(9 Days and 8 Nights) West, Central and south Bhutan Expedition.
Duration
Tour Type
Overview
The 9-day West, Central, and South Bhutan Expedition offers a captivating journey through Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Highlights include biking through Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, and Bumthang valleys, visiting historic sites like Trongsa Dzong and Tiger's Nest Monastery, and exploring rural villages. The tour features a thrilling mix of mountain passes, dense forests, and traditional farmhouses, with chances to witness wildlife and take in the beauty of the Himalayas. The expedition ends with a hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery before a final departure from Paro.
Tour Plan
Day 01 Paro - Thimphu:Altitude-2300m/1 hour drive:
During the journey by Druk Air ( Bhutan’s National Airline), one will experience spectacular view of Mt. Everest (of Nepal) and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the revered Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake of Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Indostan Viajes Tours. Drive to Thimph.The distance of about 65kms from Paro airport takes more than 1 hour. Drive south following Pachu River to the river confluence at Chuzom, which is also the hub of road network going to Paro, Ha, Thimphu and Phuntsholing. From Chuzom, the drive takes about less than 1 hour, staying close to the Wangchu River in the valley floor, as you pass through villages and suburbs to the capital, Thimphu. En-route, you can stop to view Tachogang temple.
Thimphu (2,300m): was a wooded farming valley until 1961, when it became Bhutan's official national capital. The massive Tashicho Dzong, about 700 years old, was carefully revamped in the 1960s by the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk to house the royal and main government offices. Even today, it still only has a few streets and no traffic lights with estimated population of 150,000 people. On arrival check in hotel and takes a short rest. Later, after lunch visit: Memorial Chorten: This landmark of Thimphu was built in 1974 in the memory of third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. It is a four-storey tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings and serves as an important place of worship for Thimphu residents, as well as from other parts of the country. Visit Buddha point to take beautiful shot of Buddha and the valley. The big statue of sitting Buddha is located on the hill of Thimphu valley. The statue is made of bronze and the high of the statue is 169ft (51.5m).Before you return back to hotel.Before you return to hotel. Make a short walk in Thimphu city. Before you check in to the hotel. Check your bike. Overnight in hotel.
Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangduephodrang-Altitude 1250 m/75km/3 hours’ drive.
In the morning you will receive your bike and get to know adventure teams.The ride from Thimphu (75Kms) takes about 2 hours. The road climbs from Thimphu to Dochula Pass (3050m) and descends through ever changing forests into semi-tropical valley of Punakha at around 1250m En-route stop at dochula Pass (3050m) where you can view the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan’s highest mountain, Gangkhar Punsum (7550m). Visit Punakha or Pungthang Dechen Phodrang "Palace of Great Happiness” is located on the confluence of two rivers, the Pho and Mochu. It was built in 1637 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal and following the ancient traditions, it serves as winter residence for chief abbot (Je-khenpo) and the monks of Central Monastic Body, who return to Thimphu in the summer.
Punakha and Wangdue, although two separate districts, are located in one valley (20km or ½ hr drive apart).Make a short ride to parking and visit Chime Lhakhang: a monastery and fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as “the divine madman” and considered a folk hero in Bhutan for his unconventional ways. Drukpa Kuenley originally built a chorten on the site in the 14th century, on which a temple was later built in 15th century. The temple, flanked by nearly 100 tall prayer flags, sits atop a picturesque hill. It has long been a pilgrimage site for childless couples. This easy walk takes about ½ hour each way. Overnight in hotel.
Day 03: Punakha to Phobjikha: Altitude 2700m/70km/3 hours’ drive:
Ride to Phobjikha via Wangdue valley. From Wangdue, the road gradually winds up about 2 to 3 hours, almost till Pele La Pass (which divides central from western Bhutan) crosses the Black Mountain. Before reaching to pass the road diverges and we take the road least traveled by. This eventually leads into the beautiful hidden Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is part of conservation area with in Black Mountain National Park. It is the winter home of migratory Black Necked Crane. Gangtey is the name of the Monastery that sits on top of a conical hill in the middle of the valley. It is also one of the oldest and largest monasteries in western parts of Bhutan.Ride further south of the valley and make a visit to the Nunnery. On the ways make a visit to farm house to see the people living in rural village. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04: Phobjikha to Bumthang via Trongsa: Altitude 2700m/138km/5 to 6 hours’ drive.
