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Bhutan Family Adventure

Meet the friendly people of rural Bhutan - Enjoy a fully supported Family mini trek - Rafting at Punakha

All Meals Included

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Duration

10 Days
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Grade

Moderate
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Max Altitude

3400m
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Accommodation

5 Nts Hotels - 3 Nts Camping
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Trip Overview

Our Bhutan Family Holiday Adventure is the ideal way for active families who enjoy the great outdoors to experience the wonders of Bhutan.

Of course, many of our cultural tours and even some of our Bhutan trekking holidays may be suitable for your Bhutan Family Holiday too. However, for this Bhutan vacation, we’ve intentionally “mixed things up” a bit, creating a varied, active Bhutan tour that’s fun for all the family. Interesting and revealing too. Combining the major cultural highlights of western Bhutan with insightful day walks and a fully supported mini-trek from Thimpu to Punakha. Thus keeping unavoidable overland travel to a minimum. In the verdant, lush Punakha Valley, you’ll also take to the waters of the Pho Chhu River and enjoy a morning of rafting fun. Of course, you can’t visit Bhutan without your family taking the Takstang Monastery Trek, and so your Bhutan Family Holiday is complete by ending with the hike to the “Tiger’s Nest”. A great family adventure holiday Bhutan was explored on foot and by raft. Sleeping Bags (4 Seasons) will be required for the Mini Trek camping trip.

Our Bhutan Family Holiday Adventure is the ideal way for active families who enjoy the great outdoors to experience the wonders of Bhutan.

  • Of course, many of our cultural tours and even some of our Bhutan trekking holidays may be suitable for your Bhutan Family Holiday too. However, for this Bhutan vacation, we’ve intentionally “mixed things up” a bit, creating a varied, active Bhutan tour that’s fun for all the family. Interesting and revealing too. Combining the major cultural highlights of western Bhutan with insightful day walks and a fully supported mini-trek from Thimpu to Punakha. Thus keeping unavoidable overland travel to a minimum. In the verdant, lush Punakha Valley, you’ll also take to the waters of the Pho Chhu River and enjoy a morning of rafting fun. Of course, you can’t visit Bhutan without your family taking the Takstang Monastery Trek, and so your Bhutan Family Holiday is complete by ending with the hike to the “Tiger’s Nest”. A great family adventure holiday Bhutan was explored on foot and by raft. Sleeping Bags (4 Seasons) will be required for the Mini Trek camping trip.

Example Itinerary

    • Day 1
      Arrive Paro. Transfer to Thimpu Hotel.
    • Day 2
      Thimpu & Cheri Gompa
    • Day 3
      Morning tour of Thimpu & Hike to Bala Keba
    • Day 4
      Trek to Dopshing Pang
    • Day 5
      Mini Trek to Chorten Ningpo
    • Day 6
      End of Mini Trek at Punakha
    • Day 7
      Rafting in the Punakha Valley
    • Day 8
      Return overland to Paro
    • Day 9
      Taktsang Monastery Trek
    • Day 10
      Depart Paro
  • DAY
    1

    Arrive Paro. Transfer to Thimpu Hotel.

    Arrive at Paro Airport. You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred by private vehicle to the capital, Thimpu. Journey time is approx. 1.5–2 hours. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Thimpu.

    Accommodation: Galingkha Hotel or similar, Thimpu
    Meals: Dinner


    For detailed information, choices and advice for International flight options to Paro, Bhutan - please click here

     

    DAY 1

    Arrive Paro. Transfer to Thimpu Hotel.

    Arrive at Paro Airport. You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred by private vehicle to the capital, Thimpu. Journey time is approx. 1.5–2 hours. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Thimpu.

    Accommodation: Galingkha Hotel or similar, Thimpu
    Meals: Dinner


    For detailed information, choices and advice for International flight options to Paro, Bhutan - please click here

     

    DAY
    2

    Thimpu & Cheri Gompa

    After a short drive by private vehicle to the village of Begana, it’s now time for a bit of a leg stretcher, particularly as you’ve now run out of road! Crossing a footbridge, a steep ascent up a hill of around 45 minutes to 1 hour brings you to the 17th-century Cheri Gompa. You can have plenty of time here to explore and maybe even encounter the rather tame deer that live in the nearby forest. Heading back downhill, there are options to make a detour and walk by a couple of villages set amongst a rural, farmed landscape before returning to Thimpu by private vehicle. There should still be time to enjoy some sightseeing in Thimpu. A visit to the Government Handicrafts Centre is highly recommended if you’re in the mood for souvenir shopping.

