Transportation

SUV
Accomodation

3-5 Stars Hotels
Maximum Altitude

5,416 metres
Departure from

Paro
Best season

Feb, Mar, Apr & May
Tour type

Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals

Breakfast and Dinner
Fitness level

Easy to Moderate

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture of Bhutan. Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Paro International Airport, followed by a scenic drive through the lush Paro Valley to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. Dive into the heart of Bhutanese culture with visits to iconic sites like the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and the towering Buddha Dordenma, while exploring traditional arts at the Institute for Zorig Chusum.

As you journey onwards, be captivated by the breathtaking views from Dochula Pass en route to Punakha, where you’ll explore the majestic Punakha Dzong and hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The serene Phobjikha Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes and the Gangtey Monastery, offers a peaceful retreat before heading to the tranquil Haa Valley, a hidden gem showcasing rural Bhutanese life.

The trip continues with a drive via the stunning Chele La Pass back to Paro, where you’ll visit the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong. The highlight of your journey awaits with a hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched dramatically on a cliffside. Throughout your stay, enjoy leisurely evenings in various towns, absorbing Bhutan’s unique charm and hospitality.

Conclude your tour with fond memories and scenic glimpses of Bhutan as you depart from Paro International Airport. This immersive tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and a deep dive into Bhutan’s rich heritage.

Highlights

Warm Welcome in Bhutan
Scenic Drive through Paro Valley to Thimphu
National Memorial Chorten & Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu
Buddha Dordenma & Institute for Zorig Chusum
Textile Museum & Takin Preserve Center
Scenic Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Punakha Dzong & Longest Suspension Bridge
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
Phobjikha Valley Excursion & Gangtey Monastery
Scenic Drive to Haa Valley
Lhakhang Karpo & Nagpo in Haa
Scenic Drive via Chele La Pass to Paro
National Museum (Paro Ta Dzong) & Rinpung Dzong
Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
Visit to Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro
Leisure Evenings in Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Haa, and Paro
Departure from Paro International Airport

Day 1 :

Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

▪️Arrival at Paro International Airport: Warm welcome by your guide.

▪️Paro Tadzong: Visit the National Museum of Bhutan

▪️Drive to Thimphu (1.5-hour drive, 55 km): Enjoy the scenic drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu.

▪️Check-in at Hotel: Refresh and relax.

▪️National Memorial Chorten: Visit this iconic stupa, a site of daily worship for the locals.

▪️Tashichho Dzong: Explore the impressive fortress that houses the King’s offices and the Central Monastic Body.

▪️Evening Leisure: Take a stroll around Thimphu town, visit local shops, or relax at a café.

▪️Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2 :

Thimphu Cultural Exploration

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a hearty meal.

▪️Buddha Dordenma: Visit the giant Buddha statue overlooking the Thimphu Valley, offering panoramic views.

▪️Institute for Zorig Chusum: Watch students practice Bhutan’s traditional arts, including painting and sculpture.

▪️Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisine.

▪️Changangkha Lhakhang: Visit this ancient temple, popular for blessings among children.

▪️Folk Heritage Museum: Learn about Bhutanese rural life in this traditional Bhutanese house turned museum.

▪️Evening Leisure: Explore more of Thimphu or relax at your hotel.

▪️Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3 :

Thimphu – Punakha

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Fuel up for the journey ahead.

▪️Dochula Pass (3,100m): Drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochula Pass for stunning views of the 108 stupas and the Himalayas on clear days.

▪️Lunch at Dochula Cafeteria: Enjoy a meal with breathtaking views.

▪️Continue to Punakha (2.5-hour drive, 76 km): Relax and take in the beautiful landscapes.

▪️Punakha Dzong: Visit the "Palace of Great Happiness," an architectural masterpiece located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

▪️Evening Leisure: Explore Punakha town or take a leisurely walk along the river.

▪️Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4 :

Punakha – Gangtey

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Begin your day with a nutritious breakfast.

▪️Chimi Lhakhang: Visit the "Fertility Temple," dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, the divine madman.

▪️Drive to Gangtey (3-hour drive, 80 km): Journey through dense forests and beautiful valleys.

▪️Check-in at Hotel: Refresh and relax.

▪️Gangtey Monastery: Visit the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, offering beautiful views of the Phobjikha Valley.

▪️Evening Leisure: Take a leisurely walk in the valley or relax at your hotel.

▪️Overnight in Gangtey.

Day 5 :

Phobjikha Valley Exploration

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy a fulfilling meal.

▪️Nature Hike in Phobjikha Valley: Take a scenic hike through the valley, home to the endangered black-necked cranes in winter. Enjoy the serene landscape and local flora and fauna.

