Bhutan at a Glance

7 Day

About Tour

punakha by marcus westberg21

This journey offers a beautiful introduction to Bhutan, beginning in the serene Paro Valley in the west and taking you across lush landscapes all the way to Bumthang, the spiritual heart of central Bhutan.

Travel through the green valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang, each region offering its own charm, traditions, and breathtaking scenery. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient monasteries, majestic Dzongs, and peaceful rural villages that reveal the essence of Bhutan’s culture and identity.

This tour provides a meaningful glimpse into the Bhutanese way of life—their deep-rooted spiritual practices, strong connection with nature, and the harmony in which they live each day.
From sacred sites to local cuisine, from mountain views to warm cultural encounters, this journey captures the beauty, simplicity, and authenticity that make Bhutan truly unique

 

• Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), Bhutan’s most iconic landmark

Experience the world-famous cliffside monastery in Paro — a must-see highlight for any Bhutan travel itinerary.

• Explore Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey & Bumthang — Bhutan’s top travel destinations

Discover Bhutan’s most beautiful valleys, cultural hubs, and spiritual centers in one comprehensive tour.

• Visit Bhutan’s historic Dzongs: Punakha Dzong, Trongsa Dzong & Jakar Dzong

See the kingdom’s most important fortress-monasteries, essential for understanding Bhutanese culture and history.

• Cross Dochula Pass (3,100 m) with panoramic Himalayan mountain views

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Eastern Himalayas — a highlight of any Bhutan road trip.

• Discover Bhutan’s ancient temples & sacred sites

Explore Kyichu Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and other holy monasteries that shaped Bhutan’s Buddhist heritage.

• Experience authentic Bhutanese culture, rural villages & local lifestyle

Meet local communities, visit traditional farmhouses, and witness daily life in Bhutan’s countryside.

• Explore Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley, home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes

Visit Bhutan’s famous glacial valley — one of the best wildlife and nature destinations in the Himalayas.

• Learn about Bhutanese arts, crafts & heritage

Visit textile museums, paper factories, and heritage centers preserving traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship.

• Taste authentic Bhutanese cuisine & local farm meals

Enjoy traditional dishes like ema datshi, red rice, buckwheat specialties, and local farmhouse dining.

• Scenic Himalayan drives & short nature hikes

Travel through forests, high passes, river valleys, and pristine landscapes — perfect for photography and nature lovers.

 

DAY 1. Arrival in the Land of the Thunder Dragon – Explore Paro

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Welcome to Bhutan, your first step into the magical Land of the Thunder Dragon. The moment you land at Paro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your guide just outside the arrival hall. At more than 7,300 feet above sea level, the crisp Himalayan air and stunning valley views create a perfect first impression of this beautiful kingdom.

Since you will be staying in Paro tonight, we will take a relaxed drive to your hotel for check-in and a warm, traditional Bhutanese lunch. This gentle pace helps your body acclimatize while letting you absorb your first glimpses of Bhutan’s landscape and culture.

Your Paro exploration begins at the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong), housed in an ancient watchtower overlooking the valley. Inside, you’ll discover fascinating exhibits of Bhutanese art, artifacts, textiles, and spiritual treasures — a perfect introduction to the country’s rich heritage.

Next, visit the iconic Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortress-monasteries. With its striking white walls, wooden galleries, and beautifully carved windows, this Dzong is both the administrative center and a spiritual hub for the region. Enjoy walking through its serene courtyards and take in panoramic views of the Paro River flowing below.

End your day with a gentle stroll through Paro town, where you can explore local shops, handicraft stalls, and peaceful streets lined with traditional Bhutanese architecture.

Overnight in Paro.

DAY 2. Paro → Thimphu – Arrival & First Impressions of the Capital

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive from Paro to Thimphu, the charming capital of Bhutan. Once you arrive and settle into your hotel, begin your exploration of the city.

Your first stop is the Buddha Dordenma—a 169-foot bronze statue that watches over the entire valley. This monumental masterpiece is one of the largest seated Buddhas in the world, radiating peace and serenity. From the viewpoint, take in sweeping panoramic views of the city framed by emerald forests and snow-tipped peaks.

Continue to the lively Centenary Farmers’ Market, the heart of Thimphu’s community life. Every week, farmers from across the region gather here to sell fresh vegetables, cheese, grains, incense, spices, and handmade local goods. This is an excellent place to observe Bhutanese daily life and sample authentic produce.

In the evening, enjoy a gentle stroll along Thimphu’s riverside or explore the city’s cafés and craft shops.

Overnight in Thimphu.

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DAY 3. Thimphu Cultural Discovery – Museums, Heritage & Dzongs

Start your morning at the National Folk Heritage Museum, housed in a restored 19th-century Bhutanese home. Through artifacts, demonstrations, and traditional architecture, the museum offers a vivid look into Bhutan’s rural lifestyle, food culture, and ancestral traditions.

