SPIRIT OF BHUTAN

**8 NIGHTS | FROM US$2,995* | DEPARTS: PARO, BHUTAN**

Experience the best of Western Bhutan at a leisurely pace on the 8-night Spirit of Bhutan journey, our most popular, best-selling tour. Soak up the rich culture and stunning scenery, visit Bhutan’s charming small cities, traverse high mountain passes from the comfort of your vehicle, and explore ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries. End with an unforgettable day hike to the unmissable, iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on the edge of a rugged cliff.

On the Spirit of Bhutan tour you will see and experience several of Western Bhutan’s greatest natural and cultural wonders, and enjoy the Bhutan vacation of a lifetime.

* Price based on twin-share accommodation. Single-room supplement available for US$45 per night, subject to availability. Min group size: 1 (subject to surcharges).
Find out approximate trip price in your own currency here.

Best time of year for this tour: March-May and October-December.

““A huge thank you for a fabulous trip. So wonderfully orchestrated and so very amazing, so much colour, so many patterns , so much history and of course so many temples and monasteries along with fabulous walks.” —Gillian, New Zealand”

Trip Inclusions

Transport by private mini bus
All meals, mineral water, tea and coffee
8 nights handpicked hotel accommodation
All entrance fees at monasteries and museums
Bhutan daily fee including visa, Bhutan government tourism royalties and local taxes
English, French or German-speaking Bhutanese guide

- International airfare to Bhutan. (This can be arranged for you. Please contact us for details)
- Stopover hotel if needed
- Comprehensive travel insurance.
- Additional activities (e.g. massage, hot stone bath)
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, specialty coffee, and cakes
- Laundry
- Tips for guide and driver

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TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrive in Paro, Bhutan: Your journey begins in the beautiful Paro Valley where you will be met at Paro International Airport by your guide and driver. Explore the charming town centre and stroll across the picturesque wooden Nyamai Zam Bridge up to the magnificent Rinpung Dzong above. Visit the National Museum before continuing to the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Continue to your hotel to relax.
Driving time: 30 minutes
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 2

Paro to Punakha: Wake up to breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks in your rustic villa. Drive via the Dochu La Pass (3,140 m) to the Punakha Valley. Visit Chimi Lhakhang the Fertility Temple and the beautiful Punakha dzong.
Driving time: 3.5 hours
Overnight: Punakha
Altitude: 1,310 m

DAY 3

Thimphu: In the morning travel to Thimphu, the charming little capital of Bhutan. Visit the School of 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts, the best place to see traditional arts being created and the colourful National Textile Museum.
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Overnight: Thimphu
Altitude: 2,320 m

DAY 4

Thimphu: Sight-seeing in Thimphu includes a visit to the Great Buddha Dordenma, an immense golden Buddha statue housing a monastery. Explore the Folk Heritage Museum displaying traditional Bhutanese life and see Bhutan’s unique national animal, the Takin, at the Takin reserve.
Driving time: 30 minutes
Overnight: Thimphu
Altitude: 2,320 m

DAY 5

Haa: Cross the Chele La, a high mountain pass (3,988 metres) to the picturesque Haa Valley. This valley remains one of the least-visited areas in the country and retains the air of an unspoiled, primeval forest. In the afternoon explore this serene landscape, its temples and farmhouses and visit the 7th century Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple).
Driving time: 3.5 hours
Overnight: Haa
Altitude: 3,056 m

DAY 6

Haa: The wooded hills of Haa provides an ideal location for hiking. Enjoy a hike of your choice through the remote forested valley dotted with quaint villages.
Driving time: 1 hour
Overnight: Haa
Altitude: 3,056 m

DAY 7

Paro: Return to Paro and visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Continue to the hotel and relax.
Driving time: 2 hours
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 8

Paro: Tiger's Nest excursion. An unforgettable hike to the Taktshang Gomba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). The walk through blue pines, passing water-powered prayer wheels, leads you to the holy site. This ancient monastery clings miraculously to a sheer cliff above the valley floor. The views are magnificent over the Paro Valley.
Driving time: 1 hour
Walking time: 5 hours
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m