The Best of Bhoutan
From thousand-year-old dzongs to secret valleys, a journey to the heart of the last Himalayan kingdom.
Duration
10 days
From
€2,750/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
One of the most popular itineraries in Bhoutan is the one that winds through the valleys located in the west of the country. This journey allows you to fully appreciate the attractions of the Dragon Kingdom. We discover Bhoutanese hospitality, constantly evolving landscapes and the great richness of Buddhist culture. Among the most important attractions in the country, note the Ta Dzong museum, the Rimpong Dzong and its cantilevered wooden bridge, theTaktshang monastery located in the Paro valley, the national Memorial Chorten, the Changangkha temple dating from the 12th century and the national library exhibiting ancient scriptures in the capital of Thimphu. After crossing the Dochula pass at an altitude of 3,050 m, offering a panoramic view of the Himalayas, we continue our adventure in the subtropical valley of Punakha where the Punakha Dzong and the Chimi Lhakang (the temple of the god Madman) are nestled.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Bhutan
We land at Paro International Airport. Upon arrival, we meet our guide and driver who will take us to the capital in one hour through the Paro Valleys and Thimphu (at 2,320 m).
Cheri Monastery and Discovery of Bhutanese Craftsmanship
In the morning, we head north of the Thimphu valley (15 km away) and enjoy a short 30 to 45-minute hike to the Cheri Monastery. This monument built in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is currently an important teaching center and meditation retreat for the Southern Drukpa Kagyu sect. On the way back, we will stop for a picnic by the river.
We continue our day at the learning center for Bhutanese artists: the School of the Thirteen Arts and Crafts. You can specialize in one of the thirteen arts and crafts, including painting, weaving, sculpture, blacksmithing, or embroidery. It is the best place to discover Bhoutan's art and traditional crafts and you can observe students learning the different techniques taught at the school.
A few minutes north of the city we visit Tashichho Dzong. Seat of the Bhoutan government since 1952, it currently houses the throne room and the king's offices, the secretariat, and the ministries of Interior and Finance. It is also the home of the monastic body.
We finally stroll through the Centennial Farmers' Market (open Thursday to Sunday).
Visit of Administrative and Religious Centers
After breakfast, we leave Thimphu to reach Punakha by car via the national road. We thus leave the cold region for the warmer, almost tropical region of the Punakha valley. We stop along the way for a small coffee break at the Dochula Pass and its 108 stupas. When the sky is clear, a superb view of the Himalayan mountain range opens up to the visitor.
Arrived in Punakha, we explore the village of Chimmi Lhakhang during a small 45-minute walk that will lead you to the Temple of Fertility built in homage to the Divine Fool Drukpa Kunley whose eccentric manners and practices inspired local folklore. It is here that we will be able to see thousands of phallic representations!
In the evening, we visit the magnificent Punakha dzong, established at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It was in this palace-fortress that the first king was crowned. Not far from the fort, the suspension bridge promises to delight thrill-seekers and photography enthusiasts.
Visit to Trongsa Dzong
We take the road to Trongsa, which means new village. Whether coming from the west or the east, you must cross mountain passes to reach this city founded in the 16th century. The landscapes are spectacular and for kilometres the dzong of the city in the distance seems to taunt us so much that we wonder if we will ever get there!
Visit to Kurje Lhakhang
After breakfast, we head to Bumthang. Along the way, we stop at the Yathra Factory, dedicated to the weaving of colored wool. Yathra is a fabric originating from central Bhoutan distinguished by its deep color.
In the evening, we visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang and the Jakar Dzong. We also explore the town of Jakar.
Visit to Tang Ugyencholing Palace
Early in the morning, we visit the Tang Ugyencholing palace restored in the nineteenth century. Along the way, we enjoy a short hike in the Tang valley.
In the afternoon, we set out to explore a farm and a few craft shops.
