8 Nights 9 Days Bhutan Tour

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Trip Overview
  • Duration: 9 Days
  • Trip Grade: Leisurely Plus
  • Trip Start and End: Paro to Paro
  • Trip Area: Paro, Punakha, Bumthang, Gantey
  • Trip Style: Active/ Cultural Tour
  • Age Group: 10 or Above
  • Trip Type: Private and Group
  • Trip Method: Guided
  • Booking Type: Instant Booking
  • Best Season: All Season
  • Foot Print:Carbon Neutralleaf

8 Nights 9 Days Bhutan Tour starts with a magical flight and takes you to amazing destinations full of cultural, historical and architectural brilliance. Explore the natural beauty of Bhutan as you walk past rivers, forests full of wildlife, scenic valleys, and mountain views. 8 Nights 9 Days Bhutan Tour package is designed to bring you into the unique nature and culture of this small Himalayan kingdom.

During this tour, you will get to stay at 5 major cities in Bhutan, Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, Gangtey, and Paro. You will also get to spend some time in Trongsa, the ancestral home of the Wangchuck family - the royal family of Bhutan. This Bhutan Tour is a perfect vacation exploring the mystical Bhutanese culture and beautiful architecture while spending some quality time in nature away from hustle-bustle and everyday life.

The Bhutan Tour is an easy trip. You will be taken everywhere in a private vehicle, though there are some places that are only accessible by foot like Khamsum Yuley temple and Tiger’s Nest Monastery. If you prefer, we can skip these places and find other activities instead. Major places to visit during this trip are the various dzongs, chhortens, viewpoints, monasteries, temples, museums, and wildlife preserves that showcase Bhutanese art, architecture, craft, history, and culture.

When you book the 8 Nights 9 Days Bhutan Tour with us, you will not have to worry about anything, food, accommodation, land transportation or tour guides -  everything will be set up for you once you land in Paro. After a full day of touring, you will get to spend your leisure time at a beautiful 3-star hotel with awesome hospitality, food, and comfort.

Bhutan is isolated from modernization and globalization, you will see that the lifestyle of people here is unlike anywhere else. Since there are no major factories and industry, you will be completely away from pollution. They have traditionally built small houses, farmlands, schools, monasteries, and temples that blend perfectly with nature. Staying multiple days in Bhutan can give you a different insight into life and help you grow spiritually.

8 Nights 9 Days Bhutan Tour Highlights

  • A scenic flight covered with mountains towards the Paro airport
  • Explore Motithang Takin Preserve and see the national animal of Bhutan
  • Reach Kunselcholing Viewpoint with a large statue of Buddha to get amazing views of Thimphu valley
  • Visit Tashichho Dzong, Centenary Farmers Market and Memorial Chorten built in the memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
  • Reach Dochula pass at 3,080 meters and witnes Masagang, Tsendagang and Gangkar Puensum (the highest peak in Bhutan).
  • Visit Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yuley Temple
  • Visit Bumthang valley and explore Tamzhing Goemba, Kurjey Lhakhang with Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint, Jambay Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong and Thangbi Lhakhang
  • Get to Trongsa Dzong with historical importance and Tower of Trongsa, a Royal Heritage Museum
  • Explore Gangtey Goemba sitting atop a hill, an excellent example of Tibetan architecture
  • Get to Paro Dzong  and explore Ta Dzong, a watchtower serving as a National Museum of Bhutan holding several artifacts and art pieces
  • Hike up to Taktshang Monastery also known as Tiger’s nest
  • Get to Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, the oldest temple in Bhutan and Dumtse Lhakhang
  • Enjoy amazing natural beauty and picturesque landscapes throughout the tour

Amazing Himalaya Views

Bhutan is a wonderful Himalayan country with spectacular landscapes. Starting with the mountain flight to Bhutan, you will get the amazing views of the snow-capped mountains, including Mt. Everest. Throughout your stay in Bhutan, amazing views of the mountains, valleys, rivers, forests, and waterfalls will surround you. On the way to Punakha, you will encounter Dochula Pass from where you will get one of the best views of the mountains. You can expect to see Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zong Huang (7, 060 m ), and Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m) from the viewpoint. Apart from that, the trail to Tiger’s Nest Monastery also offers amazing views of the landscapes.

