Bhutan Golf Tour

Golfing in Bhutan offers a unique and captivating experience to golf enthusiasts. With its rolling hills, pristine landscapes, and serene environment, Bhutan provides a stunning backdrop to play the sport. The Kingdom of Bhutan has a couple of golf courses, each offering a different challenge and experience to golfers. The courses are designed with the scenic beauty of Bhutan in mind, making a round of golf in Bhutan a truly memorable experience. Bhutanese hospitality and culture further enhance the golfing experience, making it a popular destination for golf tours. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Bhutan offers a fantastic opportunity to play golf in a truly stunning location.

Day 1 – Arrive Paro Valley & Journey to Capital Thimphu. Acclimatize – (Lunch/ Dinner)

The gateway to Bhutan. Home to Paro Airport, the only international airport. This is where you begin the journey to the land of happiness. Average elevation of 2300 meters above sea level.

The gateway to Bhutan. Home to Paro Airport, the only international airport. This is where you begin the journey to the land of happiness. Average elevation of 2300 meters above sea level.

The first thing you will notice as you exit from the aircraft is the crystalline purity of the air that you breathe. As you took your first breath of the air in Bhutan, you will notice that Bhutan is unlike any other country you have visited. This is especially true If you hail from the urban city life where the air tends to be polluted. Take a moment, and enjoy the fresh air Bhutan can offer you. Located 1 hour away is the capital Thimphu. Its a beautiful drive.

Your Druk Heritage team will be there at the airport waiting for you as you exit the airport to give a warm Bhutanese welcome.

Tachogang Lhakhang is located near the Paro-Thimphu highway. It is a very picturesque place. One can cross the bridge to the other side and take a short blissful walk. Your guide will be able to tell you all about the history of the places visiting.

The Kingdom’s capital city – Thimphu – is home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants including the Royal family. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location for visitors to break away from their tour itinerary to immerse themselves in the contemporary Bhutanese lifestyle.

Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centres. However, it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization. Thimphu is one of the few towns in Bhutan that have been equipped with ATM banking facilities and is a good place to stock up on some currency.

Upon arrival. Lunch will be planned for you at a local restaurant and food will be personalized as per your preference. Check into your hotel, freshen up and lets take a relaxing sightseeing tour of Thimphu. 

Tashichho Dzong, ‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’ or ‘Fortress of Auspicious Doctrine’, or popularly known as Thimphu Dzong, is an impressive structure that houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government offices are housed in the buildings nearby Tashichho Dzong. It’s been the seat of the Royal Government of Bhutan since 1962 after the capital moved to Thimphu from Punakha. The dzong is located close to Thimphu town, on the right side, next to the banks of Wang Chhu River. It’s a huge majestic structure surrounded by beautiful gardens and well-kept lawns. There are thirty temples, chapels and shrines within Tashichho Dzong.

In the evening, explore Thimphu town on your own or with your guide. Dinner will be planned for you at your hotel. Overnight at Thimphu. 

Day 2 – Thimphu Sightseeing & Experiences. Acclimatize – (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast we will visit The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Third Druk Gyalpo and is dedicated to World Peace. The chorten is a large white structure crowned with a golden spire.

It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. Chorten literally means ‘Seat of Faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments, the ‘Mind of Buddha’. The Chorten is an extraordinary example of Buddhist architecture and artwork with its gorgeous paintings and intricate sculptures.

From here, we will take a short drive to the Big Buddha. Atop a hill in Thimphu is a massive, golden Buddha sitting atop a gilded meditation hall. But the monument holds an invisible secret: Unbeknownst to many people viewing the statue, they aren’t actually looking at one Buddha, they’re looking at 125,000 of them.

Inside of Thimphu’s 169 foot Buddha Dordenma statue, there are 125,000 miniature Buddhas encapsulated inside of its enlightened bronze chest, ranging from 8 to 12 inches tall. This means that in Thimphu, which has a population of around 100,000, there are more Buddhas than there are human beings.

