Culture / Bhutan Bhutan Highlights TourNext tentative Date: Available as a Private Trek on a date of your preference.
Explore Bhutan’s iconic highlights, rich culture, and stunning landscapes with minimal driving and expert guides. |
Experience the essence of western Bhutan as this journey takes you through all its major highlights, from the vibrant capital of Thimphu to the serene valleys of Punakha and the majestic Punakha Dzong, before culminating at the iconic Tiger’s Nest temple in Paro. With minimal driving and more time for exploration, you’ll fully immerse in Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes, living culture, and spiritual heritage. Our seasoned guides, who deeply understand the local traditions and our company’s values, will ensure your adventure is enriching and unforgettable.
Tiger’s Nest/Taktsang Monastery- a spectacular sight in terms of location, setting and history and is one of the holiest sites in the Buddhist arena. | |
Excursion of Thimphu Valley – combination of the ancient and the modern | |
Excursion of Punakha valley – the old capital of Bhutan | |
Dochula pass (3150 meters / 10,334 ft) offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Eastern Himalaya range |
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JulAugSepOctNovDec
Spring lasts from March to mid-April. As the snow melts, the temperature becomes milder. The clarity is on point, and you can witness the grandeur of the snow-capped mountains. It is one of the best times to visit Bhutan and also to trek in the high elevations. The blooming rhododendrons add charm to the trails.
Paro: 2°C/35.6°F (min) to 23.5°C/74.3°F (max), Thimpu: 4°C/39.2°F (min) to 24.5°C/76°F (max), Punakha: 10.4°C/50.7°F (min) to 29°C/84.2°F (max)
Summers start from mid-April onwards and last through early-September, bringing heavy rains, humidity, and dramatic clouds throughout the country. There are chances of floods, and flights could be affected during this time. There’s greenery all over the country, making the surrounding hills scenic with blooming wildflowers.
Paro: 14°C/57.2°F (min) to 26.8°C/80.2°F (max), Thimpu: 15°C/59°F (min) to 25.9°C/78.6°F (max), Punakha: 20°C/68°F (min) to 30.4°C/86.7°F (max)
The temperature becomes very pleasant with the start of autumn. The skies are bright, clear, and sunny, making it a perfect time to visit Bhutan and also for trekking. The mountains look simply breathtaking.
Paro: 1.4°C/34.5°F (min) to 23.4°C/74.1°F (max), Thimpu: 5°C/41°F (min) to 23.1°C/73.5°F (max), Punakha: 9.6°C/49.2°F (min) to 27.5°C/81.5°F (max)
Generally, the Eastern regions and areas above 3000 meters are affected by harsh snow conditions, and it is not advisable to trek during peak winter. However, the weather is much milder and tolerable in the Western and Central Bhutan (although it can get close to freezing point at times), and you can always opt for touring and short hikes.
