Discover Bhutan's most iconic monasteries, pristine valleys, living Buddhist traditions and spectacular Himalayan landscapes on an unforgettable journey through the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon.
The Best of Bhutan Tour is a comprehensive journey through Bhutan’s most spectacular landscapes, sacred monasteries, historic fortresses and traditional villages. Designed for travellers seeking an authentic and immersive Bhutan experience, this tour combines cultural exploration, scenic hikes, wildlife encounters and meaningful interactions with local communities across some of the kingdom’s most beautiful valleys.
From the vibrant capital of Thimphu and the fertile Punakha Valley to the pristine landscapes of Phobjikha and the spiritual heartland of Bumthang, you’ll discover the rich traditions, Buddhist heritage and unique way of life that define the Kingdom of Bhutan. Along the way, explore sections of the historic Trans Bhutan Trail, visit ancient dzongs and monasteries, stay in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese people.
The journey culminates with a visit to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of the most spectacular pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. Combined with breathtaking mountain scenery, fascinating cultural experiences and Bhutan’s commitment to preserving its heritage and environment, this tour offers the ultimate introduction to one of the world’s most captivating destinations.
Everything you need to know at a glance before your Best of Bhutan Tour.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Paro, visit Tamchog Lhakhang and transfer to Thimphu
Day 2: Cross Dochula Pass, walk the Trans Bhutan Trail and visit Chhimi Lhakhang before continuing to Punakha
Day 3: Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, enjoy river rafting, visit Punakha Dzong and continue to Phobjikha Valley
Day 4: Explore Phobjikha Valley, visit Gangtey Monastery and continue to Tangsibji
Day 5: Visit Trongsa and travel to the sacred valleys of Bumthang
Day 6: Explore the sacred temples, monasteries and cultural heritage sites of Bumthang
Day 7: Fly to Paro and discover its historic monasteries, dzongs and cultural landmarks
Day 8: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery and explore Paro’s rich heritage
Day 9: Departure from Bhutan
Please note: This itinerary is intended as a guide only and may be adjusted due to weather conditions, local events or operational requirements.
Note: All tours are lead by a professional city tour guide
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bhutan - Paro to Thimphu
Your Bhutan adventure begins with one of the most spectacular flights in the Himalayas. Flying into Paro, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey before descending into the beautiful Paro Valley.
Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin the scenic drive to Thimphu. En route, visit Tamchog Lhakhang Monastery and cross the historic iron suspension bridge associated with the legendary Tibetan saint Thangtong Gyalpo.
In the afternoon, explore some of Thimphu’s most important cultural attractions, including the Memorial Chorten, Folk Heritage Museum and Royal Textile Museum. Finish the day with a stroll through the Crafts Bazaar, where local artisans display traditional Bhutanese handicrafts and textiles.
This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2: Dochula Pass, Trans Bhutan Trail and Punakha
After breakfast, leave Thimphu and drive towards the spectacular Dochula Pass (3,140m), one of Bhutan’s most scenic mountain viewpoints.
Admire the famous 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views before continuing to Lamperi. Here, walk a beautiful section of the restored Trans Bhutan Trail, passing through forests, traditional villages and terraced farmland.
After a picnic lunch overlooking the valley, continue to Lobesa and visit Chhimi Lhakhang, the famous Fertility Monastery dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, Bhutan’s beloved “Divine Madman”.
You will also visit a local Thangka artist and learn about Bhutan’s rich Buddhist artistic traditions. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 3: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, River Rafting and Phobjikha Valley
This morning, enjoy a scenic hike through rice terraces to the magnificent Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful temples.
Perched above the Punakha Valley, the chorten offers spectacular views and showcases exceptional Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship.
After returning to the valley floor, enjoy a gentle rafting experience on the Punakha River. This relaxing journey provides a unique perspective of the valley while offering opportunities to observe local birdlife and riverside scenery.
Following a picnic lunch beside the river, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most celebrated fortress-monastery, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
Later, drive through beautiful forests and mountain landscapes to the stunning Phobjikha Valley. Overnight in Phobjikha.
Day 4: Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Monastery and Tangsibji
After breakfast, set out on a scenic nature walk through the famous Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most important conservation areas.
This glacial valley serves as the winter habitat of the endangered Black-Necked Crane, which migrates annually from the Tibetan Plateau. The walk passes traditional villages, farmland and pine forests while offering excellent views across the valley.
Visit the renowned Gangtey Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most important Nyingma monasteries and a major centre of Buddhist learning.
After lunch, continue towards Tangsibji. For those interested, there is an optional walk along another section of the historic Trans Bhutan Trail before arriving at your traditional heritage farmhouse.
Enjoy an authentic rural Bhutanese experience and learn about local village life. Overnight in Tangsibji.
