
8 Days Bhutan Natural Tour with Gangtey Nature Trail
Paro - Thimphu (2N) - Punakha (1N) - Gangtey (2N) - Paro (2N)
This 8-day Bhutan natural tour with Gangtey Nature Trail Trekking experience offers you a relaxing itinerary to enjoy the stunning wild scenery of Bhutan.
After a classic trip to explore all the highlights of western Bhutan in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, you’ll travel to Phobjikha Valley, one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. It is also known as the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes from the Tibetan Plateau.
Besides the general sightseeing, some small challenges are also added to this journey, such as the short trek through Gangtey Nature Trail and the half-day hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the iconic monastery of Bhutan.
If you are drawn to Bhutanese Culture and seeking a nature-filled trekking experience, don't miss this trip to explore both the cultural and natural wonders of this Himalayan Kingdom.
- Jan. to Jun. and Sept. to Dec.
- Cultural and Natural Sightseeing
- Private Tour for One and More
Highlights
- Enjoy the world-famous hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
- Admire Thimphu’s cultural wonders like National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, etc.
- Visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful monastery in Bhutan.
- Witness the stunning beauty of Phobjikha Valley and explore the ancient Gangtey Monastery.
- Trek Gangtey Nature Trail to enjoy the enchanting natural scenery.
- Tour of Paro Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Temple.
Itinerary
Day 1: Paro Arrival and Transfer to Thimphu
Highlight: Arrive in Bhutan and visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and Buddha Dordenma Statue.
Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”!
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will meet your local travel guide and driver at the airport’s Arriving Hall.
Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of around 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).
After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel.
Later, you will head to visit the King's Memorial Chorten (National Memorial Chorten), a stupa built in memory of the third king in 1974. The display inside shows good statues of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy.
Then, you will explore Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.
After that, you will visit Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, where you can see the 169-foot bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, as well as the Vajra Throne Buddha.
Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu Tashichho Dzong
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your reference. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquiring about your trip to Bhutan.
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Thimphu Namseling Hotel
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Thimphu Druk Hotel
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Thimphu Six Senses Bhutan
Meals Included
- Lunch and Dinner
Please feel free to tell us any of your food requirement.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Highlight: Visit the National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, and Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.
After breakfast, you will first visit the National Folk Heritage Museum. It dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms.
Next, you will head to visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The factor is located approximately 1 kilometer from Thimphu city, and uses the bark of two tree species (the Daphne tree and the Dhekap tree) in the manufacture of traditional paper. You can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Besides, you are able to try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.
Later, you will drive to Upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals here.
You will end today’s sightseeing after visiting Simtokha Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon in 1629. Nowadays, it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.
Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Simtokha Dzong
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring about your trip to Bhutan.
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Thimphu Namseling Hotel
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Thimphu Druk Hotel
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Thimphu Six Senses Bhutan
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
Highlights: Cross Dochula Pass and visit Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong.
In the morning, you will take a drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242m). The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is 71 kilometers, and it takes around 3 hours to complete. On the way, you will have an excellent opportunity to appreciate the panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges in Bhutan and take photos of the impressive collection of 108 chortens at Dochula Pass (3,140m).
Next, you will continue your journey to Punakha. En route, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery. Standing on a small hillock close to the village of Lobesa, it is a beautiful Buddhist monastery that was built in the 14th Drukpa hierarchy, Ngawang Choegyel.
After that, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular-shaped fortress is also an honorable treasury that preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.
Stay overnight in Punakha.

Witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your reference. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquiring about your trip to Bhutan.
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Punakha Meri Phuntsum
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Punakha Zhingkham Resort
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Punakha COMO Uma
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Punakha to Gangtey
highlights: Drive through Wangdue Phodrang and cross Lawala Pass to get to Phobjikha Valley.
After breakfast, you will drive to Phobjikha Valley (3,000m). The distance between Punakha and Phobjikha is about 80 kilometers and will take you nearly 3 hours to complete this driving journey.
First, you’ll visit the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong en route. Built in 1638, it sits on the ridge of a hill and overlooks the confluence of the Tsang Chu River and Dang Chu River.
