Embark on a 12-day in-depth tour of Bhutan with Bhutan Travel Club. Explore the culture, nature, and way of life in Bhutan through hiking, scenic hikes, and visits to iconic sites like Tiger’s Nest. Limited driving time allows for maximum exploration. Pricing does not include the Daily Tourism Tax.
Embark on a 12-day in-depth tour of Bhutan with Bhutan Travel Club. Explore the culture, nature, and way of life in Bhutan through hiking, scenic hikes, and visits to iconic sites like Tiger’s Nest. Limited driving time allows for maximum exploration. Pricing does not include the Daily Tourism Tax.
Welcome to Bhutan.
Paro - Upon arrival, a friendly and professional guide will warmly welcome you outside the airport. Look for them holding a placard with your name, and they will assist you to the car.
Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - On the way, stop to visit the Tachogang Lhakang monastery. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and admire the iron…
Welcome to Bhutan.
Paro - Upon arrival, a friendly and professional guide will warmly welcome you outside the airport. Look for them holding a placard with your name, and they will assist you to the car.
Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - On the way, stop to visit the Tachogang Lhakang monastery. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and admire the iron bridge, reconstructed using original chain links from the 13th-century bridge.
Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) - Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel for check-in and a short rest. In the evening, if time allows, visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa, a sacred shrine built in memory of Bhutan’s third king.
Thimphu - Enjoy a welcome dinner at a lovely local restaurant, where you can savor authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight stay at the resort.
Explore the capital city Thimphu.
Buddha Dordenma - After breakfast, drive to Kuensel Phodrang to see the gigantic 169ft statue of Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city from there.
National Folk Heritage Museum - Visit a 19th-century traditional Bhutanese farmhouse that offers glimpses into Bhutanese heritage, history, and lifestyle.
Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan - Discover Bhutan’s rich and famous textiles and observe how local weavers are trained to create intricate designs.
Thimphu’s Weekend Market - End the day by strolling around the Crafts Bazaar along Thimphu’s streets, showcasing various handicrafts and textiles made entirely in Bhutan. During the weekend, visit the Centenial and Kaja Thorm markets to immerse yourself in Bhutanese life and explore stalls selling local vegetables and fruits that are staples in Bhutanese cuisine. This is a place where locals gather and spend time.
Thimphu to Punakha Sightseeing with Trans Bhutan Trail Hike
Punakha - Drive to Punakha over the Dochula Pass (3140m). At the pass, amidst fluttering prayer flags, is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) built to honor the Fourth King. Enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan mountain ranges from here.
Descend to the low-lying rice valley of Lobesa and pay respects to one of Bhutan’s most charming and eccentric historic figures, nicknamed ‘The Divine Madman,’ at the Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the fertility monastery. The visit includes a pleasant hike through a beautiful village surrounded by paddy fields.
Punakha Sightseeing with scenic hikes.
Punakha - Drive to Punakha valley to visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa, which involves a short scenic hike through paddy fields for about 45 minutes to the hilltop where the temple is located. The temple is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions and is unique in the world. From here, you can optionally take another great hike from the riverside, crossing a suspension bridge to the other side of the Mo Chu river for approximately 3 km with hours of hiking.
Continue to Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, situated at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region.
Proceed to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, located atop a ridge amid pine trees, overlooking the valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang.
Punakha to Phobjikha
Drive to Tangsibje village (Meet-the-locals).
Tangsibje valley and Bumthang.
Bumthang - After breakfast, drive to Bumthang Chumey valley through Trongsa town. Visit the Tower of Trongsa museum, an old watchtower now converted into a museum highlighting the establishment of Bhutan’s monarchy and royal dynasty. Various artifacts, relics, and historical items are on display, with the most important exhibit being the Raven Crown used by the first two kings of Bhutan, and the royal robes of Bhutan’s founding fathers.
Continue to visit the Trongsa Dzong fortress, the longest Dzong in the country, overlooking the Mangdechhu river. The Trongsa Dzong testifies to the richness of Bhutan’s architectural heritage.
Day Excursion around Chumey Valley – Tharpaling Goenpa.
Bumthang - In the morning, drive 12 km to Tharpaling Goenpa, founded by the great Tibetan lama Longchenpa in the 1300s. After visiting the temple, return to the valley and visit the villages in Chumey, including the Prakhar temple and old palaces of Bhutan’s Kings.
The evening concludes with a visit to a local handloom weaving house specializing in the famous Yak Wool textiles called Yatha textiles. Observe weavers at their craft and have the opportunity to interact with them.