Day 5: Tangsibji, Trongsa and Bumthang
This morning, spend time exploring the local village and gaining insight into traditional Bhutanese farming communities.
After lunch, continue your journey towards Bumthang via Trongsa, the historical heartland of Bhutan’s monarchy.
Visit the Tower of Trongsa Museum, which showcases the history of Bhutan’s royal dynasty, before exploring the impressive Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest and most historically significant fortresses in the country.
Before reaching Bumthang, stop in Chumey Valley to visit local artisans renowned for producing traditional Yatha textiles woven from yak wool.
Overnight in Gonkhar, Chamkhar Valley, Bumthang.
Day 6: Sacred Temples and Cultural Heritage of Bumthang
Today is dedicated to exploring the spiritual and cultural treasures of Bumthang, often considered Bhutan’s religious heartland.
Begin at Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, believed to date back to the 7th century. Continue to the sacred Kurjey Monastery, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated and left a body imprint within a cave.
Following lunch at a local farmhouse, walk to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded by the revered saint Pema Lingpa and home to important Buddhist artworks and traditions.
Later, visit Jakar Dzong, explore the town and gain insight into local weaving traditions. You may also visit the local cheese factory and sample Bumthang’s famous White Red Panda Beer.
This evening, enjoy dinner featuring local Bumthang specialities. Overnight in Gonkhar, Chamkhar Valley, Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumthang to Paro
After breakfast, take a scenic domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro, offering magnificent aerial views of Bhutan’s Himalayan landscapes.
Upon arrival, begin exploring the cultural treasures of Paro. Visit Dungtse Lhakhang, a unique chorten-shaped temple built by the famous bridge builder and saint Thangtong Gyalpo.
Continue to Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortress-monasteries, before visiting the National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artefacts illustrating Bhutan’s history, culture and traditions.
Later, visit the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples and an important pilgrimage site.
In the evening, experience a traditional Bhutanese hot-stone bath at a heritage farmhouse and enjoy local Paro Valley cuisine. Overnight in Paro.
Day 8: Tiger's Nest Monastery and Paro Heritage
Today you will visit Bhutan’s most famous attraction and one of the highlights of any journey to the kingdom: Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang).
Perched dramatically on a cliff face high above the Paro Valley, this sacred monastery is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave that remains part of the monastery complex today.
The hike involves a steady ascent through pine forests and offers spectacular views throughout. The effort is rewarded with unforgettable scenery and a fascinating insight into Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.
After descending, visit the historic ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, which once defended Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. On clear days, enjoy magnificent views of Mount Jomolhari (7,329m).
Later, revisit the magnificent Rinpung Dzong before enjoying a farewell dinner and your final evening in Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.
Day 9: Departure from Bhutan
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
As you leave Bhutan, take with you unforgettable memories of sacred monasteries, dramatic Himalayan landscapes, vibrant traditions and the warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese people.
Please note: This itinerary is intended as a guide only and may be adjusted due to weather conditions, local festivals, road conditions or operational requirements.
Note: All tours are lead by a professional city tour guide
Cost Includes
All-inclusive Tour Costs for 08Nights/9 Days for twin-sharing
Price Inclusions:
- Sustainable Tourism Fee/ Tourism Tax payable to govt. (US$ 800 per person) payable to the Govt.
- Visa Fees (US$ 40 per person) payable to the Department of Immigration
- Monument fees worth US$ 200 payable to the Department of Culture
- All necessary park permits fees
- All transfers and sightseeing
- All meals and evening tea
- All accommodation in 3-4 star hotels
- English-speaking tour leader and drive
- All inland transfers
- Complimentary hot-stone bath
- Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro
- Round-trip airfare from Kathmandu
Cost Excludes
- International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
- Visa for Nepal
- Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory. Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
- Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
- Meals unless specified
- Sightseeing
- Gratuities
- Excess baggage on internal flights
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests
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FAQs for Best of Bhutan Tour
What are the main places to visit in Bhutan?
Popular destinations include Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Bhumthang. The famous Tiger’s Nest monastery near Paro is also a highlight for many visitors.
Can I combine a Bhutan tour with Nepal?
Yes. Nepal and Bhutan can be combined into one Himalayan holiday, allowing you to experience Nepal’s mountains, culture and wildlife alongside Bhutan’s monasteries, landscapes and traditions.
Do I need a guide to travel in Bhutan?
Bhutan has specific regulations governing tourism, and travellers generally visit through an approved tour operator with the required arrangements.
What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Spring and autumn are popular for comfortable weather, clear mountain views and cultural experiences. Winter can also be rewarding, particularly for lower-altitude destinations.
How many days do I need for a Bhutan tour?
A trip of around 7-9 days is suitable to explore some of Bhutan’s major valleys and cultural sites.



