Bhutan Travel Specialist, Druk Air Representative (Royal Bhutan Airlines)

10 Days 9 Nights Discover Bhutan Travel Plan

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, and home to Buddhist monasteries in a 10-day tour of this Himalayan kingdom.

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  • 16,000+ satisfied travellers
  • Fast, easy and fuss free experience
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What's Included

  • Guided tour
  • Visas for Bhutan
  • Airport transfers
  • Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels
  • Accommodation at 3 star hotel
  • A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
  • An experienced driver
  • A tour vehicle
  • Entry fees & road permits
  • Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
  • Mineral bottled water
  • Set of traditional costume (to be return at the end of your stay)
  • Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip

What's Excluded

  • Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
  • Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
  • Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
  • Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
  • Expenditure of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Alcoholic drink

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Paro, head to Thimphu

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatise to the altitude. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel and lets have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine.

Activities

View of Trashi Choe Dzong

‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’ was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashi Chhoe Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Entrance may be granted to guests only after 5 pm but the nine-hole golf course alongside makes for a quirky photo opportunity.

Walk Around Thimphu Town

Shop and walk around Thimphu town.Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, cafes, shops and nightclubs. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization.

Hotel

Bhutan Peaceful Residency & Spa or similar

3 star

Day 2 Thimphu

Thimphu Day 2.

Activities

Buddha Point

Located at Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the 51.5-metre-tall bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The Buddha Dordenma symbolises indestructibility, and is said to emanate peace and happiness to the world.

National Memorial Chorten

Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten. Chorten means ‘Seat of Faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments, the ‘Mind of Buddha’. Treat yourself with the fantastic depiction of Buddhist teachings in the form of paintings and sculptures at this temple. As the name denotes this National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974, in memory of the Third King.

Simtokha Dzong

Five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stroll through the very first dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located here now. Enthral yourself with the most noteworthy artistic feature in from of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.

Post Office

Visit the post office in Thimphu to get customized stamps or to mail cards to your friends and relatives

Takin Enclosure

On the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange looking beast some say looks like a bee-stung moose.

Hotel

Bhutan Peaceful Residency & Spa or similar

3 star

Day 3 Thimphu to Punakha

We will set off early from Thimphu after breakfast. Then proceed to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, about 2 1/2 hours drive from Thimphu across Dochu-la pass. Once you cross the pass, you wind down into a warm fertile valley and meander along a gently flowing aquamarine river that leads you to the Punakha Dzong, the second dzong to be built in Bhutan. wind down into a warm fertile valley and meander along a gently flowing aquamarine river that leads you to the Punakha Dzong, the second dzong to be built in Bhutan.

Activities

Chimi Lhakhang

Also known as the Fertility Temple, this monastery is located in the beautiful village of Sopsokha. It stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was constructed in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpaheirarch. This monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, the 'Divine Madman', known for his risqué behavior. The footpath to Chimi Lhakhang meanders through beautiful terraces of paddy fields. The walk across the fields takes about 30 minutes. Many have been blessed with children after praying at the temple. Visiting Window 9:00 A.M to 12:00 NOON 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M

Dochula Pass

At 3,100 metres, this beautiful pass located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu offers stunning 360-degree panoramas of the Himalayas mountain range. Here you will also see 108 chortens built by Her Majesty The Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The pass is a popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists.

Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge

At 160 metres, this is known as the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. From here, you will get spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.

Punakha Dzong

Located strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by the Great Unifer of Bhutan as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government in Bhutan was introduced in the 17th century. The first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. Damaged by four fires and an earthquake over the centuries, the Dzong was fully restored in recent years by the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It is now the winter home of Je Khenpo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. Marvel over intricate woodwork by the best craftsmen in Bhutan. Visiting Window: Summer Timing: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Winter Timing: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Hotel

Zhingkham Resort or similar

3 star

Day 4 Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa

About four hours’ drive from Wangduephodrang is the central district of Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family and from where the first two kings ruled the kingdom. Long before you reach it, you see the resplendent Trongsa Dzong in the valley centre. Its labyrinth of temples, corridors, offices and living quarters for the monks add up to a masterpiece in Bhutanese architecture preserved through professional restoration in 2004. Trongsa, literally "New Town" in the Dzongkha language, is where the current monarchy had its origin in Bhutan. Each King in the line of succession has held the post of Trongsa Penlop or Governor before donning the Raven Crown. The foundations of Trongsa Dzong were laid in the 16th century by. Its foundation was laid by Pema Lingpa and flourished during the 17th century under Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal. The impressive fortress is a massive structure, its wall looming high above the winding Mangde Chu Valley,commanding the east-west road

Activities

Chendebji Chorten

2 kilometres beyond Chendebji village is Chendebji Chorten, at a lovel0y spot by a river confluence. The large white chorten is patterned after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was built in the 19th century by Lama Shida, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that were killed.

