9 Days • 8 Nights
Best of Bhutan
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll cross the Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens, stand inside the breathtaking Punakha Dzong, hike through rice terraces to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten built by Bhutan's queens, and of course make the pilgrimage to Taktsang — the Tiger's Nest — with the whole of Paro valley beneath you.
With extra nights in each valley, this is the trip for travellers who want to see the classic sights without rushing, and to feel the deep, unhurried rhythm that makes Bhutan so special.
Trip Highlights
- Eight full-board nights with a private guide and driver throughout
- The golden Buddha Dordenma and the dzongs and museums of Thimphu
- The Dochula Pass and its 108 chortens against the Himalayan skyline
- The magnificent Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers
- A rice-terrace hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
- Chimi Lhakhang, the much-loved fertility temple
- The pilgrimage hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
- Ancient Kyichu Lhakhang and the old streets of Paro
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Met at Bagdogra and transferred to the border town of Phuentsholing, gateway to Bhutan. Your guide helps with the entry formalities and you settle in for the night on the threshold of the kingdom.
A beautiful climb from the plains into cool forested hills brings you to the capital by afternoon, past Kharbandi Gompa and roadside waterfalls. Ease into Thimphu with a first gentle wander.
A full day in the capital: the giant Buddha Dordenma, the National Memorial Chorten, the takin preserve, the Folk Heritage Museum, the weekend market and Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government.
Cross the Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens crown the ridge and the eastern Himalaya line the horizon on a clear day. Descend into warm Punakha, walking through the fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple.
The grand Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Mo and Pho rivers is among the most beautiful buildings in the Himalayas. Then a lovely hike through rice terraces and a long suspension bridge to the hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.
Recross Dochula and follow the river valleys to Paro. In the afternoon, explore Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum in the watchtower above, then stroll Paro's welcoming main street.
The trip's crowning day: the climb to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, hanging from its cliff nine hundred metres above the valley. Take it at your own pace, with a rest and refreshments at the halfway cafeteria, then visit ancient Kyichu Lhakhang.
A last Bhutanese morning before the scenic descent to Phuentsholing, the mountains giving way to foothills. A farewell dinner at the border.
After breakfast, your private transfer to Bagdogra for the onward flight, with a head full of Himalayan memories.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Bhutan visa and all internal permits arranged for you
- All government royalties and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- 1N Phuentsholing, 2N Thimphu, 2N Punakha, 2N Paro and 1N Phuentsholing (deluxe hotels)
- Full board throughout — daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- A licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide throughout
- A private vehicle with an experienced driver throughout
- All sightseeing and monument entry fees per the itinerary
- The Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) excursion included
- Border and permit assistance, and transfers to and from Bagdogra
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from the gateway (Paro airport or Bagdogra)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended for a Himalayan trip)
- Drinks — alcoholic, soft or bottled beyond that provided — unless stated
- Pony or horse hire at Tiger's Nest (optional, payable locally)
- Personal expenses, laundry and shopping
- Tips and gratuities for your guide and driver
- Any meal, activity or excursion not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & Permits: International visitors need a Bhutan visa and internal permits, arranged in advance through a licensed operator — we handle all of this for you. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates
- Sustainable Development Fee: Bhutan levies an SDF per person for each night of the stay to fund conservation and free healthcare and education; in this package the current SDF is already included in your price
- Guide & Driver: Every day is accompanied by a licensed Bhutanese guide and a private driver. Bhutan is explored on a set itinerary rather than independently, which makes the whole trip effortless
- Altitude: Paro sits at about 2,200m and Thimphu at 2,300m, with passes above 3,000m. Take the first day gently, walk slowly and drink plenty of water
- Full Board: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included every day, so you never have to think about where to eat
- Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting dzongs, temples and monasteries. Modest, layered clothing is ideal for the changing mountain weather
- Tiger's Nest Hike: The Taktsang pilgrimage is a moderately steep 4-5 hour round trip. A pony can be hired for the uphill stretch to the halfway cafeteria if you prefer
- Currency: The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged to the Indian Rupee. Cards work in Thimphu and Paro, but carry cash for smaller towns, markets and monasteries
- Connectivity: Pick up a local B-Mobile or TashiCell SIM on arrival; hotel wifi is available but can be slow in remote valleys — a good excuse to switch off
- Local Customs: Photography inside temples is often restricted, so always ask first. Bhutan is plastic-conscious and tobacco sales are banned, so pack accordingly
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all meals included?
Yes. This is a full-board holiday — breakfast, lunch and dinner are included every day, at your hotels and at hand-picked local restaurants along the way.
Is a guide included?
Yes, a licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide and a private driver accompany you throughout. It is the standard, and best, way to experience Bhutan.
Do we need a visa for Bhutan?
Yes, and we arrange it for you along with all internal permits. You simply send us your passport details and we handle the paperwork.
Is the Sustainable Development Fee included?
Yes, the current SDF is already built into your package price, so there is nothing extra to pay on that front.
How hard is the Tiger's Nest hike?
It is a moderately steep climb of about four to five hours return. Most reasonably fit travellers manage it comfortably, and ponies can be hired for the uphill stretch.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the loveliest, with clear skies and mild days. Winter is cold but bright; summer brings lush green valleys and monsoon rain.
Are the transfers and sightseeing private?
Yes, you travel in your own private vehicle with your guide throughout — no shared coaches or group departures.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Every day can be tailored to your pace and interests, and you can add festivals, hikes or a hot-stone bath. Just tell us what you have in mind.
What makes this different from the shorter tours?
The extra nights in Punakha and Paro let you slow down — adding the Khamsum Yulley hike and unhurried time at each dzong rather than rushing between valleys.
Is the Tiger's Nest definitely included?
Yes, the Taktsang excursion is built into the itinerary on your second day in Paro, with your guide alongside.
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