Enjoy 8 days Bhutan tour from Kathmandu. Explore Bhutan with Paro Tour, Thimpu Tour, Punakha Dzong visit, Wangdi, Takshang Monastery Hike and Gangtey Tour. This 8 days tour itinerary provide excellent opportunity to witness colorful Culture and rituals at monastery in Paro, see lifestyle of Bhutanese people at capital city – Thimpu. Excursion to Punakaha Dzong gives insight knowledge of Old Capital. Further Gangtey and Phobjika valley offers rare opportunity to see Black Necked Crane.
Bhutan is also known as “The Land of Thunder Dragon” is ultimate Himalayan Shangri-la. The tiny Kingdom of Bhutan shares with Nepal the world’s greatest concentration of mountains and living heritage of Buddhism. While undertaking Bhutan Tour from Kathmandu, you will take flight to Paro from Kathmandu which can be truly be described as a flight into fantasy. During the flight, a firsthand close up view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other famous peaks of the Himalaya range become a reality.
Paro is home for oldest Buddhist monastery in Bhutan. This valley is dotted with many century old heritage places where every year Bhutanese people celebrate Paro Tsechu with Mask dance. Paro is also one of the most fertile valley in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Commence hike to Takshang monastery located on hill ridge. Takshang monastery is also known as “Tiger Nest” and most holiest Buddhist pilgrimage site inside Bhutan.
Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. Taschichodong is the administrative center of Bhutan. Being capital of modern Bhutan, Thimphu tour offer insight knowledge on Bhutanese culture, history, traditions and lifestyle.
Punakha is dominated by the beautiful Punakha Dzong and is formal capital of ancient Bhutan. The way from Thimpu to Punakha provide excellent view of Himalayan range from Dochula pass (3,050 meters).
Located in the south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. Further you can also enjoy excursion to Gantey and Phobjika valley which is home to rare Black Necked Crane.
We offer offer best deals on Bhutan Tour from Kathmandu inclusive of Bhutan visa and necessary arrangements of hotel, guide and sightseeing tours on private basis.
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Arrive by Druk Air. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountain and landscape. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by our representative. Rest of the day is free to explore Paro town.
Overnight at Kichu Resort or similar in Paro
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing tour
Morning, visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town.
Overnight at Kichu Resort or similar in Paro
Day 03: Drive Thimpu & sightseeing tours
Morning, drive to Thimphu (1 & 1/2hrs). Upon arrival check into Hotel.
Later visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market.
Overnight at Hotel River View or similar Thimpu
Day 04: Thimpu sightseeing & Drive to Punakha
Morning, visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers.
Afternoon, drive to Punakha. In Punakha visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans.
Overnight at Hotel Zangto Pelri or similar in Punakha
Day 05: Drive to Wangdi & excursion to Gangtey valley
Morning, drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of Lobesa.
Continue with excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley and return to the Resort.
Overnight at Wangdi Kichu Resort or similar in Wangdi
Day 06: Drive to Paro
Morning, drive 4/5hrs to Paro via visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university.
Overnight at Kichu Resort or similar in Paro
Day 07: Takshang Hike
Morning, hike to Takshang monastery also known as “Tiger Nest”. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 3/4 hours through pine forests (total walk 4/5hrs). The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the paro valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. On return visit Kichu Lakhang.
Overnight at Kichu Resort or similar in Paro
Day 08: Departure transfer
Transfer to Paro airport in time to board outbound flight.
7 nights/8 days Bhutan tour as per the above itinerary using hotel mentioned above or similar category (3-star equv.) with all meals
Necessary airport transfers at Paro airport with assistance
Sightseeing tours as per the itinerary using private vehicle
An English speaking Bhutanese guide for sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
Bhutan Visa fee as currently applicable
Monument entrance fees as applicable
Bhutanese Government Royalty fee as applicable
Not Available.
Altitude mountain sickness can affect everyone while trekking including young and healthy people and is a genuine concern in the Khumbu region. If you feel dizzy, suffer palpitations or severe headaches, return immediately to a lower altitude. Do not take altitude sickness lightly. It can be fatal! When trekking, its vital to realize that you must always hike at a pace that is convenient to your body…& not to anyone else’s, make sure you feel comfortable when trekking and listen to your body…always. These are the questions we are often asked and we hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.
You can get hot shower services throughout the trip. However, the higher you climb the less pleasant it will be. It’s better to be on the safe side of things.
You will only have to carry a daypack, which should be a reasonable size to carry a water bottle, sunscreen, camera,Stick etc. Your other packs are carried by porters. Again we stress on the wisdom of always �travel light�.
Most of the tea houses have electricity facilities during the trekking period. You can charge your electronic devices on the trail.
You can keep your luggage and valuable items in a locker at the hotel in Kathmandu for free of charge.
The weight limit for the trek is 15 kg per guest, as it is the maximum weight that the porters can carry. It is also important to note that "hard" luggage poses a problem: soft "duffel-bags" are recommended which we provide. The lighter you are the better for the trails.
You can get your money exchanged at your hotel or we will recommend you the better place where you can get good exchanging rates. So once you are here in Kathmandu, visit us for further information.
Obtaining a Nepalese visa on arrival is easier except that you may have to spend some precious time queuing. If you get your visa in advance, you can avoid the queue. Also, don’t forget to bring cash as ATMs are not available at the airport. Note: If you are staying for more than 15 days, don’t forget to arrange a visa for 30 days.
