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Travel to one of the most unique destinations on Earth to discover ancient sites, extraordinary temples, and breathtaking views in Bhutan!
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Intermediate Tours require a moderate level of activity. On certain days passengers may encounter long travel days, while other days they will be standing or walking for extended periods of time (sometimes over difficult terrains) during sightseeing excursions.
Discover the major highlights and exhilarating attractions of one of the most magical and mysterious destinations on Earth on this tour of Bhutan! Begin your journey in Paro, where you will visit the local market and see the historic Dzong Fortress. Explore the Haa Valley before you depart for Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Here you will learn about traditional Thangka painting and visit Sangaygang for breathtaking views of the Thimpu Valley. Discover the Institute for Zorig Chosum where you will learn about traditional Thangka painting and visit the Folk Heritage Museum to learn about rural Bhutanese life. Continue your journey to Punakha and hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a breathtaking journey through rice paddies and the Yuwakha Village. Head to Jakar and visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong. In this fascinating city, you will hike through forests of pine, oak, and juniper trees to the Tharpaling Monastery and explore Jambay Lhakhang. Return to Punakha for a hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal Chorten and uncover magnificent views of the valley. Next, continue your tour to Paro and visit the Taktshang Monastery or the "Tiger's Nest", a significant pilgrimage destination and sacred place, for your final destination on this tour of Bhutan.
Please note: The prices shown are land-only, meaning international flights are not included.
To add international flights from any airport in the USA or Canada, simply select your preferred departure date below and click “Book Now.”
On the Booking Details page, you will be able to enter your departure city and see the updated total price including flights.
When you book your flights with us, we offer competitive and hassle-free airfare options, often with multiple choices to suit your schedule and preferences.
In addition, airport transfers are included at no extra cost when flights are booked through us.
Prices for this tour are based on per person, on twin / double room sharing basis.
Single supplement is available, starting at USD 899 per person.
| Optional Tours Selection | |
|---|---|
Tshewang Ceremony - Day 2  The ceremony can be organized in any of the monasteries, where you can light butter lamps and a prayer is held for peace and prosperity |
+ $350 |
| Bhutanese Archery Demonstration - Day 4 This evening you may enjoy a traditional Bhutanese Archery demonstration — Bhutan’s National Sport. |
+ $350 |
| One extra Pre-Night in Paro with Breakfast | |
|---|---|
| Charges for 1 Day(s) |
+ $120 |
| Rooming Charges | |
| Twin/Double Sharing Basis | +0 |
| Single Supplement | + $120 / person |
| Extra Post-Night in Paro with Breakfast | |
|---|---|
| Tour Extension for 1 Day(s) |
+ $120 |
| Rooming Charges | |
| Twin/Double Sharing Basis | +0 |
| Single Supplement | + $120 / person |
Welcome to Bhutan! Upon arrival in Paro, you will be met by our representative and taken to the weekend market, where vendors from throughout the region will arrive on Friday afternoon and continue to sell their goods until Sunday evening. This is a fascinating place to visit, where residents will jostle for the highest quality and cheapest vegetables and foodstuff. This is the only time that fresh produce will be available, and the shopping will be enhanced by your opportunity to catch up with the week’s latest gossip. After lunch in a local restaurant, you may visit the Paro Dzong and historic fortress which now houses the government administration offices and the district Monastic Body. Your guide will take you on a short hike down to the cantilever bridge, which is featured in the film ‘Little Buddha’. Your transport will pick you up from the other side of the river and take you back to Paro, where you may explore the town and then spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Paro
After breakfast, you will be driven to Haa via the Chelela Pass (3900m – approximately 2 hours drive one way). If the weather is clear, you will uncover magnificent views of Mt. Jumolhari (7314 m) and Taktshang Goenpa (the Tiger’s Nest Monastery). The Haa Valley was only recently opened to visitors and continues to be one of the most pristine areas in Bhutan; the valley is dotted with fields of millet; barley, potatoes, wheat, and farmhouses are adorned with intricately painted cornices and frames. You will be able to see the Haa Dzong and stop for pictures before visiting a 100-year-old farmhouse owned by our local partner’s grandparents. This will give you a glimpse into the way of life of Bhutanese families living in the more remote areas. After a picnic lunch, you will explore the Haa Valley with a visit to Chundu Lhakhang at the Hatey Village and the Lhakhang (Temple), which will give you an insight into the history of the valley, before returning to Paro.
