimphu – Punakha (2 Hrs)

Morning visit the happening weekend market (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) where the locals from the surrounding villages come to sell their produce. They sell their goods and in return they buy their basic necessities. In olden days, bata system was practiced by everyone. Visit the traditional Hand Made Paper Mill. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Visit Folk Heritage Museum which explains how a traditional house used to be like in the olden days. Later visit the National Library which houses the collection of Bhutanese rich religious text and the contemporary  Buddhism teachings from master all around the world. Drive further up to visit the Dechenphodrang monastic school and meet the young monks. Later continue to Zilukha nunnery to meet the nuns and interact with them. Lunch in the town and drive to Punakha crossing over Dochula pass (3200 mts). If the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular breath taking view of the highest mountain peaks of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. Take a break and walk around the 108 stupas and continue to the sub tropical valley of Punakha offering a different vegetation. En route just before arriving the hotel, taka a nice hike through the paddy field and old village to visit Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus.

Overnight: Punakha| Altitude: 1350m

 

Day 03| Punakha Sightseeing

Morning drive to visit Punakha Dzong (fortress), which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. This is a must to see fortress in Bhutan and a fine example of Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture. After the visit if you are in mood for a nice half-day hike, you could start the hike right above the Dzong with a short steep climb offering a great view of the valley with houses spread all around and the never ending turquoise river and it’s sandy river bed. This trail is also popular for mountain biking. The hike ends through the farm field crossing the newly constructed bridge, where your car will be waiting at the other side of the river. If you choose the entire activity can be done on foot from your hotel. After lunch could go for an hour hike (uphill) to the temple of Khamsum Yuley Lakhang overlooking the paddy field and the snakelike river bends. Or could relax in the balcony of the hotel to enjoy the view and the nature.

Overnight: Punakha

 

Day 04| Punakha – Phobjika (2 Hrs)

If you are staying in hotel Meri Puensum, hotel Zandopelri or hotel Densa, early morning it will be a treat to walk up to the hilltop to visit the nunnery and interact with the nuns and enjoy the magnificent view of Punakha and Wangdi valley. Later after breakfast drive to the remote isolated valley of Phobjikha. En route could stop for a short hike to the ancient village of Rinchengang overlooking the ruins of Wangdi Dzong. It’s amazing how they have managed to be together and preserve the old houses. If you are tired to hike, could do it on the way back. The drive is very picturesque and worth every turn and climb. This valley is protected being winter home for the endangered Black Necked Cranes migrating to Bhutan every end of Oct to end of Feb. This valley is a paradise for the nature lovers and hikers. Upon your arrival could go for a short walk in the valley. Or if you are too tired after the long drive, could relax in the hotel and enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley. This is a very remote village and the hotel standard is very basic.. Farm house stay optional.

Overnight: Phobjikha| Altitude: 2900m

 

Day 05| Phobjika Sightseeing

Today, will be a very relaxing day. Morning could go for walk right below your hotel and meet the school children who all walk for hours to reach their nearest school. Or if you want to relax and start very late, today is the right day to make it happen. After late breakfast could go for Phobjikha Nature trail hike (2.5 Hrs), which offers beautiful view of the valley. It starts from the valley and end with Gangtey Goempa temple at the hilltop overlooking the valley. Gangtey Goempa temple is a beautiful temple, richly renovated with many monks living. Could also visit the Crane Canter supported by the RSPN. Can have an option to visit a village and a farmhouse for lunch/dinner.

Overnight: Phobjikha

 

Day 06| Phobjikha – Paro (5 Hrs)

Morning retrace the drive back to Paro crossing over Dochula La pass. Upon arrival in Paro, visit Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Continue further to stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Could get some opportunity to see the traditional game, Archery match going on. Evening back to the hotel.

Overnight: Paro| Altitude: 2200m

 

Day 07| Paro Sightseeing

Morning drive to the base for the hike (3 hrs uphill) to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff over looking the Paro valley. Most of the day will go on the hike. On the way back, if you have the energy and time visit the Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which marks the beginning of Buddhism in the country. Hot stone bath available at an additional cost. Farewell dinner with your guide.

Overnight: Paro

 

Day 08| Departure

Morning transfer (15 mins) to the airport for your departure flight. Your guide will bid you farewell at the airport.

 

Some useful Bhutanese phrases

Hello:              Ku-zu-zam-po-la (meaning good health)
Thank You:     Ka din chey la
See you:          Lok jey gay
Good bye:       Lus la “or” Laso la

PARO

Accentuating the natural beauty are the many elegant, traditional-style houses that dot the valley and surrounding hills. Paro town has been growing rapidly in recent years and there are plenty of restaurants, bakeries and cafes to choose from. One of the distinctive features of Paro town is that …
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THIMPHU

Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers, however it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization.Thimphu is one of the few towns in Bhutan that have been equipped with ATM…
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PUNAKHA

On October 13, 2011, the wedding of the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and his fiancé, Jetsun Pema, was held at the Punakha Dzong. Punakha valley has a pleasant climate with warm winters and hot summers. It is located at an average elevation of 1200 meters above sea level. Owin…
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WANGDUE PHODRANG

Festivals One of the most notable sites in the district is Phobjikha Valley. This valley is the habitat of rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes that roost there during their annual migrations. The residents of the valley have garnered much acclaim for their conservation efforts to preserve th…
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HAA

Haa is the ancestral home of the Queen Grandmother and the illustrious Dorji family. This valley remains one of the least visited areas in the country and retains the air of an unspoiled, primeval forest. The wooded hills of Haa provides an ideal location for hiking and mountain biking. Bikin…
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