From CAD 6,480
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(18 reviews)
Experience Overview
Discover a land of mysticism and proud tradition on this nine-day Premium adventure through the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. This country has a story tell and an experienced local leader will help you uncover Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage as you wind through forested valleys, fortified monasteries and sacred mountains. Discover the compelling history of Thimphu, hike the valleys of Punakha, learn about black-necked cranes in Phobjikha and climb to the legendary Tiger’s Nest in Paro. A journey through the astonishing beauty of the people, landscape and culture of Bhutan will leave your happiness levels off the scale.
Highlights
- See Bhutan through the eyes of a local as you travel with a leader who will bring the country’s unique history, legends and traditions to life.
- Get acquainted with rare and fascinating wildlife in the breathtaking Phobjika valley, including a visit to a protection and information centre for black-necked cranes – a Premium Exclusive Experience.
- Climb to the teetering monastery of Taktsang (the Tiger's Nest) 900 m above Paro’s valley floor and take in once-in-a-lifetime views.
- Visit the important monastery of Gangte Goemba during an Exclusive Experience and learn about two subjects at heart of Bhutanese culture – Buddhism and happiness.
- Unwind in your Feature Stay accommodation, conveniently located in the heart of the Paro Town and with views of the glorious surrounding valley.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2156
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: HNPB
Starts: Paro - Thimphu, Bhutan
Finishes: Paro, Bhutan
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (7), Dinner (8)Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),Paro Feature Stay (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 6480 (CAD 720 /day)
Itinerary
Jen Pa Leg Sho! Welcome to Bhutan. When you arrive at the Paro airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to Thimphu (2736 m) – Bhutan’s capital city. After settling in, meet your small group and local leader for a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Join your leader for an orientation walk to get acquainted with Thimphu’s main street and visit the National Memorial Chorten – a stupa built in honour of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. After the meeting, join your group and leader for a welcome dinner at a restaurant that’s a common favourite with the locals. Learn about the rich history of Bhutanese cuisine as you tuck into a traditional feast, including seasonal vegetables and the country’s signature dish – red rice with tasty chilli cheese. You may like to try some Bhutanese peach wine or some Ara, the national spirit, served neat and hot.
Included Activities:
- Thimphu - Welcome dinner
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- Norkhil Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, you’ll explore Thimphu. Stop off at Buddha point, named after its giant gilded Buddha statue, and take in panoramic views of the city. Take a short hike through pine trees where your leader will help you spot takin (a goat-antelope type creature) – the national animal of Bhutan. Pass by the fortress and monastery of Tashichho Dzong, sitting on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu River. After lunch, your leader will weave together the cultural heritage of Bhutan during visits to the National Textile Museum, Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum (where you can try your hand at the national sport of archery), and the Voluntary Artists School in Thimphu – an institution where young people receive formal education in the art of traditional painting, sculpture and woodcarving. Thimphu has an excellent range of handicrafts, most notably woven cloth, wooden masks, thangkas, silverware, jewellery and bamboo crafts from all over Bhutan.
Included Activities:
- Thimphu - National Library
- Thimphu - National Textile Museum
- Thimphu - National Memorial Chorten
- Thimphu - Takin Conservation Park
- Thimphu - Voluntary Artists School
- Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma
- Thimpu - Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum
Accommodation:
- Norkhil Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit Desho Paper Factory to see a traditional method of making paper by hand. Next, travel to the castle-monastery of Simtokha Dzong, built to guard against a demon that’s said to have escaped into the nearby rock. Next, drive the winding Dochula pass (3100 m), marked by more than a hundred chortens built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers killed fighting Indian insurgents in 2003. Continue to Punakha, stopping at a local village along the way where you’ll take a short walk to the Chimi Lhakhang – The Temple of Fertility. Your leader will explain how people from all corners of the country visit the Lhakhang to seek a blessing from Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the ‘Divine Madman’. A revered womaniser and drinker, this wandering preacher taught that sexual freedom was at the centre of Truth. On the walk through the village of Sopsokha to the temple, you’ll notice the phallic symbols painted on walls – a symbol of fertility and protection from evil. Arrive at your resort in Punakha, which features great views of the valley.
Included Activities:
- Punakha Valley - Chimi Lhakhang
- Dochula Pass - Druk Wangyal Chortens
- Thimphu - Simtokha Dzong
Accommodation:
- Zhingkham Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Begin the day with a short drive to the base of a hill where a ridge-top monastery sits. In this almost sub-tropical valley, you’ll head out on a hike at a suspension bridge that crosses the Mo Chu River and pass through paddy fields before the climb to a moderately inclined trail to the Kahmsum Yulley temple. Built by the Queen Mother, the temple is a classic example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions. From the top you can take in sweeping views across the valley. After lunch, you’ll visit the white-walled, red-roofed Punakha Dzong, the administrative and religious centre and winter retreat of His Holiness, Je Khenpo – the chief abbot of Bhutan. The Dzong boasts intricately carved woodwork, prayer halls and beautiful religious paintings on walls and doorways. End the day at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Temple and nunnery, where you’ll arrive in time for evening prayers.
