Bhutan Rice Bowl Valley

0 (0 Reviews)
From: $0.00
0
(0 review)
Inquiry
Duration

7 days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

About this tour

Journey into the Golden Heart of Bhutan.

Travel beyond the mountains into the fertile valleys of Punakha and Wangdue—the “Rice Bowl” of Bhutan. This tour offers a warmer climate, lush landscapes, and the most majestic architecture in the country.

Highlights

  • Punakha Dzong: The "Palace of Great Happiness," arguably the most beautiful fortress in the country.
  • Dochula Pass: Sip tea at 3,100m with a panoramic view of the 108 memorial stupas and the Himalayan range. Chimi Lhakhang: A pleasant walk through paddy fields to the "Temple of the Divine Madman."

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation on twin sharing/Single occupancy on government certified hotels, Lodges, Resorts and Farm houses OR Tents while camping or trekking, selected according to your budget and finalized travel itinerary.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, one time evening tea & snacks.
  • All transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
  • English speaking local guide
  • Sustainable Tourism Development Fund (SDF)
  • Entry fees to government institutions
  • One time evening tea & snacks
  • Bottled drinking water in bus as extra service ( as much as you wish to drink)
  • Camping equipment's (tents to sleep, chairs,tables, dining, Kitchen & toilet tent, sleeping cot, sleeping bags)
  • Airfare & Airport taxes
  • Bar & Laundry service
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Other expenses of personal nature eg. sim card, small tipping to hotel staff, shopping, room up gradation
  • Single supplement
  • FIT surcharges for 1 and 2 pax of US$ 40 and 30 per day per person respectively.

Itinerary

Distance: 55 km | Time: ~1 hr 20 min | Altitude: 2,200 m

Arrive in Paro aboard Bhutan’s national carriers Druk Air or Tashi Air, enjoying a breathtaking flight over the Himalayan range. As the aircraft descends into Paro Valley, witness stunning aerial views of Paro Dzong, the National Museum, and traditional settlements nestled amid emerald fields.

Upon arrival, you are warmly welcomed and assisted through immigration and customs. Meet your professional guide and driver before beginning a picturesque drive to Thimphu, passing rice paddies, apple orchards, farmhouses, rivers, and forested gorges.

Lunch at a hand-picked local restaurant (subject to flight timing). After hotel check-in and rest, enjoy an evening stroll along Thimphu’s main street, interacting with locals and visiting the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar, supporting rural artisans and traditional heritage.

Overnight: Thimphu

After breakfast, set out for a full day of sightseeing in Bhutan’s vibrant capital:

  • Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point): A 51.5-meter gilded statue offering commanding views of Thimphu Valley
  • Memorial Chorten: A revered landmark built in memory of the 3rd King
  • Bhutan Postal Museum: Create personalized postage stamps—unique and memorable souvenirs

Lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant.

Afternoon visits include:

  • Sangaygang Viewpoint: Sweeping valley panoramas
  • Buddhist Nunnery: Insight into monastic life and meditation
  • Institute for Zorig Chusum: Discover Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts & crafts

Conclude with an evening visit to Tashichho Dzong, Bhutan’s grand administrative and monastic center, beautifully illuminated at dusk.

Dinner & Overnight: Thimphu

Distance: ~173 km | Time: ~2–3 hrs | Altitude: 1,300 m

Depart after breakfast for Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital. The scenic drive winds through forests and mountain landscapes to Dochula Pass (3,150 m), adorned with 108 stupas and prayer flags. On clear days, enjoy spectacular Himalayan vistas.

Descend into the subtropical Punakha Valley. Lunch en route or at the Dochula cafeteria (time permitting).

Later, enjoy a gentle village walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the famed Temple of Fertility, associated with the legendary Drukpa Kunley. Visit Sopsokha village, experiencing authentic rural Bhutanese life.

Dinner & Overnight: Punakha

After breakfast, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, dramatically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers—arguably Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress monastery.

Enjoy a short walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, offering scenic river and village views.

Lunch in Punakha town.

In the afternoon, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, perched on a hilltop with serene surroundings and sweeping valley views. The nunnery supports spiritual practice alongside vocational training for nuns.

Dinner & Overnight: Punakha

Distance: ~143 km | Time: ~3 hrs | Altitude: 2,100 m

After breakfast, drive back to Paro via Dochula Pass, offering another opportunity for Himalayan panoramas. Tea or lunch stop at the pass cafeteria (subject to timing).

In Paro, visit:

  • National Museum (Ta Dzong)
  • Paro Rinpung Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture

Check in to your hotel and relax.

Dinner & Overnight: Paro

Early breakfast before driving to the trailhead for the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, dramatically perched 800 meters above Paro Valley. This sacred site marks where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century after flying on a tigress.

The hike takes approximately 3 hours up and 1–2 hours down at a relaxed pace, with lunch at the viewpoint café midway.

Return to your hotel for rest.

Optional (for senior guests): Scenic drive to Chelela Pass (3,988 m)—Bhutan’s highest motorable pass with magnificent mountain views.

Dinner & Overnight: Paro

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Your guide assists with check-in and bids you farewell.

Tashi Delek – Until We Meet Again in Bhutan!

Frequently asked questions

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 a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.

In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.

In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.

Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.

From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).

Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.

Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.

Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.

No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.

The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.

The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.

Tour's Location

From: $0.00

Owner

pravinnepal

Member Since 2025

Information Contact

Email

visitbhutan23@gmail.com | Info@experiencebhutan.com | info@experiencebhutan.com.bt | khetnath@experiencebhutan.com

Website

experiencebhutan.com

Phone

+975 17619485 | +975 17464584

Fax

+975 2 328961 | +975 2 335398

Explore other options