Paro:-2.6°C/27°F (min) to 14.5°C/58°F (max), Thimpu: 5.8°C/21.5°F (min) to 13°C/55.4°F (max), Punakha: 4.3°C/39.7°F (min) to 19°C/66°F (max)
Day 1 |
Paro - Thimpu (your first glimpse of Bhutan) |
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Day 2 |
Thimpu valley excursion (combination of the ancient and the modern) |
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Day 3 |
Thimpu - Punakha and Wangdue valleys (enjoy the ride through the Himalayan ranges) |
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Day 4 |
Punakha - Paro |
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Day 5 |
Taktsang excursion (Hike to the Tiger's Nest) |
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Day 6 |
Departure |
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Day 1 |
Paro - Thimpu (your first glimpse of Bhutan) |
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Drive from Paro International Airport to Thimpu 1 hrs Step into the kingdom of Bhutan by landing at Paro International Airport. Depending on the arrival time, we will have a quick lunch or coffee break in Paro town and continue on a picturesque one-hour drive to Thimphu. At Thimpu, immerse yourself in the vibrant streets, lively markets and the pulse of the town. We conclude our day at our hotel in Thimpu. If you arrive early, we take you to Tachogang Lhakhang enroute Thimpu. This spiritual haven pays homage to Thangtong Gyalpo, also known as 'The Iron Bridge Builder’. We walk past the iron suspension bridge and explore the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers. |
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Day 2 |
Thimpu valley excursion (combination of the ancient and the modern) |
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Explore the vibrant city of Thimpu Today, we have a line up of interesting exploration and cultural immersion waiting us including Kuensel Phodrang / Buddha Point – 51.5 meters Shakyamuni Buddha statue and view of Thimphu valley. You can also opt for an hour’s hike around the Buddha. Besides, we also visit Memorial Chorten / Stupa – Congregation of devout Buddhists circumambulating the Chorten from dawn till dusk, Bhutan Postal Museum -make your personalized stamps with your photo and use them to send postcards to your family and friends around the world, Takin Preserve – Takin the national animal of Bhutan, Centenary Farmers Market/Kaja Throm, Craft Bazaar – single line of shops selling traditional made in Bhutan arts and crafts. If time permits, we will also explore Tashi Chho Dzong/ Fortress of Splendid Religion - office of the Golden Throne of the Dragon King. |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Day 3 |
Thimpu - Punakha and Wangdue valleys (enjoy the ride through the Himalayan ranges) |
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Drive from Thimpu to Punakha with exploration on the way Set off on a captivating 2-hour drive to Punakha and Wangdue valleys. Along the way, we catch your breath at Dochula Pass, 3,150 meters high. On clear days, one can witness the awe-inspiring snow-capped Himalayas. We will also explore the 108 chortens, Lobesa market and the famed Chime Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility. Marvel at the newly renovated Wangdue Dzong and take a leisurely stroll through quaint market pockets. |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Day 4 |
Punakha - Paro |
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Explore Punakha and drive to Paro Drive to Punakha Valley and hike for about 45 minutes through paddy fields to reach the hilltop Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa, offering panoramic views of the valley. Optionally, take a scenic 3 km hike across the Mo Chu river, followed by a picnic lunch by the Punakha river. We then drive back to Paro in the afternoon |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Day 5 |
Taktsang excursion (Hike to the Tiger's Nest) |
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Hike to the iconic Takstang - The Tiger's Nest (3139m / 10300 ft) After breakfast, we gear up for an invigorating hike to the most important cultural icon of Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery. The hike is a 3-hour uphill journey rewarded with a 2-hour downhill trek. On the way, we also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, an ancient temple dating back to the 7th century. |
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Archery and exploration Later, you have the options to engage in traditional archery for some Bhutanese fun, and delve into the culinary culture with a Bhutanese cooking experience, either learning the craft or creating your own delectable meal. |
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Traditional hot stone bath We end our trip with a traditional hot stone bath at a farmhouse in Paro - white round stones picked up from the riversides are roasted in fire until red hot and then immersed in a wooden tub of fresh spring water sprinkled with herbs. These hot stones baths are supposed to be very curative with numerous medicinal and healing properties and has been the practice since the ancient times in Bhutan. We have a farewell dinner with our team at the hotel. |
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Day 6 |
Departure |
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Drive from hotel to the Paro International Airport We have out breakfast at the hotel and drive to Paro International Airport. |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Group size | Price per person* |
2 people | Inquire |
4 people & above | Inquire |
Valid until Dec 31st, 2024
Important
Accommodation
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Transportation
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Food
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Crew
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Misc
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Except for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives, all other nationalities are required to obtain visa clearance before entering Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by a registered Bhutanese tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent. Required documents include a scanned color copy of your passport, a passport photo taken within the last six months, proof of travel insurance for the intended duration, and a visa fee of US $40.
