Himalayan Kingdom
Eight unhurried days from Paro to the glacial valley of Phobjikha, with time to slow down along the way.
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Route
- Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Gangtey
- Accommodation
- 3-star hotels as standard; 4-star, boutique, luxury or homestays on request
- Best season
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov (cranes Nov–Feb)
- Group size
- Private tour, 1 traveller or more
Overview
An unhurried version of the classic circuit for travellers who would rather linger than rush, with two nights in the wide Phobjikha valley, winter home of the black-necked cranes.
Trip highlights
- Thimphu, without the rush
- Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang
- Two nights in the Phobjikha valley
- The hike to Tiger’s Nest
Sample itinerary
Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Gangtey · 7 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 at an easy pace. Overnight in Thimphu.
- Day 3
Over Dochula Pass to Punakha
Dochula Pass and Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha.
- Day 4
Up to Gangtey
Chimi Lhakhang, then up into the Phobjikha valley. Overnight in Gangtey.
- Day 5
A free day in Phobjikha
A day to walk, rest or explore the valley. Overnight in Gangtey.
- Day 6
Back to Paro
The drive west to Paro and Rinpung Dzong. Overnight in Paro.
- Day 7
Tiger’s Nest
The hike to Paro Taktsang, the monastery on the cliff. Overnight in Paro.
- Day 8
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.
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
- 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.