Thimphu

Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan is an amazing place to explore the cultures and traditions of Bhutan. The national park in Thimphu has several rare animals including the national animal Takin. So, visiting Thimphu will let you explore the flora and fauna as well. Thimphu is home to many cultural and religious heritage sites. National Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck is one of the major attractions of the city. You can find many life-size images of Buddha and other paintings and crafts. Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of Bhutan and Tashichho Dzong are also here. These dzongs showcase the unique Bhutanese architecture, paintings, and crafts that represent the culture of Bhutan, etc. Tashichho Dzong has the throne room of the King as well.

Buddha Viewpoint, built on the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, is another attraction of Thimphu where you can find the large statue of sitting Buddha. You can explore the local farmers market on the bank of the river to observe and buy local handmade products. National Textile Museum and Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory preserve the ancient methods of production and handicraft skills.

Punakha

Punakha is yet another beautiful valley of Bhutan that offers many wonderful experiences. However, you will encounter Dochula Mountain Pass along the way to Punakha, which provides you with a spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains and other landscapes. You will also get to see the 108 Chortens built by the Queen Mother in the memory of Bhutan's departed soldiers. In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong which is beautifully located on the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu river. The Jacaranda blooms in the spring make the dzong look mesmerizing. It is the summer residence of the monks and the administrative center of Punakha district. The hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal is another interesting activity to do in Punakha. The temple is situated on the top of a hill and gives amazing views of the Punakha Valley and surrounding landscapes. The trail to the top is also beautiful and serene.

Bumthang

Bumthang Valley is most famous for Kurjey Lhakhang monastery. Legends have it that the imprints of Guru Rinpoche are preserved in the rocks here after he subdued a strong demon. Guru Rinpoche is taken as second Buddha in Tibet and Bhutan, as he was the one to spread Buddhism there. He built over 40 temples while he was in Bhutan. Ztamshing Goemba is another important monastery in Bumthang. It is one of the 108 temples Sontsang Gampo built to defeat his demons. The monastery hosts a colorful festival every October. 

Another attraction of Bhutan is Jakar Dzong which is known as the castle of the white bird. It is situated in the top of the hill from where you can get the wonderful views of the landscapes. You have to cross a suspension bridge to reach there.

Gangtey

Gangtey Valley is another beautiful place to visit in Bhutan. Along the way of Gangte, there is Trongsa Dzong which is the ancestral home of Wangchuk and the place where the first temple was built. Taa Dzong in Gangtey is a former watchtower built during the war and now it is established as Royal Heritage Museum. It displays royal artifacts, Buddhist arts, antique pieces. However, Gangtey’s main attraction is the Wildlife Preserve which has a diverse array of flora and fauna ,including some endangered species. During winter, the black-necked cranes migrate here from Tibetan Plateau. They look beautiful in the jungles of Gyangtey. Gangtey Goemba sits on the top of the valley and is a wonderful viewpoint.

Paro

Paro is the only city in Bhutan with an international airport, so you will land there first. There are many sites with major tourist attraction but Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is the most popular one. There is a legend that Guru Padmasambhava flew on the back of a tigress from Tibet to Bhutan and meditated in a cave. The cave lies on the same cliff as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. There are three temples to explore in the same area. It is also the best place a view of the expansive Paro Valley.

Some other must-visit places in Paro Valley are Rinpung Dzong also known as Paro Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan. Kyichu Lhakhang temple, built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, is also around the valley. This temple was built to pin down a demoness who hindered the path of spreading Buddhism. There are a total of 108 temples built on the same day, among which two lie in Bhutan.

People and Culture

As you reach Bhutan, you will notice that it is very different than any place you’ve ever been to before. You will see people dressed in their formal dresses like Gho for men and Kira for women. Monks are usually dressed in red robes around the temples and monasteries. Children are also dressed in these dresses for their schools. People here don't measure their happiness based on standards set by others, they believe in spiritual and inward growth. Most of the Bhutanese people make their living by farming, trading, craftsmanship and normal jobs. These people are also kind and humble and are known for their amazing hospitality. Their culture and traditions are intermingled with their day to day activities and belief systems. Bhutanese people chant prayers, meditate, rotate prayer wheels, and hang prayer flags to pay homage to their deities. Tibetan Buddhism is the most prevalent religion in Bhutan. 

