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07 Days in Bhutan

Experience Bhutan, Experience Happiness.

About Bhutan

As the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world, Bhutan counts with a strong cultural heritage, a harmonious society, and a varied natural scenery that ranges from Himalayan mountains on the north to lush jungles on the south.

About Bali

Day 01

Sightsee in Thimphu

A steady stream of people walk in a circular procession around the Memorial Chorten

Welcome to Bhutan! You'll start in the Paro Valley. Despite recent development projects, Paro maintains a bucolic atmosphere with farms and charming hamlets. Your Bhutanese guide will accompany you for the one-hour trip to the capital, Thimphu, located in a broad valley between tall peaks and the Wangchu River.

Day 02

Visit Changangkha Lhakhang

The temple housing the Institute of 13 Arts and Crafts and the School of Astrology

Begin your day with a visit to Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th-century fortress-like temple situated just above Thimphu, and home to the Institute of 13 Arts and Crafts and the Bhutan School of Astrology. Later in the day, visit the craft bazaar to peruse local wares and handicrafts. Visit the post office and the attached museum, which traces the development of the postal system from the earliest mail runners to Bhutan's highly collectible modern stamps. In the evening, head towards the 17th-century Tashichho-Dzong. Known as the "fortress of the glorious religion," this formidable building houses the throne room of the king of Bhutan.

Day 03

Explore the Punakha Valley

Depart Thimphu in the morning and start your journey into the countryside towards the Punakha Valley, the seasonal winter capital of Bhutan. Your drive into the mountains takes you up over the Dochula Pass, which offers breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas. Visit the Dochula Monastery, also known as the Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens. This intricate cluster of 108 chortens, or Buddhist monuments, is a tribute to the king of Bhutan. Then descend to Wangduephodrang to see a colorful and vibrant display of fluttering prayer flags.

Day 04

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal

After an early breakfast, head out for a beautiful morning hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal monastery. The trail takes you across a suspension bridge, through rice fields, and up a moderate incline through a pine forest. At the temple, participate in the ritual lighting of butter lamps before enjoying the peaceful hike back down to the car. Continue driving through the countryside towards the Paro Valley for about four hours, with a stop at the Dochula Pass for a picnic lunch.

Day 05

Tour Historic Paro

Start the day by visiting the Paro Dzong, an excellent example of Bhutanese architecture. Built in the 17th century as a stronghold of defense against the invading Tibetans, today the dzong is a monastic school home to 200 resident monks. Continue on to the Ta Dzong, a watchtower built in 1649, which now houses the National Museum. View the displayed collection of thangkas, tapestries that depict Bhutan's important teachers and saints, and the exhibit of impressive festival masks. See the three-dimensional map of Bhutan in the Natural History Gallery, and stop by the Heritage Gallery to browse its collection of natural oddities and historical artifacts.

Day 06

Trek to Tiger's Nest Monastery

In the morning, drive to Ramthanka to begin your hike to one of Bhutan's most sacred pilgrimage sites, the Taktshang Lhakhang, more commonly known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery. The uphill hike will reward you with spectacular views of the monastery, built into the side of a cliff at 3,000 meters (915 meters) above the valley floor.

Day 07

Depart Bhutan

Today is your last day in the kingdom. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Tashi delek (blessings and good luck) and safe travels!

WHY SHOULD I VISIT BHUTAN?

Even the most privileged travelers consider Bhutan a special destination. Its secluded location, limited accessibility, and preservation efforts have shielded many from visiting this jewel in the Himalayas. Bhutan only opened its doors to tourism in 1974, with the number for tourists kept to an environmentally manageable level through government regulated tourist tariff. Bhutanese are renowned for their happiness and are a proud people who wear their national costume with pride.
IS A VISA REQUIRED TO VISIT BHUTAN?

A visa is required to visit Bhutan. Sodha Travel will arrange for the traveler's entry visa and clearance. No independent travel is allowed in Bhutan and all travel arrangements must be confirmed by an authorized agency.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

It depends on the season of travel. Except for summer months, warm clothing, down jackets, and sweaters are recommended. In summer, heavy cottons and lightweight woolens will be acceptable. Layering is best to accommodate the varying temperatures. Also remember to pack comfortable, soft-sole shoes. While visiting temples and other religious places, remember to dress conservatively. Slacks are more appropriate for men and pants/longer skirts appropriate for women. Shoulders must also be covered when inside religious buildings.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL?

Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The Bhutan climate is varied and depends on the elevation. The southern areas are more tropical while the Himalayan regions have continual snow. The southwest monsoon is usually from June – September. Also, many travelers visit Bhutan during a specific festival or holiday, when the towns become vibrant stages for music and dance performances.
ARE VACCINATIONS REQUIRED?

Immunizations are not required to visit Bhutan. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccine. Malaria is present in lowland regions of Bhutan, and preventative treatment and tropical strength insect repellent is advised. For detailed information, please contact your physician or visit the CDC website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/
I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO BHUTAN AND HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO START. WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND?

What do you hope to see and experience during your trip? Our destination specialists will make recommendations based on your travel preferences. Many travelers incorporate Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Bumthang, though some travel solely for trekking in the Himalayas.
IS ALTITUDE SICKNESS COMMON?

Yes, altitude sickness is common in Bhutan and can affect any traveler, regardless of age, strength, or fitness level. Symptoms include dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, edema and insomnia. To alleviate the chances of altitude sickness, we recommend limiting alcohol, staying hydrated and planning for rest days in the higher elevations.
IS BHUTAN A SAFE COUNTRY?

Bhutan has a low crime rate and is generally a safe country. However, as with any international travel, please be aware of your surroundings. Check with your guide about the safe/unsafe areas of town and use caution when traveling alone. Also, always make sure your purse is zipped and wallets are in sealed pockets. In the markets, be vigilant of pick-pockets and distraction scams. The best deterrent is caution and awareness.
DO BHUTANESE SPEAK ENGLISH?

English is commonly spoken, as it is the medium of instruction in schools. The national and official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, a Tibetan dialect spoken mainly by Ngalop in the northern and western parts of the country. Road signs and government documents are written in English and Dzongkha, and the national newspaper is printed in English, Nepali and Dzongkha. In the villages, different ethnic groups speak their own language.