Ideal for those who want to discover the true Bhutan, this ultimate cultural tour explores the cultural valleys of the west, spiritual central Bhutan & the rugged east. Journey to Bhutan traverses incredible landscapes of High Mountain passes with incredible Himalayan views, mixed forests, beautiful countryside, and Alpine meadows rich with diverse flora and fauna.
Beginning in the gentle valley of Paro, home to the infamous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), you will visit ancient fortresses, sacred monasteries, remote temples, farmhouses, palaces, and monastic schools across the country to the eastern border town of Samdrup Jongkhar. This special and unique tour is designed for the enthusiastic traveler with a longer holiday program in mind and a desire to discover the true Bhutan.
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Luxury Bhutanese cultural journey with locals in premium traditional attire walking through scenic mountains
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities. After lunch enjoys afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art, and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpung Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centers, which were once strategic forts.
Before dinner at the hotel, there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by our Host.
Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Temple. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is an important pilgrim site for Buddhists.
The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Afterward drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, and 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Enjoy a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelela Pass (3900m), Haa Valley is characterized by its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain and unique architecture.
Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Wangchulo Dzong
- Chhundu Lhakhang
- Cheli La Pass
- Lhakhang Karpo
- Lhakhang Nagpo
- Tachu Goemba
Drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours). Once a rustic village sitting in a broad river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King.
Continue to the 12th-century Changangkha Temple and the Zilukha Nunnery. If your visit coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market.
Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
Continue sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum.
If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’ housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Other options for the day include a hike to Tango and Cheri Monasteries (45 mins), two of the most ancient monasteries in the Thimphu region.
Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into the Punakha valley (3 hrs). In the Dochu-La area, there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring color.
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Zhabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. The three-story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kuenly. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against orthodox Buddhism in his time.
Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangdue.
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (3 hrs) via the bustling market town of Wangduephodrang. Drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forests, and over a high pass down into the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau.
After lunch visit the Phobjikha Sanctuary to view the majestic black-necked cranes (Nov-Mar only) and Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), dating back to the 16th century.
Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.
Places and attractions:
- Dargay Goemba
- Gangtey Gompa
- Temple Of Sha Radap
- Gaselo & Nahee Village
- Adha And Rukha Village
- Shaa Region Of Wangdiphodrang
- Bhey Langdrag Nye
Depart over the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa. En route visit the beautiful 18th-century Chendebji Chorten. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty.
Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan, and the Ta Dzong museum housing a collection of historical artifacts of the Royal Family.
Overnight at your hotel in Trongsa.
Places and attractions:
- Trongsa Dzong
- Ta Dzong
- Thruepang Palace
- Kuenga Rabten Palace
- Chendebji Chorten
- Trongsa Tshechu
After breakfast proceeds towards Bumthang (2.5 hrs), the spiritual heart of the kingdom. Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest Palaces, Buddhist temples, and monasteries. On arrival, visit Jakar Dzong (Dzong of the White Bird) and 16th-century Tamshing Lhakhang containing ancient Buddhist wall paintings. After lunch visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom, and 7th Century Jambay Lhakhang.
Overnight at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang.
Places and attractions:
- Jakar Dzong
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Ura Valley
- Red Panda Brewery
- Mebartsho
Enjoy a day exploring some of the many sites around Bumthang, including the 16th century Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace museum containing an overview of traditional rural life in Bhutan and the pool of Mebartso (The Lake of Fire) where Pema Lingpa (founder of the Nyingmapa sect) is said to have found a treasure hidden by Guru Rinpoche.
Overnight at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang.
Places and attractions:
- Jakar Dzong
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Ura Valley
- Red Panda Brewery
- Mebartsho
The journey to Mongar takes about 6 hours with spectacular views en route. Drive through Ura village before climbing sharply to the highest point on Bhutan’s road network, Thrumsing-La Pass (4,000m). From here, the road gradually passes through picturesque alpine valleys, pine forests, maize fields, and hamlets to reach Mongar town. Visit Mongar Dzong, built in the 1930s using the traditional process without either plans or the use of nails.
Overnight at your lodge in Mongar.
Places and attractions:
- Mongar Dzong
- Yagang Lhakhang
- Drametse Lhakhang
- Zhongar Dzong
- Phunying La
- Aja Nye
Drive to Trashigang (3 hrs) through leafy forests filled with ferns and over Kori-La Pass (2,450m) before descending through cornfields and banana groves to reach the famous road zigzag just below Yadi.
Trashigang is the main township of the largest district in the country. After lunch visits Trashigang Dzong.
Overnight at your lodge in Trashigang.
