Tour Overview
Discover Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon through a journey that celebrates its living heritage, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
This week-long adventure offers an immersive experience into Bhutan’s vibrant culture, spirituality, and pristine landscapes a true reflection of the nation’s enduring heritage and unique way of life.
Tour Highlights
- Discover Bhutan’s living heritage, where ancient traditions meet natural beauty and spiritual harmony.
- Explore Thimphu, the vibrant capital blending culture and modernity through its monasteries, museums, and local markets.
- Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong
- Experience the tranquility of Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the rare black-necked cranes
- Embark on the iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) in Paro
- Immerse yourself in Paro’s rich heritage, ancient temples, and traditional Bhutanese charm.
- Enjoy scenic drives through mountain passes, including Dochula Pass, with its 108 chortens and Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.
- Savor authentic Bhutanese cuisine and experience local hospitality with options like a traditional hot stone bath and farmhouse dinner.
Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of Gross National Happiness! Upon arrival at Paro International Airport you will be warmly greeted by your guide outside the arrival terminal/at the Bhutan Gate Phuentshogling. Enjoy a scenic one and half hour drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital city. After checking in to your hotel, you’ll have your first meal in Bhutan either at the hotel or a local restaurant, depending on your choice.
Activities:
- Visit National Memorial Chorten
- Explore Kaja Throm (Farmers' Market)
- Visit Changyul Park
- Visit Tashichhoe Dzong
- Leisurely stroll around Thimphu town in the evening
Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu
Spend the day discovering Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital city, where ancient traditions harmoniously coexist with modern lifestyle.
Activities:
- Visit Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point)
- Explore Folk Heritage Museum & National Textile Museum
- Institute for Zorig Chusum (School of Arts & Crafts)
- Visit Takin Preserve
- Explore Crafts Market & Clock Tower Square
- Visit Changangkha Lhakhang
After breakfast depart from Thimphu for a scenic drive to Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley. Enjoy winding mountain roads, lush forests, and traditional villages with photo stops along the way.
Activities:
- Arrive Gangtey: Visit Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Gonpa), a 17th-century spiritual center perched above the valley, offering panoramic views and a serene atmosphere
- Visit Phobjikha Valley: known for its pristine meadows, traditional farmhouses, and as the winter home of the rare black-necked cranes
- Overnight in Gangtey: Check in to a comfortable hotel or a cozy farmhouse, and enjoy a warm dinner while experiencing authentic Bhutanese hospitality and countryside life.
After breakfast in Gangtey, begin your scenic drive towards Punakha, passing through forests, villages, and winding mountain roads with panoramic Himalayan views.
Activities:
- Scenic Stop at Pelela Pass: one of Bhutan’s high mountain passes.
- Lunch in Wangdue: Stop for lunch in Wangdue Phodrang, the town famous for its historical dzong and picturesque landscapes
- Visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
- Visit Chhimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility)
- Explore Woolakha Nunnery
- Visit Punakha Dzong
- Overnight in Punakha
Optional Activities in Punakha:
- Stroll through the local farmers’ market to experience village life
- Walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge for scenic river valley views
- River rafting on Pho Chhu or Mo Chhu rivers (optional)
After breakfast in Punakha, begin the scenic drive towards Paro, passing through lush valleys, forests, and winding mountain roads.
Activities:
- Scenic Stop at Chelela Pass: the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks and pristine landscapes.
- Paro Sightseeing
- Visit National Museum (Ta Dzong)
- Rinpung Dzong
- Nyamed Zam
- Lunch – Farmhouse Experience
- Cultural Experiences: Participate in Bhutanese archery, the national sport, and try your hand at Khuru (dart game) alongside locals for a fun cultural immersion
Embark on a memorable hike to the sacred Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff above the Paro Valley. The trail winds through pine forests adorned with colorful prayer flags and offers breathtaking views at every turn.
Activities:
- Explore the Monastery: Upon reaching the monastery, immerse yourself in its serene atmosphere and spiritual energy. Taktsang is one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrimage sites, believed to be where Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, arrived on the back of a flying tigress and meditated in a cave.
- Lunch in Paro
- Afternoon Visit to Kyichu Lhakhang
- Explore Paro Town
Tashi Delek! May the blessings of Bhutan accompany you wherever you go.
We will bid a fond farewell to the enchanting Kingdom of Bhutan. After an early breakfast, we will either drop to Paro International Airport for your onward flight home or to your next destination, or we will drive to Phuentsholing to exit Bhutan via the land border.
We hope your journey has been filled with new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and countless beautiful memories of this Himalayan paradise. May the blessings of Bhutan accompany you wherever you go.
Tashi Delek! May the blessings of Bhutan accompany you wherever you go.
Note:This itinerary is provided as a general guide to give you an overview of the tour. The final itinerary can be customized to suit the season, your interests and preferred duration.
What's Included
Included
- Accommodation in certified hotels
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- English-speaking guide
- Private transportation (Toyota Innova/Hiace)
- All entrance fees and permits
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities
Accommodation Options
You can choose from a range of certified accommodations:
