Bhutan, 8 Days Tour (on Request) Tour by Destination Services

8 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

30 peopleMaximum group size

6 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Paro, Bhutan

Ends

Paro, Bhutan

Highlights

Thimphu: This unique city boasts an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. The Kingdom’s capital city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in Bhutan

Gangtey: Known for Ganteng monastery which is an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, Located in the Wangdue Phodrang District in central Bhutan

Punakha: Blessed with a temperate climate, Punakha has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. One of the most majestic structures in the country is located here

Paro: Wide and verdant Paro valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area

Itinerary

Discover the heart of Bhutan on this enriching 8-day group tour, tailored for mature travelers eager for moderate activity and cultural immersion. Starting and ending in Paro, the itinerary weaves through Punakha and Thimphu, unveiling centuries-old monasteries and sacred sites. Traverse stunning mountain landscapes, hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and experience the serenity of Bhutan’s lush valleys. The visit to Gangtey’s Ganteng Monastery adds an extra spiritual dimension. All logistics—from meals to guided sightseeing—are seamlessly arranged, making this trip’s USP its blend of scenic hikes and deep cultural insights, all at a pace and comfort level suited for senior explorers.

day 1 - Arrival Paro - Thimphu ( 55 Kms – 1.5 Hrs)

After landing at Paro International Airport, a tour representative will meet and greet you before guiding you to your transfer to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. En route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left the Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. On arrival at Thimphu, check-into the hotel. The remainder of the day is free at leisure for you to enjoy on your own an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s Main Street and market area. Also, visit the Local Crafts Bazaar and browse through some of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry and many interesting items made from local materials.
Overnight in Thimphu.

day 2 - Thimphu

After breakfast, head out on a sightseeing tour in the Thimphu valley, including a visit to The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later, visit the Textile Museum, which provides an insight into one of the most distinct art forms in Bhutan. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. After lunch, take a short drive (15 km) to Pangri Zampa, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan and a monastic school where Buddhist monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy. Afterward, visit the Buddha Point (Kensal Phodrang), which offers panoramic views of the Thimphu. Then visit the Memorial Chorten, erected for world peace and prosperity and you will always see people from all walks of life circumambulation and chanting mantras or spinning prayer wheels. Later, visit the Trashichhoedzong, one of the most important dzongs in the country, before your return back to the hotel. In the evening spent time on your own strolling through Thimphu city center, visiting shops and local market.
Overnight in Thimphu.

day 3 - Thimphu – Gangtey (150 Kms - 5 Hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Punakha across the beautiful Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten (stupa) and prayer flags. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. The Druk Wangyel Stupas (hundred stupas) are a sight to behold against this backdrop. The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak into Gangtey/Phobjikha valley. On arrival at Gangtey, Check-into the hotel. In the evening, take a stroll around the fascinating Gangtey Village.
Overnight in Gangtey.

day 4 - Gangtey

After breakfast, proceed to visit Gangtey Goempa, perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and also the biggest one in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens (lay monks) who take care of the Monastery. Later, explore the wide Phobjikha valley. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the village of Phobjikha. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of the black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. Phobjikha, lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. Also visit the Black Necked Crane Visitor Centre: Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the Centre has an observation room equipped with a high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also displays information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. End the day
Overnight in Gangtey.

day 5 - Gangtey – Punakha ( 70 Kms - 3 Hrs)

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and then drive to Punakha, on arrival check-into the hotel. Later visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. Next, take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley is also known as the temple of fertility andwidely believed that childless couples who pray at this temple are usually blessed with a child very soon. The walk starts through paddy fields and villages, and takes about 1,5 hours walk to and fro). A walk through the village near the temple is a rare glimpse of the daily lives of the people in the community.

Overnight in Punakha.

day 6 - Punakha –paro (125 Kms – 4 Hrs)

After breakfast in the hotel, hop on your transfer to Paro and enroute stop to visit Simtokha Dzong. The sacred shrines inside will offer you solace and peace of mind. Later in the day after checking into the hotel, visit the Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then visit Rinpung Dzong, (fortress of the heap of jewels), which has a fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, and the Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.
Overnight in Paro.

day 7 - Paro – Tiger’s Nest Hike (14.5 - 5 Hrs Hike)

After breakfast in the hotel, head out on an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approx. 5 hrs walk): It is one of the most famous monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated here and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site is recognized as one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. On the way back to town, you can enjoy an optional activity and stop at the base of Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress that was in ruins for a long time which is now being rebuilt as an important national heritage. It is the fort from where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "Mountain of the Goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Overnight in Paro.

day 8 - Departure Paro

Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to Paro Airport, where you’ll catch your onward flight to your following destination.

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights' accommodation.Standard Hotel Category = Phuntsho Pelri or similar 3*Standard Hotel Category = Dewachen or similar 3*Standard Hotel Category = Meri Puensum Resort or similar 3*Standard Hotel Category = Paro Eco Lodge or similar 3*

Meals

7 Breakfasts7 Dinners

Transport

Non-Air-conditioned transportation

Guide

Operated with accompanied English- speaking guide

Others

7 LunchesInbound/Outbound transfers from/to Paro International AirportAll entrance fees to monuments as indicated in the itinerary: sightseeing in the Thimphu valley, visit of The National Library, the Institute for Zorig Chusum, Textile Museum, Simply Bhutan museum, Pangri Zampa, the Buddha Point, the Memorial Chorten, the Trashichhoedzong, cross the Dochula pass, Gangtey Goempa, explore the wide Phobjikha valley, Black Necked Crane Visitor Centre, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang (exterior visit), Simtokha Dzong, Ta Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, excursion to Taktsang Monastery, Kyichu LhakhangMeet & GreetGovern royalty and taxesBhutan Visa fee

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a PremierThis travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.8 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 290 reviews for other tours with an average 4.8rating.

Request a Private, Customizable Departure

By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

Personal

Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.

Professional

Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.

Privacy

Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.

Protected

Travel within your own bubble.

Request a private and/or personalized departure

To design a private tour, we'll ask you some more information in the following steps.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 98+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 808 customer reviews from

Anonymous

Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato

1 week ago

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights

Itinerary