7D6N BHUTAN ADVENTURE
Welcome to the Home to spectacular scenery and fascinating culture that remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. Bhutan is one of 49 landlocked countries in the world, which means the country is almost or entirely surrounded by land. Experience the rich cultural diversity and witness the colourful religious festivals that are celebrated throughout the country.
Exceptional Experiences:
- Tashichho Dzong: Make a visit to Tashichho Dzong, which has been the seat of the government since 1952 and in the present day, it houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance.
- The Buddha Dordenma Statue: The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 m, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold.
- Druk Wangyal Chortens: The construction of these 108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk to commemorate the lives of the Bhutanese soldiers killed in the 2003 war against insurgents from India. The pass is also a popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists because an important temple is located on the crest of Dochula pass which gives a stunning view of the snow-capped Eastern Himalayas range.
- Chimi Lhakhang: It is located near Sopsokha village in the Punakha District of Bhutan. Pilgrims and tourists have to trek for 20 minutes through the agricultural fields of rice and mustard to access the monastery. Built over half a millennium ago, it’s one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan.
- Taktsang Lhakhang: Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s famed and iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Taktsang Lhakhang is located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at an altitude of 3.120 m. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site
- Bhutan Post Office Headquarters: Are you a fan of collecting memorabilia from your trips? Don't forget to make a stop at Bhutan Post Office Headquarters. Make your own stamps from one of your favourite pictures and send postcards home to your friends and family here.
- Authentic Bhutan Home Visit - Visit a Bhutanese family at their home, experience dining in a traditional Bhutanese home embraced by the warm hospitality of the family.
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Itinerary:
Day 1 : SINGAPORE – PARO – THIMPHU (D)
Depart from Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Paro.
Upon reaching the arrival hall at the airport, meet your guide and he will be there to escort you to your private luxury vehicle.
In Paro, the first few things that you will likely notice is the effect of the high altitudes, therefore we will give you time to acclimate as we take a short drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan (approx. 1.5 hrs). Then, we make a visit to the Centenary Farmer’s Market, a weekend market famous for its agricultural products. Next, visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the King of Bhutan. After which, make a stop at the local post office where you can get your personalised stamps at your own expense.
Before dinner, proceed to visit National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built to honour the late 3rd King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Transfer to your hotel with your guide.
Six Senses Thimphu is perched on an auspicious hillside overlooking the shimmering lights of Thimphu. Six Senses Bhutan offers 82 spacious villas and suites, starting from 645 square feet for the suites and up to 3,681 square feet for the three-bedroom villas.
Accommodation: Six Senses Thimphu or similar
Day 2 : THIMPHU (B/L/D)
This morning after breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby and head to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where you can catch a glimpse of apprentices honing their skills and knowledge in 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
Thereafter continue your journey to the Folk Heritage Museum to discover the traditional lifestyle of Bhutanese in the olden days. Then, make a visit to the Royal Textile Academy to witness the traditional art of weaving. Head to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, where you can catch a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley and admire the 169-foot-tall bronze Buddha Dordenma Statue, the largest statue in the country. Then, proceed to visit Changangkha Lhakhang, which was built in the 12th century and is the oldest temple in Thimphu.
Before you end of the day, make your way to an authentic Bhutanese crafts bazaar and Norzin Lam where you can purchase handicrafts, garments and accessories at your own expense.
Accommodation: Six Senses Thimphu or similar
Day 3: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Enjoy your breakfast in the hotel this morning and meet your guide in the lobby. Then, depart Thimphu and continue your journey to Punakha.
Cross the Dochula pass and visit Druk Wangyal Chortens, where the construction of 108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. Enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas if the weather is clear. Along the way, make a stop at Sopsokha village and take a stroll through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a pilgrimage site for childless couples.
Thereafter, visit Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Then, check into your accommodation for the night.
Day 4 : PUNAKHA – PARO (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
This morning after breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby and make your way back to Paro, home to many old Bhutanese monasteries.
Visit Paro Penlop Dawa Penjor Heritage Farmhouse, an 18th-century farmhouse inaugurated recently as a heritage farmhouse with various historical and religious artefacts. Thereafter, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan.
End your day with a visit to Drugyel Dzong, the victory fortress built-in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644.
Home Visit - Visit a Bhutanese family at their home and experience dining in a traditional Bhutanese home embraced by the warm hospitality of the family.
Accommodation: Six Senses Paro or similar
Day 5: PARO (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
This morning after breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby and embark on a scenic drive up to Chelela Pass, the highest pass in Bhutan at 3,988 metres above sea level to catch a glimpse of Paro Valley on one side and Haa Valley on the other.
Next, visit Ta Dzong, which houses a fascinating collection of costumes, art, religious paintings, relics, national stamps and handicrafts. Thereafter, visit Rinpung Dzong, which was built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders and had now been transformed to serve as an administration centre and school for monks and a venue of the annual spring festival.
Accommodation: Six Senses Paro or similar
Day 6: PARO (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
This morning after breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby and proceed to tour to The Tiger’s Nest Temple, it is the most famous Buddhist monastery in the Himalayas, built on a sheer rock face.
Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley.
After, visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. The fortress known as the “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”, is a symbol of Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invasions in the 17th and 18th centuries. Take in the stunning views of the sacred mountain, Jumolhari, along the way.
Then, take an evening walk around the town for shopping and watch a Cultural show at the hotel.
Note: In order to arrive at the temple visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests.
Accommodation: Six Senses Paro or similar
Day 7: PARO – SINGAPORE (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel breakfast, transfer to the Paro International Airport for your flight home.
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Package Includes:
- Proposed flight on Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
- SINGAPORE/PARO (40 minutes layover at Guwahati) KB541 1155/1555
- PARO/SINGAPORE (40 minutes layover at Guwahati) KB540 0805/1610
- Return airport transfers
- 6-nights accommodation
- Tour as per itinerary with English Speaking guide
- Tour and meal as per itinerary
Please note: This itinerary is designed to give you an idea of what to expect on the tour but is not set in stone. What we actually do on a given day is flexible and can be tailored based on the interests of the group.
This itinerary and its package inclusions might be changed later in time, subject to availability.