Overview
- Journey style
- Special Trips
- Route
- Gangtey · Paro · Punakha · Thimphu · Wangdue Phodrang
- Flexibility
- Private and fully customisable
Too many times, we inject guests with our “itineraries.” However, for this particular tour, we invite guests to do their own research, about Bhutan, about Zhemgang and the Royal Manas Park, which remains the focus of the tour.
This tour has two sets of itineraries. It has a second itinerary with the option of a domestic flight as not all travellers enjoy being on the road for too long.
Zhemgang is an eastern Bhutan district that has many things to offer including the Royal Manas Park, a site on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list, home to a healthy wildlife and eco-system. Interestingly, this park borders the Indian state of Assam, giving visitors the opportunity to experience a second country.
Trip Cost for 9 Nights & 10 Days
The minimum daily tour package covers the following services.
Highlights
- Seasons: Spring, Fall & Winter
Price includes
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
- All meals / Tea & snacks
- All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- An experienced English speaking tour leader
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), government fees & visa fee
Price excludes
- Flights
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.
The Sustainable Development Fee, visa and permits are all included — see how the Bhutan visa & permits process works.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival; Paro - Thimphu
Driving Duration: 1.5hrs/ 65 km
Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft
The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After completing your visa formalities and clearing your immigrations, we will warmly welcome you in a traditional way. We will then continue to drive on to Thimphu.
(Sightseeing depends on the flight timing)
Attractions:
– Buddha Point
– Tashichhodzong
– Explore Thimphu Town
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 02 Thimphu Sightseeing
Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft
After breakfast, cultural sightseeing in Thimphu
Attractions:
– Buddha Point
– Takin Preservation Center
– 13 Traditional Art Forms (Closed during weekends & Government Holidays)
– Centenary Farmers Markets
– Authentic Bhutanese Crafts street
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 03 Thimphu - Punakha
Driving Duration: 77 km/ 2hrs
Elevation: 1310m / 4300 ft
After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la Pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.
After crossing the Dochula pass, we will reach Punakha. Explore Punakha by visiting the following sites:
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Punakha Dzong
- Punakha Suspension bridge
Overnight in Punakha
Day 04 Punakha - Trongsa
Driving Distance: 134 km/3.5 hrs
Elevation: 2300m /7545ft
After breakfast at the hotel, your route crosses Pele La Pass (3420m) which is marked by a chorten and an array of prayer flags.
En-route visit following places in Trongsa:
- Chendebji Chorten
- Trongsa Dzong
- Ta Dzong (Trongsa Museum)
Overnight in Trongsa
Day 05 Trongsa - Panbang via Zhemgang
Driving duration: 186 km/5-6 hrs
Elevation: 1141 m/ 3743 ft
On the way, explore Tingtibi Town and you will be able to witness the Twin Waterfall.
We will continue our journey towards the south to Zhemgang.
After reaching Zhemgang, check in to the Eco Lodge in Panbang.
Evening: Explore Panbang village
Overnight in Panbang
Day 06 Pangbang - Visit Royal Manas National Park
Driving Duration: 12 km/ 30 Minutes
Elevation: 1141 m/ 3743 ft
One of the most interesting features in Zhemgang is the Royal Manas National Park. This
protected park is the oldest nature preserve in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The park is the most
biologically diverse protected area in the kingdom as well as one of the most outstanding natures
preserves worldwide.
Then, continue the adventure with a 2 hours Eco Trail Walk - Manas (Optional)
Overnight in Panbang
Day 07 Zhemgang - Phobjikha
Driving Duration: 160 km/4-5 hrs
Elevation: 2900m / 9510ft
On the way, visit Kuenga Rabten Palace in Trongsa.
Route back to Gangtey via Pelela Pass (alt. 3,300 m). Phobjikha/Gangtey is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and chosen home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters.
Explore around by visiting the following sites:
- Gangtey Monastery
- Gangtey Nature Trail
- Black Necked Crane’s information center
Overnight in Phobjikha
Day 08 Phobjikha - Paro
Distance: 142 km/4.5 hrs
Elevation: 2250 m/ 7546 ft
After an early breakfast, drive to Paro recrossing Dochula Pass and Thimphu.
Visit the following sites in Paro:
- National Museum/ Ta Dzong
- Paro/ Rinpung Dzong
Evening: Explore Paro Town.
Overnight in Paro
Day 09 Paro: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Driving Duration: 65km/1hr
Elevation: 3120m/10236ft
A day hike to the Taktsang Palphug Monastery (Approx. 5-6hrs roundtrip), Paro local sightseeing
Attractions:
– Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery)
– Kyichu Lhakhang
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 10 Departure
After breakfast, drive to the Paro International Airport for your onward journey as you leave the beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan behind carrying on the beautiful memories.
Tour ends.
Alternative Option:
Travelers have the choice to take a flight to Bumthang reducing the number of days on the road. Trip cost remains the same.
Trip Overview
Day 1: Arrival; Paro - sightseeing
Day 2: Flight to Bumthang
Day 3: Bumthang (Tang Valley)
Day 4: Bumthang to Panbang Eco Lodge
Day 5: Zhemgang, Panbang ( Royal Manas Park)
Day 6: Zhemgang to Trongsa
Day 7: Trongsa to Bumthang
Day 8: Flight to Paro
Day 9: Paro/ Thimphu or Day excursion to Haa
Day 10: Departure
Please note that some of the sights/itineraries may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the right to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan. Also please note that since hotels are pre-booked and paid for, any changes in itinerary later will cost cancellation/re-booking charges
Like the look of this itinerary? Every departure is customisable.
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