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Kingdom of Bhutan

India Private Tours Tailor Made

Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
0 booked

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Language: English
Tour type: India Private Tours Tailor Made
Transport: Flights & Overland Road Transfers
Accommodation: Hotels
Meals: 6 Breakfasts
Group size: 1 to 39 people

Rich Cultural Activities

Cuisine

Sightseeing

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Bhutan’s Paro - Enchanting Paro to Thimphu Journey

Your Bhutanese adventure commences with a breathtaking arrival in Paro by air. As you land at Paro airport and gracefully complete immigration and customs procedures, our representative warmly greets you. We then embark on a picturesque 52-kilometer drive that lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Thimphu, the charming capital of Bhutan. Once in Thimphu, you’ll be seamlessly checked into your comfortable hotel. In the early afternoon, we explored the majestic Tashichho Dzong, followed by a visit to The Memorial Chorten. As evening approaches, you’ll have the opportunity for a leisurely stroll through Thimphu town. Your first night is spent in the cozy embrace of a Thimphu hotel.

Day 2: Thimphu - A Day of Enriching Sightseeing

After a delightful breakfast, your day unfolds with visits to various attractions in Thimphu based on your interests and available time. You can explore The Folk Heritage Museum, offering a glimpse into rural life, and Changangkha Lhakhang, a 13th-century temple commanding views of the valley. Visit Kuensel Phodrang, home to the largest Buddha statue, and stroll through its Nature Park. Experience the bustling Centenary Farmer’s Market (Thu-Sun) and visit the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. If time aligns, watch a local Archery Match or visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Evening brings leisure time in Thimphu City center to explore the Local Craft Bazaar. Your overnight stay in Thimphu promises relaxation and comfort.

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha - An Enchanting Drive

Following a hearty breakfast, you embark on a scenic journey to Punakha through the breathtaking Dochula pass. Along the way, you’ll visit the stunning 108 chortens, beautifully constructed on a hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. Your drive then continues to Punakha, with a stop in Lobesa to visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery, Chhimi Lhakhang, renowned for its fertility shrine. Later, explore Punakha Dzong, strategically positioned at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Here, you’ll marvel at the highest standards of woodwork and visit the massive Kuenray. To add to your experience, visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge. Your overnight stay in Punakha offers serenity and comfort.

Day 4: Exploring Punakha’s Treasures

Today, you’ll continue to explore Punakha’s wonders. Start your day with a visit to the Khamsum Yuley Temple, where you can delve into the symbolic meanings conveyed through frescoes and sculptures. After lunch, visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge, celebrated as the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Finally, visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery, a place of spiritual reflection and tranquility. You’ll spend the night in Punakha.

Day 5: Punakha to Paro - A Scenic Drive

After a hearty breakfast, we embark on a journey back to Paro, passing through Thimphu (approx. 127 KM / 3.5 hours). In Thimphu, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the national Post Office, where you can acquire various Bhutanese stamps and even create your own personalized stamps. After lunch, we continue to Paro to explore the renowned Paro Dzong, often referred to as the Rinpung Dzong. As we explore further, you’ll walk to Nyamai Zampa, one of Bhutan’s oldest traditional cantilever bridges, and explore the National Museum (temporarily housed near the Ta Dzong). As evening descends, you’re free to wander through the vibrant Paro town, engage with the locals, and perhaps do some shopping. Your overnight stay in Paro offers a peaceful retreat.

Day 6: Paro’s Crowning Glory - The Taktsang Hike

Today is a highlight of your journey, as you embark on a hike to the iconic Taktsang Goempa, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. A brief 30-minute drive from Paro town takes you to the parking lot, from where your 1.5-hour hike to the viewpoint commences. Upon reaching the viewpoint, you’ll pause for refreshments before continuing your ascent to the monastery for another 1.5 hours. This sacred site is associated with Guru Padmasambhava, who flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Following your visit to the monastery, you’ll hike downhill and enjoy lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria. Later, visit Kichu Temple. As evening sets in, you can relax and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in a Paro hotel.

Day 7: Farewell to Bhutan

After a nourishing breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the enchanting beauty of Bhutan. Our team will ensure your seamless transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you cherished memories of this extraordinary journey.

Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan, exploring the cultural and spiritual treasures of Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. This enchanting tour offers a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, historical architecture, and rich traditions.

Explore the grandeur of Bhutan’s most significant fortresses, including the majestic Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu and the spectacular Punakha Dzong, situated beautifully at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
Experience a profound spiritual journey as you hike to the legendary Taktsang Goempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), clinging to a sheer cliffside above the Paro Valley, and visit the sacred Divine Madman’s Monastery.
Enjoy the panoramic Himalayan views from the Dochula Pass, marvel at the country’s largest Buddha statue at Kuensel Phodrang, and connect with rural traditions at local markets and the Folk Heritage Museum.