Bumthang cultural heartlands
Bumthang - After breakfast, drive to Kurjey monastery and visit the temple. Then, start the Luegi Rowa hike, which begins on a forested road for about 3.5 km along the river, passing charming small farmhouses until Thangbi Goemba. Continue to Kharsat Bridge. After crossing the river, the path continues just above the riverside for about 1 - 2 hours until reaching Ngang Lhakhang. Lunch will be at a farmhouse, featuring typical local Bumthang cuisine.
Note: Ngang Lhakhang is accessible by vehicles; therefore, you could shorten your hike and drive back to town.
In the afternoon, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa. The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century. You could also visit the Cheese factory to see how local Gouda cheese is made. Relax at this cozy outlet and enjoy Bumthang Cheese and locally made white beer, the Red Panda beer.
Dinner in town and head to your resort.
Domestic flight to Paro and Sightseeing.
Paro District - After breakfast, proceed to the airport for a 30-minute domestic flight to Paro. Many guests enjoy this experience as it offers a pleasant glide over the Himalayan ranges. Upon reaching Paro, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang monastery, the sister temple of Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang. These two are considered the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong fortress, overlooking the beautiful Paro river.
Drive towards town and visit the Dungtse Lhakhang. The uniqueness of this temple lies in its chorten form, one of the very few that exist in Bhutan.
Excursion to Tiger’s Nest.
Paro - The best of Bhutan is saved for last. Today, experience Bhutan’s most treasured attractions, and perhaps one of the major highlights of your trip. An excursion to the famous Taktshang monastery, translated as Tiger’s Nest monastery, is also a great way to acclimatize before trekking. A two-hour hike rewards you with a spectacular temple clinging to a 1000-foot cliff. On the way back, stop at Satsam Chorten, which offers beautiful views of Mount Jomolhari.
Proceed to your resort.
Farewell
Paro - After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will take you to the airport. Your guide will assist with the formalities and bid you farewell on your onward journey.

- Private transportation
- Drinking water in the car
- English-speaking tour leader and driver
- Airport pick up and drop-off
- Lunch
- All 3-4 star accommodations
- Dinner
- All necessary Park fees
- Breakfast
- Excellent SUV /Toyota Hiace Van
- Drinking mineral water
- Mandatory monument fees worth USD 300
- All meals and evening tea
- Private transportation
- Drinking water in the car
- English-speaking tour leader and driver
- Airport pick up and drop-off
- Lunch
- All 3-4 star accommodations
- Dinner
- All necessary Park fees
- Breakfast
- Excellent SUV /Toyota Hiace Van
- Drinking mineral water
- Mandatory monument fees worth USD 300
- All meals and evening tea
- Personal expenses like laundry, telephone, beverages, shopping expenses
- Travel and Medical insurance
- International airfare
- SDF/Daily Tourism Tax of USD 100 per night.
- Tips and Gratuity
- Visa fee of USD 40 per person
- Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro
- Bhutan international flights
- Personal expenses like laundry, telephone, beverages, shopping expenses
- Travel and Medical insurance
- International airfare
- SDF/Daily Tourism Tax of USD 100 per night.
- Tips and Gratuity
- Visa fee of USD 40 per person
- Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro
- Bhutan international flights
The Bhutan In-depth Tour is a unique offering from the Bhutan Travel Club, providing a personalized journey that offers an unparalleled understanding of Bhutan, its culture, nature, people, and lifestyle. This tour invites participants on a path of self-discovery as they explore Bhutan. It begins in the capital city of Thimphu, with hiking adventures in…
The Bhutan In-depth Tour is a unique offering from the Bhutan Travel Club, providing a personalized journey that offers an unparalleled understanding of Bhutan, its culture, nature, people, and lifestyle. This tour invites participants on a path of self-discovery as they explore Bhutan. It begins in the capital city of Thimphu, with hiking adventures in the valleys of Thimphu and Punakha, continues through the central valleys of Trongsa and Bumthang with picturesque hikes, and concludes with a domestic flight back to Paro to visit the iconic Tiger’s Nest.
Each destination is filled with attractions that will awaken the senses and leave participants with a lasting impression of having truly connected with the essence of Bhutan, rather than merely visiting its attractions. The trip is designed with minimal driving time, allowing for maximum exploration to ensure a fulfilling holiday experience.
Note - Please be aware that the pricing does NOT include the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)/ Daily Tourism Tax of USD 100 per night per person.
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.
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.