Next, immerse yourself in Bhutan’s textile legacy at the National Textile Museum. Here, master weavers demonstrate their skills, and you’ll discover the deep symbolism behind Bhutan’s handwoven designs—an art form cherished and preserved by the Royal Government.

Continue to the National Memorial Chorten, one of Bhutan’s most revered spiritual landmarks. Built in honor of the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the chorten is a constant scene of devotion, surrounded by elderly worshippers spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras.

Visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where traditional papermaking comes to life. Watch artisans transform the bark of the Daphne tree into Deh-sho paper, used for sacred texts and woodblock printing.

A short drive takes you to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. Legend says it was built to subdue a powerful demon, and the dzong is now famed for its elaborate wood carvings and ancient Buddhist murals.

End your day at the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the administrative and monastic heart of Bhutan. The fortress houses the King’s throne room and is known for its awe-inspiring traditional architecture—constructed entirely without a single nail. During sunset, the dzong glows beautifully against the surrounding mountains.

Overnight in Thimphu.

majestic buddha dordenma statue against the background of a blue sky. bhutan

DAY 4. Thimphu → Punakha – Dochula Pass & Punakha Dzong

After breakfast, depart Thimphu and begin your scenic journey toward Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Your first major stop is the stunning Dochula Pass (3,100 m), one of Bhutan’s most breathtaking viewpoints. On clear days, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the Eastern Himalayas, a dramatic panorama of soaring snow-capped peaks.

The pass is also famous for the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, commissioned by Her Majesty Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to honor Bhutanese soldiers. Surrounded by swirling mists, fluttering prayer flags, and mountain serenity, Dochula Pass is a deeply spiritual and photogenic location.

Descending into the warmer, subtropical Punakha Valley, arrive at the magnificent Punakha Dzong, often regarded as Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress. Built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, this six-storey masterpiece is the second oldest and second largest dzong in the kingdom. It continues to serve as the winter residence of the Chief Abbot and was the venue for the royal wedding of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema in 2011.

Explore its grand courtyards, intricate woodwork, sacred temples, and ancient murals that reveal the stories of Bhutan’s kings and saints.

Overnight in Punakha.

punakha by marcus westberg21

DAY 5. Punakha Sightseeing

Begin your morning with a gentle countryside walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the beloved Temple of Fertility. The trail leads you through golden rice fields, rustic farmhouses, and charming village paths. Built in honor of the legendary “Divine Madman” Lama Drukpa Kunley, this temple is known worldwide for its unique blessings and colorful stories. Pilgrims from all over Bhutan and beyond visit seeking fertility blessings and spiritual protection.

After your temple visit, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch in the valley before embarking on one of Punakha’s most rewarding short hikes.

Cross a suspension bridge draped with vibrant prayer flags and begin the ascent to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Built by the Third Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, this exquisite structure is a perfect example of Bhutanese craftsmanship, constructed entirely according to ancient religious scriptures.

The hike rewards you with stunning views overlooking the Mo Chhu River, terraced fields, and the wide Punakha Valley. At the top, explore the serene temple interior and enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by pristine nature.

Overnight in Punakha.

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DAY 6. Punakha → Bumthang – The Heart of Bhutan’s Spiritual Heritage

Your first major stop is Trongsa, the ancestral seat of Bhutan’s royal family. As you approach the town, the majestic Trongsa Dzong rises dramatically above the Mangde Chhu Valley. This immense fortress—one of the most architecturally significant in Bhutan—has played a central role in the country’s history. Tradition dictates that every Bhutanese king must serve as the Trongsa Penlop (Governor of Trongsa) before becoming monarch, making this dzong a cornerstone of Bhutanese leadership.

Before reaching Trongsa, make a meaningful stop at the Chendebji Chorten, a serene white stupa built in the 19th century by Lama Shida. Modeled after Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath, it marks the spot where an evil spirit was subdued, symbolizing peace and protection over the region. Encircled by prayer wheels and fluttering flags, it is a peaceful place to stretch your legs and absorb the tranquil atmosphere.

Upon arriving in Trongsa, explore the vast and intricate corridors of Trongsa Dzong. Founded in the 16th century by Terton Pema Lingpa—one of Bhutan’s greatest treasure revealers—and expanded by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, this fortress once controlled the primary east–west route through the kingdom. Its maze-like courtyards, sacred temples, and former living quarters offer a fascinating glimpse into monastic life and royal history.

After your visit, continue your drive through dramatic landscapes as you make your way into the enchanting Bumthang Valley, home to ancient temples, spiritual legends, and some of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan.

Overnight in Bumthang.

 

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DAY 7. Bumthang Sightseeing – The Spiritual Heart of Bhutan

Today, immerse yourself in the sacred landscapes of Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan and one of the most revered valleys in the Himalayas. This is where Buddhism first flourished in the country, where Guru Rinpoche subdued powerful spirits, and where centuries-old temples continue to radiate deep spiritual energy.