On the way to Phobjikha
After breakfast, we head to the Phobjikha Valley, known for its vast wintering grounds that serve as a refuge for rare and endangered black-necked cranes in Bhoutan. In the afternoon, we visit Gangtey Monastery which overlooks wetlands dotted with farms and lush forests. We continue our trek along the Gangtey natural trails (duration: 1.5 h), considered among the most beautiful short routes in Bhoutan. In the evening, we visit a traditional village house.
Visit to the Monastery and Museum
In the morning transfer to Paro.
Once arrived, we will visit after lunch the Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After, we join the Ta Dzong, a clocktower whose role was to protect the Rinpung Dzong during inter-regional wars in the 17th century. We then pass through the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest sacred sanctuaries of the kingdom and whose creation dates back to the 7th century. We conclude our first day of discovery at the Drukgyel Dzong, a fort erected in 1646, with a charming village nestled at its feet.
In the evening in Paro, we have the choice between resting at the hotel or exploring the town's craft shops.
Trekking to the Tiger's Nest
After breakfast, we embark on a hike to reach the Tiger's Nest. This is the most picturesque icon and main attraction in Bhutan. Taktshang Tiger's Nest sits on the edge of a sheer cliff, 300 m above the Paro Valley.
In the afternoon, you have a choice between a relaxing break at the hotel or an adventure in the neighboring villages.
End of trip
Car transfer to the airport; we will adapt the departure to your flight schedule.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Flights
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages not included / alcoholic drinks
- Phone calls
- Unlisted Transports
- Unmentioned Excursions
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Included"
Included
- 3-star hotel accommodation (based on 2 people per room)
- Full board
- Entrance fees for activities
- Experienced English-speaking guide (English-speaking guide as optional add-on with supplement)
- All transportation
- Government tax and other taxes
- Visa fees
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below provides entry requirements for tourists traveling to Bhutan. Entry regulations may change, and you are strongly advised to verify all information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Bhutan, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your date of entry and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
A visa is required to enter Bhutan for tourism purposes. There is no visa exemption for tourist stays.
The visa is issued exclusively through the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and only via an authorized tourism operator. Independent travel is not permitted: all tourist visits must be arranged through a certified travel agency, which will handle the visa application on your behalf.
The visa is granted for the duration of your planned stay, generally up to 30 days, with the possibility of extension upon request to the competent authorities.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
All foreign visitors must pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), a daily charge established by the Bhutanese government to support sustainable development and environmental protection.
The current SDF rate is 100 USD per person per night. This fee is typically included in the package offered by the authorized tourism operator and generally covers:
basic accommodation,
meals,
an authorized official guide,
internal transportation.
Payment of the SDF is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Bhutanese visa.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own Bhutanese visa.
When a minor travels without one or both parents, a parental authorization or exit permit may be required depending on the regulations of the country of residence.
Health
No vaccinations are officially required for entry to Bhutan. However, due to the high altitude of many regions in the country, it is advisable to consult a doctor before departure to take appropriate precautions, particularly against altitude sickness. Travel and medical insurance that covers emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions may vary depending on your nationality. All travelers are advised to verify the specific requirements for their country by contacting the embassy or consulate of Bhutan in their country of residence, or by visiting the Tourism Council of Bhutan website.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisk
Explorer'Cancellation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Supplementary Bank Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, all foreign travelers must obtain a Bhutanese visa and pay a Sustainable Development Fee (approximately 100 USD per day). The visa is obtained through an approved local agency (mandatory) before arrival. Our team handles all the formalities for you.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
Bhutan practices high-quality tourism with strong added value. Budget between €300 and €450 per day and per person, including the Daily Tariff, accommodation, meals, transport, English-speaking guide and activities. International flights (€1000-1400 return) via Delhi or Bangkok are additional.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You fine-tune every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Thimphu Capital
Keeper of Himalayan Traditions, based in Thimphu
Bhutan is a country that moves at its own pace, trying to preserve what truly matters. It's this harmony between nature, culture, and spirituality that I love sharing with travelers.
— Yangchen