▪️Visit Crane Information Centre: Learn about the black-necked cranes and conservation efforts in the region.

▪️Lunch in Gangtey: Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the serene valley or at a local guesthouse.

▪️Explore Local Villages: Visit nearby villages to experience the traditional lifestyle of the locals.

▪️Evening Leisure: Spend the evening relaxing or exploring more of the valley.

▪️Overnight in Gangtey.

Day 6 :

Gangtey – Wangdue

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Prepare for the drive ahead with a hearty breakfast.

▪️Drive to Wangdue (1.5-hour drive, 38 km): Enjoy the scenic journey as you head back towards Wangdue.

▪️Wangdue Phodrang Dzong: Visit the historic fortress currently under reconstruction, strategically located on a ridge overlooking the rivers.

▪️Lunch in Wangdue: Enjoy a local Bhutanese meal.

▪️Riverside Walk: Take a peaceful walk along the riverbanks, enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

▪️Evening Leisure: Explore the local market or enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel.

▪️Overnight in Wangdue.

Day 7 :

Wangdue – Haa

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a fulfilling meal.

▪️Drive to Haa (4.5-hour drive, 170 km): Enjoy the scenic drive to Haa, a less-visited, serene valley offering a glimpse into Bhutan’s rural life.

▪️Lunch En Route: Enjoy a packed lunch or stop at a local restaurant along the way.

▪️Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo: Visit the White and Black Temples, two of the oldest and most revered temples in the Haa Valley.

▪️Evening Leisure: Explore Haa town, interact with locals, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

▪️Overnight in Haa.

Day 8 :

Haa – Paro

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Prepare for the drive back to Paro with a hearty breakfast.

▪️Chele La Pass (3,988m): Drive to Paro via Chele La, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. Enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas and the Paro Valley.

▪️Lunch at Chele La: Have a picnic lunch at the pass, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

▪️Continue to Paro (2-hour drive, 65 km): Descend into the Paro Valley and check in at your hotel.

▪️Paro Ta Dzong: Visit the National Museum, housed in a watchtower that has an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

▪️Rinpung Dzong: Explore this majestic fortress, known as the "Fortress of the Heap of Jewels," which serves as the administrative and monastic center of Paro district.

▪️Evening Leisure: Take a stroll through Paro town, do some shopping, or simply relax.

▪️Overnight in Paro.

Day 9 :

Paro Sightseeing

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Prepare for an adventurous day.

▪️Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest): Embark on a hike to Bhutan's most iconic monastery, perched on the edge of a cliff. The hike takes about 4-5 hours round trip.

▪️Lunch at the Cafeteria on the Trail: Rest and enjoy your lunch with a view of the monastery.

▪️Kyichu Lhakhang: Visit one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, believed to be built in the 7th century.

▪️Evening Leisure: Spend your evening exploring more of Paro or relaxing at your hotel.

▪️Overnight in Paro.

Day 10 :

Paro – Thimphu – Return to Paro

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

▪️Drive to Thimphu (1.5-hour drive, 55 km): Return to Bhutan’s capital for the day.

▪️Takin Preserve Center: Visit the home of our National Animal

▪️Weekend Market: If your visit coincides with the weekend, explore the bustling market where locals buy and sell everything from fresh produce to handicrafts.

▪️Lunch in Thimphu: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

▪️Craft Bazaar: Visit the Handicrafts Market to pick up souvenirs and support local artisans.

▪️Drive Back to Paro (1.5-hour drive, 55 km): After a day in Thimphu, return to Paro for the night.

▪️Evening Leisure: Enjoy your last evening in Paro, relaxing or taking a final walk through the town.

▪️Overnight in Paro.

Day 11 :

Free Day in Paro – Departure

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

▪️Free Morning: Spend the day entirely at your leisure. You can take a walk-through Paro town, visit a café, or simply relax at your hotel.

▪️Drive to Paro International Airport: When ready, your guide will assist with check-out and accompany you to the airport.

▪️Departure: Bid farewell to Bhutan with memories of your journey through the windows of Bhutan.

FAQs

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

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.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

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.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

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.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

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.

What about internet access?

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.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

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.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

11 Days Adventure & Culture

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

FAQs

Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Featured Trips

The Opulent Getaway- 5 days

Black-Necked Crane Festival: “Crane of Fortune Festival” – 9-Day

Paro Tshechu: “Cultural Heartbeat of Paro” – 8-Day Package

Contact Info

Destinations

Activities

Trip Types

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

FAQs

Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Featured Trips

Related Trips