{"id":12143,"date":"2025-12-10T11:26:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T11:26:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildtimessafaris.com\/?post_type=product&p=12143"},"modified":"2025-12-26T10:40:50","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T10:40:50","slug":"bhutan-safari-a-7-day-safari-to-the-land-of-happiness","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/wildtimessafaris.com\/en\/product\/bhutan-safari-a-7-day-safari-to-the-land-of-happiness\/","title":{"rendered":"A 7-Day Safari to the Land of Happiness"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n
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Overview<\/div>\n
\n Over seven days, explore Bhutan\u2019s capital and valleys, visiting monasteries, dzongs, village markets and viewpoints, with gentle hikes such as Kuensel Phodrang and Taktsang (Tiger\u2019s Nest).<\/p>\n
\n 6 nights accommodation<\/span>
\n Private guide & driver<\/span>
\n Breakfast at hotels<\/span>
\n Key walks & visits included<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/article><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Arrival<\/p>\n
Day 1<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
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Day 1 \u00b7 Arrival<\/div>\n

Paro \u2013 Thimphu<\/h2>\n

\n Arrival in Paro and transfer to Bhutan\u2019s capital with optional Buddha Point hike or Memorial Chorten visit.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n Paro \u2192 Thimphu<\/strong>
\n 55 km \u00b7 ~2 hours\n <\/div>\n<\/header>\n
\n

\n Upon arrival at Paro airport, meet your representative and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, for hotel check\u2011in.\n <\/p>\n

\n If time permits, visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) for panoramic views of Thimphu and the giant seated Buddha statue.\n <\/p>\n

\n Kuensel Phodrang Hike \u00b7 approx. 1.5 hours \u00b7 2,600 m altitude \u00b7 200\u2013300 m elevation gain \u00b7 Easy hike.
\n The trail in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park passes prayer flags, benches and kiosks, with wide views over the Thimphu valley before descending towards the Changangkha area.\n <\/div>\n

\n Alternatively, you may visit the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and dedicated to world peace, with paintings and statues illustrating Buddhist philosophy.\n <\/p>\n

\n These activities are only possible if your flight lands before 14:00.
\n If time permits around 18:00, you can also visit Changlimithang Archery Grounds to watch locals practice Bhutan\u2019s national sport; tournaments are informal and subject to last\u2011minute changes.\n <\/p>\n

\n Airport welcome<\/span>
\n Buddha Point<\/span>
\n Memorial Chorten<\/span>
\n Archery grounds<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Thimphu<\/p>\n
Day 2<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Day 2 \u00b7 Thimphu<\/div>\n

Thimphu Valley Highlights<\/h2>\n

\n Full day city tour of Thimphu with viewpoints, museums, institutes and markets.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n Thimphu Valley<\/strong>
\n Busy sightseeing day\n <\/div>\n<\/header>\n
\n

\n After breakfast, drive to Sangay Gang View Point (2,685 m), where thousands of prayer flags flutter in the wind above the Thimphu Valley.\n <\/p>\n

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  • Visit the National Institute for Traditional Medicine (weekday daytime opening hours; closed weekends and public holidays).<\/li>\n
  • Explore the Folk Heritage Museum in one of Thimphu\u2019s oldest houses, showcasing rural life, tools, fabrics, and crafts from the Middle Ages to today.<\/li>\n
  • Visit the School of Arts (Zorig Chusum), where students study the 13 traditional Bhutanese art forms in 4\u2011 to 6\u2011year programs (weekday opening hours).<\/li>\n
  • Discover an authentic Bhutanese crafts market in traditional bamboo huts, supporting local artisans and small businesses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \n In the late afternoon, visit Tashichho Dzong, the monastery\u2011fortress housing His Majesty\u2019s throne room, government offices and the summer residence of the Chief Abbot.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Many institutions operate on limited hours and close on weekends or public holidays; your guide will time visits accordingly.
    \n This is designed as a busy, content\u2011rich day.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Viewpoint<\/span>
    \n Museums & institutes<\/span>
    \n Local market<\/span>
    \n Tashichho Dzong<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n

    <\/p>\n

    \n
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    Day 3 \u00b7 Towards Punakha<\/div>\n

    Thimphu \u2013 Punakha<\/h2>\n

    \n Scenic drive over Dochu\u2011La Pass and afternoon walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    \n Thimphu \u2192 Punakha<\/strong>
    \n 86 km \u00b7 ~3 hours\n <\/div>\n<\/header>\n
    \n

    \n After breakfast, depart for Punakha via Dochu\u2011La Pass (3,088 m), where, on a clear day, you can see peaks such as Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang and Gangkar Puensum, the highest in the region.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Continue down into Punakha and check in at your hotel before an afternoon walk to the Temple of the Divine Madman, Chimi Lhakhang.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Chimi Lhakhang Hike \u00b7 30\u201345 minutes \u00b7 1,500 m altitude \u00b7 approx. 20 m elevation gain \u00b7 Easy.
    \n The trail crosses Lobesa village farmlands, with chances to see farmers at work on the way to this renowned fertility temple.\n <\/div>\n

