The essentials of central Bhutan

The essentials of central Bhutan
2025

Bhutan: an intact cultural heritage!
A country that is built around GNH (Gross National Happiness), a policy rare enough to be highlighted! But that is not the only particularity of this small kingdom. Bhutan is even more fascinating in its strong desire to safeguard its cultural heritage. You will have the privilege during this trip to grasp all the issues and receive all the benefits, through the visit of the dzongs, in particular that of Paro and Punakha.True immersion in Buddhist culture. However, there is no separation between the sacred and the profane and we move happily from the most esoteric ritual to the most joyful and unbridled fair. From dzong to dzong, from village to village, passing through a truly beautiful natural environment at the foot of the great Himalayan peaks, an invitation to discover the reality of a unique country of its kind. The journey ends with an air return to Kathmandu, the opportunity to fly over the entire Himalayan range from Kangchenjunga to Everest: a great moment of emotion!

Highlights

- Visit the essential sites of Bhutan, notably the dzongs and Takshang “the Tiger’s den”
- Certainly, the country where Buddhist culture is best preserved and most authentic
- A circuit accessible to all with comfortable, traditional-style accommodation

We can customize the trip as per your requirement.
Price according to the size of the group.
We can help you to fit in your budget.

Please contact us for further information
info@basecamptrek.com

Days

1Flight to Paro. 2250 m and transfer to Thimphu

According to the flight itinerary Kathmandu Paro needs to be 3 hrs before the flight time
Provided with a printed copy of Bhutan visa certificate and other travel documents.
We leave for the airport to take the flight to Paro. Exceptional overview of the entire Himalayan range: Everest Lothse, Nupshe, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Chomolari! Road to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Installation at the hotel and start of the visit to Tashicheudzong, the stupa memorial of the very recent giant Buddha…..
Accommodation: Thimphu: Pelyang Boutique https://www.pelyang.com
or Access Suite https://accesssuitesthimphu.com or Similar
1 hour drive

2Timphu - Punakha

Morning 2 hours drive to Punakha. We reached the upper Punakha valley for a rural walk through terraced cultivation to a small temple. Then on the way back visit the Punakha Dzong, and walk to the Chimé Lhakang monastery, a small temple on a hill overlooking the river. This small, newly restored monastic complex was founded in the 16th century, by the famous yogi Drukpa Künleg whose edifying and often saucy stories are still part of the Bhutanese religious and popular heritage. Today it is still an important place of pilgrimage for infertile women.
- Number of hours of walking: 1h30
- 2 hours drive to Punakha
Punakha: Meri Phunsum Resort or Similar https://www.hotel.bt/hotels-in-punakha/meri-puensum-resort

3Punakha – Gyagtey 2900 m

A full-day visit to Phobjikha, a beautiful glacial valley in Bhutan, can be filled with various enriching activities. Here is a possible route.
Visit to local villages:
Location: Phobjikha and Gangtey villages.
Activity: Walk through villages to observe the rural Bhutanese lifestyle, visit local farms, and maybe even interact with locals. If weather permits moderate hike of approximately 2 hours through meadows and pine forests, with panoramic views of the valley. The trail starts near Gangtey Monastery and ends at Khewa village
2 – 3 hours excursion
2 hours drive.
Gangtey: Hotel Dewachen or Similar https://dewachenhospitality.com

4Gyantey- Paro

Morning if the opportunity arises be at the office in the monastery on the hill which covers this valley. Monastery visit.
Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail:
Midday drive to Paro
6 hours drive
Paro: Lhayul Resort or Similar https://lhayhuel.com

5Paro

In the Morning we leave to visit high places of pilgrimage for more than 1200 years. Takshang (Tiger's Den) hangs 600 meters on the cliff of the Paro Valley. This place was initially visited by Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Buddhism in its Tantric form in the Himalayan countries. Many masters have meditated in these temples. It takes around 4 hours to walk from the car park (round trip). Visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples from the 7th century.

If time permits, visit to the National Museum. Originally a watchtower, this building was transformed into a museum by the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1969. Rare collections of Thankhas (religious hinges) and statues are on display. Visiting this museum is an excellent introduction to the natural history and culture of Bhutan. Then visit Paro Rimpong Dzong. Specific to Bhutanese culture, the dzongs (fortresses) house the political and religious administration of the country. The Paro dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdruing Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutan. 200 monks live there and work alongside the district administration. Descent on foot towards the famous wooden bridge to reach the town of Paro.
Paro: Lhayul Resort or Similar https://lhayhuel.com

6Departure flight from Paro

In the morning transfer to Paro airport for the departure flight.

What's included

- Transfers by private vehicle according to itinerary
- Nights in the 3* hotel in BB
- Full board stay
- Bhutan Visa and Necessary Fees
- A local English-speaking guide for the entire stay
- Visit the sites and entrances to the sites according to the itinerary

What's not included

- Flights
- compulsory repatriation insurance
- Drinks, tips
- Personal equipment (sleeping bag, down jacket, walking stick, etc.) stay elsewhere.....

Supplement

* Single room supplement: 255$

* French-speaking guide supplement: 535$/group for the entire stay

* Katmandu Paro Katmandu Flight Supplement: 465$/person for information only