Itinerary Map
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Highlights
Visit The National Textile Museum
Visit The National Memorial Chorten
Tour Local arts and crafts market in Thimphu and Paro
View The Largest Sitting Buddha statue perched on top of a scenic hill and enjoy a breathtaking view of Thimphu city
Visit Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal of Bhutan—the Takin
Visit Folk Heritage Museum
Short hike to Chimi Lhakhang
Tour Punakha Dzong
Visit Chendebji Chorten
Visit The National Museum in Paro.
Visit The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery
Hike to Bhutan’s famous viewpoint site, Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery perched on a cliff about 3000
Stay in a luxurious tented resort in Paro or Gangtey
Enjoy a traditional stone bath.
Enjoy a meditation and wellness activity
Participate in kayaking in Punakha
Enjoy a cultural show presenting various cultural and mask dances of Bhutan
Inclusions
Return economy airfares from Melbourne to Bhutan (Via Bangkok) - Other departure cities available on request
All airport transfers
Private internal transport in Bhutan
English-speaking local guide
2 nights transit accommodation in Bangkok
11 nights full board in quality accommodation in Bhutan
Meals as per itinerary
All activity fees
All sightseeing entrance fees
Bhutan government visa and sustainability fees
Pre-departure meet & greet (via Zoom)
Notice
Moderate Fitness Level Required
A moderate level of fitness will be required for this tour due to the length and overall physicality of the itinerary. You can expect to walk more than 10,000 steps a day on more challenging terrain and for longer periods. You must be capable of boarding and disembarking coaches, trains and boats unaided and at times handle your own luggage. For more information on our physical ratings please click here
* Please note that the hike to Taktsang viewpoint area requires a moderate level of fitness and involves walking on uneven surfaces. All other walks/hikes are easy level of fitness
Local tipping is appreciated in Bhutan. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system involves passengers contributing to a kitty which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour who then distributes it to service providers on your behalf. The estimated amount for your tour is AUD $100.00 and this will be confirmed in your final documentation.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Monday 14 April 2025
Melbourne - Bangkok (Meals in Flight)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Meet your Hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport for your onward flight to Bangkok. Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of your airline.
Upon arrival into Bangkok, we will transfer to our transit hotel for an overnight stay with dinner at our own arrangements.
Hotel: Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 - Tuesday 15 April 2025
Bangkok - Thimpu, Bhutan (L, D)
Today, we'll depart from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport for a 4-hour flight to our destination - Bhutan!
On arrival into the Paro International Airport in Bhutan, we will be greeted by the company guide and will then head off on the 1-hour drive to Thimphu.
After lunch, we'll visit the National Textile Museum where exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.
After that, we'll visit the beautiful National Memorial Chorten. We can spend the rest of the evening at leisure either relaxing in the hotel or taking a stroll through Thimphu town.
Hotel: Namgay Heritage Hotel, Thimpu (or similar)
Day 3 - Wednesday 16 April 2025
Thimpu (B, L, D)
We'll start the day with a visit to one of the largest sitting Buddha statues perched on top of a scenic hill and enjoy a breathtaking view of Thimphu city.
Continue on to visit the interesting Folk Heritage Museum, a restored three-story, rammed-earth and timber building that replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago.
We'll have a traditional Bhutanese meal at a local restaurant and in the afternoon take part in a Bhutanese motif and art activity.
Hotel: Namgay Heritage Hotel, Thimpu (or similar)
Day 4 - Thursday 17 April 2025
Thimpu - Punakha (B, L, D)
Today we'll have an early start for our drive to Punakha.
In the afternoon, take a short hike [easy level of fitness] to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to one of Bhutan’s most prominent Buddhist saints famous for his unorthodox methods of teaching.
Spend our evening at leisure.
Hotel: Mendrelgang Heritage Home (or similar)
Day 5 - Friday 18 April 2025
Punakha (B, L, D)
This morning we'll visit Punakha Dzong, which is a magnificent and one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan.
This will be followed by a walk across a 100 m suspension bridge.
In the afternoon, we'll enjoy a relaxing and calm rafting experience in the main river that runs through Punakha Valley.
Hotel: Mendrelgang Heritage Home (or similar)
Day 6 - Saturday 19 April 2025
Punakha - Trongsa - Bumthang (B, L, D)
Today we'll have an early start for Bumthang.
The drive from Punakha to Bumthang is across the scenic Black Mountain ranges. On the way, we'll stop at Chendebji Chorten, which is a stupa along the riverside constructed in the Nepalese style.
We'll also stop and visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture that was built in 1647.
After lunch, we'll continue the drive to Bumthang.
Hotel: Bhutan Mountain Resort (or similar)
Day 7- Sunday 20 April 2025
Bumthang (B, L, D)
In the morning, we'll take a lovely walk [easy level of fitness] that connects three main temples of Bumthang—the 1200-year-old Jambay Lhakhang, the Kurje Lhakhang and the Tamshing Lhakhang. The walk is approximately 2 hours and is connected by a suspension bridge that runs over the river.
In the late afternoon/evening, there will be a cultural show presenting various cultural and mask dances of the country.
Hotel: Bhutan Mountain Resort (or similar)
Day 8 - Monday 21 April 2025
Bumthang - Phobjikha (B, L, D)
Today we'll depart early for the beautiful valley of Phobjikha (the drive is approx. 5-6 hours).
On the way visit the National Museum at Trongsa.
We'll spend the evening at leisure at the hotel.
Hotel: Dewachen Hotel, Phobjikha (or similar)
Day 9 - Tuesday 22 April 2025
Phobjikha (B, L, D)
In the morning, we'll visit Gangtey Goemba, a 17th-century monastery with impressive views over the valley.
In the afternoon partake in a traditional dress-wearing activity and play a game of archery/khuru (dart) game.
Later take a walk through the breathtaking and meandering valley of Gangtey.
Hotel: Dewachen Hotel, Phobjikha (or similar)
Day 10 - Wednesday 23 April 2025
Phobjikha - Paro (B, L, D)
This morning after breakfast, we'll depart for Paro (the drive is approx. 6.5 hours).
On the way, we'll stop at Dochula for lunch with a view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges (weather permitting).
In the evening stroll through Paro town exploring the beautiful Bhutanese handicraft stores and cafes.
Hotel: Khangkhu Resort (or similar)
Day 11 - Thursday 24 April 2025
Paro (B, L, D)
We'll set off this morning on a hike to Bhutan’s famous viewpoint site of Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery perched on a cliff about 3000 feet off the valley floor (moderate level of fitness).
For those unable to walk, there will be alternate arrangements to visit some local sites.
Hotel: Khangkhu Resort (or similar)
Note: The hike to Taktsang view point area will be subject to change (either Day 10 or Day 11) depending on the weather in Paro.
Day 12 - Friday 25 April 2025
Paro (B, L, D)
In the morning, we'll take part in the Meditation and Wellness activity specially designed for us.
Later, we can stroll through Paro town in the afternoon for any last-minute shopping. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Hotel: Khangkhu Resort (or similar)
Day 13 - Saturday 26 April 2025
Paro - Bangkok (B)
This morning we'll depart for Paro International Airport for our flight back to Bangkok.
Upon arrival into Bangkok we will transfer to our transit hotel for an overnight stay with dinner at own arrangements.
Hotel: Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (or similar)
Day 14 -Sunday 27 April 2025
Bangkok - Melbourne (Meals in Flight)
This morning we'll transfer to the Bangkok airport for our flight home.
Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.