8 Nights 9 Days Bhutan Tour Itinerary

  • Day 1:Arrival in Paro, Bhutan
  • Day 2:Thimphu to Punakha
  • Day 3:Punakha to Bumthang
  • Day 4:A Day at Bumthang
  • Day 5:Bumthang to Gangtey
  • Day 6:A Day at Gangtey
  • Day 7:Gangtey to Paro
  • Day 8:Sightseeing in Paro
  • Day 9:Departure

Day 1:Arrival in Paro, Bhutan

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsLunch and Dinner

After a scenic mountain flight, you will arrive at Paro International Airport. Our representatives will be already there to pick you up with your name on a board. You will then have one and a half hours of drive to Thimphu. The driving will give you the time to acclimatize in the Bhutanese environment and you will also get the amazing views of the landscapes along the way.

Once you reach Thimphu, you will check into a hotel and set out to explore the city. You will first have a 15 minutes drive to Kunesel Phodrang which is a famous viewpoint in Thimphu. Enjoy the amazing view of the city and surrounding landscapes. You will also get to see a large statue of Gautam Buddha. The viewpoint is also known as Buddha's point.

You will then visit Memorial Chorten which showcases the brilliant Bhutanese architecture and the Buddhist artifacts like prayer wheels, mani walls, images, statues, flags, etc. After that, you will visit Tashichho Dzong/Fortress which is another prominent heritage site in Thimphu. The fortress works both as a monastery and administration. The throne room and the office of the King are also here. Later, you can either rest or stroll around the city.

Day 2:Thimphu to Punakha

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

You will head towards Punakha after the early morning breakfast in Thimphu. It takes about 3 hours of drive to get to Punakha. Stop by Dochula Pass to get the stunning view of the Himalayas and Landscapes. There are 108 Chortens in the Pass, built in the memory of the departed soldiers, which look amazing against the mountains.

Once you reach Punakha, you will check into a hotel, rest for a while. For the rest of the day, you will spend sightseeing Punakha. You will first visit Punakha Dzong situated at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It is a beautiful fortress, the summer residence of the monks and the administration office of the Punakha district. Then you will go to the suspension bridge over Pho Chu river which is the longest suspension bridge and  a beautiful viewpoint., After that, you will hike for an hour to visit Khamsum Yuley temple. You will get a spectacular view of the Punakha and the surrounding landscapes from there.

Day 3:Punakha to Bumthang

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

On the third day of the Bhutan tour, you will have a long drive to Bumthang. It takes about 10 hours to reach your destination. There is another option of domestic flight to reach Bumthang. The road trip offers some of the wonderful views of the mountains, river valleys, forests, etc. However, the road may get tough sometimes. Check into a hotel and take a rest once you reach Bumthang.

Day 4:A Day at Bumthang

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

Today, you will explore the Bumthang valley. You will first hike to Tamshing Goemba in the morning. The monastery has a lot of religious significance due to its connection with saint Pema Lingpa. You will then visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where the imprint of Guru Rinpoche said to have preserved in rock.

Later visit JambayLhakhang which is said to be built by King Sontsen Gampo along with other 107 temples to defeat his demons. At last in the evening, you will hike up to Thangbihakhang in Thangbi valley.

Day 5:Bumthang to Gangtey

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

Leaving Bumthang, enjoying a ride showcasing the beautiful landscape of Bhutan for about 6 hours takes you to Gangtey. On the way, you will reach Trongsa which lies in the geographic center of Bhutan. The ancestral home of the Wangchuck family lies here. You can also visit Taa Dzong also known as Trongsa Dzong which is the Royal Heritage Museum preserving various royal artifacts and a handwritten biography of Guru Rinpoche. After reaching Gangtey, you can either rest or just stroll around the valley and visit a few more places.

Day 6:A Day at Gangtey

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

You will wake up at the Gangtey Valley also known as Phobjikha Valley surrounded by the outstanding beauty of nature. This valley also serves as a wildlife preserve where exotic animals like black-necked cranes, sambar, yak, serow, etc, live. After taking your time here, you can now head towards Gangtey Goemba. Gangtey Goemba sits at the top of a hill which also lets you catch an overall view of Gangtey Valley. If you aren’t tired or have some time left, you can stroll around the valley or communicate with local people with the help of your guide.