Overnight in Paro
Optional: Tshewang Ceremony : USD 350, min 1 paxThe ceremony can be organized in any of the monasteries, where you can light butter lamps and a prayer is held for peace and prosperity
In the morning you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Upon arrival, you will visit the National Library — a tall stately building in the traditional Bhutanese style that boasts precious and religious manuscripts written in gold. After stopping at the Institute for Zorig Chosum – a painting school where the traditional style of Thangka painting is taught – you will visit the Folk Heritage Museum, where you will learn about rural Bhutanese life. After lunch, sightseeing will begin with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built-in 1974 in honor of the 3rd King, His Late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The stupa is one of the most elegant masterpieces built in the 20th century, with religious wall paintings and sculptures shown in detail. Afterwards, you will visit the 14th-century Changangkha Lhakhang, which is also the focus of daily worship for many Thimphu residents. You will stop at Sangaygang – the viewpoint or “Lover’s Point,” where young couples come to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Thimphu valley — before visiting the Dupthob Lhakhang, a nunnery that has more than 70 practicing nuns. The last stop today will be the Handicrafts Emporium, where you will have the chance to shop for some local souvenirs.
Overnight in Thimphu
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Punakha – the ancient capital of Bhutan. The drive will take you across the Dochula Pass (3100 m), which is marked by a large Bhutanese style Chorten (a sacred structure), 108 small choetens, and prayer flags. If the weather is clear, you may enjoy breathtaking views of the high peaks of the Eastern Himalayas before passing down through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests and into Punakha. Upon arrival, you may check into your hotel and enjoy lunch. This afternoon, enjoy a hike to Chimi Lhakhang – a temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenlay. This is an easy hike (about 30 minutes each way) through the rice paddies and the Yuwakha Village. Spend the evening at leisure or pre-book the optional tour.
Overnight in Punakha
Optional: Bhutanese Archery Demonstration : USD 350, min 2 paxThis evening you may enjoy a traditional Bhutanese Archery demonstration — Bhutan’s National Sport.
After an early breakfast, you will depart Punakha and begin your journey to Jakar. En-route you will visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong, built-in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside. After stopping for lunch at Chendebji, you will continue your tour to Jakar via Trongsa, where the road will begin ascending to the Yutongla Pass (3400m). As you descend from the pass you will stop at the Chumey Village, where you will have time to admire the village weavers weaving woollen fabric popularly known as “Yathra”: Yathra is a specialty of the Bumthang Valley. The last stop of the day will be at Jakar — your base for the next few days.
Overnight in Jakar
Today you may enjoy a moderate hike through forests of pine, oak, and juniper trees to the Tharpaling Monastery, a significant religious site. The main part of the monastery was built in 1352, but it has been restored several times, including by the First King (Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck) in the early 20th century. Today the monastery contains a stone throne that belonged to the monastery’s founder, Longchen Ramjam. A throne is an object of devotion for many Buddhists. After a picnic lunch in Tharpaling, a shuttle will pick you up and take you back to your hotel for the night.
