8-Day Bhutan Sightseeing & Classic Hiking

Tour Style: Tailor-made tour

Tour route: Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Gangtey - Paro

Tour code: ODY-BT-006

Highlights:

Get amazed by the Tiger's Nest sitting on the cliff
Sightsee in Punakha Dzong, Bhutan's most beautiful Dzong
Hike along Gangtey Nature Trail to feel true nature and see traditional village

Any part of this itinerary can be tailor-made to fit your needs, e.g. tour length, activities, destinations, hotels.

Travellers rating: 4.8/5

4.83 of 5 stars

Based on 6 reviews

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Itinerary

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Day 1

Arrival, Paro - Thimphu (By Car, Approx. 1.5 Hrs)

Welcome to Bhutan! Upon arrival, be greeted and transferred to Paro to visit Paro Dzong which was built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. Later, depart to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, which has a population of about 100,000 and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Upon arrival, check in to hotel and have some free time.
Note: Driving time in the program is approximate, subject to the traffic, weather and road conditions.
Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2

Thimphu - Tango, Hiking & Cheri Monastery

After breakfast, have a 45-minute drive towards the north of Thimphu valley and hike to Tango Monastery, which dates back to 16th century and now the national institute for higher studies of meditation and Buddhist Philosophy. After that, have a picnic lunch and continue your hiking to Cheri Monastery.
Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3

Thimphu - Punakha, Sightseeing & Hiking

On your way to Punakha, stop at Dochula Pass to have a coffee break and admire the grand 108 stupas. If in good weather, take in the enchanting views of Mt. Himalaya. You can also do a Dochula Natural trail hike (1.5 hours). Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, the beautiful Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, serving as the religious and administrative center of Bhutan until the mid 1950s.
Overnight: Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4

Punakha - Gangtey, Punakha Sightseeing & Hiking

Head for a suspension bridge and start hiking up to Khamsum Yuelley Chorten, passing by nice rice terraces and pine forests en route. When reaching the stupa atop, take in the superb views. Later, drive to Lobyesa and continue another 20 minutes' hiking to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and now a sacred place where women pray for children. After that, drive to Gangtey.
Overnight: Gangtey
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5

Gangtey - Paro, Gangtey Hiking

This morning, drive to visit Gangtey Goempo, which holds the most scared relics of all monasteries in Bhutan and is famed for its amazing design. Later, do a short hiking along the Gangtey Nature Trail (1.5 hrs) down to Khewa Lhakhang. En route visit the Semchubara Village and a square chorten, then drive to Paro.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6

Paro Sightseeing

This morning, hike to visit Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), be amazed by the view of this sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. After that, move to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invaders. If in good weather, you'll see a great distant view of Mt. Chomolhari. Later, visit a local farm house for a close look the life of Bhutanese people, followed by Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7

Paro, Hiking to Kila Goempa

Drive up to the hiking point for an exhilarating hiking to Kila Goempa (Kila Nunnery), around 2 hrs. Later, go through a forest of chir pine trees, fir trees and spruces that offers a chance to overlook the Paro valley and get back to the motorable road for a drive back to Paro.
The evening is at leisure. Enjoy the night of Paro or buy some souvenirs for your friends and family.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8

Paro, Departure (By Druk Air)

Have some leisure time before being transferred to the airport for the flight to your next destination.
Meal: Breakfast

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Reviews about This Tour

This tour rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.

Tes***z July 2017

they offer good tours.. hope to join one of them sooooon. :)

ber***d May 2017

Thanks to Roger from Odyssey, we had a great trip to Bhutan. We met there our guide Kuensang and our driver Karma. This people really gave us a memorable stay in Bhutan: thank you so much again Kuensang and Karma. We were 4 friends from Switzerland. The scenic spot is quite similar to Switzerland, but we had time to meet people and see the Bhutan real life. We went to Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Dochula Pass and Gangte, and of course the hike to the beautiful Tiger's nest. All was superb organized.

Deb***g December 2016

Leila was amazing. I told her what I wanted and she put together an amazing tour. She was prompt and had great suggestions. We are looking forward to our tour in April .

Suz***C June 2015

Our guide--Emma Ma-- was outstanding and helpful. She was very knowledgeable -- 10 years of experience-- and took good care of us while we toured the attractions. A good lunch was provided in a clean restaurant. I highly recommend our guide and Odyssey tours

Leo***r April 2015

A great team and we have had 2 great trips. Their staff are all fantastic and tailor the tours to suit your interests. Wanda has been fantastic and I highly recommend her and Odyssey Tours.

How Private Tour Works

Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stay at competitive rates and with insider bonus of our partnership with international hotel chains and local ones. Most of the options are recommended based on our field inspection to ensure quality. Kindly note that hospitality service in remote area can hardly maintain the same standard as those in the city.

Meals
Meals provided will be clearly outlined in the confirmed itinerary. In most cases, breakfast is served in hotel. To make the trip go smooth, lunch is recommended to be included for set menu or a la carte, local flavor or western style, depending on your liking. Restaurants are selected according to positive feedback with your diet requirements in mind. Dinner is the time when you are free to explore the destination's hidden delights, but we are always happy to give recommendation or offer assistance. In remote area, meals are likely to be arranged in tourist restaurant or a local family due to limited options.

Tour Guide & Transfer
Every tour comes with English-speaking guides (or other languages on request) and private transfer in each city. The licensed, professional tour guides are from local and will be a friendly, knowledgeable company to travel with. When it comes to your personal driver or chauffeur guide, they are experienced and service-minded, all driving well-maintained, air-conditioned vehicles.