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
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
Premium Bhutan
9 Days
From AUD $7495
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.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (7), Dinner (8)
Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights), Paro Feature Stay (2 nights)

Highlights

  • Look out over the Phobjikha Valley from your deluxe tent at your Feature Stay. Decorated in traditional Bhutanese style, this elevated tent resort is fitted with modern amenities so that you can sleep surrounded by nature, in comfort.
  • 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 Phobjikha Valley during a visit to a protection and information centre for black-necked cranes – an Exclusive Experience.
  • Climb to the teetering monastery of Paro Taktsang (the Tiger's Nest) 900 m above the Paro Valley floor and take in once-in-a-lifetime views.
  • Be part of a special prayer flag blessing ceremony led by the monks at Gangtey Goemba Monastery. You’ll keep one of the flags to display at home as a symbol of peace and good fortune.
Premium Bhutan

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Guide Language

English

Starts

Thimphu, Bhutan

Finishes

Paro, Bhutan

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Thimphu
Jen Pa Leg Sho! Welcome to Bhutan. When you arrive at Paro Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to Thimphu (2400 m) – Bhutan’s capital city. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After the meeting, 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. Later, join your group and leader for a welcome dinner at a restaurant that’s popular with the locals. Learn about the rich history of Bhutanese cuisine as you tuck into a traditional feast of seasonal vegetables and ema datshi, 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 (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Thimphu
After breakfast, you’ll explore Thimphu. Stop 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 (hoofed mammals resembling goats and antelopes) – 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 Studio in Thimphu – an institution where young people receive formal education in the arts 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 (Buddha Point)
  • Thimphu - Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum

Accommodation:

  • Terma Linca Resort & Spa or similar (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 fortified monastery of Simtokha Dzong, then follow the winding Dochula Pass (3100 m), marked by more than 100 chortens built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers. Continue through lush forests on 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. This afternoon, visit Gangtey Goemba – a monastery with magnificent views of the valley. Your guide will provide a local perspective on Buddhism and happiness – the two most important pillars of Bhutanese culture. Here, you’ll take part in an Exclusive Experience – a prayer flag blessing ceremony. In Bhutan, prayer flags are an important symbol of the Buddhist faith. During this special ceremony, the monks of Gangtey Goemba will bless two flags for each traveller – one will be placed near the monastery and you’ll take the other one home as a keepsake symbolising good fortune, peace and prosperity. Spend the next two nights at Gangtey Tent Resort – your Feature Stay. Your deluxe tent offers views of the Phobjikha Valley and is decorated in traditional Bhutanese style.

Included Activities:

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

Accommodation:

  • Gangtey Tented Resort (Feature Stay) 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 Phobjikha 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. Learn about 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 hike around the valley and learn about the flora and fauna that call this region home.

Included Activities:

  • Phobjikha - Valley hiking
  • Phobjikha - Black Necked Crane Information Center

Accommodation:

  • Gangtey Tented Resort (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Punakha
Journey to Punakha this morning, stopping at a local village along the way where you’ll take a short walk to 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 Kunley, 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.

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 you'll begin your hike up to a monastery. In this almost sub-tropical valley, you’ll head out on a hike over a suspension bridge that crosses the Mo Chhu River and passes through paddy fields before following a moderately inclined trail to the Khamsum 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 the Je Khenpo – the chief abbot of Bhutan. See the Dzong’s intricately carved woodwork, prayer halls and beautiful religious paintings decorating the 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, you’ll have some free time to wander Paro town. In the afternoon, visit Kaja Throm – a local farmers market where you can browse fresh produce and handicrafts and watch as locals go about their shopping – before having dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

  • Paro - Kaja Throm Market Visit

Accommodation:

  • Terma Linca Paro 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. Otherwise, you can relax at the teahouse and soak in your surroundings. Back in Paro, immerse yourself in traditional Bhutanese culture as you visit a farmhouse for a home-cooked dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

  • Paro - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery hike
  • Paro - Home-cooked dinner

Optional Activities:

  • Paro - Hot Stone Bath (25 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Terma Linca Paro 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 (unless otherwise stated)
  • 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 will do 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.

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 $7,495
(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 18 Jan 2027

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