    Accommodation: Galingkha Hotel or similar, Thimpu
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


    DAY 2

    Thimpu & Cheri Gompa

    After a short drive by private vehicle to the village of Begana, it’s now time for a bit of a leg stretcher, particularly as you’ve now run out of road! Crossing a footbridge, a steep ascent up a hill of around 45 minutes to 1 hour brings you to the 17th-century Cheri Gompa. You can have plenty of time here to explore and maybe even encounter the rather tame deer that live in the nearby forest. Heading back downhill, there are options to make a detour and walk by a couple of villages set amongst a rural, farmed landscape before returning to Thimpu by private vehicle. There should still be time to enjoy some sightseeing in Thimpu. A visit to the Government Handicrafts Centre is highly recommended if you’re in the mood for souvenir shopping.

    Accommodation: Galingkha Hotel or similar, Thimpu
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


    DAY
    3

    Morning tour of Thimpu & Hike to Bala Keba

    In the morning, your guide will take you to visit the Tashichho Dzong. Depending on how long you’re here, there may be time to pay a quick visit to the Heritage Museum. After lunch, you’ll be driven by private vehicle to Chumina for the start of this afternoon's walk of around 3 hours to Bala Keba (3245m). It’s predominantly uphill, but delightful as you walk up through atmospheric pine woods. As you gain height, more and more rhododendrons begin to appear. In a clearing amongst the forest is the camp location.

    Accommodation: Camp, Bala Keba
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FULLY SUPPORTED CAMPING IN BHUTAN


    DAY 3

    Morning tour of Thimpu & Hike to Bala Keba

    In the morning, your guide will take you to visit the Tashichho Dzong. Depending on how long you’re here, there may be time to pay a quick visit to the Heritage Museum. After lunch, you’ll be driven by private vehicle to Chumina for the start of this afternoon's walk of around 3 hours to Bala Keba (3245m). It’s predominantly uphill, but delightful as you walk up through atmospheric pine woods. As you gain height, more and more rhododendrons begin to appear. In a clearing amongst the forest is the camp location.

    Accommodation: Camp, Bala Keba
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FULLY SUPPORTED CAMPING IN BHUTAN


    DAY
    4

    Trek to Dopshing Pang

    It’s a very straightforward walk up to the Sinchu La (3405m), which is marked by a chorten. Virtually all the way through the forest. It has a couple of steeper sections, and if it’s muddy, the path can be a little slippy at times too. Most people reach the pass in 30-45 minutes of climbing, and there are extensive views of the eastern Himalayas from here to enjoy. There’s then around 900m of descent spread out over 4 hours, though, so it’s a nice and steady walk down to camp (2450m). Walking time: approx. 5–6 hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Dopshing, Pa
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 4

    Trek to Dopshing Pang

    It’s a very straightforward walk up to the Sinchu La (3405m), which is marked by a chorten. Virtually all the way through the forest. It has a couple of steeper sections, and if it’s muddy, the path can be a little slippy at times too. Most people reach the pass in 30-45 minutes of climbing, and there are extensive views of the eastern Himalayas from here to enjoy. There’s then around 900m of descent spread out over 4 hours, though, so it’s a nice and steady walk down to camp (2450m). Walking time: approx. 5–6 hrs.

    Accommodation: Camp, Dopshing, Pa
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    5

    Mini Trek to Chorten Ningpo

    A rather leisurely day as you head down to the river, and a noticeable change in vegetation too at these fairly low elevations. A few hours later, after following a nice and easy contouring trail, you arrive at the small village of Gabji and can camp by the Dzong of Chorten Ningpo (1860m). It’s all rather sub-tropical, with orchards of fruit and a bucolic, cultivated landscape dotted with farmsteads. As there’s no reason to hurry today, along the way, it's a good idea to explore the tiny settlement of Halo. Walking time is approximately 4 hours or less.

