Tiger's Nest Monastery | Bhutan
FROM: USD $2,865 pp
Bhutan Breakaway - 7 days map

PRIVATE TOUR: Come to the Kingdom of Bhutan! Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan has for centuries remained cautiously aloof from the rest of the world. With incredible scenery, impressive architectural feats including that of Tigers Nest Monastery and hospitable charm has been revealed to travelers hungry for new experiences.

Free Cancellation and Amendments Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance
Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels

Trip Highlights

Nalanda Monastery - Interact with the monks
Chimi Lhakang (in Punakha) - See the temple of Divine Madman
Dochula Pass - Himalayan peaks - Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang, Jejegangphugang, Gangkar Punsum
Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktshang Pelphung Monastery) - Marvel at spectacular and unmissable, perched some 900m above the Paro Valley floor
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten - Explore this stunning temple located on top of the hill with breath-taking views
Picturesque villages of Talo or Nobgang - Tour the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan
Thimphu - Visit National Library, Thimphu Painting School and the Traditonal Medicine Institute
Dungtse Lhakang - See an incredible 3-storey Chorten-style structure of intricate design

Included

6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
English speaking guide for all scheduled sightseeing
Touring and excursions as per the itinerary
Private chauffeur driven vehicle whilst touring in Bhutan
Bhutan Visa fee and travel Permit (excludes visa admin fee of USD$40 pp, payable upon arrival)
6 nights - 3 star hotels
Airport arrival and departure transfers
Entrance fees to all included sites and monuments
All government royalties and taxes

Not Included

International flights, Bhutan visa administrative fee payable upon arrival USD$40
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

Itinerary

Day 1

Paro

Welcome to the Kingdom of Bhutan. There's an included airport transfer from Paro airport to Thimphu, the modern capital city of Bhutan. On arrival at the hotel, the rest of today is at leisure.
Overnight: Thimphu  |  Dinner

Day 2

Thimphu

Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu Valley includes the National Library, which has a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and printing blocks for prayer flags. See the Thimpu Painting School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. You'll continue to Kuensel Phodrang, known locally as Buddha Point - the largest Buddha statue in the country. There are marvelous views of the city from this vantage point.

Your tour continues to Memorial Chorten, a beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King. Visit the sprawling monastery of Trashichhodzong and opt to see beautiful hand-woven and crafted products at the Handicrafts Emporium.
Overnight: Thimphu  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Punakha

Thimphu - Punakha. This morning you transfer to Punakha, an old winter capital of Bhutan. En route stop at the lofty Dochu La Pass (3,048m) to view the rugged eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum (7,550m). The road then drops down into the lush Punakha Valley.

Continue your day with a hike to Chimi lhakhang - the temple of the Divine Madman which was built by Lama Drukpa Kunley in 1499. Legend has it that he subdued the demoness of the Dochu la with his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom.’ A wooden effigy of the Lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the Lhakhang and childless women go to the temple to receive a wang (blessing) from the saint. Continue across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana. There are very few monks at the temple, which is surrounded by a row of prayer wheels and beautiful slate carvings.

This afternoon visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, the 'Palace of Great Happiness', which is located on the confluence of two rivers (Phochu and Mochu). It was built in 1637 and serves as the winter residence for the Chief Abbot - the religious head in Bhutan. The building was damaged and rebuilt several times due to flooding, fire and earthquakes. It is an exemplary masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.
Overnight: Punakha  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Excursion to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten

Today you hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument and temple located on top of a hill, with breathtaking views of the valley, paddy fields and the Mo Chu River.

After lunch, drive to the picturesque villages of Talo or Nobgang to explore the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan. The villages are scattered along a ridge above the Punakha Valley at an altitude of around 2,800m. Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery is your next stop - perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue Valleys. The temple houses a complex for higher studies and is a meditation center for nuns. It is also home to a 14 foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, one of the biggest in the country. The statue was handcrafted exclusively by local artisans.

