Ultimate Bhutan
Private & Tailored Tour
DAYS
9
COUNTRY
1
DESTINATIONS
5
Bhutan – The Last Shangri-La of the Himalayas!
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha Valley
- Bumthang
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Bhutan, this Ultimate Bhutan journey invites you to experience the perfect blend of luxury, spirituality, and natural beauty. Travel through the enchanting valleys of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, where ancient monasteries, majestic dzongs, and traditional Bhutanese culture come alive. Discover iconic landmarks including the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the magnificent Punakha Dzong, and sacred temples that reflect Bhutan’s deeply rooted spiritual heritage. From scenic riverside walks and charming villages to immersive cultural experiences, every moment of this journey captures the timeless charm of the Last Shangri-La.
As you continue deeper into Bhutan, witness the untouched beauty of Phobjikha Valley and the spiritual heartland of Bumthang, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and peaceful alpine forests. Cross spectacular mountain passes like Dochu La Pass and Pele La while enjoying panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and traditional countryside life. Experience rare wildlife including the graceful black-necked cranes, indulge in luxurious accommodations and spa experiences, and enjoy a scenic mountain flight back to Paro. Combining adventure, culture, relaxation, and spirituality, this unforgettable journey offers an authentic and luxurious exploration of Bhutan unlike any other.
Inclusions of this tour
Accommodation
Accommodation Hotel (12 nights), Cruise (1 night)
Transport
Transport Car, Walking, Cruise, Flight, Buses
Team
Private Guide, Driver, Trip Managing Expert
Accommodation
14 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Accommodation
16 Unique expereriences
Services
Entrance fees, excursions, visa, water
Highlights of this tour
- Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery and enjoy breathtaking cliffside views
- Explore the cultural charm of Thimphu with its monasteries, temples, and vibrant local life
- Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses
- Explore the spiritual heartland of Bumthang with ancient monasteries and sacred temples
- Experience a spectacular mountain flight from Bumthang to Paro with panoramic Himalayan views
- Relax with luxury spa experiences and premium accommodations throughout the journey
- Experience authentic Bhutanese culture, traditions, and warm hospitality
- Travel comfortably through Bhutan’s scenic landscapes with deluxe 4WD transfers
Overview of this tour
Journey Across Bhutan - 15 Days
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO, PARO – THIMPHU
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. This beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and temples, and the country’s only international airport. After being welcomed with “Khadar” (traditional scarf), Our representative will provide you with the necessary assistance for completion of all immigration and customs formalities. You will enjoy an exquisite lunch experience before transfer by deluxe 4WD to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. Remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in, relax, enjoy the hotel facilities or if you wish undertake a small tour of downtown Thimphu.
Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: As per plan
DAY 02: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
Spend the morning visiting some of the highlights of the capital, including one of the oldest temples in Thimphu, 12th century Changangkha Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple) and the National Memorial Chorten, first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernisation, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Afterwards if there is time also visit a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum before lunch.
Transfer by deluxe 4WD to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, check into luxurious accommodations. Overnight at Punakha.
Overnight: Punakha
Meals: As per plan
DAY 03: PUNAKHA
In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.
Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before exploring the Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned.
Afterwards drive back into the Punkha valley for a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Overnight in Punakha.
Overnight: Punakha
Meals: As per plan
DAY 04: PUNAKHA – GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA
Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (5.5-6 hrs). Drive by luxury 4WD over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters) which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms.
Continue on through the bustling market town of Wangduephodrang, and up winding mountain roads through mixed forests and over high passes before descending down into the wide and picturesque Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Overnight in Punakha.
Overnight: Punakha
Meals: As per plan
DAY 05: PHOBJIKHA VALLEY – BUMTHANG
Following breakfast visit the Phobjikha Sanctuary to view the majestic black necked cranes (Nov-Mar only) and Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), dating back to the 16th century. Afterwards drive by luxury 4WD over the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa (4.5 hrs). Enroute visit the beautiful 18th century Chendebji Chorten. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan and the Ta Dzong museum housing a collection of historical artifacts of the Royal Family.
Continue driving towards Bumthang (2.5 hrs), the spiritual of the kingdom. Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest Palaces, Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Enjoy an optional Spa Treatment before dinner. Overnight in Bumthang.