After breakfast ride to Bumthang. Stop on the pass to take beautiful pictures. Continued ride down the valley, on the way stop to visit chendbji chorten(stupa).Lunch will be serve at Trongsa.After lunch visit Trongsa Dzong.The Dzong was built by Chhogyel Mingur Tenpa in 1644, administrator sent by the Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel to unify eastern Bhutan. The Dzong seems to be a good watch tower to safeguard the eastern Bhutan. After visiting continue drive to Bumthang valley, Bhutan’s religious and spiritual heartland, stopping on the way to visit a yathra (textile weaving) factory. Ride to red panda brewery to try local red panda beer. Overnight in hotel.
Day 05: Bumthang to Trongsa: Altitude 2200m/68km/2hrs.
Ride via URA Chumy by pass road. Valley. After breakfast ride to Jamba Lhakhang: Jamba lhakhang (temple) is one of the oldest temples in Bumthang valley date back to 7th century. This temple is one out of 108 temples, built buy the Tibetan king Songtsen Gembo.He was responsible to built 108 temples in one day to subdue the demonds.In central figure we can see the statue of Jampa (Future) Buddha. Visit to Kurje Lhakhang (where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. This temple is very holey in Bhutan.
Tamzing Lhakhang: Tamshing lhakhang built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa (the religious treasure discoverer). After lunch ride to URA valley one of four valley’s in Bumthang. Make a ride around URA village. Continue ride to Trongsa via by pass road. Overnight in hotel.
Day 06: Trongsa to Gelephu via Zhemgang/Tingtebi. Altitude 300m/200km/7 to 8 hours drive.
The ride goes to southern part of Bhutan border to india. The ride will be more downhill’s crossing beautiful village of Kuenga Rabten. The winter home for the Royal family’s in olden day. Continue driving through winding road through the paddy fields. Soon you will reach dense jungles. There are chances to spot various birds, monkeys or other wildlife. Reach to the small sleepy town of Tingtibi. After having lunch in Tingtibi in local restaurant continue ride further downhill to border. Overnight in hotel.
Day 07: Gelephu to Paro: Altitude 2200m/290km/7 to 8 hours ride.
After early breakfast ride to paro. The ride will be pretty long.From Gelephu the road will follow border to indian. After short ridding, the road will start assending to the mountains. The ride will be going through the dense forest which are home for the many birds species. You will reach to small town of Damphu. Continue your ride through the Sunkosh River. On the way you will see the local villagers selling local organic product such as varieties of chilies pickles, fruits honey and vegetables. Ride further north of the valley to Wangdue ridding through the first road tunnel built in Bhutan. From Wangdue you will start ridding on familiar road to Thimphu crossing the Dochu la pass. Descend to the Thimphu valley and continue ride to Paro. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 08: Paro: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery also known as Taktsang. Then visit typical Bhutanese Farm House to take hot stone bath.
After breakfast short ride to Tigers Nest monastery base. You will park the bikes and hike up to the monastery. The Taktsang monastery is located on the face of a 1,000m seemingly impossible sheer, vertical cliff, above Paro valley.
The trail begins near the Satsam (2650m) and climbs steeply uphill to the Cafeteria (2,940m), an area of exposed ridge with panoramic view of Takstang. This takes little more than an hour. (Ponies are provided on request to ride up till this Cafeteria, but rest of way, including return downhill must be on foot.) You can get a good view from the Cafeteria or hike further uphill for another hour or so to the temple itself. There are several other temples and sites within the vicinity. Lunch is served at the tea house. The return trek to the road head is quite steep downhill, where you will be reach back to the bike parking. Ride to Drugyel Dzong. If you are interested visit farm house to take a hot stone bath. Ride back to the hotel and handover your bikes and bit farewell to your adventure companion. Overnight in hotel.
Day 9: Departure:
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your departure
Tour Map
Included/Excluded
- 3*hotel twin sharing
- 3 meals(Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)
- English speaking guide
- SDF
- Visa fees
- Transportation with driver
- Entrance fees
- International flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Payment transfer fees
- Tips to service provider
- and any other cost which is not included in given cost
- Additional cost for 4* hotel and above
Frequently asked questions
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.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
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.
1 Comment
I had a great time in Bhutan! I really recommend a visit to this country if you want to have a great and different experience. I exclusively recommend Indostan Viajes Tours that provided me with this satisfying opportunity. The tour guide was brilliant and I was exposed to the original Bhutan.
Regards,
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