The Spirit of Bhutan

Tour Type : Customizable

Duration

11 Nights & 12 Days

Destinations Covered

Paro – Thimphu – Gangtey – Bumthang – Tang Valley – Punakha – Paro – Tiger’s Nest

customize This Tour

This Itinerary Is Customizable According To Your Need

Overview

Discover Bhutan’s cultural heart and natural beauty on this 12‑day journey. From the vibrant capital Thimphu and serene valleys of Gangtey and Phobjikha, to the historic fortresses of Trongsa and Punakha, and the sacred temples of Bumthang and Tang Valley, the tour blends monasteries, dzongs, mountain passes, and village life. Conclude with the iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, a fitting finale to this immersive Himalayan adventure.

Itinerary

Day 01

Meals : Lunch/Dinner

Arrive Paro & Transfer to Thimphu

Arrive in Paro on one of the world’s most scenic flights, greeted with a traditional tashi khaddar welcome. Drive through the picturesque Paro valley to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, uniquely known for having no traffic lights. In the afternoon, visit the National Memorial Chorten, a revered monument where locals gather for prayer and circumambulation, offering insight into Buddhist philosophy. End the day with a stroll along Thimphu’s lively streets and markets before overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02

Meals : Lunch/Dinner

Thimphu

Begin with a scenic hike to Tango Goemba, a historic monastery founded in the 12th century and rebuilt by Lama Drukpa Kunley, offering cultural depth and mountain views. In the afternoon, visit the towering Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, one of Bhutan’s largest, with opportunities for meditation. Continue to the Textile Museum, showcasing Bhutan’s rich weaving traditions and royal collections. Explore the vibrant Ka Ja Throm Market, blending local handicrafts, farm products, and cuisine in a lively atmosphere. End the day at the monumental Trashichhoedzong, Bhutan’s fortress of religion and government, before returning to the hotel in Thimphu for overnight stay.

Day 03

Meals : Lunch/Dinner

Thimphu to Gangtey

After breakfast, drive via the scenic Dochu‑la Pass (3,088m), pausing to admire panoramic Himalayan views and the iconic 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens with prayer flags and mani walls. Continue through oak and rhododendron forests to reach the serene Gangtey Valley, known for its sweeping treeless landscapes and the nearby Phobjikha village. In the evening, witness a prayer ceremony at a local monastery and enjoy a leisurely stroll through Gangtey village before overnight stay in Gangtey (3,000m).

Day 04

Meals : Lunch/Dinner

Gangtey

Begin with a visit to Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery west of the Black Mountains, rich in history and tradition. Continue with a scenic walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, passing meadows, villages, forests, and chortens while soaking in the beauty of the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch, explore the valley further, famed as the winter home of the black‑necked cranes and flanked by the Nakay Chhu and Gay Chhu rivers. Visit the Black Neck Crane Information Centre to observe these rare birds through telescopes and learn about the valley’s ecology and heritage. Return to your hotel in Gangtey for an overnight stay amidst tranquil surroundings.

Day 05

Meals : Lunch/Dinner

Bumthang

After breakfast, drive towards Bumthang via Trongsa, crossing the scenic Pelela Pass (3,300m) adorned with prayer flags and bamboo groves. Stop at the Chendbji Chorten, an 18th‑century stupa with Nepalese influences and painted eyes. Continue to Trongsa, where lunch is followed by a visit to the impressive Trongsa Dzong, ancestral seat of Bhutan’s royal family. Journey onward across the Yutong‑la Pass (3,400m) before descending into the fertile Chumey Valley, known for its crops and traditional wool weaving (Bumthang Yathra). Arrive in Bumthang for overnight stay (2,600m).

Day 06

Meals : Lunch/Dinner

Bumthang

Spend the day exploring the rich cultural heartland of Bhutan across its four valleys. Begin at Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples built in 659 A.D., followed by the sacred Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche meditated. Visit the legendary Jakar Dzong, “Castle of the White Bird,” overlooking Choekhor Valley. After lunch, explore Tamshing Lhakhang, founded by Terton Pema Lingpa, with ancient murals of 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras. Later, tour the Bumthang Brewery and Swiss Farm, tasting the famous Red Panda Beer, cheese, apple brandy, and honey. Conclude with an evening stroll through the village shops and market before overnight stay in Bumthang (2,600m).

