This Bhutan Package Tour from Australia (09 Nights / 10 Days) is the lengthy cultural tours which cover Western and Central part of Bhutan (Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Trongsa, Bumthang and Paro) giving you the best sights. The Bhutan Tour starts from the western part of the country and then moves to central Bhutan. In Bhutan, one can witness preserved tradition and culture, medieval Dzongs, Monasteries (temples), flora and fauna, pristine environments and friendly Bhutanese people. The extended tour gives you a deep insight into life, culture, history and nature of the country.
This Bhutan Package Tour from Australia starts from capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu, is perhaps the only capital city in the world in the 21st century that do not have traffic lights. After visiting sightseeing places and attraction in Thimphu, then drive to picturesque Phobjikha as the valleys is also the winter home of the endangered Black Necked Cranes. The next highlight is Bumthang, the cultural heartland of the kingdom. Visit sightseeing places of Bumthang and don't miss Mebar Tsho (the burning lake) of tang valley.
Then drive to Trongsa, where the current monarchy had its origin in Bhutan, and also it houses the largest Dzong (Trongsa Dzong) of the nation. The next highlight is Punakha as it houses beautiful Dzong (Punakha Dzong) in the country on the confluence of Mo Chu and Po Chu River. You can also experience River rafting in Punakha. For your final hiking adventure, concludes into a hike to the famous landmark Taktshang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). This 10N/11D Bhutan Tour from Australia is the perfect choice for those who wish to explore Bhutan in-depth and wish for long drives in Bhutan. It covers most of the best places in Bhutan, and it can be one of the most unforgettable trips.
Any International Travellers wishing to travel Bhutan have to follow the new tourism policy which came into effect from 20th June, 2022. Henceforth, with the new tourism policy, international travellers have to follow the new entry formalities as follows:
There are no direct flights from the Australia to Bhutan due to the country's tight rules on entry to its territory. Actuality, there are just five nations and nine airports worldwide with flights to this country. You must first book connecting flights to one of those ten airports if you intend to go to Bhutan by Air.
Only two airlines, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines, (both are owned by Gov. of Bhutan) provide flights to that country. The single international airport in the nation, Paro International Airport, forbids foreign aircraft from making a landing there. Bangladesh's Dhaka, India's Bagdogra, New Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya, and Guwahati, Nepal's Kathmandu, Thailand's Bangkok, and Singapore's Singapore all have flights to Paro Airport of Bhutan.
More than half dozen airports in the Australia offer flights to various cities of Asia that Bhutan also operates its flight. Even though there are several airports in India where visitors can enter Bhutan, the most frequent flights are those from Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro. The quickest way to go to Bhutan by air is via this route, which typically takes about 18 hours.
Undoubtedly, there is no way to get from the Australia to Bhutan overland. Therefore, flights must be taken to either Nepal or India, followed by a land journey to Phuentsholing, the major entry point into Bhutan.
It is advisable to fly directly from the Australia to Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport if you are going to India in order to reach Bhutan. From there, it is simple to board a train for the Indian State of West Bengal and go to Jalpaiguri or Hasimara. With numerous trains departing from each station each day, India's extensive rail network virtually spans the entire nation. It is simple to take a taxi or a bus to Jaigaon, which is located on the border opposite Phuentsholing, Bhutan's largest border town, from the station at Hasimara.
In order to get to Nepal from the Australia, you must fly to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. The majority of flights have connections in either Qatar, Abu Dhabi, or Istanbul. There are no direct flights from the Australia to Nepal. Once in Kathmandu, you can enter India through the border town of Kakarbhitta in eastern Nepal. The border crossing leads you to Panitanki, a town in West Bengal, from which you may catch a direct train to Hasimara, which is close to the border town of Phuentsholing, Bhutan.
On arrival in Paro International Airport, after immigration formalities, our representative will receive you who will be your tour guide throughout your Bhutan Tou from Australia. From the Paro International Airport, proceed to Thimphu, which will take about an hour and a half. The entire drive is very scenic and picturesque. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy walking over a suspension bridge to view 15th-century iron chain bridge suspended over the Pa Chu and also walk for about 10 minutes to visit Tachog Lhakhang (temple), this 15th-century temple at the base of a mountain across the Pa Chu on the Paro - Thimphu highway.
