-
Bus, Airlines
-
3 Stars Hotels
-
5,416 metres
-
Kathmandu
-
Feb, Mar, Apr & May
-
Eco-Tour, Hiking
-
All meals during the trek
-
English, Spanish, French, Chinese
-
Easy to Moderate
-
2-15
-
12
-
65
Overview
Discover the beauty and cultural richness of western Bhutan on this unforgettable 9-night journey. Travel through the scenic valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, and Paro, crossing high mountain passes and exploring ancient dzongs, temples, monasteries, museums, villages, and vibrant local markets. Experience the peaceful Phobjikha Valley, home to the rare Black-Necked Cranes, and complete your journey with the iconic Tiger’s Nest and breathtaking Chele La Pass.
Highlights
- Explore Bhutan’s vibrant capital, rich in culture, tradition, and heritage
- Discover the magnificent Punakha Dzong and sacred Chimi Lhakhang
- Experience historic landscapes, peaceful villages, and Bhutanese countryside.
- Hike through rice fields to this beautifully situated hilltop chorten.
- Enjoy the serene glacial valley and its famous Black-Necked Cranes.
- Discover the spiritual charm of Gangtey Monastery and peaceful village trails.
- Discover the spiritual charm of Gangtey Monastery and peaceful village trails.
- Explore ancient dzongs, temples, museums, and traditional Bhutanese heritage.
- Hike to Bhutan’s iconic monastery perched dramatically on a cliffside.
- Enjoy spectacular Himalayan views from one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes.
- Experience traditional architecture, handicrafts, local markets, and authentic village life.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, meet your Bhutan Travel Services guide and driver and begin your scenic journey to Thimphu through Bhutan’s beautiful countryside. Along the way, admire the traditional Bhutanese architecture and picturesque mountain landscapes.
After arriving in Thimphu, check into your hotel and enjoy lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the city, including the National Memorial Chorten and the Mothithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s unique national animal.
Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.
After breakfast, explore Thimphu’s cultural highlights, beginning with the majestic Tashichho Dzong and the peaceful Tara Lhaden Zhingkham Lhakhang. Continue to Buddha Dordenma, where you can admire panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley and enjoy an optional short hike.
Discover Bhutanese heritage at the Institute of Zorig Chusum, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, and traditional handmade paper factory. If visiting from Friday to Sunday, explore the weekend market for local produce, handicrafts, and traditional products.
Later, take a leisurely stroll along Norzin Lam and browse the Craft Bazaar and local weaving centres for authentic Bhutanese textiles and artwork.
Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via the scenic Dochula Pass, where, weather permitting, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. Continue to Lobesa and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the famous Temple of Fertility associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the “Divine Madman.”
After lunch in Punakha, explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Known as the “Palace of Great Happiness,” the dzong was once the seat of government and remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo. It is also closely linked to Bhutan’s history, including the coronation of the first King and the establishment of the National Assembly.
Dinner and overnight stay in Punakha.
After breakfast, drive to Wangduephodrang and visit the historic Wangduephodrang Dzong, founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638. Perched on a strategic ridge between the Punak Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu, the dzong offers impressive views of the surrounding valleys and is closely linked to Bhutan’s early history.
Continue to Limbukha Village, known for its peaceful atmosphere, traditional way of life, and cultivation of Bhutan’s famous red rice. The village is also associated with legends of peace and harmony, reflected in its traditional festivals.
In the afternoon, hike through beautiful rice fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a magnificent hilltop monument built by the Queen Mother for the well-being of Bhutan and its people. Enjoy panoramic views of the countryside, with an optional riverside walk through farmlands and nearby villages.
Dinner and overnight stay in Punakha.
After breakfast, drive to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and the winter home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan Plateau between November and March.
After lunch, visit Gangtey Monastery, a historic Nyingmapa monastery founded in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of the renowned saint Pema Lingpa. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and traditional Bhutanese countryside before settling into a comfortable Bhutanese-style farmhouse.
Dinner and overnight stay in Phobjikha.
While you are in Phobjikha you will visit the Black Crane nature information Centre and enjoy time to wander through Gangtey village and hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. There are many additional hikes available in this beautiful valley and your guide will advise you the best options. Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Phobjikha.
After an early breakfast, drive westwards to Paro, crossing the scenic Dochula Pass once again. Arrive in Paro in time for a late lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, explore Paro’s cultural highlights, including the historic Paro Dzong and its traditional cantilevered bridge. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, known for its sacred orange tree that bears fruit throughout the year.
Continue to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, the historic “Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa,” which played an important role in defending Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of the sacred Mount Chomolhari (7,314 m).
Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. The climb to the viewpoint takes approximately 1½ hours through beautiful pine forests, offering spectacular views of the monastery perched dramatically on the cliffside. After a short refreshment break at the cafeteria, continue for about another hour to reach the monastery.
According to legend, Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated in a cave for three months. The principal temple of the present complex dates back to 1692, and the monastery was fully restored after a devastating fire in 1998.
After exploring Taktsang, hike back down to the road, stopping for lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria before returning to Paro. En route, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to spread Buddhism across the Himalayas. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at Kichu Resort, Paro.
After breakfast, drive approximately 35 km from Paro to Chele La Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes at an elevation of 3,810 metres. The scenic journey winds through dense spruce and larch forests, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and the nearby Himalayan peaks, along with panoramic views of the Haa and Paro valleys. Spend the day relaxing, exploring the area, or enjoying optional short walks at your own pace. Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Paro International Airport. Your Bhutan Travel Services representative will accompany you to the airport and bid you farewell as you depart Bhutan with wonderful memories of your journey.
End of the tour.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Accommodation is on twin sharing basis.
- Meals : breakfast at all places.
- Transfers from one place to another.
- Sightseeing in private cars.
- Vehicle will be provided based on the itinerary.
- All current taxes such as hotel taxes and transportation taxes.
The Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees at the monuments/ temples.
- Meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Personal Expenses / Purchase of thing.
- Any kind of insurance.
- Any increase in the govt. taxes and state taxes.
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