Next we will visit Changangkha Lhakhang stands at the tip of a ridgeline that juts like a bony finger toward central Thimphu. Founded in the 13th or 14th centuries, it ranks among the oldest surviving temples in Bhutan. In the current era, the temple is often frequented by parents looking to obtain blessings from Tamdrin, a protective deity.

A little further drive up we have the Takin Sanctuary. Motithang Takin Preserve, located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. The reason for declaring takin as the national animal of Bhutan is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the Divine Mad Man.It’s worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals

Lunch will be planned for you at Folk Heritage Restaurant. The Folk Heritage Restaurant has something for each season, and it’s not just the food. Serves an array of over 60 vegetarian dishes and over 100 non-vegetarian traditional mouth-watering dishes, according to the season. One can sit amid the apple orchard and enjoy a barbecue among the trees. One can even sit on the porch, enjoy the view, and sip on traditional butter tea & ara (home-brewed rice wine). And during the crisp winter days, one can cozy up inside the restaurant surrounded by rammed earth walls inspiring nostalgia of the bygone days. The Authentic Bhutanese Food experience is complete with a four course meal, starting with the traditional Tea & Wine Offering, and ending with an array of seasonal fruits plucked from the orchard right before your eyes. While modern cooking amenities are used, there is also an option to have meals cooked traditionally, in earthen pots over open fire stove.

After lunch, our golfers will be escorted to the Royal Thimphu Golf Club for a pick up game to prepare for the tournament tomorrow.

The other guests have the option to continue with our sightseeings. We will visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the painting school, not only preserves the traditional Bhutanese Art but also passes it on to the next generation. Watching young people work with undivided attention is quite mesmerising and inspiring. Sewing, ornament-making, painting and carving are just some of the thirteen crafts that are taught here. The traditional Thangkha painting is also taught to a few foreigners who come to Bhutan.

Make Your Own Personalised Stamps And Discover Bhutan’s Postal History At The Postal Museum. The Bhutan Postal Museum in Thimphu is also a major tourist attraction. At the museum shop, tourists are not only able to purchase Bhutanese stamps, but they can also produce personalised stamps featuring their portraits set against Bhutan’s iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang). As the little stamps are printed out, visitors can choose the postcards on sale at the counter and post the newly minted stamp on each postcard.

Depending on the destination, the postcard with the personalised stamp actually works and will be delivered to the specified address. This is a very popular and unique form of souvenir for many tourists.

Regarded as Bhutan’s ‘little ambassadors’, visitors will be amazed by the rich and interesting array of stamps on display.


Take a stroll below the main town, near the Wang Chhu River, Thimphu’s Centenary market is by far the largest domestic market for the farmers in Bhutan. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. With its wide assortment of fresh and organic produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a favourite spot for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life. Across a cantilever footbridge, Kuendeyling Bazaam, to the west bank is a collection of stalls selling clothing, textiles and handicrafts. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3 – Golf Tournament Day One at Thimphu Golf Club. Non Golfers Journey to Phobjikha Valley. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Breakfast at the hotel. 8am shotgun golf tournament commences. Lunch at Thimphu Club. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Thimphu.

Non – Golfers will journey to Phobjikha Valley. Dochula pass 3100m is located on the way to Phobjikha from Thimphu. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. This is an ideal location to capture beautiful pictures of the Himalayan mountain range during clear days.

Continue our journey and halt for lunch at Hotel Lobesa in Punakha valley situated in Punakha with a commanding view. Immerse yourself in with beautiful view over the surrounding countryside.

The drive, although a short one from Punakha to Phobjikha is dramatic due to the range of scenic beauty that unfolds along its route. Undoubtedly you will want to stop to take pictures.

For the first 8 km, the road runs high above the Dang Chhu river through grassy slopes till Chuzomsa (the confluence of Dang Chu and Pe Chu), where it is almost at the level of the river. From here it is a steady steep ascent to Lawa La, 3km short of the Pele la pass which is the cross-over point into central Bhutan. The road clings tenaciously to the very edge of the valley and it is a spectacular drive to the pass. Though clear weathers are rare, if you luck upon the one you will be rewarded with views of Jichu Drakye, Kang Bum, and other peaks in route. In summer the hill slopes are alive with vibrant blooms of pink, white and red rhododendrons. And you may even encounter some yak and the odd barking deer or red panda! 

