10 Days • 9 Nights
Fascinating Bhutan
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll stand on the Dochula and Pele La passes, explore the mighty Trongsa Dzong that once controlled all of central Bhutan, visit the ancient Jambay and Kurjey temples of the Bumthang valleys, gaze into the Burning Lake, and walk the floor of Phobjikha where black-necked cranes winter each year. It is Bhutan at its most authentic and least hurried.
For travellers who want to see the country properly — the remote valleys, the living traditions and the great fortress-monasteries — this is the definitive tour.
Trip Highlights
- Nine full-board nights with a private guide and driver throughout
- Deep central Bhutan — Trongsa, Bumthang and Phobjikha, beyond the usual trail
- The mighty Trongsa Dzong and its Ta Dzong watchtower museum
- The sacred Bumthang temples — Jambay, Kurjey and Tamshing
- Mebar Tsho, the mysterious Burning Lake
- The glacial Phobjikha valley and Gangtey Monastery, winter home of black-necked cranes
- The Dochula and Pele La passes with sweeping Himalayan views
- The pilgrimage hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Land in Paro on one of the world's most scenic flights and drive an hour to the capital. Ease in with the giant Buddha Dordenma and the National Memorial Chorten as the afternoon light softens over the valley.
A full day in the capital — Tashichho Dzong, the takin preserve, the Folk Heritage Museum, the weekend market and a valley viewpoint — getting your bearings before heading east into the mountains.
Over the Dochula Pass and its 108 chortens, then down into warm Punakha for the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang and the glorious Punakha Dzong at the river confluence.
A long, beautiful drive into central Bhutan crosses the Pele La pass and passes the elegant Chendebji Chorten. Arrive at Trongsa, whose vast dzong — the ancestral seat of Bhutan's royal family — clings dramatically to the mountainside.
Explore the mighty Trongsa Dzong and the Ta Dzong museum that tells the story of the monarchy, then drive on to Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan and a valley of apple orchards and ancient temples.
A full day among Bhutan's holiest sites: the ancient Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang where Guru Rinpoche left his body print, and Tamshing. Peer into Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake, and toast the day with a local ale at the Red Panda brewery.
Drive west to the glacial Phobjikha valley, a broad U-shaped bowl of high pasture and marsh. Visit the beautiful Gangtey Monastery and, in winter, the Black-Necked Crane Centre, before walking part of the gentle valley nature trail.
A long, scenic drive back west to Paro, recrossing the passes with the mountains all around. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a gentle wander through Paro's old town.
The grand finale: the climb to the Tiger's Nest, Taktsang, hanging from its cliff high above the valley — all the more moving after the depth of your journey. Later, visit ancient Kyichu Lhakhang.
A last leisurely breakfast before your private transfer to Paro airport and your onward flight.
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)
- 2N Thimphu, 1N Punakha, 1N Trongsa, 2N Bumthang, 1N Phobjikha and 2N Paro (deluxe/best-available 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
- Private airport transfers at Paro
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.
Who is this grand tour best for?
Travellers who want to go beyond the western valleys and experience authentic central Bhutan — Trongsa, Bumthang and Phobjikha — at an unhurried pace over ten days.
Are the drives long?
Some days involve several hours on winding mountain roads, which is part of the adventure. The scenery is superb and your private vehicle stops whenever you wish.
Will we see the black-necked cranes?
The cranes winter in Phobjikha roughly from late October to March. Outside those months the valley is still beautiful, and the Crane Centre tells their story year-round.
More City Tour Journeys
City Tour
Customizable
Classic Sydney City Break
Classic Sydney City Break
Sydney, Australia
City Tour
Customizable
Sydney & the Blue Mountains
Sydney & the Blue Mountains
Sydney & the Blue Mountains, Australia
City Tour
Customizable
Sydney Highlights Short Break
Sydney Highlights Short Break
Sydney, Australia