Experience cultural wonders, magnificent landscapes and visit some of the country’s finest monuments
Himalayan mountains tour in Bhutan
Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha, Paro
Ideal for all travellers: adventurers, cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers
Enjoy various trekking and hiking opportunities to hidden gems
Explore Bhutan's cultural and spiritual happenings across the country
History, heritage and folklores abound in Bhutan waiting to be uncovered
Guided by local specialists and skilled guides intimate with the region
Your journey at a glance
Embark on an exceptional 10-day Bhutan tour through the iconic regions of Thimpu, Gangtey, Punakha and Paro.
This adventure is filled-to-the-brim with awe-inspiring landscapes and extensively covers some of Bhutan’s finest cultural attractions.
Discover the Himalayan heights of Bhutan, starting in the capital of Thimpu, where you can admire spectacular mountain views, Buddhist monuments and statues, as well as colourful market stalls. Traditional architecture and ancient monasteries await in Punakha. Stock up on traditional handicrafts, marvel at the magnificent scenery and visit an ancient watchtower in Paro. Strap on your hiking boots for a truly memorable journey to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
2 nights Thimphu | 2 nights Gangtey | 2 nights Punakha | 3 nights Paro
TAILORMAKE YOUR STAY
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
A taste of what to expect
Day 1 and 2 | Arrival
Thimphu
Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your expert guide and chauffeured to Thimphu (1-hour drive). As you fly into Paro, be sure to marvel at the breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan range and its glistening glacier peaks.
On the way to Thimphu, stop to visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a sacred temple dedicated to the 13th-century saint, Thangtong Gyalpo.
After checking into your hotel, enjoy a leisurely lunch and take some time to relax. Your hotel in Thimphu will be your home for the next two nights.
Over the following two days, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to explore:
Read More
Royal Textile Academy: Discover Bhutan’s vibrant weaving traditions at this academy, established to preserve and promote textile art. Founded by Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, it also educates young artists in fabric design and museum studies.
National Institute of Zorig Chusum: Explore Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts at this institute, where students undergo intensive multi-year training. Witness the remarkable skill and discipline involved in creating intricate paintings, carvings, and more.
The Jungshi Paper Factory: Visit this traditional factory producing handmade paper from Daphne bark, known as Deh-sho. Watch the chemical-free process, shop for unique paper products, or create your own special keepsake.
Kuensel Phodrang Hike: Embark on a scenic hike from the Buddha Dordenma statue through lush forest trails to Changankha Lhakhang, with sweeping views of Thimphu Valley. The trail is also a favourite for mountain biking, including by Bhutan’s fourth king.
Buddha Dordenma: Marvel at the colossal 51.5-m (167-ft) golden Buddha statue, housing over 100,000 smaller Buddhas inside. An ancient prophecy foretells its role in bringing peace and happiness to the world.
National Memorial Chorten: Built in honour of the third king, this iconic landmark is a place of worship and prayer for locals. Its sacred walls feature intricate mandalas, statues, and religious teachings.
Royal Takin Preserve: Home to Bhutan’s unique national animal, the takin, this sanctuary allows visitors to observe these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. Once released from a zoo, they now roam safely within this large enclosure.
Thimphu Farmers Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling market, filled with fresh organic produce, local goods, and lively interactions. It’s a colourful hub for locals and visitors alike.
Day 3 and 4
Gangtey
After an early breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Gangtey, also known as Phobjikha Valley (4-hour drive).
En route, stop at the picturesque Dochu La Pass, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a relaxing lunch. Your lodge will be your home for the next two nights.
Over the following two days, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to explore:
Read More
Dochu La: At 3,140 m (10,301 ft), this scenic mountain pass offers breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas. Stop to admire the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a cluster of 108 stupas built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers.
Gangtey Goemba: Perched on a forested hill, this 17th-century monastery overlooks the stunning Phobjikha Valley. Founded by Pema Thinley, a descendant of Pema Lingpa, it remains a sacred seat of the Nyingma tradition.
Gangtey Nature Trail: A gentle 2-hour, 4.6 km (2.9 mi) hike from the Goemba takes you through moss-draped forests, villages, and streams. It ends with panoramic views of the Phobjikha Valley and the black-necked crane roosting grounds.
Evening Prayer at Shedra: Join over 300 student monks at the Kuenzang Chholing Shedra for their serene evening prayers. This spiritual experience offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s monastic life and traditions.
Longteng Hike: This 4-hour hike starts near Longteng Village, winding through bamboo groves, rhododendron forests, and yak pastures. Enjoy stunning views of Gangtey Goemba and the valley before descending into Kumbu Village.
Black-necked Crane Education Centre (Off-season): Learn about the endangered, black-necked cranes, revered in Bhutanese culture, at this informative centre. While sightings are rare off-season, visitors can view rescued cranes and watch a short educational documentary.
Day 5 and 6
Punakha
&Beyond Punakha River Lodge
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to the scenic Punakha Valley (3-hour drive).
En route, enjoy a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, a revered temple known as the “Fertility Temple,” dedicated to the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and unwind over a leisurely lunch. You’ll spend the next two nights here, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Punakha.
Over the following two days, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to explore:
Read More
Chimi Lhakhang: Built in 1499 and blessed by the “Divine Madman” Drukpa Kunley, this temple is famed as the Temple of Fertility. A 30-minute walk through scenic fields leads to this sacred site, where locals seek blessings for fertility and newborn naming.
Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637, this majestic dzong is the winter home of Bhutan’s monastic body and a key historic site. Known for hosting royal events and crowned by jacaranda blooms in spring, it offers striking views of Bhutanese architecture.
Punakha Suspension Bridge: Stretching 180 m (590 ft) over the Pho Chu River, this is one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges. Connecting Punakha Dzong to nearby villages, it offers spectacular views of the flowing river and lush valley.
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten: This intricately designed, three-storey lhakhang was built to ward off negative forces and protect Bhutan. A short hike rewards you with panoramic views of the Punakha Valley and serene surroundings.
Rafting on Pho Chu: Navigate 16 km (9.9 mi) of thrilling rapids (class 2 to 4) on the Pho Chu River, fed by Lunana glaciers. The adventure ends at the confluence near Punakha Dzong, offering stunning views of alpine scenery and tranquil waters.
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery: Perched on a ridge, this nunnery houses a 4.2 m (14 ft) Avalokiteshvara statue and other sacred deities. It is both a religious and vocational training centre, providing skills like tailoring, embroidery, and statue-making for nuns.
Blessing ceremony: Experience a Tshewang Blessing Ceremony for personal empowerment and well-being. Participate in this 30-minute spiritual ritual, lighting butter lamps to offer prayers for health and wish fulfilment.
Day 7 to 9
Paro
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Paro, a valley steeped in history and natural beauty.
On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing lunch. This will be your home for the next three nights as you explore the wonders of Paro (4-hour drive).
Over the following three days, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to explore:
Read More
Ta Dzong (National Museum): Originally a 17th-century watchtower, Ta Dzong has served as Bhutan’s National Museum since 1967. Its circular structure houses a captivating collection of art, relics, thangka paintings, natural history, and Bhutan’s iconic postage stamps.
Farmhouse experience: Explore Paro Valley’s charming, traditional farmhouses adorned with vibrant Bhutanese architecture. A visit offers an authentic glimpse into rural Bhutanese life and local farming traditions.
Chele La: At 3,988 m (13,083 ft), Chele La is Bhutan’s highest motorable pass, offering stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Kanchenjunga. Lush with rhododendrons, primulas, and wildflowers in spring, it’s also a prime bird-watching spot year-round.
Hike to Kila Goemba: After reaching Chele La, embark on a scenic hike to Bhutan’s oldest nunnery, perched on a cliffside. The trail boasts panoramic views and vibrant flora, leading to Kila Goemba, home to over 100 nuns and serene meditation huts.
Phuba Mandala Display Centre: Discover the intricate beauty of sacred mandalas, symbolic representations of spiritual journeys in Buddhist tradition. Watch skilled monks create sand mandalas with precision and learn about their meditative and cultural significance.
Taktsang Monastery: Perched dramatically at 2,950 m (9,678 ft), this sacred “Tiger’s Nest” monastery is accessible via a rewarding 4-hour trek. Surrounded by pine forests and prayer flags, it’s where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on a tigress to meditate.
Day 10 | Departure
Paro
Today, after checking out from the hotel, you will be chauffeured to Paro International Airport to board your outbound flight.
Safe travels and farewell, with fond memories of Bhutan.
Stay here on this journey
Rates
Please keep in mind that this tour can be tailormade by speaking to one of our Travel Specialists.
What's included
- Accommodation in one double/ twin room ON A SHARED BASIS in hotels as mentioned in the itinerary
- All transfers as mentioned in a private vehicle, and sightseeing
- Sightseeing tour will be provided as per the itinerary with the English-speaking Bhutanese Guide and in a private Vehicle
- All entrance and monuments fees mentioned in the itinerary
- SDF for 09 nights and Visa fees for Bhutan only
- All current taxes as on date – subject to change as per hotel/airline/Government policy
- Special inclusions
- One rafting experience for 2 guests in Punakha
- One blessing ceremony for 2 guests at the nunnery in Punakha
- One evening prayer at the Gangtey Shedra
What's not included
- Any Airfare
- Tipping to guides and drivers.
- Any Insurance and rescue of any form.
- Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control.
- Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost.
- Any international air fare/airport taxes not mentioned above
- Hotel surcharges during festival period/ Christmas & New Year’s Eve
- Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff.
- Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls etc.
- Any video/still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit
- Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes.
- Any airfare for domestic flights other than the quoted details.
- Any cost of the meals other than the one indicated in room meal plan.
- Sightseeing and excursions other than those specified
Conditions
- Single Supplement applies
- Validity periods are as specified in the downloadable PDF; should a booking fall over two rate periods the rate will change and we reserve the right to re-quote
- Prices are subject to change as per change in Government / Hotel / Airline policy without prior notice.
- Rates include only those items specified in your itinerary.
- Please note, the names of hotels mentioned above only indicate that our rates have been based on usage of these hotels. It is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until and unless we convey the confirmations to you on receipt of your acceptance. However in the event of any of the above mentioned hotels not becoming available at the time of initiating the reservations, we shall book alternate accommodation at a similar or next best available hotel and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.
- In case on any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to adjust the tour price accordingly. The due increase
- &Beyond trading terms apply.
Tailormake your journey
Add these must-do experiences
I dream of travel that leaves our world a better place
You’re just 5 easy (and fun) steps away from creating your ideal Travel Dream Board.
Step 1: Start with where
Step 2: Clarify what kind of traveller you are
Step 3: Tick off those grand bucket list experiences that will fire your imagination
Step 4: Log in to create and add to your Dream Board
Step 5: Share & start dreaming
Discover Bhutan
years