    Accommodation: Camp, Chorten Ningpo
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 5

    Mini Trek to Chorten Ningpo

    A rather leisurely day as you head down to the river, and a noticeable change in vegetation too at these fairly low elevations. A few hours later, after following a nice and easy contouring trail, you arrive at the small village of Gabji and can camp by the Dzong of Chorten Ningpo (1860m). It’s all rather sub-tropical, with orchards of fruit and a bucolic, cultivated landscape dotted with farmsteads. As there’s no reason to hurry today, along the way, it's a good idea to explore the tiny settlement of Halo. Walking time is approximately 4 hours or less.

    Accommodation: Camp, Chorten Ningpo
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    6

    End of Mini Trek at Punakha

    Again, there’s no need to rush today, so after taking a very leisurely breakfast, the final part of the trek is a steady downhill via Kabesa. A mere hour or so of walking brings you to a jeep road. Here, a private vehicle will take you the short distance to Punakha. In the afternoon, you can see what is perhaps the most impressive Dzong in all of Bhutan and enjoy a relaxed afternoon and evening.

    Accommodation: Meri Phuensum Resort or similar, Punakha
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 6

    End of Mini Trek at Punakha

    Again, there’s no need to rush today, so after taking a very leisurely breakfast, the final part of the trek is a steady downhill via Kabesa. A mere hour or so of walking brings you to a jeep road. Here, a private vehicle will take you the short distance to Punakha. In the afternoon, you can see what is perhaps the most impressive Dzong in all of Bhutan and enjoy a relaxed afternoon and evening.

    Accommodation: Meri Phuensum Resort or similar, Punakha
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    7

    Rafting in the Punakha Valley

    It’s a relatively short walk of around 90 minutes through fragrant pine forests, passing through tiny villages and across paddy fields, to the rafting “put-in” point at Samdhenka. Before taking to the waters of the Pho Chhu, you’ll be kitted out with the safety gear you’ll need (lifejackets, wetsuits, helmets, and paddles!). The rafting guide will also give you a full safety briefing. It’s then onto the river to enjoy rafting down a section of the Pho Chhu for a couple of hours. Usually the river is considered Grade 2/3 rafting, which means fun with a little excitement but not the terrifying Grade 5 rapids. You’ll actually raft past Punakha Dzong, and from the river, it’s a rather unique perspective. Just beyond the Dzong, the river merges with another, and after a bit more fairly gentle paddling, you’ll reach the “take-out” point.  In the afternoon, you have the option of a walk up to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, or you can spend the afternoon relaxing if you prefer. The walking is innocent enough to begin with as you cross the Mo Chu River by way of a suspension bridge and stroll through paddy fields. But, as you’ve probably now realised, many religious monuments are located in the hills, and this one is no exception. So, you then have to climb up to the chorten. It should take less than an hour to reach it, though, even if it is a steep ascent. After exploring the chorten, you can walk back down the way you came up and return to your vehicle to be driven to your hotel.

    Accommodation: Meri Phuensum Resort or similar, Punakha
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


    DAY 7

    Rafting in the Punakha Valley

    It’s a relatively short walk of around 90 minutes through fragrant pine forests, passing through tiny villages and across paddy fields, to the rafting “put-in” point at Samdhenka. Before taking to the waters of the Pho Chhu, you’ll be kitted out with the safety gear you’ll need (lifejackets, wetsuits, helmets, and paddles!). The rafting guide will also give you a full safety briefing. It’s then onto the river to enjoy rafting down a section of the Pho Chhu for a couple of hours. Usually the river is considered Grade 2/3 rafting, which means fun with a little excitement but not the terrifying Grade 5 rapids. You’ll actually raft past Punakha Dzong, and from the river, it’s a rather unique perspective. Just beyond the Dzong, the river merges with another, and after a bit more fairly gentle paddling, you’ll reach the “take-out” point.  In the afternoon, you have the option of a walk up to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, or you can spend the afternoon relaxing if you prefer. The walking is innocent enough to begin with as you cross the Mo Chu River by way of a suspension bridge and stroll through paddy fields. But, as you’ve probably now realised, many religious monuments are located in the hills, and this one is no exception. So, you then have to climb up to the chorten. It should take less than an hour to reach it, though, even if it is a steep ascent. After exploring the chorten, you can walk back down the way you came up and return to your vehicle to be driven to your hotel.

