Explore Bhutan Tour

This popular tour offers a comprehensive view of the ancient way of life and rich culture that still exists in Bhutan today. The tour covers the western valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangduephodrang. It is a thoughtfully planned tour that allows ample time to experience the unique highlights of Bhutan’s western districts, which include diverse mountainous landscapes, rich Buddhist heritage with monasteries, temples, shortens, historic fortresses, and welcoming locals.

During this tour, you will explore the fascinating history of Bhutan by visiting the Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong with its wooden cantilevered bridge, and the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the picturesque Paro Valley. In Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten, the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, and the National Library, showcasing ancient scriptures.

Trip Highlights & Attractions

You will explore the famous landscapes of the country, driving through valleys, farms, and rice paddies. You will stop to take photos from high-altitude mountain passes and visit Buddhist temples and royal palaces. You will also cross the 3050m Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens, numerous prayer flags, and breathtaking Himalayan views en route to the subtropical Punakha Valley, where you'll find the striking Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakang. This highlights tour offers a mix of off-the-beaten-path destinations and popular attractions like the Tiger's Nest Monastery, providing an excellent introduction to Bhutan.

Hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery
Tour glittering Buddhist temples and royal palaces
Road-trip through Bhutan's mountains and valleys
Marvel at the Himalayas from a high-altitude mountain pass

Trip Facts

Trip id: BHTU-01
Trip type: Bhutan Tour
Trip grade: Easy
Starting from: Paro
Ending at: Paro
Trip duration: 10 Days
Base price: 3575
Max. altitude: 3200 Meters
Accommodation: Hotel
Group size: 2-16 Person

Explore Bhutan Tour — Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Paro & Drive to Thimpu (1.5 hour drive)

After arriving paro, you will be driven to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. The scenic drive is about one and half hour.

Day 02: Thimpu Day Tour

In Thimpu, you will see the crowded day market, hike to Cheri Monastery, and visit the Folk Heritage Museum and Thangtong Dewachen (Nunnery).

Day 03: Thimpu to Trongsa (5 hours drive)

As we drive towards Trongsa in the morning, we will encounter a pass called Dochula (3140m, 10362ft. From this pass, we can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens - 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. We will spend the night in Trongsa.

Day 04: Trongsa to Bumthang (3 hours drive)

In the morning, we will visit Trongsa Dzong, which was built by Chhogyel Mingyur Tempa in the year 1644. The dzong dominates the horizon, dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Both the First and the Second King ruled the country from this Dzong. We will also visit the Trongsa Museum. Later, we will drive to Bumthang valley. On the way, we will visit hand loom shops. We will be staying overnight in Bumthang.

Day 05: In Bumthang

Today, you will visit Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, hike to Tamzhing Lhakhang (Temple of Good Message), and then Mebar Tsho (Lake of Burning Fire).

Day 06: Bumthang to Gangtey (5 hours drive)

In the morning, we will visit Ogyen Choling Palace, which is located in a village in the Tang valley of Bumthang district. The palace is situated at an elevation of 3000m on a commanding spur on the east side of the Tang Chu. To reach the palace, we will need to cross the Tangchu suspension bridge near Kizom and then hike up to the village on foot, which takes about 45 minutes. Kizom is approximately 33 km from Jakar. The palace has now been converted into a museum. After visiting the palace, we will drive to Gangtey and stay there overnight.

Day 07: Gangtey to Punakha (1.5 hours drive)

In the morning, we will start our day by visiting the Phobjikha Visitor Centre, which serves as the crane information centre and is essential for learning about the conservation area's guidelines. After that, we'll embark on the Gangtey Nature Trail, a beautiful and relatively short half-day hike lasting about two hours at a brisk pace. Along the trail, we'll have the chance to explore the impressive Goemba (Monastery) and enjoy the scenic grassland, surrounded by pine trees, with glimpses of villages, rivers, and crane roosting sites. Later, we will drive to Punakha Valley to spend the night.

Day 08: Punakha to Paro (4 hours drive)

Today you will visit Punakha Dzong (fortress) located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. You will also visit to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility), Paro Valley, Ta Dzong (Watch Tower), Rimpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels), and Kichu Lhakhang (Monastery).

Day 09: Paro Day Tour

In Paro, you'll begin exploring the Paro Valley. Start your sightseeing at Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong. Cross the traditional wooden covered bridge over the Paro River. During the time of war, the bridge was often retracted to protect the dzong. You'll also visit Ta Dzong, a watchtower built in 1649 and renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Finally, make a stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, a Buddhist temple in Paro. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the country, constructed in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo.

Day 10: Departure from Paro

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!

Cost Includes

Airport pick-up and drop-offs
All transfers as per the itinerary
Accommodation as per the itinerary with full board meal
English speaking Bhutanese guide
Bhutan Entry Fees
All required permit and entrance fees
Guide and Driver
A bottle of mineral water per day
All government taxes and surcharges

Cost Excludes

International Airfares and Airport tax
Personal expenses such as laundry, liquor, room service, phone bills, bar bills, etc.
Tips to Guide and Driver
Your Travel Insurance
Any cost occurs from any unfavourable conditions such as landslide, bad weather, flight cancellation, etc.
Anything not mentioned in the include section