Included Activities:
- Punakha - Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Punakha - Punakha Dzong
- Punakha - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
Accommodation:
- Zhingkham Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, pass through lush forests and vegetation as you make the scenic drive to Phobjikha. Here, you’ll find a valley rich with wildlife – keep an eye out for serows (a goat-like animal), and muntjacs, also known as barking deer. Make an afternoon visit to Gangte Goemba – an expansive monastery with magnificent views of the valley. This hilltop complex is one of Bhutan’s two main centres of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Your guide will provide a local perspective on the subjects of Buddhism and happiness – the two most important pillars of Bhutanese culture. With happiness at front-of-mind, the Bhutanese government employ a Gross National Happiness index to measure the wellbeing of its people and to convey the importance of non-economic factors such as sustainability, culture and community vitality.
Included Activities:
- Phobjikha - Gangtoe Goemba
Accommodation:
- Dewachen Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a visit to the centre of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) where you’ll learn about the vulnerable, black-necked cranes that fly to Bhutan each winter. The Phobjika Valley receives more of these visitors than any other part of the country, and the RSPN has taken special measures to protect them, as well as 13 other vulnerable species. Read informative displays on the cranes’ habitat and behaviour and use the centre’s spotting scopes to search for cranes in the valley. Wild cranes will only be visible during the winter months, but if you visit outside this period, you may still have the chance to see black-necked cranes that are being rehabilitated in the centre. In the afternoon, join your leader on a gentle 2-hour hike around the valley and learn about the flora and fauna that call this preserve home.
Included Activities:
- Phobjikha - Black Necked Crane Information Center
- Phobjikha - Valley hiking
Accommodation:
- Dewachen Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, begin the journey to Paro. When you arrive, enjoy some free time to wander Paro town before making your way to your Feature Stay accommodation – a hotel conveniently located in the heart of Paro Town that blends classical Bhutanese architecture and modern comforts, offering views of the surrounding valley. In the afternoon, visit Kaja Throm – a local farmers market – before enjoying dinner with your group.
Included Activities:
- Paro - Kaja Throm Market Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel Kaachi Grand (Feature Stay) or Similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Balanced 900 m above the valley floor sits Taktsang, or the Tiger’s Nest – a beautiful monastery and Bhutan’s most recognised building. After breakfast, begin a hike through pine forests, passing beneath thousands of brightly coloured prayer flags. Your leader will guide you up into the mountains for a closer view of the temple, sharing the legend of its history along the way. Reach a small teahouse and stop for lunch and refreshments while taking in truly unforgettable views. For those interested, it’s possible to get a closer look at the Tiger’s Nest by hiking another hour each way to reach the temple. Anyone not interested in hiking further can relax at the teahouse and soak it all in. Back in Paro, immerse yourself in traditional Bhutanese culture as you visit a farmhouse for a home-cooked final dinner.
Included Activities:
- Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike
- Paro - Home-cooked dinner
Optional Activities:
- Paro - Hot Stone Bath (25 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Kaachi Grand (Feature Stay) or Similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. Please check with your leader about the exact departure time from the hotel. Please note that your leader may not be with you as the group may leave on different flights.
