Journey to Drukyul
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Journey DMC Bhutan
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
Explore the main extractions of western Bhutan that start at the capital city, Thimphu, and take on several historical and religious attractions. Drive across spectacular scenery. Excursion to the popular Taktsang Monastery is sure to be a highlight.
The memorable moments
Days Activities Accommodation Meal Day1 Arrival at Paro Hotel [-/L/D] Day2 Paro to Thimphu Hotel [B/L/D] Day3 Thimphu to Punakha Hotel [B/L/D] Day4 Punakha – Wangduephodrang Hotel [B/L/D] Day5 Wangduephodrang to Gangtey Hotel [B/L/D] Day6 Punakha to Paro Hotel [B/L/D] Day7 Departure [B/L/-]
Journey at a glance
Day Day 1:: Arrival at Paro — Your Bhutanese adventure begins with an awe-inspiring flight to Paro. Your journey kicks off with a truly magnificent experience as you board a flight to Paro. This mountain flight offers breathtaking views of some of the world's highest peaks. The flight takes you over the stunning landscapes of the Bhutanese Himalayas. You'll witness the lush green hill walls that serve as the gateway to Bhutan, rising continuously above the forested slopes of the mountains. After this remarkable flight, you'll arrive at Paro Airport. Take in the fresh mountain air as you disembark and set foot in this beautiful Himalayan kingdom. You'll spend your first night in Bhutan in the charming town of Paro. Rest and rejuvenate at your accommodation, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Paro Valley.Overnight in hotel. [-/L/D] Day Day 2:: Paro to Thimphu — Your second day in Bhutan takes you on a journey from Paro to the capital city, Thimphu. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Paro to Thimphu, the vibrant capital of Bhutan. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and the journey through the Himalayan terrain. After breakfast, we will go sightseeing in Thimphu.National Library: Begin your exploration of Thimphu with a visit to the National Library, home to a priceless collection of Buddhist manuscripts. Dive into the rich literary heritage of Bhutan.National Folk Heritage Museum: Next, head to the National Folk Heritage Museum, where you can gain insights into the typical Bhutanese lifestyle. This museum showcases the culture, traditions, and daily life of the Bhutanese people.BBS Tower: Drive to the BBS Tower, which offers a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley. Take in the stunning vistas and capture memorable photographs of the capital. In the afternoon, explore the Memorial Chorten, a sacred monument dedicated to peace and spirituality. Experience the serene ambiance as devotees offer prayers and walk around the chorten. Continue your tour with a visit to Trashichhodzong, an impressive fortress and the seat of Bhutan's government and religion. Check-in at your hotel in Thimphu, where you'll be staying for the night.Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 3:: Thimphu to Punakha — On your third day in Bhutan, you'll embark on a scenic journey from Thimphu to Punakha, with stops at key attractions along the way. Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast at your hotel in Thimphu. Embark on a picturesque drive from Thimphu to Dochula Pass, located at an elevation of 3,080 meters. This pass offers one of the most enchanting views in Bhutan. Take a short stop at Dochula Pass to fully appreciate the mesmerizing scenery. Capture the beauty of the Bhutanese Himalayas and enjoy the refreshing mountain air. Continue your journey and visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of the divine Madman Lama Drukpa Kuenley. This temple is famous for its unique role in helping couples who cannot have children. Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress located at the confluence of two rivers, the Pho Chu and the Mo Chu. Punakha Dzong is not only architecturally significant but also has historical and cultural importance in Bhutan. Afterward, visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful Bhutanese architectural temple. It took over eight years to complete and was patronized by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. Check-in at your hotel in Punakha, where you'll spend the night.Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 4:: Punakha – Wangduephodrang — Your fourth day in Bhutan continues with a journey through picturesque landscapes and cultural experiences as you travel to Wangdue Phodrang and Gangtey. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Punakha. Embark on a scenic drive from Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang. This drive offers stunning vistas of Bhutan's countryside and allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Upon reaching Wangdue Phodrang, visit the magnificent Wangdue Dzong. This historic fortress is not only architecturally impressive but also holds cultural and historical significance. In the evening, take a stroll around Bajo Town in Wangdue Phodrang. Explore the local shops and markets that offer a variety of products, including local goods and crafts. Later in the evening, continue your drive to Gangtey, where you'll spend the night.Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 5:: Wangduephodrang to Gangtey — Your fifth day in Bhutan promises a journey through pristine landscapes, the exploration of Phobjikha Valley, and a return to Punakha. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Gangtey to Phobjikha Valley. As you pass through Wangdue Phodrang, you'll have the opportunity to soak in the picturesque surroundings and witness the natural beauty of Bhutan. Upon reaching Phobjikha Valley, take some time to explore this enchanting region, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and significance as a habitat for black-necked cranes. After lunch, drive back to Punakha. The journey will take you through thick forests filled with oak and rhododendron trees, allowing you to immerse yourself in Bhutan's lush natural environment. Check-in at your accommodation in Punakha, where you'll spend the night.Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 6:: Punakha to Paro — Start your day by driving back to Paro from Punakha. The drive will take you through scenic Bhutanese landscapes. Upon reaching Paro, have breakfast at your hotel or a local restaurant to energize for the day ahead. Your first stop is Ta Dzong, which serves as the National Museum of Bhutan. It houses a fascinating collection of Bhutanese art, artifacts, and historical relics. After exploring the museum, take a walk down the path to visit Rinpung Dzong. This fortress monastery is an architectural marvel and an important religious and administrative center in Paro. Next, visit Drukgyel Dzong, located a bit outside Paro. This fortress was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders. If you're up for an adventure and have the energy, you can embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery, often referred to as the Tiger's Nest. It's one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks, perched precariously on the edge of a cliff. After your hike (or if you choose not to hike), visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. This experience will provide you with insights into the local way of life, culture, and traditions of the Bhutanese people. In the evening, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built in the 7th century and holds great religious significance. Then return to your hotel in Paro for an overnight stay. Rest and relax, reflecting on the day's cultural and historical experiences.Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 7:: Departure — In the morning after breakfast, we will transfer you to Paro Airport for your onward journey.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Paro — Your Bhutanese adventure begins with an awe-inspiring flight to Paro. Your journey kicks off with a truly magnificent experience as you board a flight to Paro. This mountain flight offers breathtaking views of some of the world's highest peaks. The flight takes you over the stunning landscapes of the Bhutanese Himalayas. You'll witness the lush green hill walls that serve as the gateway to Bhutan, rising continuously above the forested slopes of the mountains. After this remarkable flight, you'll arrive at Paro Airport. Take in the fresh mountain air as you disembark and set foot in this beautiful Himalayan kingdom. You'll spend your first night in Bhutan in the charming town of Paro. Rest and rejuvenate at your accommodation, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Paro Valley.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu — Your second day in Bhutan takes you on a journey from Paro to the capital city, Thimphu. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Paro to Thimphu, the vibrant capital of Bhutan. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and the journey through the Himalayan terrain. After breakfast, we will go sightseeing in Thimphu.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha — On your third day in Bhutan, you'll embark on a scenic journey from Thimphu to Punakha, with stops at key attractions along the way. Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast at your hotel in Thimphu. Embark on a picturesque drive from Thimphu to Dochula Pass, located at an elevation of 3,080 meters. This pass offers one of the most enchanting views in Bhutan. Take a short stop at Dochula Pass to fully appreciate the mesmerizing scenery. Capture the beauty of the Bhutanese Himalayas and enjoy the refreshing mountain air. Continue your journey and visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of the divine Madman Lama Drukpa Kuenley. This temple is famous for its unique role in helping couples who cannot have children.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 4: Punakha – Wangduephodrang — Your fourth day in Bhutan continues with a journey through picturesque landscapes and cultural experiences as you travel to Wangdue Phodrang and Gangtey. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Punakha. Embark on a scenic drive from Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang. This drive offers stunning vistas of Bhutan's countryside and allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Upon reaching Wangdue Phodrang, visit the magnificent Wangdue Dzong. This historic fortress is not only architecturally impressive but also holds cultural and historical significance.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 5: Wangduephodrang to Gangtey — Your fifth day in Bhutan promises a journey through pristine landscapes, the exploration of Phobjikha Valley, and a return to Punakha. After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Gangtey to Phobjikha Valley. As you pass through Wangdue Phodrang, you'll have the opportunity to soak in the picturesque surroundings and witness the natural beauty of Bhutan. Upon reaching Phobjikha Valley, take some time to explore this enchanting region, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and significance as a habitat for black-necked cranes. After lunch, drive back to Punakha. The journey will take you through thick forests filled with oak and rhododendron trees, allowing you to immerse yourself in Bhutan's lush natural environment. Check-in at your accommodation in Punakha, where you'll spend the night.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 6: Punakha to Paro — Start your day by driving back to Paro from Punakha. The drive will take you through scenic Bhutanese landscapes. Upon reaching Paro, have breakfast at your hotel or a local restaurant to energize for the day ahead. Your first stop is Ta Dzong, which serves as the National Museum of Bhutan. It houses a fascinating collection of Bhutanese art, artifacts, and historical relics. After exploring the museum, take a walk down the path to visit Rinpung Dzong. This fortress monastery is an architectural marvel and an important religious and administrative center in Paro. Next, visit Drukgyel Dzong, located a bit outside Paro. This fortress was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders. If you're up for an adventure and have the energy, you can embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery, often referred to as the Tiger's Nest. It's one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks, perched precariously on the edge of a cliff. After your hike (or if you choose not to hike), visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. This experience will provide you with insights into the local way of life, culture, and traditions of the Bhutanese people. In the evening, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built in the 7th century and holds great religious significance. Then return to your hotel in Paro for an overnight stay. Rest and relax, reflecting on the day's cultural and historical experiences.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 7: Departure — In the morning after breakfast, we will transfer you to Paro Airport for your onward journey.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
What's included in your experience
Included
- Double room on a sharing basis in government approved 3-star hotels
- Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
- English-speaking and knowledgeable guide
- Comfortable SUV and a reliable driver
- Museum entrance fees
- Visa fee and processing charges
- Tourism Development Fund
- Government taxes
- All administrative cost
- Full service & and assistance before, during, and after your Bhutan trip.
Not included
- Airfare to and from Bhutan (we can arrange tickets for you if you wish)
- Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels
- Travel or health insurance
- Wire transfer
- Laundry
- Gratuity/Tip for guides and drivers
Essential trip information
Before you go
Note: All information in this itinerary is accurate to the best of our knowledge but please note that changes to our trips can and do occur. This may be due to our effort to improve our program or logistical reasons such as changes in flight schedules, traffic conditions, weather conditions, or government policies. Journey DMC will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the published itinerary.
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
Paro
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