Next, on the way to Phobjikha, you will be amazed by the beauty and serenity of the rich flora and fauna. And you may see some Yaks grazing in high-altitude bamboo shrub along the road when you arrive at Lawala Pass (3,300m).
After arriving in Phobjikha Valley, you’ll have your free time to stroll around to witness Bhutan’s unspoiled natural landscapes.
Stay overnight in Gangtey.

Chimi Lhakhang
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring about your trip to Bhutan.
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Gangtey Dewachen
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Gangtey RKPO Green Resort
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Amankora Gangtey
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Gangtey Sightseeing
Highlights: Trek Gangte Nature Trail, and then visit Gangtey Goempa and Black-Necked Crane Information Center.
After breakfast, you’ll have a short morning trek through the Gangtey Nature Trail. Starting from the Mani stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Monastery, and ending in Khewa Lhakhang, the Gangtey Nature Trail Trek takes only about 1.5 hours. You’ll enjoy the enchanting natural scenery and breathe the incredible fresh air in Phobjikha Valley.
After the short trek, you will head to visit Gangtey Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Goempa. It is a very important monastery of the Nyingmapa school.
Thereafter, you will pay a visit to the Black-Necked Crane Information Center. The center is situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha Valley. It has an observation room equipped with a high-power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. If you travel to Phobjikha in November to January, you can have a chance to view many black-necked cranes here.
Stay overnight in Gangtey.

Gangtey Monastery
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring about your trip to Bhutan.
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Gangtey Dewachen
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Gangtey RKPO Green Resort
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Amankora Gangtey
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Gangtey to Paro
Highlights: Drive back to Paro and visit Simtokha Dzong, Ta Dzong, Paro Rinpung Dzong, and Drukgyel Dzong in Paro.
After breakfast, you will drive back to Paro. It will take you about 4 hours and 20 minutes for the 125 kilometers. On the way, you will encounter the Simtokha Dzong en route. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Simtokha Dzong is often said to be the first dzong in Bhutan.
After arriving at Paro, you will visit the Bhutan National Museum - Ta Dzong. The museum houses a large number of valuable collections. A visit to the National Museum will deepen your understanding of this country as a whole and broaden your eyes with numerous pieces of Bhutanese treasures.
Next, you will head to explore Paro Rinpung Dzong (also known as Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. However, it now serves as an administration center and school for monks.
Then, you will continue to explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong in the north of Paro Valley. It was built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Although it was destroyed by an accidental fire, its remains stand as a powerful reminder of Bhutan’s historic victories.
Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro Rinpung Dzong
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring about your trip to Bhutan.
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Paro Olathang Hotel
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Paro Tashi Namgay Resort
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Paro Le Meridien Hotel
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Highlights: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.
After breakfast, you will start your hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (also known as Taktsang Monastery). Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is about 3 km one way and takes around 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.
After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.
In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Special Notice
You're not allowed to take photos inside Tiger’s Nest Monastery, but you can take a nice shot on your hiking road to the monastery. At the temple entrance, you have to deposit all belongings, like cameras, phones, other electronic equipment, etc.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your reference. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquiring about your trip to Bhutan.
-
Paro Olathang Hotel
-
Paro Tashi Namgay Resort
-
Paro Le Meridien Hotel
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Paro Departure
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport for your next destination.
The tour services end.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Tour Price
Date and Price:
This private tour is suitable for the whole year round. Just tell us your preferred date to get the quotation on dates of your choosing.
Package Inclusions:
- Bhutan Visa Fee of US$40 per person
- Accommodation in twin as per the itinerary
- All meals during your trip in Bhutan
- Experienced English Speaking Tour Guide licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan
- Private transport and experienced local driver within Bhutan
- All entrance fees and permits
- Bottled water during the tour
Package Exclusions:
- Tips to guide, driver and others
- Drinks and beverages
- Other Personal expenses such as telephone, bars, laundry and so on
- Optional activities, such as horse charge for Tiger’s Nest Hike and Traditional Hot Stone Bath
Add-on Activities
The general travel itineraries in Bhutan are usually leisure and relaxing. To make the most of your time in Bhutan, you can choose to have more activities as you like, such as light hiking around the town or a featured cultural experience.
