Timeless Bhutan: A Grand Himalayan Journey

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Duration

13 days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

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About this tour

Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Phobjikha – Trongsa – Bumthang

Journey through Bhutan’s most sacred and historic valleys

Step into the soul of the Himalayas on this slow, immersive cultural journey through Bhutan’s most revered valleys. From dramatic Cliffside monasteries and majestic dzongs to serene glacial valleys and ancient temples, this journey reveals Bhutan’s spiritual heart, living traditions, and timeless landscapes—culminating in the sacred valleys of Bumthang, the spiritual cradle of the Kingdom.

Highlights

  • Immersive 13-day journey through Bhutan’s most sacred and historic valleys
  • Explore the spiritual heart of Bhutan from Paro to Bumthang
  • Experience iconic dzongs, cliffside monasteries, hilltop chortens, and ancient temples
  • Hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery for panoramic Himalayan views
  • Witness Bhutan’s rich Buddhist culture, living traditions, and daily spiritual life
  • Visit Punakha, Thimphu, Phobjikha, Trongsa, and Bumthang valleys
  • Observe rare wildlife including black-necked cranes in Phobjikha
  • Enjoy scenic drives over high mountain passes, including Dochula Pass with 108 stupas
  • Explore ancient monasteries, royal dzongs, and traditional villages
  • Gentle nature hikes and valley walks for reflection and cultural immersion
  • Experience local hospitality, rural life, and traditional Bhutanese cuisine
  • Slow-travel pace ideal for photography, mindfulness, and cultural discovery
  • Perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and deep spiritual connection

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

Your journey begins with one of the world’s most spectacular flights into Paro International Airport, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival, receive a warm Bhutanese welcome before embarking on a scenic drive through lush river valleys to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
En route, enjoy your first glimpses of traditional villages, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and the pristine waters of the Wang Chhu River.
Overnight in Thimphu.

Explore Thimphu, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. Highlights include:

Buddha Dordenma – A colossal golden statue overlooking the valley, radiating peace and offering panoramic views

Memorial Chorten – A spiritual hub where locals gather daily to pray and circumambulate

Tashichho Dzong – The majestic seat of Bhutan’s monarchy and central monk body

Traditional arts & crafts centers showcasing Bhutan’s living heritage

This day provides deep insight into Bhutan’s governance, spirituality, and daily life.
Overnight in Thimphu.

Begin the day with a serene hike to Chari Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most important meditation centers, founded in the 17th century. The forested trail along a pristine river offers a peaceful spiritual experience.
After lunch, drive over the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100m), adorned with 108 stupas and panoramic Himalayan views, descending into the warmer Punakha Valley.
Overnight in Punakha.

Discover Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital and one of its most fertile valleys.

Visit the iconic Punakha Dzong, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers—arguably the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan

Enjoy a scenic hike through rice fields and villages to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning hilltop monument built for peace and harmony, offering sweeping valley views

Overnight in Punakha.

Travel to the glacial Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes.
En-route visit the famous Fertility Temple ( Chimi Lhakhang) and a brief walk through the village and rice field . Continue the journey and upon reaching Gangtey, visit Gangtey Monastery, an important seat of the Nyingma school of Buddhism, overlooking the vast U-shaped valley. This region is also the winter home of the rare black-necked cranes, revered by locals.
Overnight in Phobjikha.

Enjoy a gentle nature trail hike through pine forests, wetlands, and traditional hamlets, offering intimate encounters with rural Bhutanese life.
Visit local homes, explore the valley floor, and absorb the tranquil rhythm of this pristine environment—perfect for reflection and slow travel.
Overnight in Phobjikha.

Drive eastward to Trongsa, crossing mountain passes with dramatic landscapes.
Explore Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest fortress and the ancestral home of the royal family, strategically perched above a deep gorge.
Visit the Ta Dzong (Watchtower Museum), offering fascinating insights into Bhutan’s monarchy, history, and geography.
Overnight in Trongsa.

Journey into Bumthang Valley, widely regarded as Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. With its sacred temples, fertile valleys, and gentle landscapes, Bumthang exudes profound serenity.
Begin sightseeing with visits to ancient temples and monasteries that date back to the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Overnight in Bumthang.

Immerse yourself fully in Bumthang’s sacred sites, including:

Jakar Dzong, the “Castle of the White Bird,” overlooking the valley

Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint

Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan

Tamshing Monastery, famed for its ancient Buddhist paintings

This day offers a deep spiritual and cultural awakening.
Overnight in Bumthang.

Begin your return journey westward, retracing scenic mountain roads and river valleys. The drive offers opportunities to reflect on the profound experiences of eastern Bhutan while enjoying ever-changing landscapes.
Overnight in Wangdue / Punakha area.

Drive back to Paro Valley, one of Bhutan’s most historic regions.
Enjoy light sightseeing, visiting traditional farmhouses, local markets, or heritage sites depending on time and interest.
Overnight in Paro.

A highlight of any Bhutan journey—hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor.
This sacred site, where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century, is both a spiritual pilgrimage and a breathtaking adventure.
Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for departure, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Bhutan’s sacred valleys, warm-hearted people, and timeless traditions.

TASHI DELEK!

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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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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