Bhutan Backpacking tour 7 days 6 nights
Bhutan
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- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
All About It
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- For 10+ years
Bhutan, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, is a country renowned for its unique approach to measuring prosperity and progress. One of the most distinctive aspects of the Bhutanese experience is the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which prioritizes the well-being and contentment of its citizens over purely economic indicators. This holistic approach considers spiritual, physical, and mental well-being, as well as cultural and environmental preservation.
Bhutan's stunning natural beauty further enriches the visitor's experience. Towering peaks, lush forests, and pristine rivers provide a backdrop for a range of outdoor activities, from trekking through ancient forests to river rafting in crystal-clear waters. The nation's rich cultural heritage is palpable in its ancient monasteries, dzongs (fortresses), and vibrant festivals. The warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese people add an extra layer of charm to the experience, as they welcome visitors with open hearts.
Exploring Bhutan also offers a glimpse into a society that has managed to strike a delicate balance between tradition and modernity. While respecting age-old customs and traditions, Bhutan has also embraced elements of the contemporary world, allowing for a unique blend of old and new. Additionally, Bhutan's commitment to environmental conservation is evident in its lush, unspoiled landscapes and stringent policies to protect its biodiversity.
Highlights
- Tiger's Nest Monastery iconic monastery that clings to a cliffside near Paro. It's a challenging hike, but the view and the spiritual significance make it well worth the effort.
Punakha Dzong Located at the confluence of two rivers, this fortress monastery is one of the most beautiful and important in Bhutan. The architecture and setting are truly breathtaking.
- Thimphu is the capital city that offers a blend of tradition and modernity. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma Statue, and the Royal Palace.
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Arrive at Paro International Airport from Calcutta or Delhi. Paro is
situated in a beautiful valley at 2280 metres and is a fitting introduction
to this charming kingdom. Your guide will meet you and take you on a
short one-hour drive along the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to
Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, is at 2320 metres. Take a late afternoon walk
around town and soak in the atmosphere of this magical capital with its
busy shops and bazaars and photogenic citizens in national dress. You
could visit Tashichho Dzong, built in 1641, which housed the original
National Assembly and is now home to Government offices, the throne
room and offices of the King.
Overnight in Thimphu
Paro valley
Tashichho Dzong
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Breakfast
Thimphu sightseeing. Start your day by visiting Thangthong Dewachen
Nunnery, popularly known as Zilukha Nunnery, located in Zilukha just
above Tashichho Dzong. You will have the opportunity to witness what a
Bhutanese nunnery looks like their daily life at the Nunnery. You can
sit with the Nuns and join them during their prayers. [If you wish, you
could offer tea and snacks to the nuns – with some donations]. Then you
can visit the School of Traditional Arts to watch students at work and to
get an introduction to the 13 traditional arts, including painting,
embroidery, woodcarving, mask-making and statue-making. You can also
visit the Takin Reserve which showcases the unique national animal, the Takin.
You may browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National
Textile Museum or the weekly market. In the afternoon, you can visit
the huge statue of Buddha Dordenma, which commands a tremendous
view of Thimphu Valley. The huge 3-storey throne holds several chapels
and the body itself is filled with 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha. You
may also like to visit the newly opened postal museum, detailing the
history of Bhutan’s postal system and showcases Bhutan’s rich
assortment of interesting stamps. If you would like to view or buy
Bhutanese handicrafts you may like to visit the new market opposite the Taj
Tashi Hotel has an array of stalls run by local handicraft shops
selling purely homemade articles with no imports.
Overnight in Thimphu
Thangthong Dewachen Dupthop Nunnery
School of Traditional Arts
Buddha Dordenma
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Breakfast
Thimphu to Punakha. In the morning drive approximately 3 hours to the
old capital, Punakha, via Dochu La pass at 3050 metres, where we will
stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the
Eastern Himalaya ranges. You will notice the change of climate and
vegetation as we approach low-lying Punakha at 1250 metres. Take a
pleasant walk for an hour or so across the terraced fields of Sopsokha
village to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by
the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). Here, you can visit a
Farmhouse for lunch or tea, to taste the red rice and local cuisine and to
experience the traditional Bhutanese way of life. Then we will visit the
imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built-in 1637, it
is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the
Mo Chu.
Overnight in Punakha
Eastern Himalaya ranges
The Punakha Dzong
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Breakfast
Drive approximately 3 hours to Gangtey at 2900 metres. Enjoy the
views of the immense and remote Phobjikha Valley and the black
mountain ranges. Visit Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest
monasteries and recently extensively renovated) and explore the valley
where the villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle.
This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in their hundreds in
November each year after spending the summer in Tibet. Late afternoon
drive back to Punakha and relax in the hotel.
Overnight in Punakha
Phobjikha Valley
Gangtey Gompa
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Breakfast
Today we return to Paro, a drive of approximately 4 hours. In the
afternoon visit the National Museum located in the Ta Dzong (watch
tower) which was built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong to defend
Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war, in an unusual
circular construction resembling a conch shell. The Ta Dzong houses a
magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts – costumes, religious
paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps.
From here it is a short drive to see the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong,
one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. Late afternoon,
stroll around Paro town.
Overnight in Paro
National Museum
Paro Rinpung Dzong
Private Vehicle
Hotel
Breakfast
Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger's Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery
which clings to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor. Guru
Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He
subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s
most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from
neighbouring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang
cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.
Overnight in Paro
Tiger's Nest
Private Vehicle
Breakfast
Early in the morning, your guide will accompany you to the airport to see
you off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good
luck).
Hosted by
Backpackers United
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
Backpackers United is the leading and fastest-growing Travel Community, founded in 2017, that offers exceptional travel experiences in India. Our team of young, dynamic, and passionate travelers is committed to exploring the great outdoors through sustainable nature trails. We believe in providing a unique travel experience that takes our fellow travelers off the beaten path to discover the hidden gems of nature. We offer a diverse range of travel services, including treks to unexplored places in both North and South India, Cycling Tours, Holiday Packages, Sightseeing, Backpacking Trips, Corporate treks, Team Outings, Personality Development through adventure activities, experiential learning trips specially curated for school and college students, a variety of Adventure activity packages, and much more. Our experienced travel planning team curates each itinerary to ensure every penny is worth the experience. At Backpackers United, we have executed over 2K trips for more than 20,000 enthusiastic travelers, and our weekend treks and trips from Bengaluru are the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. We offer customizable travel packages that cater to specific needs and requirements, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience. Our commitment to sustainable tourism and responsible travel ensures that we leave a positive impact on the communities we visit. We encourage travelers to explore the great outdoors in a way that respects and preserves nature, and we promote eco-friendly practices in all our trips and treks. Join our community of adventure seekers, and experience the thrill of exploring nature in a unique and sustainable way. Book your next adventure with Backpackers United and make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
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