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 a culturally immersive journey through Bhutan, a kingdom renowned for its rich traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual ambiance. This 9-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, festival experiences, and scenic adventures. Start your journey in Paro, where you will be warmly welcomed and introduced to Bhutan’s historical marvels, including the Paro Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum.

Travel onward to Thimphu, the capital city, where you’ll explore prominent landmarks like the National Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong. Experience the essence of Bhutanese culture through visits to iconic sites such as the Buddha Dordenma and the Takin Preserve Center. Enjoy leisure time to stroll through the charming streets of Thimphu, offering a glimpse of everyday Bhutanese life.

Continue to Punakha, known for its majestic Punakha Dzong and serene surroundings. Participate in the vibrant Punakha Tshechu festival, a highlight of this journey, where you’ll witness traditional mask dances and spiritual ceremonies. Drive through the picturesque Dochu La Pass, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and the 108 chortens that adorn the route.

Conclude your adventure with a visit to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff in Paro. The final day allows you time to unwind, reflect, and explore Paro at your own pace. Depart from Bhutan with cherished memories, having experienced the best of its culture, spirituality, and natural beauty.

Highlights

Arrival and Warm Welcome: Begin your journey with a warm reception at Paro International Airport and scenic drive to Thimphu.
Cultural Landmarks: Visit historic sites like Tashichho Dzong, Paro Rinpung Dzong, and the National Memorial Chorten.
Spiritual Exploration: Experience the grandeur of Buddha Dordenma, Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple), and the sacred Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Festivals: Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s vibrant culture at the Punakha Tshechu, enjoying traditional mask dances and performances.
Scenic Passes and Panoramic Views: Journey through Dochu La Pass with breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the 108 chortens.
Nature and Adventure: Walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, surrounded by stunning river and valley views.
Local Cuisine: Relish authentic Bhutanese meals at local restaurants and trail cafés.
Leisure Evenings: Unwind and explore at your own pace with free time in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro.
Comfortable Stay: Accommodation in top hotels with modern amenities, blending traditional Bhutanese charm.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

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

▪️Drive to Thimphu (1.5-hour drive, 55 km): Enjoy scenic views of the Paro River and mountains along the way.

▪️Ta Chog Lhakhang: On the way, pay a visit to the famous iron bridge temple built by Drubthob ThangThong Gyalpo

▪️Check-in at Hotel: Settle in and freshen up.

▪️National Memorial Chorten: Visit this stupa, a place of worship for locals.

▪️Tashichho Dzong: Explore the impressive fortress that houses the throne room and offices of the King and the Central Monastic Body.

▪️Evening at Leisure: Stroll through Thimphu’s main street, browse local shops, or enjoy a coffee at a café.

▪️Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2 :

Thimphu Sightseeing

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a hearty Bhutanese or continental breakfast.

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

▪️Takin Preserve Center: See the national animal of Bhutan, the takin, in its natural habitat.

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

▪️Royal Textile Academy: Learn about Bhutan’s rich textile traditions.

▪️Evening at Leisure: Relax or explore more of Thimphu.

▪️Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3 :

Thimphu Exploration

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy a delicious morning meal.

▪️Dochu La Pass: Stop at this pass (3,100 meters) for stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan range and the 108 chortens (stupas).

▪️Chimi Lhakhang: Visit the "Fertility Temple," dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Madman.

▪️Check-in at Hotel in Punakha: Settle in and freshen up.

▪️Punakha Dzong: Visit the stunning fortress at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers.

▪️Evening at Leisure: Enjoy the serene surroundings.

▪️Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4 :

Punakha Tshechu – Festival Begins

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

▪️Punakha Dzong: Attend the grand opening of the Punakha Tshechu festival.

▪️Full Day: Experience vibrant mask dances and traditional performances.

▪️Evening at Leisure: Enjoy the festive atmosphere.

▪️Overnight in Punakha.

Day 5 :

Punakha Tshechu – Full Day

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

▪️Full Day: Continue enjoying the rich cultural display at the Punakha Tshechu.

▪️Evening at Leisure: Explore the town or relax at the hotel.

▪️Overnight in Punakha.

Day 6 :

Punakha Tshechu – Final Day

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Begin your day with a delightful meal.

▪️Full Day: Attend the concluding ceremonies of the Punakha Tshechu, experiencing the spiritual ambiance.

▪️Punakha Suspension Bridge: Take a scenic walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, offering breathtaking views of the valley and rivers below.

▪️Evening: Drive to Thimphu for the night.

▪️Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 7 :

Transfer to Paro – Paro Sightseeing

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

▪️Drive to Paro: (1.5-hour drive, 55 km)

▪️Paro Rinpung Dzong: Explore this magnificent fortress-monastery.

▪️National Museum of Bhutan: Discover the history and culture of Bhutan at Ta Dzong.

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

▪️Evening at Leisure: Stroll around Paro town or relax at the hotel.

▪️Overnight in Paro.

Day 8 :

Day at Paro Taktshang

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

▪️Tigers Nest: Visit the most visited Paro Taktshang, the magnificent temple built on an edge of a cliff

▪️Lunch at the trail café: Special lunch at the trail of tigers nest

▪️Day Free: Explore Paro at your own pace or simply unwind.

▪️Overnight in Paro.

Day 9 :

Departure from Paro

▪️Transfer to Paro International Airport: Drop-off for your departure flight.

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.