Places and attractions:
- Trashigang Dzong
- Chador Lhakhang
- Rangjung Monastery
- Trashigang Radhi
- Merak & Sakteng
- Muenselling Institute
- Khaling National Handloom
Visit the temple of GomKora and Doksum Village where you can see women busily weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric before reaching Trashiyangtse, the administrative Centre for this district.
The area is famous for its unique wooden crafts. Visit the Tashiyangtse Dzong, the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora, and the nearby institute for Zorig Chusum, where students are trained in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
Overnight at your lodge in Trashigang.
Places and attractions:
- Chorten Kora
- Bumdeling
- Rigsum Goemba
- Tshenkharla Dzong
- Ombha Ney
- Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory
- Black Necked Cranes
After breakfast drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, the gateway to eastern Bhutan and to Assam, India. It is about a 9-hour drive from Trashigang with many beautiful villages and landscapes on the way.
Overnight at your hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Places and attractions:
- S|Jongkhar Dzong
- Chokyi Gyatso Institute
- Mithun Breeding Farm
- Zangdo Pelri Lhakhang
- S|Jongkhar Tshechu
After breakfast, your guide will arrange an Indian vehicle for your transfer to Guwahati, the capital town of the Indian northeastern state of Assam, for your onward flight.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Bhutan Travel Info
Travel Essentials
- Travel/Medical Insurance: Ensure a worry-free journey with Bhutan's dedicated travel and medical insurance plans offered by the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan. Visit RICB for more information.
- Banking: Modern banking facilities are available in urban areas of Bhutan, with banks like Bank of Bhutan Limited, Druk PNB, and Bhutan National Bank. ATMs are common in Thimphu and Phuentsholing, but scarce in rural areas. Complete your banking in major cities.
- Money Matters: Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is equivalent in value to the Indian Rupee. Foreign travelers should bring traveler’s cheques or cash, especially USD. Credit cards like Visa and American Express are accepted in most areas.
- Communication: Bhutan's telecommunications are well-developed with internet cafes, mobile phone coverage, and international roaming available in most towns.
- Electricity: Bhutan operates on 230 volts and 50 Hertz. Ensure your devices are compatible with the three types of plugs commonly used.
- Time Zone: Bhutan's time is six hours ahead of GMT.
Health, Safety, and Customs
- Health and Inoculations: Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Avoid untreated water and ice cubes; instead, opt for bottled water, which is readily available.
- Safety Precautions: Bhutan is generally safe, but avoid walking alone or staying out late, especially after 9 PM. Secure your belongings, particularly in the capital, Thimphu.
- Customs Regulations: Personal belongings, 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and professional equipment are exempt from customs duty. Importing restricted items, such as wildlife products, antiques, and drugs, is prohibited.
Accommodation, Food, and Shopping
- Accommodation: Bhutan offers a range of accommodations, from quality 3-star to luxury 5-star hotels in places like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. Travelers can also opt for camping when venturing beyond urban areas.
- Food: Bhutanese cuisine is rich and spicy, featuring dishes like ema datshi. International cuisine such as Indian, Continental, and Chinese is available in most restaurants, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Shopping: Bhutan offers unique handicrafts, including hand-woven textiles, wooden bowls (Dapas), silver statues, Thangkas, and local postage stamps. Note that the buying and selling of antiques is strictly prohibited.
Travel Kits and Clothing
- Clothing and Essentials: Bhutan's climate is diverse, so dress in layers and pack accordingly. Respectful clothing is required when visiting monasteries and religious sites, and hats should be removed in sacred areas.
- Travel Kits: Pack items like sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, antihistamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a flashlight, warm clothes, and a hat. The diverse climate means temperatures range from 20-25°C in summer to below 15°C in winter.
Experiences and Activities
- Photography: Capture Bhutan's stunning landscapes, rural life, and architecture. Indoor photography in sacred sites requires special permission.
- Guides and Interpreters: Bhutan offers certified guides fluent in various languages, ensuring you get the best experience when visiting sacred sites and cultural landmarks.
- Festivals and Holidays: Each district in Bhutan celebrates its unique annual tshechu. Check local schedules to plan your visit around these vibrant festivals.
- Weights and Measures: Bhutan uses metric measurements for weight, with advanced electronic scales commonly found in major cities.
- Best Price Guaranteed
- Book Now, Pay Later
- Local Expertise
- Hand-Picked Hotels
- Value for money
- Quality Service
- Responsible Tourism
- Tailor-Made Holidays
- No Booking Fee
- 100% Visa Approval
- 24/7 Customer Service
- No Hidden Costs