    Accommodation: Meri Phuensum Resort or similar, Punakha
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


    DAY
    8

    Return overland to Paro

    Returning to Paro via the Dochu La, you can take a break at the pass and walk along the ridge to enjoy Himalayan views. Stopping off at Thimpu or the Dochu La for lunch, you should be back in Paro by late afternoon and be able to do some local exploration at your leisure.

    Accommodation: Hotel Tenzinling or similar, Paro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 8

    Return overland to Paro

    Returning to Paro via the Dochu La, you can take a break at the pass and walk along the ridge to enjoy Himalayan views. Stopping off at Thimpu or the Dochu La for lunch, you should be back in Paro by late afternoon and be able to do some local exploration at your leisure.

    Accommodation: Hotel Tenzinling or similar, Paro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    9

    Taktsang Monastery Trek

    The Machhu Picchu of Bhutan is Takstang Monastery, and today you’ll visit it. It’s actually a stiff 2-hour walk up through woodland and a rather steep climb of around 350 m. Thankfully, there’s a teahouse at one of the classic Taktsang Monastery view points where you can rest and refresh before a further 30 minutes of climbing brings you to Takstang (3110m) itself. On the final climb, you pass what is probably the most famous view point, which looks directly across to the monastery. It’s usually possible to enter the monastery, but if there’s something going on at the monastery (religious or VIP visit), then it may not be possible. Heading steeply down, a descent of around 100m leads into a gorge before climbing back up to the main monastery gate, from which it’s down to the valley floor and your ride “home”. Walking time is around 4-5 hours, with around 750m of ascent and descent.

    Accommodation: Hotel Tenzinling or similar, Paro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 9

    Taktsang Monastery Trek

    The Machhu Picchu of Bhutan is Takstang Monastery, and today you’ll visit it. It’s actually a stiff 2-hour walk up through woodland and a rather steep climb of around 350 m. Thankfully, there’s a teahouse at one of the classic Taktsang Monastery view points where you can rest and refresh before a further 30 minutes of climbing brings you to Takstang (3110m) itself. On the final climb, you pass what is probably the most famous view point, which looks directly across to the monastery. It’s usually possible to enter the monastery, but if there’s something going on at the monastery (religious or VIP visit), then it may not be possible. Heading steeply down, a descent of around 100m leads into a gorge before climbing back up to the main monastery gate, from which it’s down to the valley floor and your ride “home”. Walking time is around 4-5 hours, with around 750m of ascent and descent.

    Accommodation: Hotel Tenzinling or similar, Paro
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY
    10

    Depart Paro

    A private vehicle transfer to Paro Airport for your departing flight

    Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Bhutan holiday can be readily tailored.

    DAY 10

    Depart Paro

    A private vehicle transfer to Paro Airport for your departing flight

    Meals: Breakfast

    Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Bhutan holiday can be readily tailored.

    IMPORTANT

    This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.

    Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.

    See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information

    Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK

Price Guide

Price based on a private party of 4 persons, twin share rooms, low season.
  • $ US 2375

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES

Prices include the compulsory Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee.
For more, see: BHUTAN TOURIST CHARGES EXPLAINED

Also, SEE OUR HAND-CRAFTED BHUTAN TREKS



What's included

The price shown is for guideline purposes. The price is inclusive of the DAILY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEE, all accommodations described in the detailed itinerary (twin share in hotels) - An English-speaking Bhutanese Guide
Private airport transfers
All road transport by private vehicles
Good-standard hotel accommodation in main towns on a twin-share basis
Full trek crew service, including porterage (usually pack animals) on mini-trek
All camping equipment (except sleeping bags on mini-trek)
Rafting equipment (Safety helmet, Lifejacket, Wetsuit)
Bhutan Visa and Tourist Taxes
Bhutan airport tax
Sightseeing where specified
B = Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner

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all our trips.

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See an image gallery of sights, people, Dzongs, festivals and more of the wonders of beautiful Bhutan

Don't Forget

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all our trips to Bhutan.

extend. shorten. upgrade

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With a unique "high value, low volume, minimal impact" approach to tourism, Bhutan remains culturally intact. Find out more about the wonders of Bhutan and what you need to know.
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