At a Glance
The luxury Bhutan trekking tour allows you to walk the famous Druk Path Trek with full support, hike up to Tiger's Nest and visit ancient worship houses, monasteries and museums. The trip also combines Druk Path Trek camping experiences with stays at luxury COMO Uma and Amankora (5+ star boutique), for you to immerse yourself in the extraordinary landscapes and richly textured culture of Bhutan. Enjoy a welcome dinner at Bukhari, a restaurant favoured by the Royal family, and a Bhutanese traditional hot stone bath on the final day.
The itinerary includes 3 days trekking and camping along Druk Path Trek, one of the most famous treks in the country, which offers splendid views of the Himalayas while you pass through gorgeous natural landscapes of blue pine forests, high ridges and ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath experience
- Welcome dinner at Royal family favourite restaurant
- All transport and guiding
- Amazing walks and sightseeings including Tiger's Nest hiking
- Guided excursions/walks each day with experienced Bhutanese guides
- Return private transfer to and from Paro airport
- Three nights' fully-serviced camping along Druk Path Trek. 4 nights' luxury accommodation (twin share) at COMO Uma (5 star). 2 nights' luxury lodge accommodation at Amankora (5+ star)
- All meals. House beverages including select wines and spirits are available for two nights
- Bhutan tourist visa fee, Bhutan government tourism royalty & surcharge, and Bhutan sustainable tourism fund
- All inclusive pricing
Itinerary
*** We can tailor the itinerary to suit your arrival time. Walking distance: 2 - 3 hours walking (Easy Grade) Your guide will meet and greet you at Paro International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation COMO Uma Paro. In the afternoon you will visit Ta Dzong (the watchtower), now is housing the National Museum. Built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong, featuring 2.5m-thick walls, it was originally used to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war. Its unusual circular construction resembles a conch shell and it has an impressive collection of Bhutanese artefacts - costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps. Then you will visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong (means 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels'). It's one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. It houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. Your welcome dinner is held at award-winning Bukhari restaurant at COMO Uma Paro. The restaurant is favoured by the Bhutan Royal family and a rare fine-dining treat in the Paro Valley focused on local organic produce. |
Walking distance: 13 km, 5 - 6 hours walking (Moderate Grade). Today's trail is a long but fairly gentle ascent. A clear day offers a bird's eye view of Paro valley. You will walk through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. In winter, yaks graze in the pastures along the path and around the campsite. Druk Path Trek Jangchulakha Section |
Walking distance: 11 km, 4 - 5 hours walking (Moderate Grade). Today's trek follows mountain ridges with spectacular views of distant valleys and mountain ranges. The camp is near the Jimilangtso Lake. Druk Path Trek Jimilangtso Section |
Walking distance: 13 km, approx. 6 hours walking (Moderate Grade). The day begins with a gradual climb. The path continues passing dwarf rhododendron trees, the Janetsho Lake and through yak herders' camps. If weather permits there will be a beautiful view of Mount Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan's highest mountain, as well as of further peaks from the Doupchu La Pass. The path gradually descends to Phajoding Gompa, where a monastery and retreat centres for meditation are located. Druk Path Trek Phajoding Section |
Walking distance: 2 - 3 hours walking (Easy Grade). The final day's trail to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, lying in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,350m (7,709ft). Descend steeply through blue pine forests. Bhutan is the least deforested country in the world, covered with 70% virgin blue pine forest. Phajoding provides an excellent view of Thimphu Valley and is also a retreat center for monks and nuns. Optional tours in Thimphu at your choice (free of charges), including exploring the capital's cottage industries, from traditional paper making to hand rolled incense; browsing Himalayan artefacts along the main street; and making your own stamp at the post office, and visiting Craft Bazaar or Vegetable markets (open at weekends). Your guide can tailor the itinerary to suit your interest and time. |