Trongsa Dzong

It was laid in the 16th century by Pema Lingpa and flourished during the 17th century under Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal. The impressive fortress is a massive structure, its wall looming high above the winding Mangde Chu Valley, commanding the east-west road.

Trongsa Museum (Taa Dzong)

Sits high above the valley at a strategic vantage point over Trongsa Dzong. The "Tower of Trongsa" tells the stories of the dzong and the valley that it has watched over for centuries. His Majesty the King inaugurates the Taa Dzong as a museum dedicated to the Wangchuk dynasty, land marking yet another significant event as the nation celebrates 100 years of the monarchy. It has been restored into a classy museum that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity. There are 224 items on display, include a sacred image of Sung Joenma Dorji Chang (self spoken Vajradharna), a bronze statue of Pema Lingpa, made by himself and a number of centuries-old treasures like dance and ritual costumes and objects, ancient prayer books, paintings and scrolls and textiles.

Rest In Bumthang

After the long drive, we rest for tonight.

Hotel

Valley Resort or similar

3 star

Day 5 Bumthang

Bumthang travel.

Activities

Jakar Dzong

Pitched on a high ground overlooking the town junction, the Dzong was first constructed in 1549 by the great-grandfather of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery. It was upgraded in 1646 after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power. Jakar Dzong is now used as the administrative centre for Bumthang valley, and also houses the regional monk body.

Jambay Lhakhang

This 7th-century monastery was one of 108 monasteries built in 659 by Tibetan King Sontsen Gampo to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region and who was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century. However, the inner shrine with the Future Buddha is believed to be there some 1400 years ago. Jambay festival (Jambay Lhakhang Drup in the late autumn) is famous for the Tercham. English speaking Bhutanese refer to this dance as the Naked Dance. Indeed, some dancers appear naked!

Kurjey Lhakhang

One of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan. Built by the Guru Rinpoche in 1652, it houses a rock with his body imprint. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche manifested as a Garuda to defeat the demon Shelging Karpo who had taken the form of a white lion.

Tamshing Goemba

Built by 1501 by Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa, Hikes up to Thangbi Valley and cross a suspension bridge to visit Thangbi Lhakhang built in the 14th century via unpaved road.

Hotel

Valley Resort or similar

3 star

Day 6 Bumthang, visit Ura Valley

One of the most tranquil and beautiful valley, Ura is a must visit valley in Bumthang. While in Ura visit the Ura Monastery and simply enjoy the meadows and the beautiful landscapes, the buck wheat and barley fields.

Activities

Me-Bar Tsho (Burning Lake)

One of the most sacred sites in Bhutan, the holy lake, is said to be one of the holiest lakes in Bhutan. A long time ago, Terton Pema Lingpa (Buddhist saint and treasure discoverer) dived into the lake while holding a burning butter lamp on one hand. Several hours later when he came out of the lake, he was holding some relics one hand and the butter lamp on his other hand was still burning.Thus,the lake was called Me-Bar Tsho (Me-bar=Burning Tsho=Lake)

Ura Valley

Enjoy an excursion to Ura valley that will be around four hours driving back and forth. The drive is exciting as it passes through some sheep rearing farms. Serthang-La pass at 3600m above sea level offers a great view of Gangkar Puensum (the highest unclimbed mountain in the Himalayas). Farmers at Ura village are enterprising, and they have a community library initiated by Global READ (an NGO from the US). The highlight of Ura village is the festival that takes place in spring. One of the most tranquil and beautiful valleys, Ura is a must visit valley in Bumthang. While in Ura visit the Ura Monastery and simply enjoy the meadows and the beautiful landscapes, the buckwheat and barley fields.

Kenchosum Lhakhang

Kenchosum Lhakhang is a rural looking temple which has its roots in the 7th century. The current structure, however, dates back to the 15th century when Pema Lingpa, the Treasure Discoverer, restored it and revealed terma (sacred texts and artefacts) on the hillside behind the temple. The temple has three small Buddha statues representing the past, present and the future, are believed to have flown there, hence the name Kencho meaning divine and Sum meaning three. Legend has it that when the bell inside is rung, it can be heard as far away as Lhasa in Tibet.

