Tour Overview
Experience Bhutan’s rich heritage, spirituality, and natural beauty:
Your journey begins in Thimphu, Bhutan's charming capital city, where you will visit some of the most significant historical, cultural, and spiritual landmarks. The highlight of the getaway is a scenic hike to the Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang), Bhutan's most famous and awe-inspiring attraction, dramatically perched on a cliffside.
Tour Highlights
- Visit Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, Folk Heritage Museum, National Textile Museum, and local crafts markets
- Try traditional Bhutanese attire, participate in butter lamp lighting, and interact with local artisans
- Explore the majestic Punakha Dzong and hike to the beautiful hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for stunning valley views
- Visit Gangtey Monastery and the serene Phobjikha Valley
- Explore Rinpung Dzong, National Museum, Nyamed Zam, and hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) perched on a cliff
- Enjoy breathtaking views at Chelela Pass and Pelela Pass
- Stay in hotels or farmhouses, savor traditional cuisine, and experience local hospitality
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
- Evening stroll around Thimphu town
Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu
Spend the day discovering Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital city, where ancient traditions harmoniously coexist with modern lifestyle.
Activities:
- Visit Buddha Dordenma
- 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
On your third day you will enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Punakha, passing through the stunning Dochula Pass. Here, you’ll see 108 chortens (stupas) and the beautiful Druk Wangyel Temple, built by the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants and honor the souls of the fallen.
Activities:
- Druk Wangyal Lhakhang
- Visit Chhimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility)
- Explore Woolakha Nunnery
- Visit Punakha Dzong
- Overnight in Punakha
Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha
After breakfast, embark on a 45-minute hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, a hilltop chorten built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. Enjoy stunning views of Punakha Valley and lush paddy fields along the way.
Activities:
- Stroll through the local farmers’ market
- Walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge
- Explore Mendagang Village and Khuruthang Town
- Optional: River rafting on the Pho Chhu or Mo Chhu rivers
After breakfast depart from Lobesa 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:
- Visit Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Gonpa)
- Explore Phobjikha Valley
- Overnight in Gangtey
Breakfast at hotel/farmhouse in Gangtey and depart towards Paro with scenic drives and stops including Pelela Pass and Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
- Pelela Pass
- Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
- National Museum (Ta Dzong)
Embark on the hike to Taktsang Monastery; stop at Taktsang Cafeteria and visit Kyichu Lhakhang later.
- Explore the Monastery
- Lunch in Paro
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.
Tashi Delek! We look forward to welcoming you back to this land of timeless beauty and endless enchantment.
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:
