Premium Bhutan

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
9 Days
From AUD $7395
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(18 reviews)

Premium Bhutan

Premium Bhutan

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover a land of mysticism and proud tradition on this nine-day Premium adventure through the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.

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, with views of the glorious surrounding valley, swimming pool and spa and wellness centre.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Paro - Thimphu, Bhutan

Finishes

Paro, Bhutan

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Paro - Thimphu
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 (2400 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
  • Thimphu - Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

  • Terma Linca Resort & Spa or similar (Feature Stay) (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Thimphu
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 - Takin Conservation Park
  • Thimphu - Voluntary Artists School
  • Thimphu - Buddha Dordenma
  • Thimphu - Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum

Accommodation:

  • Terma Linca Resort & Spa or similar (Feature Stay) (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Phobjikha
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. Then, 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 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:

  • Dochula Pass - Druk Wangyal Chortens
  • Thimphu - Simtokha Dzong
  • Thimhpu - Desho Paper Factory
  • Phobjikha - Gangtoe Goemba

Accommodation:

  • Dewachen Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Phobjikha
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 - Valley hiking
  • Phobjikha - Black Necked Crane Information Center

Accommodation:

  • Dewachen Hotel or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Punakha
This morning journey 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

Accommodation:

  • Lobesha Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Punakha
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 - Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
  • Punakha - Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
  • Punakha - Punakha Dzong

Accommodation:

  • Lobesha Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Paro
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 or Similar (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Paro
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 or Similar (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Paro
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
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $7,395
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Discover a land of mysticism and proud tradition on this nine-day Premium adventure through the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 Mar 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Janine
Traveled, March 2024

03/26/2024

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.

4.5
Ling Khang
Traveled, November 2023

11/30/2023

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.

Tour Operator

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