Itinerary Map
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Highlights
Mix with locals at the Ura Yakcho Tshechu. Tshechu is one of the traditional annual Bhutanese festivals. Enjoy traditional colourful masked dances and Buddhist religious dances
Visit the National Textile Museum, showcasing Bhutan's textile heritage
Visit the Folk Heritage Museum for a journey back in time
Visit the biggest sitting Buddha Statue with an amazing view of the capital city
Witness the 13 Classical arts and crafts of Bhutan at the Institute of Zorig Chusum
See the traditional Bhutanese handmade paper-making factory
Stop at the old capital of Bhutan and visit the Punakha Dzong (The palace of great happiness)
Raft down the rivers along the Palace of Great Happiness
Visit the longest and most strategic fort in central Bhutan: the Trongsa Dzong
Experience wearing traditional dress - the Kira
Visit Chimi Lhakhang also known as the Fertility Temple
Hike up to the viewing area of the breathtaking Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery
Experience a traditional hot stone bath/spa at a boutique spa
Take part in a Meditation and Wellness session specially arranged for us
Visit the Ta Dzong, the National Museum
Enjoy and take part in the Bhutanese dances
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 high 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 - Wednesday 22 April 2026
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 in the evening we will transfer to our transit hotel for a short overnight transit stay with dinner at our own arrangements.
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (or similar)
Day 2 - Thursday 23 April 2026
Bangkok - Thimpu, Bhutan (L, D)
Early this morning at 5.45 am, 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 - Friday 24 April 2026
Thimpu (B, L, D)
We'll start the day with a visit to the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, which is the traditional school of the 13 arts and crafts of Bhutan.
Continue on to visit the interesting Folk Heritage Museum, a restored three-story, rammed-earth and timber building that replicates a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago.
We'll have a traditional Bhutanese meal at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon partake in the traditional dress (kira) wearing activity, as well as visit the traditional handmade paper-making factory and take a stroll around the art & craft bazaar of Thimphu.
Hotel: Namgay Heritage Hotel, Thimpu (or similar)
Day 4 - Saturday 25 April 2026
Thimpu - Punakha (B, L, D)
Today, we'll start the day with a visit to the Royal Takin Preserve to see the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin.
This will be followed by a visit to one of the largest sitting Buddha Statues perched on top of a scenic hill and we'll enjoy a breathtaking view of Thimphu city.
In the afternoon, we will depart for Punakha.
Spend our evening at leisure.
Hotel: Hotel River Valley (or similar)
Day 5 - Sunday 26 April 2026
Punakha (B, L, D)
This morning, we'll enjoy a relaxing and calm rafting experience in the main river that runs through Punakha Valley.
In the afternoon, we'll visit Punakha Dzong, which is a magnificent and one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan.
After that, visit the Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery.
Hotel: Hotel River Valley (or similar)
Day 6 - Monday 27 April 2026
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 and strategic 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- Tuesday 28 April 2026
Bumthang (B, L, D)
Today, we will witness the Ura Tshechu, one of the local festivals in central Bhutan.
If time permits, enjoy a walk around the beautiful Ura village.
In the late afternoon/evening, there will be a cooking demonstration and participation at a local farmhouse.
Hotel: Bhutan Mountain Resort (or similar)
Day 8 - Wednesday 29 April 2026
Bumthang - Phobjikha (B, L, D)
We’ll start early for Phobjikha Valley (the drive is approx. 5-6 hours).
On the way, we'll visit the National Museum at Trongsa.
We'll spend the evening at leisure at the hotel.
Hotel: Gangtey Tents, Phobjikha (or similar)
Day 9 - Thursday 30 April 2026
Phobjikha (B, L, D)
This morning, take part in a traditional khuru (Bhutanese dart game).
After the game, we visit Gangtey Goemba, a 17th-century monastery with impressive views over the valley.
In the afternoon, we will visit a community primary school, followed by a walk through the breathtaking and meandering valley of Gangtey.
Hotel: Gangtey Tents, Phobjikha (or similar)
Day 10 - Friday 1 May 2026
Phobjikha - Paro (B, L, D)
Today we will depart for Paro (the drive is approx. 5-6 hours)
En route, 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.
After lunch, continue to Paro. In the evening, take a stroll around Paro town.
Hotel: Tashi Namgay Resort (or similar)
Day 11 - Saturday 2 May 2026
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.
The afternoon/evening is booked for a traditional hot stone bath at one of the boutique spas.
Hotel: Tashi Namgay Resort (or similar)
Note: The hike to the Taktsang viewpoint area will be subject to change (either Day 11 or Day 12) depending on the weather in Paro.
Day 12 - Sunday 3 May 2026
Paro (B, L, D)
In the morning, we'll take part in the Meditation and Wellness activity specially designed for us.
After lunch, we will visit Ta Dzong National Museum. Later, we can stroll through Paro town in the afternoon for any last-minute shopping.
Spend the evening enjoying a Bhutanese cultural show especially designed for us. We are welcome to participate in it.
Hotel: Tashi Namgay Resort (or similar)
Day 13 - Monday 4 May 2026
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: Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (or similar)
Day 14 - Tuesday 5 May 2026
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.