We handle the visa process on your behalf. The processing time typically ranges from 3 to 5 official working days. As long as all the requirements are met, visas for Bhutan are guaranteed. If you are traveling in a group, applications must be processed at the same time and visas will be granted together. The actual visa will be stamped into your passport upon presenting your visa clearance letter at the point of entry.
Bhutan levies a mandatory SDF on all foreign nationals entering the country. As of the last update in August 2023, the fees are USD 100 per night. These fees contribute to a pool of resources that help Bhutan fund its development projects.
Note: The SDF is waived for citizens of three countries – India, Bangladesh, and Maldives, who are only required to pay USD 15 per day.
As the default selection, our itinerary features government-endorsed 3-star hotels. These are clean and hygienic hotels with charming architecture, offering a very comfortable stay accompanied by warm hospitality. Prices for hotels are on a double or twin-sharing basis, which means there will be two people to a room. For families with kids, room allocation depends on your preference and availability. A separate single room can be arranged for an additional charge.
Accommodation options in Bhutan span a wide range, from traditional farmhouses to luxurious five-star hotels. Options become limited and more basic as we go into the Eastern regions and remote areas. If you wish to book a specific hotel or upgrade to luxury lodging, let us know and we will make the necessary arrangements.
Given the nature of travel in Bhutan, all meals are included in the prices. We will have a buffet with a selection of food on most parts of our trip. You will also get to enjoy a variety of local Bhutanese cuisine. Locals love spicy food, but we will tone down the level of spice for you. Feel free to bring along light snacks and energy bars for the days when we go hiking. For vegetarians and vegans, or if you have any other dietary requirements, please let us at the time of booking so we can make arrangements.
Here’s some insight into the local food. The national dish is Ema Datshi (a spicy mix of chilies, veggies and cheese). Other delicacies to try are red rice served with meat or vegetables, buckwheat pancakes, momos (tibetean-style dumplings with pork or veggies), phak sha laphu (stewed pork with radishes), nor sha huentse (stewed beef dish with spinach), phak sha phin tshoem (pork with rice noodles), etc.
• | Good hiking shoes |
• | Cotton or quick dry layer for days |
• | Warm clothing for evenings |
• | Wind proof jackets and pants |
• | Fleece layer |
• | Headgear or sun hat |
• | Extra pair of shoes (preferably, slip-ons) |
• | Gloves or handwarmers |
• | Warm hat |
• | Warm socks |
• | Day bag |
• | Duffel bag/suitcase |
• | Sunglasses |
• | Rain gear |
• | Water bottle |
• | LifeStraw filter or purification tablets |
• | Locks for your backpack/luggage |
• | Walking poles (optional) |
• | Trail snacks and energy bars (optional) |
• | Binoculars |
• | Camera with charger and extra batteries |
• | Phone with charger |
• | Power bank |
• | Travel adapter (type C, D and G) |
• | Sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) |
• | Sanitizer |
• | Bug / Insect repellent |
• | Personal first aid kit |
• | Prescription Medications |
• | Medicines for motion sickness |
• | Rehydration salts or tablets |
• | Original passport |
• | 1 passport sized photo |
• | Photocopy of passport page |
• | Flight tickets |
• | Visa clearance |
• | Insurance |
• | Money (Ngultrum/INR/USD) |
• | Credit card (VISA & MasterCard) |
Please print and fill up the Booking Form. It’s pretty simple and short, please let us know if we can help you with it.
We’ll send terms and conditions, along with payment details. To confirm your spot, please pay 50% of the trip cost in advance.
Note: Full payment to be made at least 7 days before trip departure.
A few days before the trip, the lead guide will host a small briefing to discuss logistics and safety matters, and also answer any questions you have.
Do some light training and set your gears. Then off to the mountains we go!
Experience the quintessential Nepali countryside - green terraced fields, deep valleys, high snowcapped Himalayas, lush forests, grazing cattle, ancient temples, great food and cheeky smiles - all the while trudging on mighty fine trails!
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