Overnight in Jakar
After breakfast, you will visit the Jambay Lhakhang. Legend has it this temple was one of the 108 built in a day across the Himalayas by King Songtsen Goenpo in the 7th Century. It is believed the temple was built to pin down the left knee of an ogress that prevented the spread of Buddhism across the Himalayas. Next, you will visit the three temples at Kurjey Lhakhang. The first temple is built on the site of a cave boasting a rock with the imprint of Guru Rinpoche’s body and is considered to be the holiest. The second temple was built by the first king of Bhutan, his Late Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck. The third temple is the youngest and was built by the present Royal Queen Mother, Her Majesty Azhi Kesang Choden Wangchuck. These temples are surrounded by 108 small choetens (Buddhist Stupas) forming a retaining wall, symbolic of each joint of the human body. After a visit to the Jakar Dzong (Fortress of the White Bird), you will be taken back to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon you may explore the other side of the Chamkhar Valley on foot and visit the Tamzhing Monastery. This is an easy hike and offers breathtaking views of the Jakar Dzong, Wangduechoeling Palace (Summer Palace of the 2nd King), and Chamkhar Valley. Enjoy this evening at leisure.
Overnight in Jakar
In the morning you will depart Jakar and return to Punakha. En route, you will visit the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) in Trongsa, which provides an insight into the historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. The Tower has been renovated and converted into a museum to showcase Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. After lunch at Chendebji, you will continue your journey to Punakha. Spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Punakha
After breakfast, you may enjoy a guided hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal Choeten, built-in 1994 by Her Majesty Azhi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck for the well-being of the people and the country. This is a moderate hike through rice paddies and pine forests that will take about 45 minutes one way. The view of the valley from the Choeten is magnificent. You will then visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan, before enjoying lunch in Khuruthang town. This afternoon, you will visit a private temple built by Lama Serpo (96 years old now) and, time permitting, you will have a brief audience with this extraordinary Lama and experience a long-life blessing (depending on the schedule of the Lama). This will be a special treat as no other foreign visitors will have excess to this temple except for our guests! You will also have time to admire and take pictures of the intricate and detailed wall paintings inside the temple. In the evening you can try traditional Bhutanese Archery, Bhutan’s National Sport, with some help from your guide.
Overnight in Punakha
Today you will be transferred to Paro, where you may check-in and enjoy lunch at the hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the National Museum of Bhutan, where you will have time to admire the museum’s collections of rare Bhutanese artifacts and art, traditional weaving, and other eclectic pieces. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Paro
Get ready to head on a full-day excursion to the Taktshang Monastery, literally known as “Tiger's Nest”. This is one of Bhutan's most sacred places and a significant pilgrimage destination. The hike will take you on a trail that slowly rises above the valley, through fields, and past four large prayer wheels turned by a stream. Continuing across an open meadow, you will hike up a section of trail to a ridge where prayer flags rustle in the wind next to a massive prayer wheel. Just beyond here lies the Taktshang Cafeteria at 9,200 feet, where you may stop to enjoy a hot drink and see the breathtaking views of the Monastery across the valley. Depending on your energy levels, you may unwind in the pleasant atmosphere of the cafeteria until lunch or continue your journey of steep climbing for a mile to another dramatic viewpoint. You will return to the cafeteria for a delicious buffet of typical Bhutanese food. You may want to try Emadatsi (a chilli cheese dish), vegetables with cheese sauce, and other traditional dishes. In the afternoon you will return to the hotel.
Overnight in Paro
After breakfast today you will be transferred to the airport. Our local representative will assist with check-in formalities and bid you farewell.
Hotel Druk is a well-known four-star property located in the heart of Thimphu, blending traditional Bhutanese charm with modern comforts. The hotel features around 67 elegantly designed rooms and suites, equipped with amenities such as central heating, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, LCD televisions, and spacious marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate showers. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options serving Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese, Thai, and continental cuisines, along with a stylish bar and lounge ideal for relaxing evenings. For wellness and leisure, the hotel offers a fully equipped gym, spa facilities including sauna and steam bath, massage services, and a beauty parlour. Additional conveniences include a business centre, conference and banquet halls, 24-hour front desk, concierge services, and easy access to nearby cultural landmarks, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for both leisure and business travellers.
