Essence of Bhutan

22 – 29 MAR, 2025

Paro – Thimphu – Gangtey – Punukha – Paro

SEE BELOW FOR TOUR DETAILS

Overview

• Thimphu ( Le Meridien hotel – 4 star hotel – Classic room )
• Gangtey ( Gangtey Lodge – Luxury Boutique hotel – Farmhouse Suite )
• Punakha ( Densa Boutique Resort – Boutique hotel – Suite )
• Paro ( Le Meridien – Boutique Resort – Classic room )

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival / Paro  Transfer to Thimphu Upon arrival, you are met and transferred by road through the picturesque Paro valley, to Bhutans capital town,Thimphu. This afternoon visit important monuments and time to explore the farmers market. Overnight at Le Meridien hotel (Altitude 2,320m).

Day 2

Thimphu / Gangtey This morning visit Buddha Dordenma located in nearby nature park. Continue your drive up to Donchu-la pass (3,088m) stopping to take in the breathtaking views and prayer flags. Drive onwards to Gangtey. Once of Bhutans most beautiful and unspoiled places. This evening witness prayer ceremony at Gangtey monastery. Overnight at Gangtey Lodge (Altitude 3000m).

Day 3

Gangtey Visit Gangtey Goempa (monastery) before embarking on an easy Nature trail walk (2hrs) in the Phobjikha valley, walk through beautiful forests and flower meadows, ending at a local school. Participate in a blessing & butter lamp lighting ceremony, a sacred and deeply spiritual practice in Bhutan. Later this afternoon visit black neck crane information centre located on the edge of a forest. Overnight at Gangtey Lodge.

Day 4

Gangtey / Punakha After breakfast drive to the once former capital of Bhutan, Punakha, a popular year round destination, located in a fertile valley. Enroute visit Wangduephodrang Dzong, located on top of a high ridge. You will also visit Punakha Dzong or better known as the Palace of great happiness! Later you will enjoy a village walk giving you rare glimpses into the daily life of villagers. Overnight at Densa Boutique hotel (Altitude 1,300m).

Day 5

Punakha Breakfast time. Then embark on a scenic 2 hr nature walk to the majestic Namgel Chorten before a stroll to Punakha suspension bridge, an engineering marvel!  After lunch visit Talo village, scattered along the hill slopes with beautiful farmhouses and flower gardens. Meet local families. As you return to your hotel, visit a Buddhist institute/college where you get the chance to interact with monks. Overnight at Densa Boutique hotel.

Day 6

Punakha / Paro  After breakfast drive to Paro along a scenic highway through the fertile valley rich in culture, scenic beauty and myths and legends. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (watchtower)now the national museum with extensive collection of antiques, armour & art.  Short walk to visit a Dzong famous for its history and fine wall paintings and visit a traditional farmhouse and have opportunity to try your hand in Archery, Bhutans national sport! This evening after some leisure time, explore the charming Paro city centre and local market. Overnight at the Le Meridien (Altitude 2,280m).

Day 7

Paro Breakfast time. Today is a day at leisure with the option for those with a medium to high level of fitness to embark on a trek up to Tigers Nest Monastery ( 6-8 hr round trip trek ) the most sacred and famous of Bhutans monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor.  There is also the option to enjoy a 15 min scenic Helicopter flight to see the Monastery if you are unable to do the trek. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight at the Le Meridien.

Day 8

Paro / Departure After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.

GOLDEN TRIANGLE pre or post tour EXTENSION
6 Days /5 Nights

India’s ‘Golden Triangle’ is famous for combining some of India’s most dynamic and scenic attractions. Starting with a visit to the capital of Delhi, full of colonial and Indian architecture; then on to Agra to experience sunrise or sunset at the magnificent Taj Mahal; before heading to the colourful state of Rajasthan, to explore the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. 

Prepare for your trip

In a world that is always on the go, Bhutan provides sanctuary.

Getting a visa for your visit to Bhutan is simple and straightforward. The whole process takes a matter of minutes, and then you’re ready to ENTER THE KINGDOM.

The Bhutanese often live in their ancestral homes and in close-knit communities. It is the custom to usually take off shoes before entering houses. The Bhutanese always smile, so don’t forget to smile back. Kuzu zangpo la means hello and can be used at all times of the day. Kadrin chey la means thank you.

There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.

Bhutan is the last Vajrayana Buddhist country in the world and it contains many revered religious sites – from roadside stupas to temples, monasteries and nunneries.

Here, you can find earthly pleasures: archery and age-old crafts, dishes of home-made cheese and fearsomely hot chillies, breathtaking treks and restorative hot-stone baths. A vibrant legacy of the arts has created a culture that’s tangible everywhere from the humblest home to the most important dzong.

Known as Drukyul or “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, Bhutan is a land of arresting contrasts and uncommon harmony. A rich tapestry of ethnicities, this peaceable Buddhist nation embodies the deeply ingrained values of: compassion, inclusivity and hospitality.

BHUTAN BELIEVES.

“ This kingdom is steeped in history, but our gaze is fixed on the future. This is our moment of evolution. More than 70% forested, and the first carbon-negative country in the world, we’re also planting the seeds of science and tech innovation.

Guardians of some of the world’s most pristine, wild and sacred places – and of a rich, deeply rooted culture – we are steadfast as the cypress in our commitment to conservation.

Our future requires us to protect our heritage and to forge fresh pathways for forthcoming generations.

Those who seek us out are called here. Arriving as guests, you become our partners in this transformative moment and make a meaningful contribution towards preserving what is priceless. It’s where irreverent humour meets deeply held beliefs, and epic landscapes and slow journeys create room for quiet awe. In this Bhutan, you can enhance your well-being, immerse yourself in wonder and embark on exhilarating adventures.

We see a bright future. And we believe in our ability and responsibility to realise it together, and shine as a beacon of possibility in the world.“

WHAT'S INCLUDED

All tours include domestic flights, accommodation, transport, air-conditioned mini coach with refreshments, sightseeing entrance fees, special tour events and activities, local guides, all meals and all-inclusive tipping to cover day to day general tipping and local driver and guide. Prices may be subject to currency fluctuation or surcharges.

All visitors require a visa before travelling to Bhutan. As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).

As part of a conscious initiative to reduce the use of single use plastic bottles, TIKKA TOURS ground operator now provides alternatives to plastic bottled water. Re-usable metal water bottles with re-filling facility are part of our guest’s vehicles.

TOUR PRICE

8 Days / 7 Nights
$9,335 ( twin share per person )*
$4,945 ( single supplement )*
Locally escorted small group tour
( Based on 6 passengers )

PRE OR POST TOUR EXTENSION
INDIA GOLDEN TRIANGLE
6 Days /5 Nights
On Request ( twin share per person )*
On Request ( single supplement )*
Private tour
( Based on min 2 passengers )