Day 07

Meals : Lunch/Dinner

Bumthang Excursion to Tang Valley

Take a full‑day trip into Tang Valley, birthplace of treasure‑discoverer Pema Lingpa. Stop at Membartsho (Burning Lake), a revered pilgrimage site where Guru Rinpoche’s hidden treasures were revealed. Continue past villages and visit Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, associated with Guru Rinpoche’s meditation. The highlight is Ogyen Choling Heritage House, a manor with deep historical and cultural significance, offering a tranquil setting off the beaten track. Return to Bumthang in the afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 08

Meals : Lunch/Dinner

Bumthang to Punakha

Drive to Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital and winter residence of the Chief Abbot, set in a fertile valley nourished by the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. En route, visit the restored Wangduephodrang Dzong, dramatically perched on a ridge and historically vital for controlling routes across central Bhutan. Arrive in Punakha, check in, and enjoy a relaxed evening before overnight stay.

Day 09

Meals : Lunch/Dinner

Punakha

Spend the day in the fertile Punakha Valley (1,300m), once Bhutan’s capital and still the winter seat of the Chief Abbot. Begin with a visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness,” built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637. Continue with a walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of Bhutan’s longest, adorned with prayer flags and offering sweeping valley views. After lunch, take an excursion to Talo and Nobgang villages, known for their cleanliness, flower‑filled farmhouses, and hillside crops, while visiting Talo Sangnacholing Dzong and meeting local families to experience rural Bhutanese life. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 10

Meals : Lunch/Dinner

Punakha to Paro

Drive to the scenic Paro Valley, home to Bhutan’s oldest temples, monasteries, and fertile terraced fields. Visit the historic Rinpung Dzong (“Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”), with its exquisite Buddhist murals. Experience Bhutanese hospitality at a traditional farmhouse, savor local cuisine, and try your hand at archery, the national sport. Overnight stay in Paro (2,280m).

Day 11

Meals : Lunch/Dinner

Paro (Tiger’s Nest Hike)

Embark on a hike to the iconic Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), dramatically perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor. Steeped in legend and revered as one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites, it is a pilgrimage destination for all Bhutanese. Afternoon at leisure, followed by overnight stay in Paro.

Day 12

Meals : Lunch/Dinner

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight, bidding farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Experiences Included

Evening Prayer Ceremony

Join monks in Gangtey for a serene spiritual experience.

Ka Ja Throm Market

Explore Thimphu’s lively market with local crafts, food, and culture.

Talo & Nobgang Villages

Visit hillside villages, meet families, and see flower‑filled farmhouses.

Farmhouse Visit in Paro

Experience Bhutanese hospitality, taste local cuisine, and learn rural traditions.

Archery

Try Bhutan’s national sport with a traditional bamboo bow and arrow.

Bumthang Brewery & Swiss Farm

Taste Red Panda Beer, cheese, apple brandy, and honey.

Hikes

Enjoy scenic trails including Gangtey Nature Trail and the famous Tiger’s Nest climb.

Wildlife & Culture Centres

Spot black‑necked cranes and learn about conservation in Phobjikha.

Scenic Drives & Nature Walks

Travel through mountain passes and valleys with breathtaking views.

Evening Strolls

Walk through village streets and markets in Bumthang, Paro, and Thimphu.

Our Commitment to Safe Holidays

Regular Temperature Checks

Regular screening of hotel staff, guests, drivers, and guides.

Availability of Protection Gear

Sanitizers, masks & gloves available during commute and at hotels.

Sanitized Premises

Vehicles, hotel rooms, and premises are thoroughly sanitized.

Duration

11 Nights & 12 Days

Destinations Covered

Paro – Thimphu – Gangtey – Bumthang – Tang Valley – Punakha – Paro – Tiger’s Nest

customize This Tour

This Itinerary Is Customizable According To Your Need

Hotels

monuments

Meals

Sightseeing

Transfers

Inclusions

Hotels

Comfortable stays at curated properties throughout the journey.

Breakfast & Dinner

Daily meals included to keep you energized and satisfied.

Taxes

All applicable taxes are covered in the package cost.

Welcome Drinks

Refreshing welcome drinks served on arrival at select hotels.

Airport Transfers

Round-trip transfers between airport and hotel for convenience.

Send Enquiry
Kindly take a few moments to fill up the form below enabling us to give you a detailed feedback on your request.

    Name *

    Email *

    Phone *

    Travel date *

    Duration *

    Adults *

    Child

    City

    Country *

    Other Tour Requirements

    • We assure the privacy of your contact data.

    • This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

    24/7 CUSTOMER HELP