RKPO Green Resort sits in the heart of the verdant and lush Punakha Valley. Flanked by thick pine forests, it overlooks the Punakha Valley and hundreds of paddy fields that stair-step down to the valley floor. It is surrounded by plentiful walking and trekking trails. From RKPO Resort, it is just a five minutes trek down to the mountain to the magnificent Chimmi Lhakhang; the temple of the divine mad man(dharma yogi), which houses one of the amazing statues of the divine mad man in the country.
Hotel Ugyenling is the first Bhutanese-owned deluxe hotel located next to the historical Wangduechoeling palace. The property has twenty beautifully designed deluxe rooms with a separate sitting room and traditional wood-burning stoves called “bhukari.”
The Restaurant serves gourmet meals of continental, Chinese, Bhutanese, and Indian dishes and a well-stocked bar.
Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
Bhutan
Click here to check our recommended travel protection plan.
All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for children on escorted tours is 8. Minimum age on Safaris is 8. Minimum age for game drives in Kruger National Park (South Africa) is 12. Minimum age for Uganda programs is 15.
Please note that many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a person under the age of 18 years will be travelling with an adult other than his/her parents, or with only one parent, a notarized letter, granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel should be carried.
We offer many Solo-Friendly trips with no mandatory single supplement. For all other tours, a single supplement will apply for solo travelers.
For the rates on these tours, please refer to the Price and Dates section on each tour page.
Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
Bhutan
How do I book a tour with Indus Travels?
You can review How to Book a Tour page for more details.
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Go to our website and click on the register button found on the upper right hand side to create your Indus Travel account and start booking tours!
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Click the Forgot Password? link in the login form and it will lead you to a form to change your password. Simply enter your registered email address and you will be emailed a link to reset your password.
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You will not be able to access your invoice immediately upon booking. You will be notified by email when it is available for you, normally within 48 business hours of booking. You can find your invoice and all other details of the tours you booked by logging on to your account and going to the Tour Booking History page.
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Simply login to your Indus Travel account, go to your tour of choice and click on Book Now. You will then confirm the details and your preferences about the tour and finally pay through our secure online payment platform.
What forms of payment does Indus Travel accept?
We accept US & CA Dollar check, bank check, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa, and Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned checks.
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Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd and mailed to:
233 - 11951 Hammersmith Way,
Richmond, BC, V7A 5H9,
Canada
When is my final payment due?
Your exact final payment date is indicated on your invoice which may be viewed by signing into your account. In general, final payment is due 75 days prior to departure with some exceptions where payment is due earlier.
How much is my final payment?
The amount of your final payment will be noted on your invoice and can be accessed by logging into your account online.
Can I send a bank cheque or money order?
Yes. Indus accepts US & CA Dollar cheque, bank cheque, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa & Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned cheques.
To whom should I write the cheque?
Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd.
Can I pay with a debit card?
No. Indus does not accept payments with Debit card.
How do I know if Indus received my payment?
You will be notified by email that your payment was received and applied to your reservation. You may also access your reservation by logging into your account online
When will I receive my e-Documents?
Once final payment has been received and processed, documents will be sent via email approximately 21 days prior to the beginning of your tour services.
Can I get paper documents?
Paper documents may be sent upon passenger request. There is a shipping and handling fee of $30 for each set of paper documents: These paper documents will be delivered between 14-21 business days prior to the beginning of your tour. In some instances, a paper voucher/ticket is required by our vendor. In these instances, the costs for shipping and handling will be shouldered by Indus Travels.
How do I access and print my documents?
Your documents may be accessed by logging into your Indus Travel account and checking your Tour Booking History.
Do I receive anything else with my e-documents?
Indus e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
How do I know where to find my airline ticket?
With a few exceptions, international airline tickets are issued electronically. The airline confirmation number and ticket numbers stated in your documents represent your airline "ticket(s)." Some domestic Arline tickets which can only be issued at destination will be given to you upon your arrival in the local destination.