Our airport representative and a vehicle will be waiting you at the arrival gate of the airport; in his hand will be a plaque board holding your name clearly written on the board or paper. You can’t lose us.
We accommodate trekking groups in local lodges available on the trail. As it is not possible to book the rooms days in advance, we send a porter few hours ahead of the group each day to book the rooms.
Yes, you can definitely change the lodge if you feel it is not in order by talking it over with your guide, provided there are other lodges with good rooms in the vicinity.
Yes, we do. If you prefer to travel independently, or with your friends, families and colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at a timeframe suiting your convenience. The number could range from a group of people that could be minimum 1 and maximum 100 at a time. Costs for private trips can be fixed on the basis of group size, trek area; duration and trek style, and is negotiable. We also arrange Trek for single women if required. However, if none of our fixed group departure dates work for you and you do not have anyone to accompany you; you can still be able to make your preferred trip with us. There is absolutely nothing to worry about if you wish to do a solo trip. We can assign a local professional guide, porters etc whom you could trust with your life.
Depending on any given situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of your trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into some of the most remote regions on earth, where any unforeseen events may compel you to go for a change in your itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary.
In the event of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we surely believe will not happen; you will be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in the event of your having to be evacuated; please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or u must be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu. Ask your guide to arrange a runner to the nearest communication point and inform our office about the requirements of a helicopter. While asking for the helicopter, please send a name of the sick person and always give the exact location from where the helicopter can airlift you. Our guides will help you on this; do not leave your stationed point even if you are getting better once you have called in the helicopter.
Security of our clients is of foremost & vital importance for us. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. Our guides hold licenses issued by the Government of Nepal. They are very honest and reliable. But we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on 'camping treks' please do not leave your bags unattended at any time for your own safety. Take your main bag inside the tent once you reach campsite. At night, put all bags and belongings in the middle of the tent. Your guide assigns a Sherpa on turn wise basis to guard the campsite throughout the night. If you are on a 'Tea house or GAP trek' arrangement, you will be sleeping in a local tea house. You have to take sensible precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out. Prevention is always the best kind of cure.
The safety and well-being of our clients is our first priority. Acknowledging that there are inherent risks in all travel that can never be totally eliminated, we endeavor to minimize any risks or dangers that have the potential to lead to any more than reasonable level of physical or emotional distress for our clients, staff and partners. We aim to do this by:
Ensuring the chosen itinerary is appropriate for your group.
Seeking medical assurance from you that medical advisor prior to trekking departure to ensure all travelers are suitable for the challenge ahead.
Ensuring that our guides are all first aid trained, carries a comprehensive first-aid kit and are fully competent in handling emergency evacuation procedures.
Ensuring that our guides carry mobile or satellite phones: Mobile or satellite phone communication is available on most trekking routes which provide direct access to our company.
Providing a doctor to escort all school trekking groups and on request for charity challenges. Insisting that a complete risk assessment be provided prior travel and trek.
Requiring each client to complete and sign our risk assessment form prior to departure for a trek. Insisting that travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers and trekkers. Insurance documentation to be provided prior to any trek.
Weather in the Himalayas is difficult to predict: expect the unexpected. Nights are generally much cooler than the day. In winter (December to February) nights can be cold when the sun is out while days are beautiful and warm. Snow can fall at any time of the year. Temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C above 5000m. It is important to stay warm and dry in any conditions – so carry sufficient gear in your pack each day.
You can enter into Nepal both by land and flight. Several Airlines have direct flights to Kathmandu from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Doha, Osaka, Shanghai, Moscow, Bangkok, Singapore, Hongkong, Karachi, Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Paro, Dhaka, Lhasa and Varanasi.
In City like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot we do provide star hotel as per your request and during the trekking, we will provide tea house accommodation. A Tea House is the combination of guest house, restaurant, and social hang out. Private rooms are available in most Tea Houses, except for high altitudes ones where it will be just dormitories. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets can be either squat type or the western version. Most of the Tea Houses have running water facility. Many of them have hot water available for bathing at additional cost. Solar heaters depend on day’s weather. But we discourage our groups from using water heated by wood, as lack of firewood in most villages is a big environmental concern in Nepal. It is advisable to carry wet wipes as an alternative
There is a large dining room-cum-lounge, warmed by stove (an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lighted). There is normally no electric lighting in the rooms unless the village has hydroelectric power. The dining room usually has solar lighting. Most tea houses now also have electricity for charging small appliances - mobile phones and cameras - and there may be a small charge for this.
During a Tea House trek you will usually have breakfast and dinner in the Tea House; lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants. Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes and soup. Some have Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta and French fries. Soft drinks, snacks and beer are available in most of the Tea Houses and trail side restaurants. And of course Nepali milk tea is served everywhere.
All tea houses have boiled water for trekkers. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem.
Trek Name: Bhutan Heart of the Dragon – 8 Days
Trek Days: 8 Days
Total Price: $999 USD P/P
Trek Season: All the Seasons
Trek Package: Budget/Standard/Deluxe
Mode of Transfer: Bus/Car/Flight
Start/End of Trek: Kathmandu to Bhutan
Group Size: 2 - 6 Persons
Trek Altitude: Trek Altitude
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Accomodation Tea House
Culture Bhutanese