On the way to Thimphu, halt at Chuzom (confluence of Pa chu - the river flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu - the river flowing through Thimphu valley) to take photographs. On arrival at Thimphu city, capital of Bhutan, check into your Thimphu hotel.
Visit Trashichhoe Dzong (Fortress of Glorious Religion). It was built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. It is close to Thimphu town, next to the banks of the Wang Chhu River which is 2 km away from the city of Thimphu in Bhutan.
Trashichhoe Dzong houses the secretariat, throne room, and offices of King of Bhutan. The northern portion is the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and the central monastic body. Overnight at a Hotel in Thimphu.
Thimphu is perhaps the only capital city in the world in the 21st century that do not have traffic lights. After breakfast, transfer to the following sightseeing places.
Visit Memorial Chorten (Stupa): The Chorten was built-in 1974 in the memory of 3rd king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is known as the father of modern Bhutan. They have designed the architecture of the Chorten to present it as one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.
Sakyamuni Buddha (Buddha Dordenma): The Buddha Dordenma is the largest sitting statue of 51.5 meters in height, which is made of bronze, making it one of the gigantic statues of Buddha. Sakyamuni Buddha is located at the top of the hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley.
Changangkha Lhakhang (temple): The Changangkha Lhakhang is an ancient temple situated at a distance of around 1 km from the downtown Thimphu, overlooking the valley. It built-in the 12th century on a site which was chosen by the founder of the Drukpa Lineage in Bhutan, Phajo Drukgom Shigpo. Today this Lhakhang is considered to be the home of the guardian deity of the children born within Chang valley.
Takin Preservation Centre: Takin preservation Centre is located two kilometres above the Thimphu Town in a pine forest. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. It is one of the endangered and rare animals in the world. The appearance is unique as it possesses the face of a goat and the body of a cow.
The National Library: It is in the Kawajangtsa area of Thimphu, above the Royal Thimphu Golf Course, near the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. For preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan, in 1967 the National Library established. The world’s hugest published book is also in the library, and the book weighs 133 pounds and 5X7 feet.
National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School): The institute plays an integral role in the preservation and promotion of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The painting school operates four to six- years courses that provide students to learn 13 different techniques to master in Bhutanese Arts. You are allowed to take the pictures/make videos.
Simply Bhutan: Simply Bhutan is a live Museum with an interactive environment where the tourists can presume to live a life of a traditional Bhutanese lifestyle in just one visit. The living museum aims to preserve and promote the ancient tradition and culture. It houses the old equipment that was once used by the ancient Bhutanese for distinct works.
Every visitor at this place is greeting with a shot of local ara (rice spirit), before being guided through mocked-up village scenes to get them acquainted with the story of its several parts. Along the way, visitors can try traditional attire of Bhutan, try out archery and hear classic songs sung by the Bhutanese women.
Royal Textile Museum: Which is the best place to see the art of traditional weaving kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colours and designs. You can also see people weaving with intricate designs. It is worth visiting to experience the living national art of weaving.
Towards the evening explore Thimphu City. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Drive to the base of Tango Monastery which situated north of Thimphu City with packed lunch. From Dodena (2600m), you hike uphill for about an hour to reach Tango Monastery. As you walk up the forest is filled with Pine and Oak trees as well as Rhododendron flowers (White, shaded with pink and red) which will be in full bloom during spring. The Tango site has religious significances sine the 12th Century when it was the home of the highly revered Buddhist monks who brought the Drukpa Kagyupa School of Buddhism to Bhutan. Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyal had built Tango Monastery in 1689. The Tango Monastery is the centre for higher studies for monks. The view from the monastery is breathtakingly beautiful. Travellers will experience complete peace and serenity in this area.
After Tango Monastery, walk back to the road where you will eat your packed lunch near the riverside. Drive to the base of Cheri Monastery. Enroute the forest is filled with Rhododendron flowers and Oak trees. It takes about an hour depending on the person to hike till Cheri. The monks undergo mediation with a duration ranging from 4 months to 3 years at Cheri Monastery. It believed that Zhabdrung spends three years in mediation at Cheri. It considered the sacred places of Bhutan.
