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The tiny Kingdom of Bhutan lies hidden in the folds of the eastern Himalayas, sandwiched between the two giant countries of India to the south and China to the north. With a total area of 38,398 square kilometers, approximately the size of Switzerland, Bhutan is largely mountainous except for a small flat strip in the southern foothills. Known as the last Shangri-La of the Himalayas, Bhutan borders Tibet (an autonomous region of China) to the north, the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh to the east, and the Indian states of Assam and West Bengal to the south. Sacred mask dances and folk dances are performed by the Central Monastic Body as well as the public in various districts.
Note:
B: Breakfast
L: Lunch
D: Dinner
Included/Excluded
- The Bhutan SDF
- All accommodations
- Meals and mineral water
- A licensed English-speaking guide
- A driver and vehicle
- Air fare
- A visa fee of US$40
- Alcohol
- Gifts/Souvenirs
- Travel insurance and personal bills
- Museums & Monument Fees
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Paro (D)
Your flight to Bhutan offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and some of the world's highest glacial peaks. As you enter the Paro Valley, you'll see the Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong on the hills above the town. Our representative will meet you at the Paro airport and assist with hotel check-in.
On the way to Thimphu, after crossing Isuna village, you'll see Tachog Lhakhang (Temple of the Hill of Excellent Horse). This 14th-century temple was built by Thangtong Gyalpo after he had a vision of the spiritual horse Balaha. To reach the temple, you'll cross the Paro River using a traditional iron chain bridge. Thangtong Gyalpo, a great architect, built 108 iron bridges throughout Tibet and Bhutan.
Day 2: Thimphu (B, L, D)
After breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 to honor the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The paintings and statues inside provide insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Next, visit Buddha Dordenma, a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu. This statue houses over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues. From here, you can take a two-hour hike ending at Changangkha Temple, offering views of Thimphu city.
Day 3: Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley (B, L, D)
After an early breakfast, drive to Dochu-La Pass (3,088m/10,130 ft) for stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Continue to Wangduephodrang for lunch, then drive to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, home to the Gangtey Monastery and winter habitat of black-necked cranes.
Day 4: Phobjikha Valley (B, L, D)
After breakfast, explore the Phobjikha Valley, a U-shaped glacial valley. Visit the Gangtey Monastery and the Crane Center to learn about the black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet. The valley is rich in biodiversity and managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature.
Day 5: Phobjikha Valley to Punakha (B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the Divine Madman. Couples who pray at this temple are often blessed with a child.
Day 6: Punakha (B, L, D)
After breakfast, visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal, a temple built for the wellbeing of the kingdom. Then, visit Punakha Dzong, a massive fortress built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan's capital until 1955, and the dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Finish the day by visiting the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.
Day 7: Punakha to Paro (B, L, D)
After breakfast, drive to Paro. Visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum, and Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646. Walk across the traditional covered bridge and explore Paro town.
Day 8: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (B, L, D)
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Palphug Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), perched on a cliff 3,120 meters above sea level. This is one of Bhutan's most famous tourist destinations. The hike takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, but you can rest at a teahouse halfway up. Enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Evening walk around Paro town for shopping.
Day 9: Departure (B)
After breakfast, drive to the airport for your flight home. We hope you enjoyed your Bhutan family tour and look forward to serving you again.
Tour Map
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
While most monuments in Bhutan are free, some are chargeable. For the full list of monument fees, please click here for more information. Children below 18 years will have a 50% concession and children aged five years and below will be exempted. Most monuments are open from 9am – 5pm each day. In June 2023 it was announced that foreign visitors can now visit monuments whenever they are open to the general public, without any restrictions.
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