7-Nights Signature Bhutan: Thimphu, Gangtey, Paro & More

Bhutan

Goway Travel

Deluxe

Vacation Offer ID 1607223

Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.

From $7,878

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Overview

Goway Travel

Sandwiched between India, China and Nepal, Bhutan is a unique country and was only opened up to the world at large in the 1970’s so some mystery still clings to it. It is approximately the size of Switzerland with a population somewhere between 650,000 and 1.4 million inhabitants. In other words, no one seems to be exactly sure. Buddhism permeates Bhutan as can be seen through its monasteries, ubiquitous monks and the Tibetan-style culture which is everywhere. However, it also has some stunning scenery from snow-clad peaks (it is located in the central Himalayas) to wooded valleys, arable grasslands and jungles. The visitor will also marvel at the beautiful and exotic flora and fauna.

On arrival at Paro, travel to the capital of and largest city in Bhutan, Thimpu. Sightseeing here includes the Chorten Memorial, the most visible landmark in the city with its white wooden structure, golden spires and bells built in 1974 to honor the King. Later drive through magnificent mountainous scenery to Wangdi with its ancient Dzongs (fortresses). There will be visits to the ancient picturesque Gangtey Gompa monastery and the Khamsun Yulley Namgyal monastery perched high on a hilltop.

Returning to Thimpu via Punakha, ancient capital of Bhutan, there will be time to see the Punakha Dzong, winter home of the Bhutanese monks.

Returning to Thimpu, once again, visit the National Medicine Institute, the National Library and the Handicrafts Emporium which houses textiles, paintings, sculptures, wood carving, sword making and jewellery.

Travelling to Paro, sightseeing includes the National Museum of Bhutan and the fortress/monastery of Paro Dzong built in the 10th Century.

A day’s excursion takes you to Takshang also known as the Tiger’s Nest, a highly sacred hermitage located on the face of a 1000 metre/3250 feet high cliff. It is said that the father of Bhutanese Buddhism arrived here on the back of a tiger.

Vacation Inclusions

Private arrival and departure airport transfers
2 nights deluxe accommodations in Thimphu
1 night deluxe accommodations in Gangtey
2 nights deluxe accommodations in Punakha
2 nights deluxe accommodations in Paro
Private-guided tours including entrance fees as per itinerary
Private -guided transportation as per itinerary
English-speaking guide service
Sustainable Development Fee and taxes
Bhutan Visa Fee
Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 6 Lunches , 7 Dinners

Featured Destinations

Punakha Punakha Bhutan's former capital, Punakha is often seen on a long day trip from Thimphu. It offers superlative views of the Himalayas and can be used as a base to visit the nearby Wangdiphodrang Dzong and Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong is the winter home of the largest group of monks in the country (some 500) and the Je Khempo (Buddhist religious leader). It is considered to be the most elaborate temple in the country and is still used today as government offices for the district. The drive over the Dochula Pass to Punakha is breathtaking. The Punakha Suspension Bridge, said to be one of the longest in the region, is a fun place to stop since it is close to the Punakha Dzong. The Punakha Domche festival is in late February-March. Don't be surprised by the numerous phallic symbols that are painted on many buildings in the region because of the Chimi Lhakhang Temple (known as the fertility temple); these represent new life and fertility. Phallic statues are also widely sold in markets and stores, and it may come as a surprise to many Western visitors. They are visible across the country, but there are noticeably more near the fertility temple. Many people come to this temple in hopes of getting pregnant. Many of these symbols are painted on building doors as a matter of protection.	Destination Guide
Gangtey Gangtey Colorful Gangtey, located in the central region, isn't often visited by foreigners because it's somewhat remote and difficult to get to. For those who venture there, at least a one-night stay is suggested, although the opening of the luxury property Gangtey Lodge is leading more travelers to spend two to three nights in the area to enjoy the resort's views. The best time to visit Gangtey is November-March, when the black-neck cranes are in residence and roads are not blocked by monsoon-created landslides, but you may come across snow. There is a visitors center where people can learn about the cranes and even meet one bird that was injured at a young age and now lives at the center. You can also visit Gangtey Gompa, a monastery from the 1600s, which is close to Gangtey Lodge. The lodge also organizes farmhouse visits and meditation sessions at the monk university just up the hill.	Destination Guide
Thimphu Thimphu Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, is located in the west of the country and testifies to the nation's struggle to modernize while maintaining its venerated traditions. New buildings are still based on traditional designs, with elaborately painted, trefoil-shaped windows and wooden frames built without nails. Regulations restrict new buildings to fewer than six stories, and there are no traffic lights in town; still, satellite dishes are everywhere, and internet cafes are easily found.	Destination Guide
Paro Paro The scenic, terraced town of Paro sits in the shadow of 24,000-ft/7,320-m Mount Chomolhari (divine mountain). Paro has Bhutan's only airport, so most travelers arrive there. Though it's really only a large village, three nights are recommended to get used to the altitude, as well as to see the many sights related to Paro's days as capital of the western region. Among those sights are the 350-year-old Ta Dzong (now the National Museum), the Rinchen Pung or Paro Dzong (sacred scrolls, icons, and the like), where scenes from Bertolucci's Little Buddha were shot, the restored seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang (holy temple) and the Dungtse Lhakhang (temple). Also worth seeing is the Drugyel Dzong, named after a famous victory of the Bhutanese over Tibetan invaders (about 9 mi/14 km northwest of town). If you're in Paro on a Sunday morning, be sure to visit the colorful market, where grains, chilies, oranges, bananas and a host of other items are sold. The Paro Tsechu festival is held late March-April. On a full-day trip, it's possible to visit the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), built on a rock ledge overlooking a sheer 2,600 ft/800 m drop to the Paro Valley. It is accessible only on foot or by pony as far as the viewpoint. According to legend, the monastery was founded by Guru Rimpoche, who landed there on the back of a flying tiger.	Destination Guide

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Valid Date Ranges

Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this trip. Special savings cannot be combined with any other offer and the amount is subject to currency exchange rates at the time of booking. Airfares rates may increase or decrease please ask your Goway Destination Specialist at the time of booking. All prices are per person and quoted in U.S. dollars. Single supplements may apply. Blackout dates/seasonal supplements may apply. Accommodations, inclusions and itineraries are subject to change based on specific departure dates. From pricing is based on the lowest seasonal pricing for this tour, and rates may vary by date of departure. Please inquire about details of your preferred travel dates. Please inquire for a list of included and excluded exclusions. Departures: Daily

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.