CLASSIC FAMILY TOUR
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The Classic Family Tour lets you see the nation with different and vibrant eyes; you will experience the vivid culture of the localities while moving with them. This tour covers the major places of attraction in Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha & Gangtey. Starting from Paro, known for the various religious sites including the famous Tiger’s Nest, the tour proceeds to ‘U’ shaped- Gangtey valley via Thimphu, where you can soak yourself in its scenic grandeur.
You can take hikes through the forest, try out a traditional hot stone bath with the game of Archery, eat a lunch by river side, meet the local families & have farm dinner surrounded by hills and its latticed pattern. Try a white water rafting or meet a monk at the hilltop. All these experiences will definitely give you the feel of Bhutan.
Duration : 07 Nights / 08 Days
Destination Covered : Thimphu- Dochu La- Phobjikha- Punakha- Paro .
Day 1: Arrive At Paro And Drive To Thimphu
Fly into the captivating view of the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. On landing at the Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your private guide with a customary Tashi Khaddar, a white scarf of auspiciousness, and transferred to Thimphu.
On your way to Thimphu, stop at invigorating Tachog Lhakhang located across the Paro River in a medieval setup.
On arriving in Thimphu, visit the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang and get an aerial view of the largest town of Bhutan. Discover the historic Tashichho Dzong and explore its exquisite architecture. Later explore the only city in the world without a single traffic light before returning to your hotel.
Duration of Drive: 1.5 hours (54Km)
Overnight: Hotel, Thimphu
Day 2: Explore Thimphu Valley
Dive to the Northern end of Thimphu valley passing through the countryside of Begana village before reaching the bridge at Dodena. After crossing the crystalline river on the oldest wooden cantilever bridge of Bhutan, enjoy your hike through the off-beaten tracks leading to the tranquil surrounding of the hilltop Cheri monastery where monks and wildlife mingle freely.
Later visit the Buddhist college of Bhutanese astrology at Pangrizampa and the next door Tara Lhaden Zhingkham in a serene setting.
Duration of Drive: 30 hours (17Km)
Overnight: Hotel, Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley
Start your journey to the secluded and beautiful glacial valley of Phobjikha by making stops at the Dochu La Mountain Pass marked by 108 Buddhist shrines from where you can also see the snowcapped mountains peaks on a clear day.
Continuing the journey:
Walk through the rice paddy fields of traditional Sopsokha village leading to Chimi Lhakhang located on a hillock. Discover paintings of phallus on the walls of the houses and discover interesting stories and legends of the Crazy wisdom of the divine mad monk before continuing to Phobjikha.
Upon arriving Phobjikha valley take in the tranquil atmosphere of one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan and winter place for the majestic Black necked cranes.
Later soak yourself in the traditional hot stone bath which has healing properties.
Drive Duration: 5-6 hours (130Km)
Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha
Day 4: Phobjikha to Punakha
Visit Gangtey monastery in the morning light before venturing into one of the most beautiful nature trail hikes of Bhutan from where you can get an impressive view of the Phobjikha valley.
Journey to the golden Punakha valley: A short drive through the valley floor past the local market at Minsena will lead you to the Palace of Great Bliss or Punakha Dzong. Feast your eyes to the intricate carvings and sculptors of the Dzong; capture the impressive architecture of this historic Dzong strategically located between two rivers; Pho Chhu (Male River) & Mo Chhu (Female River).
Take a walk on the 160 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge located close to Punakha Dzong, stretched over the wide beds of Pho Chhu (Male River) this is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge leading to a beautiful traditional village on the other side. It is a refreshing walk with the strong breeze fluttering the colorful prayer flags and offering 360 degree view from the bridge is stunning.
Drive Duration: 3-4 hours (75Km)
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
Day 5: Explore Punakha
Explore Punakha, the winter place of the central monk body.
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten:
After a healthy breakfast, start the day by taking a drive along with the Mo Chu (Female River) to Nyizergang in the North. A walk through the verdant rice field leads you to the most elaborately built Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten; a fascinating temple built by the Queen Mother. The fresh glacial river and lush valley amid soaring mountains is a spectacular view to capture.
Explore the thriving Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and participate in an intense butter lamp offering ceremony
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
Day 6: Punakha to Paro
Journey towards Paro by stopping at Dochu La (Pass) for another chance to catch the Snowcapped Mountain peaks.
On arriving in Paro, take a leisure hike to the ancient Zuri Dzong. The trail offers an enchanting view of the verdant Paro valley, Paro Dzong, and the Ta Dzong.
At Paro try your taste pallets to the different flavors of Bhutanese beer at Namgay Artisinal Brewery.
Hike Duration: 4 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 7: Hike to the Legendary Taktsang
We have saved the best for last. Get your energy up at breakfast today as we will be hiking to the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery resting at the sheer edge of the cliff, 900 meters above the valley floor. The monastery is at an elevation of 3,120 meters above the sea level and is an overwhelming sight to capture.
Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha in Bhutan, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months and blessed and preached tantric Buddhism.
Visit the ancient Kichu temple and discover the stories connected to its construction in the 7th century before calling of the day.
Hike Duration: 4-6 Hours
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 8: Departure
Our team will drop you at the airport and bid you farewell
Package Inclusion
A sustainable tourism Royalty (SDF) to the Royal Government of Bhutan which goes towards the economic developmental works such as in the education , health, roads, etc.,
Bhutan Visa
Accommodations in 3- star properties. (Can be upgraded to 4 & 5-star with additional Premium)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide.
All ground transportation
All internal taxes and charges including Entry Fees
Mineral Water while traveling
Package Exclusion
Airfare (Can be arranged with us)
Travel Insurance
Any Expenses of Personal Nature
Tips for Guide & Driver
Tour Highlights
Take in the dramatic landscapes of Bhutan.
Walk to the awe-inspiring Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on cliff edge
Hike to the off beaten paths with gorgeous views and profound histories
Visit the invigorating Tachog Temple across the Paro river
Capture the stunning view of the Thimphu valley from the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue
Discover the exquisite architecture of Thimphu and Punakha Dzong
Meet monks on mountaintop monasteries
Capture 108 Chortens and panoramic view of the snowcapped peaks from Dochu La
Participate in an intense butter lamp offering with the Nuns at Sangchen Nunnery
Walk through the traditional village of Sopsokha in Punakha
Take an enchanting easy walk to the ancient Zuri Dzong
Learn interesting legends and stories connected to the construction of the 7th century Kichu temple.