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5-Nights Spirit of Bhutan

Bhutan
5-Nights Spirit of Bhutan
Bhutan
Alexander+Roberts
Vacation Offer ID 1565951
Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.
Overview

Alexander+Roberts

Spirit of Bhutan
Our Private Bhutan Tour reveals the true spirit of a fabled land that resonates in the imagination of accomplished and inquisitive travelers. With our Bhutan-born expert at your side, you'll experience the rich history, living Buddhist traditions and inspiring landscapes of this mountain kingdom.

Featured Destinations

Punakha

Punakha

Bhutan's former capital, Punakha is often seen on a long day trip from Thimphu. It offers superlative views of the Himalayas and can be used as a base to visit the nearby Wangdiphodrang Dzong and Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong is the winter home of the largest group of monks in the country (some 500) and the Je Khempo (Buddhist religious leader). It is considered to be the most elaborate temple in the country and is still used today as government offices for the district.

The drive over the Dochula Pass to Punakha is breathtaking. The Punakha Suspension Bridge, said to be one of the longest in the region, is a fun place to stop since it is close to the Punakha Dzong.

The Punakha Domche festival is in late February-March.

Don't be surprised by the numerous phallic symbols that are painted on many buildings in the region because of the Chimi Lhakhang Temple (known as the fertility temple); these represent new life and fertility. Phallic statues are also widely sold in markets and stores, and it may come as a surprise to many Western visitors. They are visible across the country, but there are noticeably more near the fertility temple. Many people come to this temple in hopes of getting pregnant. Many of these symbols are painted on building doors as a matter of protection.

Destination Guide
Thimphu

Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, is located in the west of the country and testifies to the nation's struggle to modernize while maintaining its venerated traditions. New buildings are still based on traditional designs, with elaborately painted, trefoil-shaped windows and wooden frames built without nails. Regulations restrict new buildings to fewer than six stories, and there are no traffic lights in town; still, satellite dishes are everywhere, and internet cafes are easily found.
Destination Guide
Paro

Paro

The scenic, terraced town of Paro sits in the shadow of 24,000-ft/7,320-m Mount Chomolhari (divine mountain). Paro has Bhutan's only airport, so most travelers arrive there. Though it's really only a large village, three nights are recommended to get used to the altitude, as well as to see the many sights related to Paro's days as capital of the western region.

Among those sights are the 350-year-old Ta Dzong (now the National Museum), the Rinchen Pung or Paro Dzong (sacred scrolls, icons, and the like), where scenes from Bertolucci's Little Buddha were shot, the restored seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang (holy temple) and the Dungtse Lhakhang (temple). Also worth seeing is the Drugyel Dzong, named after a famous victory of the Bhutanese over Tibetan invaders (about 9 mi/14 km northwest of town).

If you're in Paro on a Sunday morning, be sure to visit the colorful market, where grains, chilies, oranges, bananas and a host of other items are sold. The Paro Tsechu festival is held late March-April.

On a full-day trip, it's possible to visit the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), built on a rock ledge overlooking a sheer 2,600 ft/800 m drop to the Paro Valley. It is accessible only on foot or by pony as far as the viewpoint. According to legend, the monastery was founded by Guru Rimpoche, who landed there on the back of a flying tiger.

Destination Guide

View Full Itinerary

Valid Date Ranges

April 2025
04/01/2025 06/18/2025 $7,499 per person
June 2025
06/19/2025 06/19/2025 $7,499 per person
06/20/2025 08/20/2025 $6,799 per person
August 2025
08/21/2025 08/21/2025 $6,799 per person
08/22/2025 12/31/2025 $7,499 per person
Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this trip. Any featured special trip savings can be combined with the Alexander+Roberts “Pay-in-Full” and “Friends+Family” promotions, but may not be combined with any other offers. All prices are per person and quoted in U.S. dollars. Single supplement applies. Blackout dates/seasonal supplements may apply. Accommodations, inclusions and itinerary subject to change depending upon specific departure date. Negotiated international airfare is available on all major carriers and is quoted separately from the land package price. From pricing is based on lowest marketed price for this tour, rates vary by date of departure; please inquire for details for your preferred travel dates. Prices are per person, land only. Holiday surcharges may apply. We offer air on Emirates. Add extra nights. There is a surcharge for singles traveling alone in their own vehicle. Prices subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.