The final stop of the day is Nalanda Monastery, where monks pursue higher Buddhist studies. They will be delighted to speak with you to further their English studies.
Overnight: Punakha  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Paro Valley sightseeing

Punakha - Paro. Travel back to Paro today via the scenic Doch La Pass, enjoying spectacular views of the towering Bhutan Himalayas. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Paro Valley and visit the National Museum, which is housed in an old Ta Dzong (watchtower) and holds an intriguing collection of artifacts. Discover Dungtse Lhakang, an incredible three story Chorten-style building which was constructed in 1433 and the beautiful 7th century Kichu Lhakang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Trek to the Tigers Nest Monastery

Taktshang Pelphung Monastery or Tiger's Nest Monastery, is the most famous site in Bhutan. It's located on the face of a sheer 900m cliff above the floor of Paro Valley. Today you'll take a scenic hike to view this spectacular and unmissable sight. The monastery is only accessible on foot or you can ride a pony part of the way (this must be arranged in advance by your guide). Take a steep one hour walk up to a cafeteria where you can enjoy refreshments and wonderful views of Taktshang.

Those who wish to proceed further must travel on foot. The trail continues uphill for another 45 minutes to a high observation point (3140m) where there is a stupa with incredible views of the monastery. Continuing down a flight of cliff-hanging steps on the narrow trail you'll reach a beautiful waterfall that plunges down the deep chasm. Then climb up the flight of steep steps to the monastery. At any point on this walk, you can always return if you find it too difficult. Once inside the monastery, there are several shrines to see with few monks in residence. After exploring the monastery walk back to the cafeteria for lunch, before retracing your steps and returning to Paro.

If you have more time and are ready for a more challenging day, there are several monasteries, temples and retreat houses in the surrounding area of Taktshang. The most notable among them are Zangdopelri and Ugyen Tsemo.
Overnight: Paro  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Paro

Your holiday concludes after breakfast and an onward departure transfer to Paro Airport for your international flight.
Breakfast

Buddhist monk | Bhutan

Please note:

We can assist in arranging international flights to Bhutan, including flight from India or Nepal should you be travelling in the region. We are also able to arrange airport transfers and overnight accommodation should you require. Please contact us for more information.

Upon arriving to Bhutan, you will need to declare the following personal items to customs officials: personal cameras & video recorders, laptops, mobiles, or any other electronic device. Upon departing the country, a check will be made to ascertain that these items have indeed left with you.

If bringing in tobacco products to the country you will need to pay a tobacco tax upon arrival. Ensure that you have taken enough with you to last the duration of your visit as the sale of tobacco products in Bhutan is prohibited.

Prices & Dates

Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.

Read More
2024
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $3,105
USD $3,435
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USD $3,435
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USD $2,865
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USD $3,105
USD $3,435
USD $2,865
USD $3,185
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2025
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $2,865
USD $3,185

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Hotel River View, Thimphu

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

With an unmatchable view of the city, the Hotel Riverview has long been receiving rave reviews. Rooms are spacious with hard wood flooring and marble en suite facilities. Some even have their own private balcony. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and there are spa and fitness facilities available on site. Tucking in to a delicious Bhutanese meal at the end of the day from the restaurant is highly recommended. The hotel boasts exclusive location between the river and the city. Although the city is a little bit of a walk, the vistas from the hotel make it worth it.

Hotel Zangtho Pelri , Punakha

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Named after the heaven of Guru Rimpoche and situated majestically on a hillside, the Hotel Zangtho features spacious, well designed rooms in small cabins as well as in main building. Indian, Chinese and Bhitanese cuisine can be enjoyed in the restaurant and sipping a delicious beverage overlooking the rice terraces and Punakha River is the perfect way to spend your free time. Perfectly located giving a fascinating view of the rice terraces, Punakha river and constantly changing Himalayan valley weather.

Tashi Namgay Resort, Paro

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Set amidst 5 acres of lush foliage, overlooking the beautiful Paro River, Tashi Namgay is a picturesque and peaceful resort with an authentic Bhutanese ambience. The hotel offers 47 uniquely designed, spacious guest rooms, a modern gym, bar and spa where the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is not to be missed! Tashi Namgay is just 10 minutes drive from Paro Airport.

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Paro
Ends
Paro
Departs
Any day of the year
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private tour
Hotel Rating
3 star
Tour Guide
Yes - for all included sightseeing
Meals
Breakfast: 6, Lunch: 5, Dinner: 6
Countries
Minimum Age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
Yes
Dep. Transfer
Yes
Thimphu Highlight
The Mo Chhu flowing alongside Punakha Dzong at Punakha.
Crumbling ruins in the rugged wilderness of Wangdue
The Tiger Nest temple sitting precariously on the side of a cliff in Paro
The Tiger Nest temple sitting precariously on the side of a cliff in Paro
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