The place is so peaceful, and you will experience complete serenity at this place. You can sit in one of the temples of this Cheri monastery and meditated for some time if you would like to do so. Then walk back to the car parking area where your car will wait for you and drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive to low lands of Punakha & Wangdue valley through Dochula pass (3,140m). In the clear sky, you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north. Gangkhar Puensum is the highest unclimbed peak (7,570 m) in the world. The view is scenic and very clear on winter days with snow-capped mountains. Then pass by the beautiful 108 Chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck for the security and well-being of his Majesty fourth King of Bhutan.
You can have lunch at Lobesa and take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple). The existing footpath to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple) passes through beautiful terraces of paddy field after crossing the paddy field. Chimi Lhakhang dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley Divine Madman known for his outrageous behaviour. It is built in 1499 by Ngawang Chogyal the, 14th Drukpa Hierarch. Many childless women visit this Lhakhang (Temple) and seek blessings for a child.
The next visit is Punakha Dzong, built-in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (the person who unified Bhutan), the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. The Dzong is one of the finest and must-visit Dzongs of Bhutan. It stands in between the meeting point of two rivers, Pho Chu and Mo Chu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan.
Suspension Bridge: The Punakha suspension bridge is only about 15-minute walk from Punakha Dzong. It is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the Dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Pochu River. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Today take the road to picturesque Phobjikha, which is the next destination of Bhutan tour. Phobjikha is located in one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan. The valleys are also the winter home of the endangered Black Necked Cranes. The birds migrate from October to March, and you see them during this time of the year. The arrival of the cranes signals the end of the harvesting season in Phobjikha. In the summer the Black Necked Cranes fly to Tibet.
After that, visit Black-Necked Crane Centre as they show a very informative documentary about the migratory cranes and the various steps Bhutan government & people are taking to preserve the endangered species.
Explore the Gangtey (hilltop) Monastery or Gangtey Goemba. The legendary treasure finder Pema Lingpa had a vision that a Goemba named Gangtey would be erect here. Following the prophecy, they built Monastery of the Nyingmapa temple. It located atop a hill overlooking the fertile valley. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
After breakfast, an exciting river rafting tour awaits you. Following a short drive at the river and, after a full safety briefing, you take to your raft for a soft rafting experience down in the Po Chu (Male River). This rafting tour expected to last for 1 to 2 hours. The clear rivers of Bhutan are one of the Kingdom best assets. The Pho Chu (Male River ) in Punakha valley, with its approx. 16 Km course with about 15 rapids of class 2-4 is the most popular for rafting in Bhutan followed by Mo chu (Female river) in Punakha valley with 10 Km course comprising around ten rapids.
After a picnic lunch on the riverside, you drive through the upper Punakha Valley passing traditional villages and farmlands. You will take a short hike to visit the beautiful Khamsum Yuelly Namgyal Chorten (stupa) built by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck for peace and stability in this ever-changing world. This stupa is on the hilltop overlooking the valley below. The leisurely hike up to the temple would take about an hour, and return downhill will take around 45 minutes. Enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view from there as well as visit the temple.
In the evening you may visit Bajo Town, and at the same time, you can view the ruins of Wangdue Dzong (the Dzong was razed to the ground by fire in 2012). Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
After breakfast drive to fertile valley of Paro via Dochula pass. Later after checking into a hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong (National Museum of Paro) - Perched above Paro Dzong was built as a watchtower in 1649, which now houses National Museum of Bhutan. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items like antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & household objects making worth for a visit.
Rinpung Dzong - Fortress on a Heap of Jewels - is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, especially when landing at Paro Airport. The Dzong also offers the administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built-in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Nya Mey Zam Bridge - It is a traditional covered cantilever bridge connecting the Paro town. Local people believe it is ill omen if one sees a fish in the river. The earlier bridge which could fold during the war was washed away by the flood in 1969.
After breakfast, drive to the base of Taktshang Monastery which will take around 20 minutes from Paro Town and then hike up to Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger Nest. The most famous landmark, Taktshang Monastery (Tiger Nest), stands on a granite cliff about 1000 m above the valley. It admitted that Guru Rinpoche, a famous Buddhist saint, flew to Paro on a tigress and meditated at Taktshang. Taktshang monastery is recognising as being a national treasure of Bhutan.
Depending upon your fitness, it will take about 1.5 hours to reach the viewpoint, and from there, you will experience a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Then hike further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. After visiting the Taktshang monastery, stop for lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point.