Walking distance:2 - 3 hours walking (Easy Grade) Take a mild hike on the Wangditse Leisure Forest Trail. Wangditse Leisure Forest Trail The trail leads up through many hanging prayer flags making the place beautiful and if you look back you will find good view of Thimphu city. At first the trail seems to head up into the mountain towards Phajoding. But after 10 minutes of abrupt climbing you take the side footpath to right and the trail gets gentler and easier. You will find apple orchard and few farm houses above the trail. From here the trail drops down gently through oak, blue pine and rhododendron until you reach Wangtse monastery. The view of Tashicho Dzong, Thimphu city, and Buddha statue is stunning from here. Optional sightseeing in Thimphu at your choice (free of charges): including visiting the Institute of Traditional Medicines, the School of Arts and Crafts, the Folk heritage Museum, Simply Bhutan - museums depicting Bhutan's ancient cultural heritage, the National Library, Textile Museum, the Weaving Centre, Buddha Point and the National Memorial Chorten. We can tailor the itinerary to suit your interest and arrival time. |
Walking distance: 2 - 3 hours walking (Moderate Grade). You'll have an early departure for the dramatic drive over the mountain pass of Dochu La, and on to the Punakha Valley. Enjoy Lungchutse hike, one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque hikes in the Thimphu region. Lungchutse Hike The loop hike starts from Dochu La, the pass between Thimphu and Punakha at 3,140m (10,300ft) above sea level. Slowly climb a ridge through a forest of hemlock, birch and rhododendrons until reaching an open meadow. You'll then enter into forest of moss-covered rhododendrons, gigantic hemlocks, junipers, and bamboo undergrowth. A small trail leads you the last 50 meters past a row of fluttering prayer flags up to Lungchutse temple. On clear days, the view from the temple is fantastic! You will have a 360° view of the Himalayas including views of Jumolhari (7,314m / 24,00ft), Masang Gang in the region of Laya (7,158 m / 23,500ft), Zongophu Gang - a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana (7,060m / 23,160ft) and Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed peak in the world (7,497 m / 24,600ft). You can also see Gasa Dzong, as a tiny white speck in a sea of green almost 50 kilometres to the north. Hike to Trashigang village and temple. The trail slowly descends through spruce, rhododendron, hemlock and juniper forest. The trail leading down from the front of the temple zigzags quite steeply down the side of the mountain until reaching a farm road. Visit Hongtsho Goemba monastery for ancient wall paintings. |
Walking distance: 13 km, approx. 6 - 7 hours walking (Moderate Grade). After a hearty breakfast, take a beautiful one and half hour drive to Chele La pass (3,899m / 12,792ft). You will walk a section of Chele La Trek, offering you a taste of trekking in high Himalayas within a short span of time. Chele La Trek (Ningula via Kungkarpo pass to Paro) Dinner tonight is at a local Bhutanese family's house. |
Walking distance: Approx. 9 km return, 4 hours walking (Moderate Grade) In the morning, hike up to view one of Bhutan's most dramatic monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, known as Tiger's Nest. It's built on a sheer cliff face at an altitude of 3,120 metres (10,240 ft). The four-hour return hike offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on the rocks, 900m above the valley floor. Tiger's Nest Hike Return to your lodge for lunch. After lunch, you can visit the outskirts of Paro town where you will find the 7th-century twin temples of Kichu Lhakang, one of the first Buddhist temples built int he country. Spend time lighting 108 butter lamps and learn about the ancient Buddhist traditions that are still practiced today. On the final evening of your journey, enjoy a famous Bhutanese hot stone bath. Dinner tonight is at the archery field. |
This morning you bid farewell to Bhutan. Your driver will take you to Paro International Airport. |
Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. The published price is a guide. Additional charges may apply for travelling during March to May, and September to November or different room type as well as currency exchange fluctuation. Please contact us for a quote. Please contact us for group bookings.
