Tiger nest monastery in Taktshang, Bhutan

Stunning Bhutan Tour: Shangri-La Comes to Life

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Bhutan

Places Visited

Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Jakar...

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Suggested Duration

12 Days

Travel from west to east across Bhutan and explore the untouched corners of the last Shangri-La during this 12-day tour. Blissful fortresses, Himalayan landscapes, lively villages, spiritual settings, markets, monasteries, and dzongs all abound as this cultural adventure explores the furthest corners of a nearly untouched nation. With the vast majority of international travelers traveling to Western Bhutan, this 12-day tour will celebrate the increasingly rare experience of visiting a...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Travel to southeastern Bhutan and stop in many villages and monasteries en route to Samdrup Jongkhar
  • Admire the intricacies of Bhutanese architecture as you visit an abundance of dzongs, which are the beautiful fortresses at the heart of local life
  • Cross the vast Himalayan landscapes and bask in the unique beauty of the high mountains
  • Visit the many significant spiritual sites and meet monks in many different monasteries
  • Compare lifestyles as you travel to Bhutan’s remote eastern regions
  • Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s cultural heartland with several nights in Jakar and the Bumthang Valley, which are home to many of the country’s oldest and most significant locations
  • Discover the iconic highlights of Paro and Punakha, which are two destinations that help form Bhutan’s golden triangle of sights

Detailed Description

This private tour leads you far from the developing trail. Most visits to Bhutan are concentrated on the accessible western region of the country, including Thimphu and Punakha. These destinations form Bhutan’s main cultural triangle, although Bhutan’s cultural heartland is further east. Traveling east, you will soon find monasteries that dot the valleys, legends that live on in villages, and locals that are among the most peaceful and welcoming people on the planet.

Exclusive and enchanting, your route will provide an anthropological look at the country’s different tribes and languages. Each of Bhutan’s 20 provinces has its own history, so by crossing the country from east to west, you will be able to explore the pieces of this cultural jigsaw.

You will first fly to Paro and spend a couple of days in a city that is quick to highlight its charm for visitors. The following day, you will transfer to the capital city of Thimphu, which is an excellent place to explore local handicrafts and traditions. Then, you will travel across an alpine pass to Punakha, which is home to a majestic dzong. Afterward, you will stay in the market town of Wangdiphodrang before riding on the country’s most scenic overland route to pass innumerable villages and gompas, which are Buddhist places of learning and meditation. In Jakar, you will spend the next several days exploring the surrounding Bumthang Valley.

The final leg of your trip will take you far off the beaten path. You will travel through the medieval town to Ura, passing the grazing yaks and crossing a 4,000-meter mountain pass. Soon, you will descend into the subtropical region of the country, where you will explore all of the magnificent sites around Tashi Yangtse. Lastly, you will follow the rice paddies to the picturesque temples, stop in an abundance of villages, and continue to the far southeast of the country. Rather than travel back across Bhutan to Paro, you will cross the border to Guwahati. Following a short city tour, you will fly to Delhi and connect with your international departure.

Starting Price

$3,115 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.

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4.73 stars based on 37 reviews.

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