Trip Highlights
- Paro Valley
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha Valley
- Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Buddha Dordenma
- National Memorial Chorten
- Tashichho Dzong
- Dochula Pass
- 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens
- Punakha Dzong
- Punakha Suspension Bridge
- Gangtey Monastery
- Gangtey Nature Trail
- Black-Necked Crane Centre
- Traditional Bhutanese Villages
- Himalayan Landscapes
Bhutan Himalayan Explorer Tour Day-by-Day Itinerary
8 daysYour route through Bhutan, one day at a time.
- Day 1
Arrival in Paro → Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport, surrounded by spectacular Himalayan mountains and the beautiful Paro Valley. Meet our local representative and begin the scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's charming capital city. On arrival, check into the hotel and relax. In the evening, explore Clock Tower Square, local markets and the lively streets of central Thimphu.
Paro International Airport ArrivalScenic Himalayan DriveTransfer to ThimphuClock Tower SquareLocal Market - Day 2
Thimphu Full-Day Sightseeing
After breakfast, begin exploring Bhutan's fascinating capital. Visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma overlooking the Thimphu Valley, followed by the National Memorial Chorten. Continue to the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's national animal and explore traditional handicraft centres. In the evening, visit the impressive Tashichho Dzong, an architectural masterpiece and important centre of Bhutanese administration.
Buddha DordenmaNational Memorial ChortenMotithang Takin PreserveTraditional HandicraftsTashichho Dzong - Day 3
Thimphu → Dochula Pass → Punakha
After breakfast, check out and begin the scenic journey towards Punakha. Stop at the spectacular Dochula Pass, where 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens stand against a backdrop of Himalayan peaks on clear days. Continue towards Punakha and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple surrounded by beautiful rice fields and traditional villages.
Dochula Pass108 Druk Wangyal ChortensHimalayan Mountain ViewsChimi LhakhangTraditional Villages - Day 4
Punakha Full-Day Exploration
After breakfast, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, dramatically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Explore its beautiful courtyards, traditional architecture and historic halls. Later, walk across the famous Punakha Suspension Bridge and enjoy spectacular views of the river valley, surrounding mountains and countryside.
Punakha DzongPho Chhu RiverMo Chhu RiverPunakha Suspension BridgeRiver Valley Landscapes - Day 5
Punakha → Phobjikha Valley
After breakfast, check out and drive towards the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan's most beautiful glacial valleys. Surrounded by forested mountains and traditional villages, the valley is famous as the winter habitat of the endangered black-necked crane. Visit Gangtey Monastery and enjoy the peaceful Gangtey Nature Trail through forests, meadows and rural settlements.
Phobjikha ValleyGangtey MonasteryGangtey Nature TrailGlacial Valley LandscapesTraditional VillagesBlack-Necked Crane Habitat - Day 6
Phobjikha Valley → Paro
Wake up amid the peaceful landscapes of Phobjikha Valley. After breakfast, visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, subject to opening conditions, before beginning the scenic journey back towards Paro. Travel through mountain roads, forests and Dochula Pass before reaching the beautiful Paro Valley. Check into the hotel and spend the evening exploring Paro town and local handicraft shops.
Black-Necked Crane CentreScenic Mountain DriveDochula PassParo ValleyParo TownLocal Handicrafts - Day 7
Tiger's Nest Monastery Hike
After an early breakfast, begin the unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger's Nest. Perched dramatically on a cliff approximately 900 metres above the Paro Valley floor, this sacred monastery is Bhutan's most iconic landmark. Enjoy spectacular Himalayan scenery throughout the hike and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this extraordinary site before returning to Paro.
Tiger's Nest MonasteryTaktsang MonasteryHimalayan Hiking ExperienceParo Valley ViewsBhutan's Iconic Landmark - Day 8Overnight Travel
Paro Departure
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Depart Bhutan with unforgettable memories of majestic monasteries, pristine valleys, Himalayan landscapes, traditional villages and the peaceful culture of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
BreakfastHotel CheckoutParo Airport TransferTour Ends
Where You'll Stay in Bhutan
7 nights across 4 handpicked properties.
Thimphu
Hotel Amodhara / Similar
Punakha
Hotel Vara / Similar
Phobjikha Valley
Dewachen Hotel & Spa / Similar
Paro
Tenzinling Resort / Similar
Inclusions and Exclusions
What's Included
- 7 Nights Accommodation
- 2 Nights Stay in Thimphu
- 2 Nights Stay in Punakha
- 1 Night Stay in Phobjikha Valley
- 2 Nights Stay in Paro
- Daily Breakfast
- Daily Dinner
- Paro International Airport Pickup & Drop
- Private Tourist Vehicle Throughout the Tour
- Complete Sightseeing as per Itinerary
- Phobjikha Valley Excursion
- Experienced Local Driver
- Parking Charges
- Driver Allowance
What's Not Included
- International Airfare
- Lunch
- Bhutan Visa Fee, If Applicable
- Sustainable Development Fee, If Applicable
- Monument Entry Tickets Unless Specifically Included
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Special Cultural Activities
- Tips and Gratuities
- Anything Not Mentioned Under Inclusions
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bhutan Himalayan Explorer Tour price include?
The ₹54,999 starting price covers 7 nights accommodation, 2 nights stay in thimphu, 2 nights stay in punakha, and more as listed in the inclusions below. Items such as international airfare and lunch are charged separately.
How many nights and destinations does this itinerary cover?
This is a 7 Nights / 8 Days trip covering Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley, Paro, with 7 nights of stay across 4 locations.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. Every Lama Travels itinerary can be adjusted for dates, hotel category, group size, and add-on activities. Speak to our travel expert to tailor this trip to you.