    \n Chimi Lhakhang is associated with the 15th\u2011century master Drukpa Kinley, the \u201cDivine Madman\u201d, whose legends explain the hilltop stupa and phallus symbol used to bless visitors seeking protection and children.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Dochu\u2011La Pass<\/span>
    \n Fertility temple<\/span>
    \n Village farmland walk<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n

    <\/p>\n

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    Day 4 \u00b7 Punakha Valley<\/div>\n

    Countryside Walk & Dzong<\/h2>\n

    \n River\u2011side countryside walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten and visit to Punakha Dzong and nearby villages.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    \n Punakha Valley<\/strong>
    \n Easy countryside walking\n <\/div>\n<\/header>\n
    \n

    \n After breakfast, enjoy a countryside walk through fields of chillies, cabbages and rice along the river towards Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Take in views of the Mo\u2011Chu River and surrounding villages before continuing to Punakha Dzong, dramatically set at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Built in 1637 by the first Shabdrung, this is considered Bhutan\u2019s most beautiful dzong and has been carefully restored using traditional materials after fires, earthquakes and floods.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Later, explore the picturesque villages of Talo or Nobgang, ancestral home of Bhutan\u2019s queen mothers, known for neat houses and the beauty of their surroundings.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Khamsum Chorten<\/span>
    \n Punakha Dzong<\/span>
    \n Village visits<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n

    <\/p>\n

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    Day 5 \u00b7 Punakha \u2013 Paro<\/div>\n

    Road to Paro Valley<\/h2>\n

    \n Drive back to Paro, then visit Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    \n Punakha \u2192 Paro<\/strong>
    \n 127 km \u00b7 ~4 hours\n <\/div>\n<\/header>\n
    \n

    \n After breakfast, drive to Paro (2,200 m), a fertile valley of terraced rice fields, myths and legends, protected by Mount Chomolhari.\n <\/p>\n

    \n On arrival, transfer to your hotel before visiting Ta Dzong, a 17th\u2011century circular watchtower now housing the National Museum\u2019s thangkas, stamps, fabrics, weapons and artifacts.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Continue to Rinpung Dzong, the spiritual centre of the Paro region with richly painted wooden galleries illustrating Buddhist themes.\n <\/p>\n

    \n End the day at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan\u2019s oldest and most sacred temples from the 7th century, followed by a stop at a typical farmhouse.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Ta Dzong museum<\/span>
    \n Rinpung Dzong<\/span>
    \n Kyichu Lhakhang<\/span>
    \n Farm visit<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n

    <\/p>\n

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    Day 6 \u00b7 Paro<\/div>\n

    Taktsang Monastery (Tiger\u2019s Nest)<\/h2>\n

    \n Iconic hike to Tiger\u2019s Nest and time in Paro, with optional local family meal.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    \n Taktsang hike<\/strong>
    \n 5\u20136 hours round trip\n <\/div>\n<\/header>\n
    \n

    \n After breakfast, begin the hike to Taktsang Dzong, or Tiger\u2019s Nest, a sacred monastery clinging to a cliff 900 m above the valley floor.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Legend holds that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Mahayana Buddhism in Bhutan, arrived here on the back of a tigress to meditate; the monastery was rebuilt after a 1998 fire and restored to its former glory.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Taktsang Monastery Hike \u00b7 approx. 5\u20136 hours \u00b7 3,100 m altitude \u00b7 900 m elevation gain \u00b7 Moderate.
    \n A steady climb leads to a viewpoint, then steps descend to a waterfall and continue into the monastery; horses are available for the first section at extra cost.\n <\/div>\n

    \n Taktsang closes daily from 13:00 to 14:00.
    \n A cafeteria halfway up serves lunch, tea and snacks, and an early start helps avoid heat and crowds.\n <\/p>\n

    \n After the hike, stroll Paro\u2019s streets and craft shops for Bhutanese handicrafts, or optionally share a simple meal with a local family to experience everyday life on a traditional farm.\n <\/p>\n

    \n This visit offers insight into Bhutan\u2019s preserved culture and why the country is famed for its happiness and strong identity.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Iconic hike<\/span>
    \n Monastery visit<\/span>
    \n Craft shopping<\/span>
    \n Local family meal<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n

    <\/p>\n

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    Day 7 \u00b7 Departure<\/div>\n

    Paro \u2013 Onward Flight<\/h2>\n

    \n Final views of Paro Valley before your onward journey.\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    \n Paro Airport<\/strong>
    \n Departure\n <\/div>\n<\/header>\n
    \n

    \n After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport to catch your flight to the next destination, with a last glimpse of Bhutan\u2019s valleys and peaks from the air.\n <\/p>\n

    \n Private airport transfer<\/span>
    \n End of services<\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/section><\/div>\n

    <\/p>\n