Overview
Bhutan Family Discovery is a vibrant, multi-generational journey that brings families closer together through interactive learning, soft adventures, and living folklore.
This itinerary features accessible pathways, flexible daily timing, and activities that captivate both children and grandparents.
Trip Highlights
- The Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s unusual national animal.
- Dressing up in Gho and Kira, a welcome dance and archery at Simply Bhutan.
- A family photo at Dochula Pass and the folklore of the “Divine Madman” at Chimi Lhakhang.
- Gentle family rafting on the Mo Chhu and a riverside barbecue at sunset.
- A farmhouse cooking class — folding cheese momos and making Ema Datshi.
- Tiger’s Nest with pony support, a private archery tournament and a hot stone bath.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Paro International Airport. Your private premium vehicle awaits. Enjoy a smooth 1.5-hour drive along the glacier-fed Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers to the capital, Thimphu. Stop near Tamchog Lhakhang to let the family walk across the historic 15th-century iron chain bridge. Check into your boutique hotel. In the evening, take a relaxed walk around the local craft market and Clock Tower Square.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Begin with an easy drive up to Buddha Dordenma for panoramic valley views. Visit the National Memorial Chorten to watch locals walk their daily rounds. Head to the Motithang Takin Preserve to view Bhutan’s unusual national animal up close. After lunch, visit the Simply Bhutan living museum, where the whole family can try on traditional dress (Gho and Kira), participate in a welcoming dance, and test their skills at traditional archery. Conclude with a twilight tour of Tashichho Dzong.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Drive 3 hours to Punakha, climbing to Dochula Pass (3,100m). On a clear day, the 108 memorial chortens frame a clear view of the Eastern Himalayan range — perfect for a multi-generational family photo. Drop down into the warm, subtropical Punakha valley. Enjoy a gentle walk through the flat rice paddies of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang, learning about the local folklore of the “Divine Madman.” Check into your riverside property.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Spend your morning exploring Punakha Dzong, widely considered the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, sitting at the junction of two pristine rivers. Walk across the long Punakha Suspension Bridge. After a gourmet lunch, embark on a gentle family-friendly rafting trip down the calm Mo Chhu river, a safe and memorable soft adventure for all ages. Enjoy a private family barbecue on the riverbank at sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Board your luxury vehicle for the drive back to Paro, backtracking over Dochula Pass. Upon arrival in Paro, visit a historic 7th-century temple, Kyichu Lhakhang. In the late afternoon, visit a local premium farmhouse for an interactive family cooking demonstration. Learn how to fold cheese momos (dumplings) and prepare Ema Datshi, then share a family meal around a traditional low table.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Hit the trail early at 7:15 AM to avoid the mid-day heat. Utilize the complimentary pony hire services for children or grandparents during the ascent portion up to the midpoint cafeteria viewpoint. For those who choose to continue on foot, climb up to the spectacular, cliff-hanging Taktsang Monastery. Return down the mountain for a quiet evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Spend the morning exploring Rinpung Dzong and walking across its wooden cantilever bridge. In the afternoon, host a private family archery tournament with traditional wooden gear provided. While the children enjoy a cultural storytelling session with your guide, adults can relax with a premium traditional hot stone bath session infused with medicinal Artemisia leaves. Enjoy a grand family farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Private Transport & Guide: All ground transportation in a private vehicle with an English-speaking licensed guide.
- Accommodation: Twin/double-sharing rooms in 3-star tourist-standard hotels.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as per itinerary.
- Sustainable Development Fee: The daily SDF is included.
- Hydration: Bottled water during transfers and sightseeing.
- Government Dues: Government royalty and applicable taxes.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare: International/regional airfare to and from Paro.
- Visa Fee: Bhutan visa processing fee (arranged in advance by Gu-Mar as part of permit clearance).
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone, beverages and tips.
- Insurance: Travel insurance.
- Pony Hire: Pony hire for the Tiger’s Nest hike (optional, paid on-site).
- Other Services: Any services not mentioned under Inclusions.
Good to Know
- Licensed Operator: All non-Indian, non-Bangladeshi and non-Maldivian nationals must travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as Gu-Mar; we process visa clearance and the SDF on your behalf before arrival.
- Hotel Upgrades: Hotel categories can be upgraded to 4-star or boutique/heritage properties under our Deluxe or Luxurious collections.
- Flexible Sequencing: Itinerary sequencing may shift slightly depending on flight timings, road conditions or festival dates — your guide will confirm the final day-by-day plan on arrival.