Bhutan odyssey

9 Day Example Itinerary

thimphugangteyBurgundyBumthangPunakhaparo

This 9 day itinerary covering the highlights of Western and Central Bhutan will allow you to explore this beautiful country and its pristine countryside further.  Visit the capital, Thimphu, before heading to the gorgeous Gangtey Valley and on to visit the monasteries of Bumthang.  Then head on to Punakha where you will visit the impressive Dzong and hike through the stunning countryside.  Your final stop will be Paro and hiking up to the incredible Tiger’s Nest Monastery, an unforgettable experience!

Itinerary Highlights

  • Visit Thimphu and Buddha Dordenma Statue
  • Walk on the Gangtey Nature Trail
  • Visit historic landmarks of the Bumthang Valley
  • Explore Punakha Dzong
  • Climb to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

What’s included

  • Private tours for most included activities
  • Meet & greet airport service
  • Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
  • Expert guides in each destination

flexibility

This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.

08

Nights

Price Guide

$5750 per person

Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more

Day 1

Fly to Paro

plan line
Day 1

Welcome to Bhutan

Upon arrival at Paro airport, your driver will welcome you to Bhutan and transfer you to your hotel in the capital Thimphu.
Spend this evening exploring the main street and market area.

Day 2

Exploring Thimphu and Buddha point

Visit Buddha point to admire the largest Buddha Statue in Bhutan and enjoy panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley.  Hike for two hours on the Buddha Nature trail through beautiful forests to a 12th century temple, Changangkha Lhakhang. One of the oldest and most revered temples in Thimphu, it was built by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who played a significant role in spreading the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism in Bhutan. The temple is perched on a ridge overlooking the Thimphu Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.   Visit the Bhutanese Post Office to see unique stamp collections, and the Paper Making factory.  Visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong fortress.

Day 3

thimphu to gangtey

Travel by road five hours to Gangtey crossing the scenic Dochula pass at 3,080 meters, marked by a large Bhutanese chorten and colourful prayer flags.  On clear days you will have breathtaking views of the Himalayas.  Stroll through the Gangtey valley in the afternoon and visit the Gangtey Goempa monastery. Gangtey Goempa, also known as Gangteng Monastery, is a prominent Buddhist monastery located in the Phobjikha Valley in central Bhutan. It was established in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinley, the grandson of the revered Bhutanese saint and treasure revealer, Pema Lingpa.  The monastery is affiliated with the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and serves as the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition. Architecturally, Gangtey Goempa is a beautiful example of traditional Bhutanese design, featuring intricate woodwork, large prayer halls, and stunning views of the surrounding valley. 

Day 4

Gangtey to bumthang

Walk on the 5.5km Gangtey nature trail winding through beautiful meadows, forests and villages.  The Gangtey Nature Trail is a scenic and relatively easy hike. This trail is popular among visitors for its stunning views and rich biodiversity.  Drive five hours to Bumthang, crossing the picturesque passes of Pele-La and Yutong-La.

Day 5

bumthang valley

Begin your day today by visiting Kurje Lhakhang. Kurje Lhakhang, also known as Kurjey Monastery, is one of the most sacred and historically significant sites in Bhutan. Located in the Bumthang Valley, this monastery complex is deeply revered for its spiritual heritage and stunning architecture.  You will then visit Jambey Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple, followed by Tamshing Lhakhang, home to Bhutan’s oldest wall paintings. Discover Jakar Dzong, the valley’s administrative hub, and stroll through the village, visiting local handicraft shops and enjoying a refreshment at a local café.  In the afternoon, hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery, founded by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in 1984.

Day 6

Bumthang to punakha

Drive for six hours to Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital.  Visit Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress at the confluence of two rivers. Continue on to visit the Punakha suspension bridge, a notable landmark that spans the Po Chhu River, connecting the Punakha Dzong to nearby villages. Approximately 160 meters long, it is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. Made of steel cables and wooden planks, the bridge sways slightly with each step. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, especially beautiful in spring. 


Day 7

punakha to paro

Drive to Paro and visit Ta Dzong where you will find the National Museum, which houses over 3,000 artifacts, including bronze statues, paintings, and other works of Bhutanese art that span more than 1,500 years of the country’s cultural heritage. Visit Rinpung Dzong, which is a majestic fortress and monastery and later on enjoy time with a local farming family over a meal at their house.

Day 8

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is one of Bhutan’s most iconic and renowned sites. This small cluster of buildings is dramatically perched on a cliff, 900 meters above the ground, making it a must-see highlight for any trip to Bhutan. Constructed in 1692 around the cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated, introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, the monastery comprises four temples and continues to function as a monastery today. Afterwards visit Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress, and Kyichu Lakhang, a 7th century temple, thought to be one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.


Day 9

Depart from Paro

A note on price

The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.

Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).

Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.

Price Guide $5750 per person

When to travel

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec

Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom, presents a fascinating array of climatic conditions, primarily due to its dramatic topography ranging from subtropical plains in the south to the high Himalayan peaks in the north. This results in a wide variety of weather patterns across different regions. In the southern plains, temperatures can soar up to 30°C in the summer, creating a warm and humid climate. Conversely, the central valleys, which include popular destinations like Thimphu and Paro, enjoy a temperate climate with cool winters, where temperatures can dip just below freezing, and pleasantly warm summers that peak around 25°C. The northern reaches, home to the majestic Himalayas, experience a much colder climate, with temperatures frequently dropping below -10°C in winter, making it a realm of perpetual snow. Bhutan’s weather, thus, encapsulates the essence of its diverse landscapes, offering everything from warm subtropical comfort to the crisp chill of the high mountains, depending on where and when you visit.

Add on’s

There are a multitude of add-on holiday options to this Bhutan itinerary. It can be combined with visiting some of the iconic highlights of India, Nepal, or Thailand.
 

Want a quote on a trip like this?

Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you

Talk to us