Price includes

A guided tour of important places
A two-person English-speaking Travel Director and Driver team with you for the duration of your journey
Beautifully illustrated souvenir map
Current Hotel Taxes and Service Charges
Entrance tickets to monuments and museums mentioned on the itinerary
Sightseeing and activities as described in your itinerary
All accommodations – First class or best available hotels in the area based on the hotel price category booked
Breakfast daily and some evening meals as described in your trip itinerary.
Meals, unless expressly states
Observation and participation in allowed activities
Professionally guided tour
Arrival and Departure Airport transfers
Transport to and from hotel listed on itinerary
Bottled water

Price does not include

All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes
Departure Taxes
Visa processing arrangements
Extra pre and / or post hotel nights for before and after your trip. These can be booked through Lotus of India and or your Travel Agent and be added during the booking process.
Handling fees
Excess baggage charge
Increases in airfares or Government imposed taxes
International Air, unless expressly paid for
Medical Travel insurance and emergency insurance
Visas and Travel Insurance.
Other International and domestic flights not mentioned on the itinerary.
Personal expenses.
Porterage for a maximum of two bags per person.
All porterage and restaurant gratuities.
Services not specifically stated in the itinerary.
Tips to guide and driver.
Optional Experiences. Optional Experiences are additional add-on experiences unique to the destination that are booked and paid for (credit card or cash) when you are on your tour. As Optional Experiences are pre-bookable, this allows you the flexibility to pick and choose what you feel like when you’re on your trip.
Any taxi fares or personal spending money including for non-included items, meals.

Level of Physical fitness required for the Lotus of India tour?

A moderate amount of walking is involved at both attractions.
Check recommended level for travelers with back problems or any other issues.
Check the dress codes for proper vestments for religious sites or county customs.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable clothes and hiking or tennis shoes.

Guidelines for Different Religious Sites

Typical Dress Code for Churches and Cathedrals

Churches, particularly in Europe, often require covered shoulders and knees. Bringing a scarf or shawl can be handy if you need to cover up quickly.

Dress Codes in Mosques

Mosques typically require women to cover their hair with a scarf or hijab and both men and women to wear long pants or skirts. Some mosques provide appropriate attire at the entrance.
Typical Dress Code for Temples and Shrines.
In Hindu and Buddhist temples, it is respectful to wear long sleeves and long skirts or pants. Removing shoes is often mandatory, and wearing socks might be required in some places.

Tips for Respectful Attire

Removing Hats or Headwear
While head coverings may be required in some religious sites, hats and caps are generally considered disrespectful and should be removed before entering.

Layering for Comfort and Respect

Bringing a lightweight layer, like a cardigan or shawl, allows you to adapt your outfit as needed. This is especially useful when transitioning from a hot climate outside to a cool interior within religious buildings.

Understanding Local Customs

Researching or asking about local customs before visiting can prevent unintentional disrespect. Each religious site may have unique expectations regarding dress code.

Additional Information

Confirmation will be received at time of booking and payment
Tours can be customized, by request with a multi-lingual guides option: (English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Portuguese).
Daily Tours departures times will be announced by your guide a day prior to the tour date.
The tour starts times ranges based on the activity booked.
Waiver will need to be signed attesting to good health conditions

Cancellation and Refunds Policies

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours after booking payment.
In the event of cancellation, Traveler should notify Lotus of India in writing at – least 60 days prior to travel.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made after paid booking before the experience’s start date / time will be subject to modification fees.
If the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers ( 2 ). If it’s canceled because the minimum wasn’t met, you’ll be offered options and recalculated prices.
A cancellation fee will be charged by Lotus of India for all cancelled bookings, as per the following cancellation terms.

Land Portions Refund Datelines: ( Hotels, Tours services, Sightseeing tours )

Number of days prior to Departure	Cost of Cancellation (Minimum Cancellation after booking)
120 days or more	15% of the total tour cost
119 to 60 days	25% of the total tour cost
59 to 30 days	50% of the total tour cost
Below 30 days	100% of the total tour cost

Map

Frequently Asked Questions - Deposits, Payments & Customers:

How Much Walking Is Involved?
Foreign travelers often worry about physical strain, especially seniors and couples. Physical comfort is managed proactively rather than reactively. Private tours control walking distances. Vehicles drop travelers close to sites, and visits are planned during less crowded hours.
Is Indian Food Safe for Foreign Tourists?
Food concerns are extremely common. Travelers worry about hygiene, food spice levels, and digestive issues. Private tours ensure meals are taken in reputable restaurants and hotels where hygiene standards are controlled. Spice levels are adjusted, and dietary needs are respected. Most food-related problems occur when travelers eat randomly or without guidance.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Travel anxiety often peaks around “what if” scenarios. Delays, illness, missed connections, or fatigue worry travelers before booking. Private tours include contingency handling. Drivers, guides and operators respond immediately to changes without traveler involvement. This safety net is one of the strongest reasons foreign travelers choose private tours.
Will the Tour Feel Too Rushed?
Fear of rushed itineraries is common, especially among travelers who have seen aggressive group tour schedules. Private tours are paced according to traveler energy, not preset checklists. Days are balanced, and sightseeing is spread logically. Foreign travelers often say they see less but understand more, which improves satisfaction.
How Much Planning Is Actually Needed?
India requires more planning than many destinations because of its scale and diversity. Foreign travelers often underestimate travel times, climate differences, and regional variations. Private tour planning absorbs this complexity. Routes are optimized, rest is built in, and seasonal factors are considered. Good planning reduces surprises, which is essential for confidence.
Are Private Tours Only for Luxury Travelers?
There is a misconception that private tours are only for ultra-luxury travelers. Private tours exist across comfort levels. The defining feature is personalization, not price. Even mid-range private tours offer better control and ease than budget independent travel. Luxury private tours simply enhance comfort further through premium hotels and experiences. Foreign travelers choose private tours not to show wealth, but to avoid friction.

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