Grand Bhutan Journey
About this tour
Journey beyond Bhutan’s well-known destinations and discover the country’s spiritual heartland, peaceful mountain valleys, ancient monasteries, and authentic local culture. This 13-day experience takes you from the capital city of Thimphu through historic Trongsa to the sacred valleys of Bumthang, before returning through the beautiful Gangtey and Punakha valleys and finishing in Paro.
Explore the ancient temples and monasteries of Bumthang, experience traditional village life, and enjoy the peaceful landscapes of Gangtey and Phobjikha. Discover the historic Trongsa Dzong, admire the magnificent Punakha Dzong, and enjoy spectacular Himalayan views along the journey.
The experience ends with the iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff above the Paro Valley.
This journey is perfect for travelers who want to experience the deeper side of Bhutan—not only its famous landmarks, but also its traditions, spirituality, rural communities, beautiful landscapes, and warm local hospitality.
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan to Thimphu, Bhutan
Arrival in Paro & Transfer to Thimphu Discover Bhutan on a journey through its capital, historic central valleys, spiritual heartland, peaceful mountain landscapes, and beautiful western valleys. Travel from Thimphu to Bumthang, return through Gangtey and Punakha, and finish your adventure with three nights in Paro and the unforgettable Tiger’s Nest hike. Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your local Bhutanese guide. Travel by scenic road to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Relax after your journey and enjoy a gentle introduction to Bhutanese culture and local life. Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu, Bhutan
Explore Thimphu Spend a full day discovering Thimphu. Visit important cultural landmarks, monasteries, traditional handicraft centers, local markets, and other attractions. Learn about Bhutanese traditions and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the country’s capital. Overnight: Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu, Bhutan to Trongsa, Bhutan
Thimphu to Trongsa Begin your journey toward central Bhutan. Travel through spectacular mountain landscapes and across mountain passes. Enjoy scenic stops along the way and experience the changing landscape as you travel deeper into Bhutan. Arrive in Trongsa and explore the historic town. Visit Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses, and enjoy views of the surrounding valley. Overnight: Trongsa
Day 4: Trongsa, Bhutan to Bumthang, Bhutan
Trongsa to Bumthang After breakfast, continue your journey toward Bumthang. Visit Ta Dzong, the historic watchtower overlooking Trongsa, before continuing through the mountain landscape toward Bumthang. Arrive in Bumthang and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the local surroundings. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 5: Bumthang, Bhutan
Discover Bumthang’s Sacred Valleys Spend a full day exploring the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Learn about Bhutanese Buddhism, ancient legends, local traditions, and the spiritual importance of Bumthang. Enjoy the peaceful valleys and traditional architecture. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 6: Bumthang, Bhutan
Bumthang Local & Cultural Experience Enjoy another day discovering Bumthang at a relaxed pace. Explore local villages, countryside, traditional crafts, farms, and Bhutanese daily life. Depending on your interests, experience local food and additional cultural sites. This extra day allows you to experience Bumthang beyond the main tourist attractions. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 7: Bumthang Valley, Jakar, Bhutan to Phobjikha Valley Road, Bhutan
Bumthang to Gangtey Begin your journey back toward western Bhutan. Travel through beautiful central Bhutanese landscapes toward Gangtey and the Phobjikha Valley. Arrive in Gangtey and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the valley. Overnight: Gangtey
Day 8: Gangtey Monastery, Nubding, Bhutan
Explore Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley Spend a full day exploring Gangtey and Phobjikha. Visit Gangtey Monastery, take a gentle nature walk through the valley, and experience the traditional lifestyle of the local communities. During the winter months, the valley is famous for the arrival of black-necked cranes. Overnight: Gangtey
Day 9: Punakha, Bhutan
Gangtey to Punakha Leave Gangtey and travel toward Punakha. Enjoy the scenic mountain journey and explore the beautiful Punakha Valley after arrival. Depending on your interests and time, visit local villages or enjoy a gentle walk through the surrounding countryside. Overnight: Punakha
Day 10: Punakha, Bhutan
Explore Punakha Spend a full day discovering Punakha. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, beautifully located between the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Explore the surrounding valley and traditional villages while learning about Bhutanese rural life, architecture, and culture. Overnight: Punakha
Day 11: Punakha, Bhutan to Paro, Bhutan
Punakha to Paro via Dochula Pass Travel from Punakha toward Paro. Stop at Dochula Pass to see the famous 108 Druk Wangyel stupas and enjoy spectacular Himalayan views when the weather is clear. Continue to Paro and settle into your hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the beautiful Paro Valley. Overnight: Paro
Day 12: Paro, Bhutan
Tiger’s Nest Monastery & Paro Valley Today is the highlight of your Bhutan journey. Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery), one of Bhutan’s most sacred landmarks. Walk through beautiful pine forests and enjoy breathtaking views of the Paro Valley before reaching the monastery dramatically perched on the cliffside. After descending from Tiger’s Nest, enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening in Paro. Overnight: Paro
Day 13: Paro, Bhutan
Explore Paro & Departure Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Paro. Depending on your departure time, visit local cultural sites, explore Paro town, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings before transferring to Paro International Airport. Depart Bhutan with unforgettable memories of Thimphu, Trongsa, Bumthang, Gangtey, Punakha, Paro, and the magnificent Tiger’s Nest.
What's included
All services included in the tour are arranged to provide a comfortable and authentic cultural experience in Bhutan. The package includes accommodation, meals, private transportation, sightseeing, entrance fees, and the services of a local Bhutanese guide as specified in the itinerary. The tour includes visits to important cultural and historical sites, monasteries, dzongs, traditional villages, and local communities throughout the journey. Accommodation is generally provided on a twin-sharing basis. Single-room accommodation can be arranged upon request and may be subject to an additional charge. The itinerary can be adjusted slightly according to weather, road conditions, local circumstances, and the interests of the travelers.
The following services and personal expenses are not included in the tour package: International flights to and from Bhutan Travel and medical insurance Personal expenses and shopping Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and other service providers Alcoholic beverages and bar bills Telephone and communication charges Laundry services Additional meals, snacks, or beverages not mentioned in the itinerary Personal medication and medical expenses Excess baggage charges Any expenses resulting from flight delays, cancellations, road closures, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances Any services or expenses not specifically mentioned under “Services Included”
Languages spoken
What to know
This is primarily a cultural, heritage, and scenic tour designed to introduce travelers to the history, traditions, spirituality, architecture, and daily life of Bhutan. The journey includes several scenic drives through Bhutan’s mountainous landscape, so travelers should be comfortable with winding mountain roads and longer driving days. The tour includes the famous Tiger’s Nest hike. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended for this hike, as it involves uphill and downhill walking on uneven mountain trails. Travelers who prefer not to complete the entire hike can discuss alternative arrangements with their guide. The tour includes visits to Buddhist monasteries, temples, dzongs, and other sacred places. Visitors should dress respectfully by covering their shoulders and knees when entering religious sites and follow local customs. Weather can change quickly, particularly in the mountains. Comfortable walking shoes, light layers, a warm jacket, rain protection, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended. The itinerary may be adjusted when necessary due to weather, road conditions, local events, or other circumstances beyond our control. Travelers should have appropriate travel insurance covering medical emergencies and unexpected travel interruptions. Most importantly, come with an open mind and a genuine interest in Bhutanese culture, history, spirituality, people, and way of life.
Route & locations
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan to Thimphu, Bhutan