Just after Lawa La mountain pass, you turn right, off the main road, and crest a ridge at 10,800ft / 3293m to make a gradual descent into the glacial Phobjikha valley Bhutan. It is famed for visual splendor and the migratory black-necked cranes that make it their winter home.

Upon arrival, we will start with a walk through the valley taking the Gangtey nature trail hike. Gangtey Nature Trail allows you to immerse themselves in the alluring beauty of the Phobjikha Valley. The trek devoid of steep turns is ideal for beginners. In this bewitching setting, you make you way from the Gangtey Monastery through dense pine forests, flower meadows, and grasslands to reach the bottom of the valley. With the smell of pine in the air and picturesque vistas, the Gangtey nature trail offers nature lovers a chance to admire the vast green meadows. The nature trail is also an excellent opportunity for bird watchers and enthusiasts to spot the Black-necked Cranes.

Check into your hotel. Dinner will be planned at the hotel. Overnight in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 4 – Golf Tournament Day Two at Thimphu Golf Club. Non Golfers Journey from Phobjikha to Punakha Valley. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Breakfast at the hotel. 8am shotgun golf tournament commences. Lunch at Thimphu Club. Awards Dinner. Overnight in Thimphu.

Guests at Phobjikha will begin a relaxing morning at the valley by visiting the Crane Information Center – where you will learn about the details of their habits and habitats, backed by some great photographs available at the Crane Information Center. From here you can observe and get educated on these majestic birds. The facility is operated under the aegis of the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature. If the birds are in residence when you visit Gangtey/ Phobjikha , you may be able to get a close view from the hides specially constructed for this purpose. 

From here we will head to a community school where you can witness the children and the way of life in village schools. You can share knowledge, encourage, learn valuable lessons, spend some time with the children and teachers and create positive memories.

Perched on the mountain top of Bhutan’s most scenic and picturesque valley, Gangtey Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. We will visit the monastery before leaving for Punakha Valley.

Along the way, we will halt at Nobding village for lunch. After lunch, take a stroll through the village.

Arrive Punakha in the late afternoon. Still scattered with treasures from its regal past, Punakha is best known for the commanding Punakha Dzong. This magnificent building is often said to be Bhutan’s finest structure. A pleasant town that makes the most of its scenic locale, Punakha is renowned for its fertile land. The surrounding valley sits at a lower altitude than most of Bhutan and produces an abundance of rice, oranges and bananas.

Upon arrival visit Rinchengang Village – This village is a small bunched village in front of the Wangdue Dzong and is famous for its proficiency in traditional means of stonework. While Rinchengang is believed to be one of the oldest villages in Bhutan, Rinchengang village is worth a visit. The topography of the village attributes to the attraction. The array of traditional houses clustered neatly on a tiny hillock overlooks the imposing Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.

Check into your hotel. Evening at your leisure. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Punakha Valley.

Day 5 – Golfers journey to Punakha. Sightseeings & Experiences. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

After breakfast, the golfers will head to Punakha valley via Dochula Pass. Non golfers will take the Khamsum Yulley Hike in the morning: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten sits majestically on above Punakha valley with an amazing view of the countryside and the hills below. It was built by the Queen Mother to ward off evil forces and bring peace and harmony for all living beings. It is one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. Visit in the cool of the morning then sit to catch your breath and enjoy fabulous views up and down the lush Mo Chhu Valley. Difficulty Level: Easy Walking time: 1 hr.

After the hike, both the groups will meet and we will raft on the mo chu river. This river float is a scenic one and while on the river you have opportunity to see lot of birds specially from Oct – April, and also our royal palace could be seen from a distance while on the raft. The best part of this raft trip will be a option to float on the lowest part of the valley on river viewing 360 degree views around you, with gentle rapids. Lunch by the riverside will be planned for you.

In the late afternoon, we will visit the Punakha Dzong – Formerly named Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, ‘The Palace of Bliss or Great Happiness’, Punakha Dzong was built in 1637.  It’s magnificent structure showcases the world-class architecture of Bhutan and finest Bhutanese craftnaship. In fact, Bhutanese architecture has inspired building designs from all over the world including the architecture of an entire university campus, UTEP in Texas, United States. Punakha Dzong is truly one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and one of the most visited places by tourists.