Overnight: Bumthang
Meals: As per plan
DAY 06: BUMTHANG
In the morning visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom where Bhutan’s patron saint Guru Rimpoche meditated and 7th century Jambay Lhakhang. It dates back to the origins of Buddhism in Bhutan and is one of the Kingdoms oldest temples. Return to Amankora Resort for lunch before continuing sightseeing including Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pemalingpa and containing interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Overnight in Bumthang.
Overnight: Bumthang
Meals: As per plan
DAY 07: BUMTHANG – PARO (MOUNTAIN FLIGHT)
Enjoy a stunning mountain flight with incredible views over Bhutan from Bumthang back to the Paro Valley. On arrival you will enjoy some sightseeing around Paro including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts.
Afterwards check-in to you luxury accommodation. After enjoying an optional Spa Treatment (subject to availability), enjoy a sumptuous dinner. Overnight in Paro.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: As per plan
DAY 08: PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. Refreshments and lunch will be arranged in the tent specifically pitched on the path to Taktsang Monastery.
On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Overnight in Paro.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: As per plan
DAY 09: DEPART PARO
Enjoy breakfast before driving to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Tashi Delek!
DAY 10: BUMTHANG
Enjoy a day exploring some of the many sites around Bumthang, including the 16th century Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace museum containing an overview of traditional rural life in Bhutan and the pool of Mebartso (The Lake of Fire) where Pemalingpa (founder of the Nyingmapa sect) is said to have found treasure hidden by Guru Rinpoche. Overnight at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang.
Overnight: Bumthang
Meals: As per plan
DAY 11: BUMTHANG – MONGAR
The journey to Mongar takes about 6 hours with spectacular views en route. Drive through Ura village before climbing sharply to the highest point on Bhutan’s road network, Thrumsing-La Pass (4,000m). From here, the road gradually passes through picturesque alpine valleys, pine forests, maize fields and hamlets to reach Mongar town. Visit Mongar Dzong, built in the 1930’s using the traditional process without either plans or the use of nails. Overnight at your lodge in Mongar.
Overnight: Mongar
Meals: As per plan
DAY 12: MONGAR – TRASHIGANG
Drive to Trashigang (3 hrs) through leafy forests filled with ferns and over Kori-La Pass (2,450m) before descending through cornfields and banana groves to reach the famous road zigzag just below Yadi. Trashigang is the main township of the largest district in the country. After lunch visit Trashigang Dzong. Overnight at your lodge in Trashigang.
Overnight: Trashigang
Meals: As per plan
DAY 13: TRASHIGANG (Excursion to Tashiyangtse)
Visit the temple of Gom Kora and Doksum Village where you can see women busily weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric before reaching Tashiyangtse, the administrative centre for this district. The area is famous for its unique wooden crafts. Visit the Tashiyangtse Dzong, and the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora and the nearby institute for Zorig Chusum, where student are trained in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Overnight at your lodge in Trashigang.
Overnight: Trashigang
Meals: As per plan
DAY 14: TRASHIGANG – SAMDRUP JONGKHAR
After breakfast drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, the gateway to eastern Bhutan and to Assam, India. It is about 9 hours drive from Trashigang with many beautiful villages and landscapes on the way. Overnight at your hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar
Meals: As per plan
DAY 15: SAMDRUP JONGKHAR – GUWAHATI
After breakfast, your guide will arrange an Indian vehicle your transfer to Guwahati, the capital town of the Indian north-eastern state of Assam, for your onward flight.
Tashi delek.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Meals
14 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Accomodation
Hotel 10 nights
Transport
Car, Walking, Bikking, Cruise, Flight
Flight
1. Fly into Paro (gateway to Bhutan)
2. Departure flight from Paro to your onward destination
Included Services
1. Accommodation with daily breakfast
2. Private car or shared vehicle with driver as mentioned in the itinerary
3. Airport transfers by private car
4. Local English-speaking guides as mentioned in the itinerary
5. Meals (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner) as mentioned in the itinerary
6. Bottles of water on vehicles for tour days and transfers
Exclusions
- Internal/ International flights not mentioned
- Visa fees
- Travel Insurance
- Hotel early check-in or late check-out surcharge (if requested)
- Meals (L/D) and drinks not mentioned
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, Excess Baggage Charges, souvenirs...) and other services not mentioned.
- Peak season surcharge
- Tips & gratuities for guides and drivers
- All other services not mentioned above
Cancellation Policy
- More than 21 days: 10%
- 15–21 days: 25%
- 7–14 days: 50%
- Less than 7 days: 100%
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