Arrival at Paro International Airport

National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་། - Upon arrival at Bhutan’s sole International Airport, guests will embark on their first adventure in the Kingdom. The journey begins with a visit to the National Museum of Bhutan, located in the historic Paro Ta Dzong, a watchtower constructed in 1649. The museum showcases a vast array of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks, including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted tools used in daily life. This collection offers a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. Additionally, visitors will explore the auspicious 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, believed to have been built overnight by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. If time allows, there will be an opportunity to witness a game of archery, Bhutan’s national sport, where archers celebrate each successful shot from a remarkable distance of 145 meters with dance and song.

Paro - Transfer to Haa Valley (2hr 15min drive)

Haa Valley - After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, guests will be transferred to Haa Valley via Chelela, the highest motorable mountain pass in Bhutan, where they can take in the breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains. Haa Valley, one of Bhutan’s least visited destinations, was opened to tourism in 2002 to preserve its sacredness and unspoiled culture. Visitors will explore the 7th-century White Temple, locally known as Lhakhang Karpo, nestled at the base of three sacred mountains in the valley.

Haa Valley - Transfer to Thimphu (3hr 20min drive)

Thimphu - In the morning, guests will travel to the charming village of Katsho, where they can interact with locals and gain insights into their daily lives. The visit includes Katsho Gonpa, a temple perched on a hillside overlooking Haa Valley. After lunch, the journey continues to the capital city, Thimphu. En route, there is an optional stop at Chelela Pass for a 1.5-hour hike along the mountain ridge to Kila Gonpa nunnery, home to numerous nuns. The trip then proceeds to Thimphu, where guests will visit a weaving center. Weaving is a vital part of Bhutanese culture, and visitors will observe both men and women crafting intricate designs and patterns using traditional handlooms.

Explore The Capital City Thimphu

Thimphu - After breakfast, guests will visit one of the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statues, located on a hill overlooking Thimphu Valley. The tour includes a visit to the 13th-century national treasure, Changangkha Lhakhang, where newborns in Thimphu are brought for naming. The itinerary also includes a visit to the Royal Takin Preserve, the only animal enclosure in Bhutan, to see the national animal, the Takin. Next, guests will explore the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts are taught (closed on Sundays and Government Holidays). A traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Restaurant. Afterward, there is an optional visit to the Craft Bazaar along Thimphu’s main street and the Bhutan Postal Museum to learn about the evolution of Bhutanese communication systems. Guests can also print stamps with their own photos and send postcards to friends or loved ones.

Thimphu - Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (3.5 hours drive)

Phobjikha Valley - After breakfast at the hotel, guests will visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the Third King. People from all walks of life come here to offer prayers and find solace. The journey then continues to Phobjikha Valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at an altitude of 3150m asl, offering panoramic views of some of Bhutan’s highest mountains (weather permitting). The drive descends to a warmer valley, with a stop at the village of Sopsokha to visit the renowned 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang, known as the “Temple of Fertility” for its ability to bless childless couples. After lunch at a local restaurant, the journey continues to Phobjikha Valley.

Phobjikha Valley - Transfer to Punakha Valley (2.5 hours drive)

Punakha - After breakfast at the hotel, guests will visit Gangtey Monastery, one of Bhutan’s largest monasteries and a significant landmark in the valley. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet monks and offer prayers. The itinerary includes an exciting Gangtey Nature Hike through the pristine valley, providing insights into rural Bhutanese life. The invigorating hike covers about 5km and takes approximately 2.5-3 hours. After lunch, the journey continues to Punakha Valley, where guests will visit the 17th-century Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Time will be spent admiring the intricate woodwork and sacred wall paintings. The tour includes a walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge over the glacial-fed Phochu River. Punakha Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers. The day concludes with a drive to the picturesque village of Nobgang, overlooking Punakha Valley, where a unique and exotic local dinner, home-cooked by the community, will be served.

Punakha - Transfer back to Paro (3 hours drive)

Paro - After breakfast, guests will hike to the scenic Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten, located on a hilltop overlooking Punakha Valley, with the Mochu River winding through the landscape. The round trip hike takes about 2-2.5 hours through rice fields and a short climb to the sacred site. Following the hike, the journey continues to Paro, with a lunch stop at Dochula Cafeteria. En route, guests will visit the oldest fortress, Simtokha Dzong, built in 1631 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutan. Among the many national treasures inside Simtokha Dzong is the magnificent statue of the Buddha of Compassion.

Hike the famous Taktsang Monastery known as Tiger’s Nest (4-5 hours round trip hiking)

Paro Taktsang - After an early breakfast, guests will embark on a hike to the renowned Taktsang Monastery. Originally constructed in 1692, this iconic sacred site, known as Tiger’s Nest, is perched on an 800-meter rock cliff above the valley floor. The round trip hike typically takes 4-5 hours, but guests are encouraged to proceed at their own pace. It is advisable to start early before the sun becomes too intense. One-way horse riding is available for approximately USD20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria). After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, guests will retrace their steps back to the base and drive to Paro town for some leisure time. In the late afternoon, a visit to Tshering Farmhouse offers a chance to enjoy home-cooked authentic local cuisine. If there are no other guests, participants can learn how to prepare popular Bhutanese dishes. Additionally, a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath is available for about USD20 per person, payable to the owner.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure

Paro International Airport - After breakfast at the hotel, guests will be transferred to Paro International Airport, depending on their flight departure time.

• All internal taxes for the services listed above
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and light snacks
• Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan for injuries sustained during the tour
• All ground transportation, including round trip airport transfers
• Entry fees for National Museum
• Experienced English-speaking licensed private tour guide
• Twin-sharing accommodations at 3-star hotels certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan
• Visa Fee & Processing with e-Visa delivery within 4-5 business days

• Travel insurance.
• International flights. Let us know if you need help with arranging flights to and from Bhutan.
• Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
• Tips to guide and driver
• Emergency evacuation and helicopter services
• Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee.
• Any other expenses of personal nature
• All Entry fees except for National Museum

Immerse yourself in the local culture and mesmerizing nature. During this 9-day, 8-night expedition, you’ll traverse through the fascinating Kingdom guided by a dedicated local expert, encountering joy within breathtaking landscapes and enchanting eastern Himalayan peaks. Experience traditional ceremonies that have endured through the ages, their vibrancy as untouched as ever.

This thrilling voyage will lead you into Bhutan’s cultural nucleus, where you can sink into their profound Buddhist traditions and find tranquillity among lavish fortresses and secluded sanctuaries. Engage with diverse locals who share a collective trait - a smile on their faces. Gain an up-close insight into what sets Bhutan apart as a distinctive destination globally.

• This tour can be customized and run on a private basis just for you and your group.
• We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to a week before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
• There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
• After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address
• Youth between the ages of 13-18 MUST send us a copy of their valid Student Photo ID Card/Document to keep the discounted price. Without a copy of valid Student Photo ID Card/document, the full adult price will apply.
• Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one full-paying adult.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.