The high mountains and deep gorges of Bhutan lend themselves to suspension bridges. Punakha Suspension Bridge, which is always adorned with colorful prayer flags, is the perfect example of this. Linking Punakha Dzong to Shengana, Samdingkha, and Wangkha villages across the Tsang Chu River (aka Po Chu), this is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. Yet, for a roughly 520-foot-long suspension bridge, it’s surprisingly stable. The bridge offers a spectacular view of the river and valley, and the east bank is a good starting point for multi-day treks in the nearby mountains.

Evening at your leisure. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Punakha Valley.

Day 6 – Punakha to Paro Valley. Sightseeings. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Breakfast at the hotel. We check out and make our visit to Chhimi Lhakhang along the way. 

The sacred Chimi Lhakhang, known as the Fertility Temple, is a revered place of magic and miracles. Blessed by the eccentric maverick yogi and saint Drukpa Kunley, known as the ‘Divine Madman’ and father of fertility, he had very unconventional ways of teaching and this Buddhist monastery is said to be a place of fertility and blessings. 

After this visit, we journey to Paro valley via Dochula pass. Lunch will be planned for you along the way at a farmhouse.

Upon arrival, visit the Paro Fortress – Paro Rinpung Dzong is a large monastery and stronghold of the Kagyu school of Buddhism. It translates as the Fortress on a heap of jewels. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge (called the Nemi Zam) . And then up to the paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls.

Before cheking into our hotel. Explore Paro town. A leisure walk along the main street of Paro town can be a unique experience. You can either choose to step inside a café and just gaze through the window to absorb the Bhutanese way of life while sipping a hot cup of coffee or they could explore the handicraft shops which have a collection of antiques and contemporary hand crafted products. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Paro Valley.

Day 7 – Paro Valley. Tigers Nest Excursion. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley.

It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it.

Taktsang Lhakhang is located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at an altitude of 3.120 m. In order to arrive at the temple visitors must trek for around 2-3 hours through beautiful, shady pine forests. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.

After the hike, experience a relaxing hot stone bath. The process of a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is unique. It uses Menchu (medicinal water) which is nothing but fresh river water mixed with Artemisia leaves. The water is heated using river stones that are roasted on fire till they are glowing red. The temperature of the water can be increased by adding more heated stones into a wooden chamber via a chute. This chamber is connected to the main tub (also made of wood) which contains the water.

The holes in the chamber allow the heat to be infused into the bath (so there is no danger of being burned by the hot stones) and the stones are said to release key minerals into the water which are believed to have medicinal benefits. One can soak in the water for about an hour or two after a tiring day while sipping a hot beverage. 

The evening will be followed by a cultural show with local drinks for the guests and farewell dinner. Overnight at Paro Valley.

Day 8 – Farewell Bhutan. (Breakfast)

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Paro airport for your flight back. Bid goodbye to your travel team. Safe Journey.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Private guided tour
  • Visas for Bhutan
  • All internal transportations
  • All meals
  • Accommodation at 5 star lodges
  • A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
  • Golf competitions
  • Tournament logistics                 
  • Archery game for non-golfers
  • Cooking class for non-golfers
  • Tiger’s Nest Hike for non-golfers
  • Entry fees & road permits
  • Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
  • Daily refreshments
  • Set of traditional costume (to be return at the end of your stay)
  • Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip


WHAT’S EXCLUDED:

  • Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
  • Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
  • Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
  • Expenditure of personal nature 
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Alcoholic drink

SUITABLE MONTHS:

  • March, April, May, June, August, October, November

PRICES:

We look forward to seeing you on the green. To book you first Bhutan Golf Experience please contact:  [email protected]                                 For questions contact: [email protected]  

HOTELS IN BHUTANBHUTAN

HOTELS IN THIMPHU

HOTELS IN PUNAKHA

HOTELS IN PARO

HOTELS IN Phobjikha

HOTELS IN Trongsa

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