The Royal Bhutan Heritage Circuit

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Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

About this tour

14 Nights / 15 Days

A comprehensive cultural journey across Bhutan, traversing the south, western, central, and eastern regions, showcasing sacred monasteries, dzongs, living traditions, dramatic landscapes, and authentic local life—from Phuntsholing to Samdrup Jongkhar.

Highlights

  • Comprehensive 15-day journey covering southern, western, central, and eastern Bhutan
  • Explore Bhutan’s most iconic dzongs, cliffside monasteries, chortens, and sacred temples
  • Immerse in living traditions, local culture, and rural life across multiple regions
  • Witness the dramatic landscapes of high mountain passes, subtropical forests, and pristine valleys
  • Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) for panoramic Himalayan views
  • Discover historic and spiritual sites: Punakha Dzong, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Gangtey Monastery, Trongsa Dzong, and Bumthang’s sacred temples
  • Observe rare wildlife including endangered black-necked cranes in Phobjikha Valley
  • Experience local arts, crafts, and traditional Bhutanese lifestyles, including weaving, cheese making, and craft markets
  • Scenic drives across Bhutan’s highest passes: Dochula, Pele La, Thrumshing La, and Kori La
  • Explore eastern Bhutan’s off-the-beaten-path treasures: Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, and Samdrup Jongkhar
  • Balanced itinerary combining adventure, culture, nature, and relaxation
  • Ideal for travelers seeking an immersive, full-circle Bhutan experience

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation on twin sharing/Single occupancy on government certified hotels, Lodges, Resorts and Farm houses OR Tents while camping or trekking, selected according to your budget and finalized travel itinerary.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, one time evening tea & snacks.
  • All transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary
  • English speaking local guide
  • Sustainable Tourism Development Fund (SDF)
  • Entry fees to government institutions
  • One time evening tea & snacks
  • Bottled drinking water in bus as extra service ( as much as you wish to drink)
  • Camping equipment's (tents to sleep, chairs,tables, dining, Kitchen & toilet tent, sleeping cot, sleeping bags)
  • Airfare & Airport taxes
  • Bar & Laundry service
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Other expenses of personal nature eg. sim card, small tipping to hotel staff, shopping, room up gradation
  • Single supplement
  • FIT surcharges for 1 and 2 pax of US$ 40 and 30 per day per person respectively.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at the Bhutan–India border in Phuntsholing, complete immigration formalities at the pedestrian terminal. You will be warmly welcomed by your local Bhutanese guide and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight: Phuntsholing
Meals: Dinner 

Distance: 155 km | Driving Time: 4–5 hours

After breakfast, drive north through lush subtropical forests toward Paro. En route, visit Kharbandi Gompa, offering panoramic views of Phuntsholing, and stop at the historic Tachogang Iron Chain Suspension Bridge, built by the legendary Thangtong Gyalpo.

Enjoy a hot lunch en-route before continuing to Paro valley.

Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, transfer to the trailhead for the iconic hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), dramatically perched on a Cliffside at 3,120 m. The hike takes approximately 4–5 hours round trip.

Lunch will be arranged either at the cafeteria overlooking the monastery or at a local restaurant, depending on timing.

In the late afternoon, optional activities include:

  • Traditional Hot Stone Bath (must be booked in advance; optional, at additional cost)
  • Leisure time in Paro town for shopping, cafés, or local markets

Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 60 km | Driving Time: 1.5 hours

Morning sightseeing in Paro includes:

  • National Museum (Ta Dzong)
  • Rinpung Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture
  • Dungtse Lhakhang, a unique chorten-shaped temple

After lunch in Paro town, drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A full day exploring Bhutan’s capital, blending tradition with modern life. Visits include:

  • Memorial Chorten
  • Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) with panoramic valley views
  • Motithang Takin Preserve (national animal of Bhutan)
  • Drubthob Nunnery
  • Tashichho Dzong, seat of government and monastic body
  • Zorig Chusum Institute (Traditional Arts & Crafts School)
  • Textile Museum or private live weaving centre
  • Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
  • Craft Bazaar for authentic souvenirs

Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 72 km | Driving Time: 2–3 hours

After breakfast, optional visit to the Bhutan Philatelic Bureau, where you can create personalized stamps (at own cost).

Drive eastward, stopping at:

  • Dochula Pass (3,150 m) for stunning Himalayan views (weather permitting)
  • Photo stop overlooking Semtokha Dzong

Descend into the Punakha valley. Visit:

  • Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple associated with the Divine Madman
  • Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress at the confluence of two rivers

Overnight: Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to the trailhead and hike through rice fields and pine forests to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (approx. 45 minutes uphill). Enjoy panoramic valley views before descending and crossing a suspension bridge.

Lunch in Khuruthang, then drive to the glacial Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes.

Overnight: Phobjikha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 80 km | Driving Time: 3–4 hours

Morning visits include:

  • Black-necked Crane Information Centre
  • Gangtey Monastery, an important Nyingma institution

Drive toward Trongsa via Pele La Pass (3,300 m). Lunch en route or upon arrival. Visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family.

Overnight: Trongsa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 68 km | Driving Time: 3 hours

Drive across Yotong La Pass (3,400 m) into Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Visit:

  • Chumey Valley
  • Traditional wool weaving centre
  • Kikila Pass

Lunch in town. Afternoon stroll through Chamkhar town and visit the Swiss Farm & Cheese Factory.

Overnight: Bumthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Bumthang’s sacred sites:

  • Jambay Lhakhang
  • Kurjey Lhakhang
  • Tamshing Lhakhang
  • Konchogsum Lhakhang
  • Jakar Dzong

Optional visit to Red Panda Brewery for locally brewed craft beer.

Overnight: Bumthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 195 km | Driving Time: ~6 hours

Early departure for a scenic but long drive across eastern Bhutan, crossing Thrumshing La Pass (3,800 m). Lunch en route with rest stops for photography and refreshments.

Overnight: Mongar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 93 km | Driving Time: 3 hours

Drive to Trashigang via Kori La Pass (2,800 m). Lunch upon arrival, followed by a visit to Trashigang Dzong, dramatically perched above the Drangme Chhu River.

Overnight: Trashigang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Trashiyangtse, stopping at Gom Kora and visiting Chorten Kora, an important stupa near the Tibetan border.

Visit Duksum village, famous for traditional back-strap loom weaving. Explore local attractions before returning to Trashigang in the evening.

Overnight: Trashigang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 180 km | Driving Time: ~6 hours

Travel along the southern highway, passing Kanglung, Yongphu La, Khaling, Wamrong, and Pemagatshel junction. Enjoy lunch en route. Descend through subtropical forests into Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan’s eastern gateway to India.

Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Darranga Integrated Check Post for immigration formalities. Continue onward to Guwahati for your international departure.

Meals: Breakfast

End of Bhutan Services

Tashi Delek!
We wish you safe travels and fond memories of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Frequently asked questions

There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.

Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.

In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.

In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.

Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.

From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).

Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.

Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.

Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.

No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.

The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.

The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.

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pravinnepal

Member Since 2025

Information Contact

Email

visitbhutan23@gmail.com | Info@experiencebhutan.com | info@experiencebhutan.com.bt | khetnath@experiencebhutan.com

Website

experiencebhutan.com

Phone

+975 17619485 | +975 17464584

Fax

+975 2 328961 | +975 2 335398

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