Hotel

Valley Resort or similar

3 star

Day 7 Bumthang to Gangtey

The valley of Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the Black necked crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to end of March.

Activities

Black-Necked Crane Information Centre

The valley of Phobjikha is known as the winter home of the Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to an end of March. Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, which has informative displays about the cranes and the valley environment. You can use the centre’s powerful spotting scopes and check what you see against its pamphlet ‘Field Guide to Crane Behaviour’. If the weather’s iffy you can browse the library and handicraft shop, and watch videos at 10 am and 3 pm (Nu 200).

Gangtey Goempa

Situated on a forested hill overlooking the entire Phobijkha Valley is Gangtey Goemba, a monastery dating back to the 17th century. The largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan, it was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay, the grandson and reincarnate of Pema Thinley, a 15th century “treasure seeker” who had predicted that a goemba named gang-teng (hilltop) would be built on this site and that his teachings would spread from here.

Home Visit

Visit a Bhutanese family at their home and share dinner over conversations. Take a peek into their lives and experience dining in a traditional Bhutanese home embraced by the warm hospitality of the family.

Hotel

ABC Lodge or similar

3 star

Day 8 Gangtey to Paro

The beautiful valley of Paro is home to many of Bhutan's old monasteries and temples. The country's only Airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley

Activities

Kyichu Lhakhang

At 1,300 years old, this is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Like the Jambhay Lhakhang in Bumthang, it is one of 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue and vanquish an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Legend has it that all 108 temples were built in a single night. The Kyichhu temple’s name means “reservoir of peace”. Next to the temple is a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. You will see photographs and other personal artefacts belonging to the Rinpoche.

Archery and Khuru Tryout

You can try your hands on Archery and Khuru at Traveller's farmhouse. Our guide will be there to teach you how to shoot and hold the arrow. We also have another traditional game called Khuru (which is like a huge dart), whereby you throw it at the target.

Kha ja Throm Paro

Initiated upon Royal Command, and as a gift from His Majesty The King to the people of Paro, the Ka Ja Throm has been built so that vendors can showcase and sell their produce in a vibrant community space. The Farmer’s Market has 147 stalls for vegetables, fruits, meat, and other local farm produce, and food and drinks. A children’s park and an open-air live-band stage are also part of the Paro Ka Ja Throm. The market is envisioned to be a lively public space place for families and visitors to enjoy while also showcasing the best of Paro’s local produce. The management will organize regular live performances at the venue, alongside food and drinks stalls managed by de-suups from the DSP Culinary training.

Hotel

Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

3 star

Day 9 Paro

Are you ready? We will be making the hike up to one of the key highlights in Bhutan today! Tiger's Nest aka Taktsang Monastery

Activities

Taktsang Monastery

Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, this monastery set dramatically on the cliffs of Paro Valley, is Bhutan’s most famous landmark. In fact, some tourists would even say that “A trip to Bhutan is not complete without climbing to Taktsang.” According to local folklore, the Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress (his consort Yeshey Tshogyal) and meditated in one of the caves, before emerging in eight manifestations. A hike up to Taktsang draws people with different interests. It fills those who are spiritually inclined with a sense of peace, while avid hikers feel a sense of achievement upon reaching the monastery. Take time to process the mental and physical sensations that wash over you during the uphill climb as you ascend more than two thousand feet from the valley floor to reach the monastery.

Hotel

Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

3 star

Day 10 Depart Paro

Today we will bid a fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take a flight back home. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek

Why book with Druk Asia

We're Bhutan's largest tour operator & leading travel specialist with more than a decade of experience. We specialise in creating personalised, authentic and immersive travel experiences for travellers all around the world.

We're also the most-reviewed Bhutan tour agency with over 700 testimonials from satisfied clients in 50 countries. Our exceptional service and attention to detail have earned us a reputation as the go-to tour operator for Bhutan travel.

Our Guarantee

  • Guaranteed Visa approval. We have yet to disappoint a single of our travellers in term of Visa issuance.
  • Your choice of hotels will be confirmed for your inspection before your arrival.
  • We're here to help. Our world-class member services team is available by phone or email.