If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
Please note: Passengers who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa.
How do I know if I need a visa?
Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.
How do I obtain a visa?
A visa may be obtained by using a visa service or by contacting the embassy or consulate of the nation you are visiting prior to departing from your home country.
Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.
How much does a visa cost?
There will be different costs that will be specific per embassy/consulate and whether you have used a visa service or not. These costs often change with little notice. We recommend that you contact the appropriate embassy or consulate directly for the most up to date information.
You may find the contact information for consulates/embassies in the Visa section of the Know Before You Go document available for the country you will be visiting.
What are optional sightseeing tours?
Optional tours are offered to travelers interested in additional experiences, sightseeing, meals or activities to supplement the included components of our tours. You may choose to participate in some, all or none of the optional tours which are priced individually. Complete descriptions and prices for each optional tour are listed on the itinerary section of the tours on our website.
When can I add optional tours?
Optional tours are available for purchase any time up to 45 days before departure.
Can I purchase optional tours locally?
Yes. When traveling on an escorted tour, optional tours may be purchased locally from the Tour Manager. However, Indus cannot guarantee the rate and availability of these services when purchased locally. Please note that tours purchased locally are subject to current exchange rates and may cost up to 10% more.
Can I add optional tours for only select individuals on my reservation?
Yes. For assistance on this matter, please contact Indus Travel sales and reservations staff.
What coverage does Travel Insurance provide?
For complete details on Travel Insurance, check our Travel protection page.
When can I purchase Travel Insurance?
American Residents can purchase Trawick Insurance with us at the time of booking or anytime prior to departure. After booking, Canadian Residents will receive an email with a referral to TuGo Insurance which can be purchased anytime prior to departure.
When is Travel Insurance active?
Travel Protection coverages will take effect on the later of 1) the date the plan payment has been received by the Policyholder; 2) the date and time you start your Covered Trip; or 3) 12:01 A.M. Standard Time on the Scheduled Departure Date of your Covered Trip.
I need to cancel my trip and have not purchased insurance, what do I do?
Penalties for cancellation will depend on the tour you have purchased and how close to departure you are at the time of cancellation. For more information, visit our terms and conditions.
Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport when booking a tour?
Due to increased travel security and policies around the world, it is now a requirement that your airline ticket matches your first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Please note that any changes to the details of your air booking, could be subject to a change fee, penalties or cancellation.
Can I reserve a seat assignment?
For our packages that include flights, we do not usually assign seats. In most cases, you can request specific seats, but this may incur a small fee payable to the airline. For more information, contact our sales and reservations staff.
Once confirmed, are airlines seats always guaranteed?
In most cases, seat assignments are firm. However, airlines may sometimes reassign seats for operational reasons. This often happens at the last moment and is controlled by airline staff, with Indus Travel not being notified. Passengers are encouraged to reconfirm their seat assignments and any other special requests directly with their airline prior to departure.
Should I check-in online?
It always recommended and more convenient to check in online. It will shorten your waiting time at the airport, secure your seat assignments and other reservations.
Can I request a special meal on the flight?
Requests may be made for special meals. These requests will be sent on your behalf to the airline so long as Indus receives these request prior to your documents being issued. The availability of special meals will be based upon the specific airlines and will be at their discretion.
Can I use my frequent flier miles?
Accrued frequent flier miles cannot be used toward the purchase of Indus Travels’ airfare or used for class upgrades. However, airfare purchased through Indus Travels may qualify to earn you additional miles.
What is required when I check-in?
Ticketed passengers must show correct identification at check-in. Children must have a parent present at check-in and all tickets must be in each passenger's name.
What is required with International travel?
An international trip may require valid travel documents such as passport, visa, re-entry permit, health certificate, inoculation record, a ticket for the return journey or continuance of your trip, or ANY combination thereof. Passengers are responsible for the proper documentation. Concerns about the required travel documents may be resolved by contacting the appropriate consulate or embassy.
