Overview
- Journey style
- Cultural Tours
- Route
- Bumthang · Gangtey · Lhuentse · Mongar · Paro · Punakha · Thimphu · Trashigang · Trashiyangtse · Trongsa · Wangdue Phodrang
- Flexibility
- Private and fully customisable
Experience Bhutan’s rich culture and landscapes on a 15-day adventure to Bhutan’s west, central, and eastern regions. Your journey begins in Paro’s stunning valley, home to the renowned Tiger’s Nest. From there, visit Thimphu before heading towards the Eastern region, where you can explore ancient forts, sacred monasteries, remote temples, farmhouses, palaces, and monastic schools. It is an ideal tour for travelers seeking an extended vacation and a glimpse into Bhutan’s unique way of life.
While exploring the East and West side of Bhutan, you can expect to:
- Stop by the alluring valley of Paro
- Visit the longest suspension bridge
- 2 hrs. hike through Gangtey Nature Trail
- Explore unique monasteries, Dzongs, and palaces
- Spend overnight in a traditional farmhouse
- Learn the unique culture and customs of Merak community
- Finish the trip by taking a hike towards the Tigers’ nest
Highlights
- Seasons: Throughout the year
Price includes
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
- All meals / Tea & snacks
- All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- An experienced English speaking tour leader
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), government fees & visa fee
Price excludes
- Flights
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.
The Sustainable Development Fee, visa and permits are all included — see how the Bhutan visa & permits process works.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival: Paro - Thimphu
Driving duration: 1.5hrs/65km
Elevation: 2200m/7218ft
The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After completing your visa formalities and clearing your immigrations, we will warmly welcome you in a traditional way. We will then continue to drive on to Thimphu.
(Sightseeing depends on the flight timing)
Attractions
- Memorial Chorten
- Tashichho Dzong
Overnight in Thimphu
Day 02 Thimphu - Cultural Sightseeing
Elevation: 2350m/ 7710ft
After an early breakfast, begin your journey of sightseeing around Thimphu Valley
Attractions:
- Buddha Point
- Zilukha Nunnery
- Motithang Takin Preserve
- Centenary Farmers’ Market
- 13 Traditional Art Forms (Zorig Chusum)
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 03 Thimphu - Punakha
Driving Duration: 2hrs/ 77 km
Elevation: 1310m / 4300ft
Having breakfast at the hotel, drive on to Punakha and enjoy the sightseeing
Attractions:
- Dochula Pass ( Druk Wangyal Chorten)
- Chimmi Lhakhang
- Punakha Dzong
- Punakha suspension Bridge
Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha
Day 04 Punakha - Phobjikha/Gangtey
Diving Distance: 2hrs/ 78 km
Elevation: 2900m / 9510ft
Drive on to Phobjikha/Gangtey, Phobjikha sightseeing
Attractions:
- Hike to the Gangtey Nature Trial
- Gangtey Gompa/Monastery
- Phobjikha Valley
- Black Necked Crane Information Center
Overnight in Phobjikha
Day 05 ; Phobjikha - Bumthang via Trongsa
Driving Duration: 5-6hrs/ 171km
Elevation: 2800m / 9185ft
After having early breakfast, drive on to Bumthang via Trongsa, Trongsa sightseeing
Attractions:
- Chendebji Chorten
- Trongsa Dzong
- Chumey weaving Centre in Bumthang
Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang
Day 06 Bumthang Sightseeing
Elevation: 2800m / 9185ft
Early breakfast at the hotel, Bumthang local sightseeing
Attractions:
- Jambey Lhakhang
- Kurje Lhakhang/temple
- Tamshing Lhakhang
- Jakar Dzong
- Bathpalathang Domestic Airport
- Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery
Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang
Day 07 Bumthang - A Day excursion to Tang Ugyen Choling Palace
Driving Duration: 1.5hrs/ 46km (Oneway)
Elevation: 2800- 4500m/ 9186-14763ft
Breakfast at the hotel, drive on to Tang Ugyen Choling Palace. Spend some quality time to explore and discover the religious significant of the palace.
Attractions:
– Tang Valley
– Membartsho Lake
– Pema Choling Nunnery Monastery
– Tag Rimochen Temple
– Ogyen Choling Palace and Museum
Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang
Day 08 Bumthang - Mongar
Driving Duration: 7hrs/ 192Km
Elevation: 1600m/ 5249ft
Have breakfast at the hotel in Bumthang, drive on to Mongar Dzongkhag for sightseeing
Attractions:
- Catch a glimpse of Gangkhar Puensum (7541m)
- Ura valley
- Thrumshing-La Pass
- Sengor valley
- Namling Waterfall
- Mongar Dzong
Overnight at the hotel in Mongar
Day 09 9: Mongar to Lhuntse – Drive on to Mongar
Driving Distance: 2hrs/ 76Km
Elevation: 1815m / 5955ft
Drive on to Lhuntse Dzongkhag, Lhuntse sightseeing
Attractions:
- Lhuentse Dzong
- Khoma village (known for weaving brocade dress)
- Takila (Giant Guru statue)
Drive back to Mongar, overnight at the lodge in Mongar
Day 10 Mongar - Trashigang
Driving Duration: 4-5hrs/ 150Km
Elevation: 3773m / 12375ft
Drive on to Trashigang - In the far east of Bhutan, on the bank of Gamri Chhu river lies
Trashigang, the country's largest district.
Attractions:
- Kori-la pass (2450m/8040ft)
- Trashigang Dzong Fortress
- Rangshikhar Goempa
Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang
Day 11 Trashigang – A Day excursion to Trashiyangtse
Elevation: 3773m / 12375ft
Day excursion to Trashiyangtse
Attractions:
- Chorten Kora
- Trashiyangtse Town
- Wood Turnning ( Dapa and Phob)
- Gomphu Kora
Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang
Day 12 Trashigang – A Day excursion to Merak Villages
Driving Duration: 2-3hrs/ 67km
Elevation: 3773m / 12375ft
Day excursion to Merak Village
Attractions:
- Ranjung Monastery
- Radhi Village ( Famous in Raw Silk Weaving)
- Brokpa people (Nomadic lifestyle)
Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang
Day 13 Trashigang to Paro (Domestic Flight)
Duration: 45 mins
Elevation: 2700m/ 9,000ft
Domestic Flight from Yonphula Domestic Airport.
Note: Cancellations for domestic flights due to weather particularly during the summer season.
Attractions:
- Sherubtse College
- Rinpung/Paro Dzong
- Ta Dzong ( National Museum)
- Explore Paro Town and Paro Weekend Market (traditional products)
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 14 Paro - Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Hiking Duration: Approx. 5 to 6 hrs roundtrip
Elevation: 3120m / 10236ft
A day hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) located 3100m
Attraction:
Optional: Hot Stone Bath in Farm House(additional charge)
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 15 Departure
After breakfast, we drive on to the Paro airport, to catch your flight to your onward destination as you bid farewell to the beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan.
Like the look of this itinerary? Every departure is customisable.
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