Your day unfolds with visits to some of Bumthang’s most sacred monasteries, ancient temples, and hidden valleys. Wander through peaceful temple courtyards shaded by old cypress trees, explore sites connected to legendary saints, and experience the serene atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims here for more than a thousand years.

Enjoy short, scenic walks through charming villages and across suspension bridges as you make your way to remote monasteries surrounded by untouched nature. Along the way, soak in sweeping views of the valley, dotted with prayer flags, traditional farmhouses, and forested hills.

From hilltop dzongs overlooking the valley to quiet monasteries filled with ancient murals, Bumthang offers a rare opportunity to connect with Bhutan’s deepest spiritual traditions.

Overnight in Bumthang.

 

DAY 8. Bumthang → Gangtey – Into the Valley of the Black-Necked Cranes

After breakfast, begin your scenic journey from Bumthang to Gangtey, one of Bhutan’s most enchanting highland valleys. The drive takes you through changing landscapes, forested slopes, small villages, and panoramic viewpoints. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of central Bhutan as you descend toward the wide glacial valley of Phobjikha.

Upon arrival in Gangtey, check in at your hotel and take some time to rest and refresh. Later in the afternoon, set out to explore the tranquil surroundings of this serene valley, known for its sweeping meadows and unspoiled natural beauty.

Visit some of the key sights in Gangtey, including its quiet villages, traditional farmhouses, and the peaceful monastic areas. Experience the calm atmosphere that makes this valley one of the most spiritual and naturally beautiful places in Bhutan.

Gangtey is also the winter home of the rare Black-Necked Cranes, and depending on the season, you may witness these graceful birds gliding over the wetlands.

End your day with a leisurely stroll through the valley, breathing in the crisp mountain air and admiring the vast open landscapes that make Gangtey unforgettable.

Overnight in Gangtey.

 

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DAY 9. Paro – Arrival & Sightseeing

Drive back to the peaceful Paro Valley and check in at your hotel. Surrounded by lush fields, traditional farmhouses, and forested hillsides, Paro is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest and most treasured monasteries. Towering above the valley is the magnificent Mt. Jomolhari — Bhutan’s third-highest peak — whose glacial waters nourish the rivers below.

After settling in, enjoy sightseeing around Paro. Visit the historic Paro Rinpung Dzong, stroll through the charming town, explore local shops and cafes, or take a gentle walk along the riverside as the evening light settles over the valley.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

 

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Day 10 The Sacred Tigers Nest

Today, embark on a two-hour hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of the world’s most iconic and sacred sites. Clinging dramatically to a cliff more than 10,000 feet above sea level, this monastery marks the place where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tiger to meditate, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan.

The hike is invigorating, rewarding, and deeply spiritual—colourful prayer flags guide your path, the air grows cooler as you climb, and breathtaking views unfold at every turn. Reaching Tiger’s Nest is often described as the highlight of any journey to Bhutan.

Afterward, take a short drive to the historic ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, a powerful fortress built in 1647 to protect Bhutan from Tibetan invasions. Though partially destroyed by fire in 1957, its stone walls still stand proudly, telling stories of courage and resilience. On a clear day, the snow-capped peak of Mt. Jomolhari forms a striking backdrop.

Conclude your Bhutan adventure with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the country. Built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a giant demoness, this serene sanctuary radiates tranquillity, devotion, and the timeless spirit of Bhutan.

 

tiger's nest monastery on a cliff in bhutan

DAY 11. FAREWELL, BHUTAN

Your journey through Bhutan comes to an end as you transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. With memories of sacred temples, towering mountains, vibrant festivals, and the warm hospitality of Bhutanese people, you leave the Land of the Peaceful Dragon with a heart full of serenity and inspiration.

We hope this experience stays with you long after you return home—and we look forward to welcoming you back to Bhutan again.

Price Includes

 

  • 3-Star Hotel / Resort Accommodation throughout the entire tour
  • Comfortable Private Transport:

    SUV for 2–4 guests
    Mini Bus for 6 guests
    Luxury Bus for more than 6 guests

  • Licensed & Experienced Local Tour Guide
  • Entrance Fees to all attractions listed in the itinerary
  • All Meals Included (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Complimentary Bottled Mineral Water – 3 bottles per day
  • Evening Tea / Coffee with Snacks

Guaranteed Visa Approval

We have maintained a 100% success rate in securing Bhutan visas for our travellers. Your visa will be processed smoothly and efficiently—without a single disappointment to date.

Authentic, Safe & Comfortable Accommodations

Every hotel is carefully hand-picked for comfort, authenticity, and hospitality. We book only the properties we know.

Expert English-Speaking Guides

Our professional local guides deliver a safe, insightful, and enriching journey. If you are not fully satisfied with your guide, driver, or vehicle within the first two days in Thimphu, we will happily arrange an immediate replacement—no questions asked.

Always Here for You

Our dedicated guest services team is available by phone or email whenever you need us. You will always speak to a real person—never an automated system—because your comfort and peace of mind come first.

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