Included Activities:
- Paro - Complimentary Departure Transfer
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Janine - Traveled, March 2024
Bhutan is an exceptional experience. Everyday an adventure filled with beautiful landscapes, wonderful culture and tradition, breathtaking views and challenging hikes that give you a sense of achievement. An amazing experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Ling Khang - Traveled, November 2023
This is a very grounding experience. I felt that I could take time to experience and immerse myself in this trip. The places visited didn’t have many people so you could slow down and be present. I highly recommend this trip for anyone who loves immersing into new cultures and understand more about ‘exotic’ lands. You will leave soothed and calm and may even inspire a change in how you live your life at home.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Hannah - Traveled, November 2023
Bhutan is a wonderful country and the experience exceeded my expectations. Pratap was a knowledgeable guide and the trip was well organised and delivered. Plenty of history, culture and experiences, with the highlight of course being the Tiger's Nest Monastery - this is an absolute must-do!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2023
Crystal - Traveled, November 2023
Beautiful views, everlasting memories, phenomenal architecture. Bhutan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Lindsay - Traveled, October 2023
Intrepid’s Premium Bhutan is excellent. With your guide, you get a very good education about the people and places that make this country so special. One leaves with a different, calmer and gentler mindset. Love that education, value of culture, and love of country are widespread. Feel very grateful to have visited this very special country where indeed Gross National Happiness is in action. L. Frey
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/03/2023
Helen - Traveled, October 2023
An amazingly beautiful country, a great Tour. One of my top favourites. An experience never to be forgotten. Feel totally privileged to have visited Bhutan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Alastair - Traveled, October 2023
Bhutan is very different from any other country I've visited, in a positive way. Plan on at least 7 days to get around the different tourist areas and choose your time of year to fit best with your interests.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Kathryn - Traveled, October 2023
What a truly amazing place to visit, beautiful scenery and the most wonderful locals to interact with. Highly recommend the trip and make sure you do the walk to Tigers Nest....it is worth the hike!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
Marilyn - Traveled, September 2023
Really loved Bhutan, such a beautiful kingdom! The premium Intrepid trip covered all the locations I wanted to visit and the hotels were interesting and comfortable. One of the travel days was quite long but we made a few stops along the way which helped….it was worth it to experience the Phobjika valley. I think being there in the spring time would be especially awesome with all of the flowers starting to bloom. The highlight was the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The hike up was somewhat challenging but very doable and absolutely worth it! It was a rainy day for us but still loved it. I recommend good hiking boots. Overall, Bhutan was an unforgettable trip and a little slice of heaven on earth. Love the way Intrepid supports the local communities and provides local experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2023
Carolyn - Traveled, May 2023
Bhutan is a very beautiful ,peaceful country and the Bhutanese are so proud of their culture.You experience everything on the Premium Bhutan tour
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2023
Sanjeev - Traveled, March 2023
We took a 9 day trip of Bhutan ( Premium Bhutan) with Intrepid Travel with a focus on understanding the country and its people, religion and culture. The trip was fantastic and provided us deep insight into the country. The small group size (11 people) allowed for close interaction. The Guide and tour leader (Tulsi) was excellent and very knowledgeable in all aspects of life and culture of this beautiful country. Our visit was capped by a hike to the Tigers Nest and learning about the second Buddha and the beautiful monastery there. Overall, thanks to Intrepid for coordinating this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2023
Daniel - Traveled, November 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Bhutan and learnt a lot about its culture over the course of this excellent tour. Many inclusions and activities kept us busy on most days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2022
Fiona - Traveled, October 2022
Bhutan is an incredible country - beautiful mountains, clean rivers, valleys filled with paddy fields and many Dzongs, monasteries and fortresses. A spiritual country with a rich culture and incredible people - this trip covers the towns of Thimphu and Paro and the beautiful valleys of Punakha and Phobjikha. The mountain scenery is gobsmacking! Beautiful hikes in the valleys ahead of the special climb to the Tiger's Nest. Such friendly people everywhere - incredible arts and crafts, skills passed down over generations, displayed everywhere. Stunning
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2022
Andrew - Traveled, October 2022
Bhutan is a beautiful country with some fascinating monasteries and wonderful scenery. Probjikha is beautiful but the two hotels we used on etc Premium trip were freezing cold without decent plumbing. Sadly, limited experiences and culture insights too. May be best to stick with an original standard trip as it is hard to see where the cost is reflected.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2022
Pamela - Traveled, May 2024
This bucket list trip totally lived up to my expectations. From the flight into Paro to the Tigers Nest hike, I was in awe of this beautiful country that cares so much about its people. At 72, I was a bit concerned about making it to the top of Tigers Nest, but our driver Yoda stayed with me the entire time, anticipating my needs and was so patient. I will never forget the kindness and beauty of the Bhutanese people. I wept as we said farewell.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2024
Jason - Traveled, April 2024
A phenomenal trip made possible by our wonderful leader Sangay. Sangay and his team went above and beyond to make sure the trip was the most memorable tour with the right balance of hiking, culture and spectacular sights.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2024
Christine - Traveled, April 2024
This trip is AMAZING. I had Bhutan on my list for the last 3 years, and I'm so glad I picked this tour to go! The guide was the best guide I've ever had, we saw so many sites but at a very relaxed pace. Never felt rushed, but we got to see and do everything that I could have wanted. There are multiple included hikes, all are worthy. Honestly a 10/10 tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2024
Louise - Traveled, April 2024
First time in 16 trips I have complained. This is not an Intrepid trip. You are subcontracted to Amen travel. They know and care little about the usual values you would expect. Bhutan great - just don’t pick this trip. Go to Bhutan but don’t do this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2024
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