Day 7:Gangtey to Paro

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

You will enjoy your scenic ride from Gangtey as you head towards Paro. It takes about 4 and a half hours to complete this ride. After that, you will rest for a while and relieve the fatigue of the long drive. Then, you will get to Paro Dzong also known as Rinpung Dzong. You can spend some time here admiring the stone-made architecture and art outside and inside the dzong. Later, you can visit Ta Dzong, a watchtower used as the National Museum of Bhutan. This place is full of items like weapons, statues, and paintings related to the culture and history of Bhutan.

Day 8:Sightseeing in Paro

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

Today, you will get to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan’s most popular destination. It is also known as Paro Taktsang or just Taktsang Monastery. There are three major temples here and a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated. It is located on a cliff that is only accessible by foot. If you want, you can get up to the cafe on a horse but after that, you have to hike. It takes about 5 hours to get to the top and return with some gentle and steep slopes.

After reaching the top, you can get an amazing view of the whole Paro valley and beautiful landscape. You may take your time to explore the monastery, its beautiful architecture, Tibetan Buddhist art, and craft. After that, you can visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong located on a scenic spot. You can also visit the Kyichu Lhakhang temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo pin down a demoness.

Day 9:Departure

  • MealsBreakfast

After spending 8 nights in Bhutan, your trip concludes on the 9th day. You will wake up in a hotel in Paro, have your breakfast and head towards the airport. We will guide you through the procedure and wish you farewell.

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Cost Includes / Excludes

Cost Includes

  • Meals: 
    8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • Accommodation: 
    3-Star accommodation in Kathmandu for 8 nights
  • Transportation:   
    All land transportation with pickups and drops
    An experienced driver and a private vehicle
  • Guides and Porters:
    A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
  • Entry Fees and Permits:
    Visas for Bhutan
    All entry fees and permits
    Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
  • Miscellaneous: 
    Mineral bottled water
    Set of traditional costume (to be returned at the end of your stay)

Cost Excludes

  • Flight to/from Bhutan (assistance can be provided)
  • Travel Insurance (assistance can be provided)
  • Meals at any other restaurants than the designated ones
  • Any upgrade in accommodation and services
  • Items of a personal nature (drinks, chocolates, desserts, etc.)
  • Tips for the guide and driver

FAQs

  • No, according to the tourism policy of Bhutan independent travel is not allowed in Bhutan, You should go through the regestered tour agency with trek guide.

  • No, the insurance will not be covered by the price you pay for the package. You will have to cover your insurance independently.

  • Yes, you can customize the itinerary according to the duration of your stay in Bhutan and your preferences. Inform us before persuing the trip for tailor-made itinerary.

  • Bhutan is known as Last Shangri- La on earth. Being the happiest nation with least violence, it is the safest destination to travel. Apart from that, your safety is our first concern. So, you can be worry-free while travelling to Bhutan.

  • It depends upon how long you will stay in Bhutan. Your accommodation and the transportation will be covered by your package price. You need extra money to buy local handicrafts and souvenirs. So, you have to decide how much you are willing to spend on those things. As all the basic things are covered by the package, you can travel Bhutan even with a little extra money. We recommend you to bring money in USD to by the souvenirs.

8 Nights 9 Days Bhutan Tour Reviews

5.0based on 5 reviews
  • Sophia Gagon
    Sophia GagonAugust 11, 2019
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    Best Company for Bhutan Tour

    I have always been fascinated by mountains and often wondered how people in countries far away lived their life. After my friend said she was going for a Bhutan Tour, I would not let her go without me. We together did our research about lots of things, especially tour companies because you can go by yourself. Thank God! we found Sublime Trails. We contacted many tour companies but, I couldn't trust them but Ram was friendly, trustable and proved that they were the best. We had lots of fun during these 10 days. By the end of the tour, my love for Bhutan and mountains increased even more and I would definitely travel there once again. If you want to have the best time in Bhutan, go with Sublime Trails. Don't think further and book your trip to Bhutan this holiday and have fun.

  • Andrew Smith
    Andrew SmithAugust 08, 2019
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    A Short and Sweet Tour in Bhutan

    I had just finished my tour in Nepal and I had heard about Bhutan from so many people. Because I had only few days left, I didn't think I could go to Bhutan Tour this time but Ram said that it was possible even if I had just 3 days left.  He managed to plan my short trip to Bhutan the same day and prepared everything for us. That way I flew to Bhutan unexpectedly. I had the best time during this holiday spending it in two beautiful Himalayan countries. If you want to spend your holidays in Nepal or Bhutan, I recommend Sublime Trails.

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