Central Valleys
Nine days from the western valleys to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, flying back to Paro at the end.
- Duration
- 9 days / 8 nights
- Route
- Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Gangtey · Trongsa · Bumthang
- Accommodation
- 3-star hotels as standard; 4-star, boutique, luxury or homestays on request
- Best season
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- Group size
- Private tour, 1 traveller or more
Overview
Our most in-depth journey, travelling east from the western valleys to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland and home of Tamshing Lhakhang, then flying back to Paro.
Trip highlights
- Thimphu, Punakha and the Phobjikha valley
- Trongsa Dzong
- Bumthang’s ancient temples, including Tamshing Lhakhang
- The hike to Tiger’s Nest
Sample itinerary
Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Gangtey · Trongsa · Bumthang · 8 nights
- Day 1
Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu
Your guide meets you at the airport for the drive to the capital. Overnight in Thimphu.
- Day 2
Thimphu
The capital’s great landmarks. Overnight in Thimphu.
- Day 3
Over Dochula Pass to Punakha
Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang. Overnight in Punakha.
- Day 4
Up to Gangtey
Gangtey Monastery and the Phobjikha valley. Overnight in Gangtey.
- Day 5
Over the mountains to Bumthang
Via Trongsa Dzong into central Bhutan. Overnight in Bumthang.
- Day 6
Bumthang
The ancient temples of Bumthang, including Tamshing Lhakhang. Overnight in Bumthang.
- Day 7
Fly back to Paro
A short domestic flight back to the Paro valley. Overnight in Paro.
- Day 8
Tiger’s Nest
The hike to Paro Taktsang, the monastery on the cliff. Overnight in Paro.
- Day 9
Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
This is a sample itinerary. We share the full day-by-day plan, with hotels and experiences, once we start planning your trip. The Bumthang to Paro flight depends on the weather; if it doesn’t run, we drive you back instead.
What’s included
Included
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels approved by the Department of Tourism, twin or double sharing. Prefer something different? Choose 4-star, boutique or luxury hotels, or village homestays and farmhouse stays, priced on request
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Bottled drinking water throughout your trip
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Private vehicle with an experienced driver, sized to your group
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Bumthang to Paro domestic flight (or the drive back if the flight doesn’t run)
- Daily sightseeing and activities as listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all sites on your itinerary
- Bhutan visa fee (US$40) and processing: we apply for your visa on your behalf
- Sustainable Development Fee (US$100 per person per night), government taxes and surcharges
- Help from our team before, during and after your trip
Not included
- Flights to and from Bhutan (we are happy to book these for you)
- Single room supplement when two travellers would like separate rooms
- Travel insurance
- Drinks other than water, including alcohol
- Meals at 4–5 star restaurants outside the itinerary
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
Prices are per person in US dollars and include the visa fee and the Sustainable Development Fee, with 3-star accommodation as standard. The 2-traveller price is per person, sharing a twin or double room. Quotes are valid for 30 days; see our Booking Terms.
Start planning
Make it your own
Like this journey but want to change a few days? Tell us and we will adapt it for you.