Visit Kichu Lhakhang (Temple) - Kichu Lhakhang can reach within a ten-minute drive from Paro town; it is in the Lango Gewog. The temple is one of the oldest temples to have been built in Bhutan. In the 7th century, the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo had built 108 temples, and Kichu Temple is one of them. The King is said to have built 108 temples in a day throughout the Himalayan regions of which Kichu temple is one of them.
In the evening you can relax in the Traditional Hot stone Bath: It is very nice to experience Bhutanese hot stone bath. A visit to Bhutan would be incomplete without experiencing a hot stone bath. It is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing, and it considered for numerous health benefits. It admitted that the local herbs all combine to produce medicinal benefits for joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorders and arthritis. Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, day excursion to Chele La Pass – Highest motor-able road passes connecting two districts Paro and Haa, an elevation of 3988m above the sea level. On clear days, the pass provides stunning views of the sacred enjoy sacred Mt. Jomolhari (7314m). The Chele-la pass is marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The top of the pass bloom with rhododendrons in a variety of colours-pale pink, deep pink, white and burnt orange, in season. You can also plan to ride mountain biking from Pass to Paro valley with a stretch of 36-48km, mostly downhill and comfortable ride.
Paro Airport View Point: It is just about 10-minute drive from the airport gate or Paro town. It situated on the hill overlooking the airport; this viewpoint offers the best view of the whole airport, many sacred sites and historical monuments. The viewpoint mark above the airport is the best place to watch planes landing and taking off. It strongly recommended making a detour here when you arrive in Bhutan or when you're just driving to catch your flight. Later towards the evening explore around Paro market area. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
In the morning after breakfast, your tour guide will escort you to the Paro airport for your flight to your onward destinations.
Norway
I just returned from a 10N 11D trip to Bhutan with NatureWings and had an amazing experience. It was a last minute trip, booked less than a month before I arrived in Bhutan. Thankfully, Sabitra responded to emails promptly and was able to organize the trip quickly, including the 3 day trek I requested.
Chelmsford, UK
We went on to Bhutan Tour with my family and was organized by NATUREWINGS. We have enjoyed our holidays very much and everthing was well organized by the team. During the tour Ms Sabitra guided us very well and there was good co-operation and guidance from the driver. The hotels were Also good with good food. Naturewings won our heart..
Québec City, Canada
Hi Lima & Sabitra, We are very much thankful to you for planning entire trip with so proper itinerary, without any hectic schedule. We were able to enjoy all beautiful places, clicking lots of photographs without any worries about reaching to next destination. Hotels were good. Food was great. Especially, we enjoyed ourselves much at Mrs. Sonam's house. She was a gem, very warm and kind hearted lady and great cook. We enjoyed food at her place more than any other since it was home made with love and care. Special thanks to her and Mr Sonam too. Mr. Parmesh, our driver was very helpful too and entertained us lot. He was our part-time guide too. Once again, I thank you for responding all my queries so patiently and for completing our trip with success and lots of good memories in Bhutan. I will blindly recommend NatureWings to anyone who is looking for Bhutan Trip in future.
Tampa Bay, FLorida
I booked my Bhutan package with NatureWings for me & my friend. we two stag traveled with nice car & good young driver. It was really enjoyable. I want to say that they r best in Bhutan sector. Thanks to NatureWings for memorable & beautiful stay in Bhutan. Bhutan is very beautiful & peaceful country with very beautiful people as well. You have to definitely try with this sector. If I go again to Bhutan then only I will book with NatureWings.
Birmingham, UK
Had a memorable Bhutan Vacation (Feb 2020) with NatureWings. Special thanks to Mr. Namgey & Ms. Sabitra for planning the trip. We were 9 adults accompanied by two infants. We were given a comfortable 16 seater coaster. The driver and tour guide were very well informed and friendly. We had a pleasant stay (2N) at Osel, Thimpu. Punakha was splendid with Zhinkham Resorts (1N). In Paro, due to lack of availability we were given two rooms in Tashinamgay and Taktsang (3N). While Tashinamgay was good, I would not recommend Taktsang Boutique Resort at all. Overall we had a great experience in the beautiful country of Bhutan ... Tashi Delek!