More Info
- The departure point is Paro
- The finish point is Paro
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Paro. We recommend you fly from Bangkok, Delhi or Singapore into Paro. In Bangkok, Aman has an airport representative who will assist with check-in. Drukair, and Bhutan Airlines are the only airlines that operate in and out of Bhutan.
We offer complimentary services to book all flights on your behalf. Airfare quotes will be provided upon request.
Flight Routes to Paro Bhutan
2 - 7 hours easy to moderate walking each day. We can tailor the walking program to suit your fitness level.
Day 1: Approximately 2 - 3 hours walking, easy grade; altitudes: 2,200 meters
Day 2: Approximately 13 km, 5 - 6 hours walking, moderate grade; altitudes: 3,627 meters
Day 3: Approximately 11 km, 4 - 5 hours walking, moderate grade; altitudes: 3,706 meters
Day 4: Approximately 10 km, 4 - 5 hours walking, moderate grade; altitudes: 3,536 meters
Day 5: Approximately 2 - 3 hours walking, easy grade; altitudes: 2,300 meters
Day 6: Approximately 2 - 3 hours walking, easy grade; altitudes: 2,400 meters
Day 7: Approximately 2 - 3 hours walking, moderate grade; altitudes: 3,600 meters
Day 8: Approximately 6 - 7 hour walking, moderate grade; altitudes: 4,400 meters
Day 9: Approximately 4 hour walking, moderate grade; altitudes: 3,100 meters
Day 10: Depart
Total: Approximately 100 km
Bhutan has four distinct seasons. Bhutan can be enjoyed in any season.
Spring & Autumn Seasons (Mar - May, Sep - Nov)
The weather is ideal in spring and autumn. Generally, it's clear and mild weather with excellent scenery, lower rainfall and a range of festivals called Tshechus and Dromchoes. Himalayan views are best in October, while rhododendron blooms peak in March and April. However, they are peak season for tourist visitors and you can expect some congestion at major tourist sights.
Winter Season (Dec - Feb)
The weather is still pleasant, though it can be cold and temperatures fall below zero at night in December and January. During those months, it has snow to the higher regions however the southern regions and main valleys where visitors generally travel are considerably warmer. Paro and Thimphu normally experience only light dusting's of snow. Cool weather and clear skies is a great time for photography and valley hiking plus the opportunity for wonderful Himalayan vistas.
Summer Season (Jun - Aug)
Monsoon rains. High-altitude flowers are at their peak. Early-mid summer period June to July is good time to visit as there are less tourists.
Average Temperature in Bhutan
For more weather & climate information, please visit Tourism Council of Bhutan (http://www.tourism.gov.bt/about-bhutan/climatic).
Please note: Your Bhutan tourist visa application fee is included in this package. We offer services to arrange Bhutan tourist visas on your behalf.
All travellers (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) to Bhutan are required to obtain tourist visas prior to arriving in Bhutan. Visa application requires at least 14 working days for handing. India, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders do not require a visa to visit Bhutan.
How We Apply a Bhutan Tourist Visa on Your Behalf
1. You need to complete a Pre-registration form and legal form (We will send to you after your booking.)
2. Return the forms with clear colour copies of your passport. Please note that each passport should have a validity of at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs typically does not issue a visa until approximately 15 to 20 days prior to arrival. Once available, we will forward a copy of your visa for your reference.
For guests flying into and out of Bhutan via India, it is necessary to have e-tourist Indian visas or a regular double- or multiple-entry Indian visa. Please contact your nearest Indian embassy for more information. Please note that it will be all travellers' responsibility to make your own visa arrangements for any destinations prior to your Bhutan trip.
For more Bhutan Tourist Visa information, please visit Tourism Council of Bhutan (http://www.tourism.gov.bt/plan/visa).
Bhutan's infrastructure is continually being improved, which causes regular closures along the national highway. Delays are not uncommon. Some roads can be very degraded. You'll have experienced driver throughout the trip. The following is estimated travel time based on ideal road conditions.
Estimated Travel Time in Bhutan
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.