What customers are saying about this itinerary

4.81/5.00 (70 reviews)
JS

Jessica Santilli

from Canada, Dec 2019

Star 5 5.00

I just returned from a 10D9N trip to Bhutan with Druk Asia and had an amazing experience. It was a last minute trip, booked less than a month before I arrived in Bhutan. Thankfully, Namgay responded to emails promptly and was able to organize the trip quickly, including the 3 day trek I requested.

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CY

Cheryl Yeo

from Singapore, Dec 2019

Star 5 5.00

Kuzu Zanpola!

Hope all is well with you.
I just got back from my 10 days travel with Tashi and Jigme.
Would like to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your kind time and efforts in putting the best for my trip to Bhutan.

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CH

Chloe Hung

from Malaysia, Jun 2019

Star 5 5.00

I had a great 10 days in Bhutan and the service from Drukasia was excellent. Great hospitality, great hotels and a great tour guide and driver throughout the trip. Bhutan has been the best country I've visited so far and would definitely recommend a trip to this country with DrukAsia.

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DZ

Desmond Zhao

from Singapore, Jun 2019

Star 4 4.00

My guide, Mr Pema Wangda, and driver, Mr Lobzang Choida, were such a good dedicated team who strive to give the absolute best experience to their guest. In my numerous travels, never have I encountered a driver or guide who would see to opening the car door every single time for their guest or bother to check if their guest was adequately hydrated during a long ride - this I must say, is true dedication and service.

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HC

Hong Choon

from Singapore, Apr 2019

Star 4 4.00

We had go for 10 days 9 Nights Bhutan Cultural Tour. We were not sure what to expect from this tour, but were pleasantly surprised. The hotels and resort were lovely and clean.

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MC

Magdalene Cheong & group

from Singapore, Mar 2019

Star 5 5.00

We are very pleased and lucky we choose Druk Asia for our Bhutan trip...it’s a wonderful experience and great journey.

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LC

Lyna Chua

from Singapore, Nov 2018

Star 5 5.00

I have been a solo female traveler for many years so was apprehensive about having 2 strangers with me on this entire trip. My guide Gem Dorji is a young but experienced guide. He respected my need for solitude and space and would "hang around me" just sufficiently and allowed me a lot of personal time to take lone walks. My driver Dorji Gyeltshen was ex-military, very respectful and skilled road warrior. If he walked with me, he too respected my need for personal space. He'd be first to spot me whenever I returned from my walks. I've never felt so protected in a foreign land. We started as strangers but parted as friends.

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JH

Jacqueline How

from Singapore, Mar 2018

Star 5 5.00

An unforgettable 10 days trip to Bhutan! From answering my queries via email to trip confirmation to the actual execution of the trip, Sangay Dorji has really been helpful

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WL

Wan Ling & Soo Cheng

from Singapore, Aug 2017

Star 5 5.00

Mr Jigme Zampo, our guide, was professional, experienced and knowledgeable. He was very attentive and would often go the extra mile to ensure that our stay was comfortable and memorable. For example, Jigme had introduced Bhutan's national sport, archery, to us. During the trip, he made it possible for us to play a few rounds of archery and it was really fun! Mr Kinley, our driver, was very alert and careful throughout the trip. We felt very safe on the roads with him. We are very thankful and appreciative to have both of them with us on this trip.
The itinerary was relaxed and well planned. We were very pleased with the food too. For the accommodation, Lobesa and Osel were awesome!
Overall, we had a great trip, made possible especially with Mr Jigme and Mr Kinley. We are also

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E

Eli

from Indonesia, Jun 2017

Star 5 5.00

Kuzu zangpola!

I can't stop my sadness of leaving Bhutan. It is such a wonderful place with a warm hospitality that I just feel like really want to just move and stay there. haha.. I hope that will never change until I come back to Bhutan in the future.

Me and my husband really lucky to have Mr. DORJEE and Mr. HAAP SANGAY as our travel companion. 10-12 hours of ride on the bumpy road and 7 hours of trekking feels like a joyful experience. They both feel each of our day with joy and endless of laughter! They even help me to arrange a simple birthday celebration for my husband and he is just so happy and touched. And also really thank you so much for helping me with all of my unstoppable questions. The name of Sangay Dorji will be my lucky charm forever haha.

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Read more testimonials
  • Guaranteed visa approval
  • 17,000+ satisfied travellers
  • Fast, easy and fuss free experience
  • Free consultation from our travel specialists

From

US$2,880.00*

*per adult
Check Availability Talk to us
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