Here, we offer the most popular activities that many of our travelers choose to add to their Bhutan tours. For more available activities or anything you want to add to your Bhutan trip, just feel free to contact us.
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Bhutan Hot Stone Bath
The popular Hot Stone Bath, a traditional healing process in Bhutan, is a great experience for you to relax and refresh yourself after one day of hiking or trekking. Different from a hot spring, it is a kind of hot water bath offered traditionally with a wooden tub and herbs in the water. You can experience it in a local farmhouse or a resort.
Please notice that you need to pay additional fees for the hot stone bath (usually within 30 minutes).
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Sightseeing Hiking
Even if you don't go on a trekking tour in Bhutan, you can still enjoy pleasant hikes during your trip. In places like Gangtey, Bumthang, and Trongsa in western and central Bhutan, there are easy hiking and trekking trails around the towns. You can take a light hike for 1 to 2 hours after your regular sightseeing. Just feel free to tell your guide if you are interested in an extra hiking experience.
Usually, there's no extra charge for short hikes that only take a few hours.
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Cultural Exploration
Bhutan is a place that is rich in culture and handicraft. If you want to experience more local culture and the real life of the locals, you can ask for more activities, such as a visit to a local weekend market, a class of traditional Bhutan archery, or traditional weaving in Bhutan. Just feel free to let us know what you are looking for and want to experience during your Bhutan tour, we will help you find the best options to do.
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Farmhouse Homestay
All of our tour packages cover the accommodation from 3-star hotels to 5-star hotels and resorts. But if you want to get closer to the local Bhutanese life, it is suggested to take a night stay in a farmhouse. It will be an unforgettable experience to eat ordinary food and dishes and live in the typical Bhutanese house just like a Bhutanese does.
Since the accommodation is required to be arranged in advance, if you are keen on a homestay in Bhutan, please tell us as early as possible.
Food and Drinks
All of our Bhutan tour packages include three meals a day. The local restaurants often provide Bhutanese food. In some hotels, you can have a Western buffet at breakfast and dinner. There are also local markets selling fresh fruits, such as apples, pineapples, and so on. If you have any requirements for food, such as vegetarian, please feel free to tell your travel consultant or your local guide.
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Bhutanese Food
Most of your meals are in local restaurants, which offer typical Bhutanese food. The most popular food among local people is the Chili Cheese.
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Western Buffet
Besides the traditional Bhutan dishes, you can also have a Western buffet in some hotels in Bhutan, which provides more choices for you.
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Western Breakfast
The breakfast offered in Bhutan hotels often includes eggs, toast with butter, honey, and jams. You can choose to have a cup of tea or coffee.
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Water and Drinks
For every day trip, we offer one bottle of water for each tourist. There are also kinds of soft drinks you can buy in restaurants, hotels, or shops in the town in Bhutan. Also, you can taste the local beers if you want.

Bhutan Tour Planning FAQs
1. How to get a Bhutan visa?
Once you book your tour with us, we will apply for the Bhutan visa on your behalf. All you need to do is finish the full payment at least 1 month before you go and send us the clear colored copy of your passport. We will send you the Visa Clearance Copy prior to your departure to Bhutan via email. You need to print it out and carry it with you when you take the flight to Bhutan.
2. What is a customized tour itinerary in Bhutan?
Our customized private tour is the best choice for you to enjoy a 100% private holiday in Bhutan. The itinerary we offered above mostly is the general travel idea. You can add on any activities you are interested in. And all the accommodation and food options can be tailor to your required.
3. When and how to go to Bhutan?
This is a customized tour that can be started whenever you want. For a better travel experience, it is suggested not coming during the monsoon season in Bhutan from July to August.
Most international tourists choose to take a flight from Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan), which takes only 55 minutes. If you take a Bhutan tour after a trip in India, you can also get to Bhutan from India by overland through the land borders.
4. How to do the payment and how far in advance should I book the tour?
Generally, it is recommended to make your booking at least 8 weeks in advance. However, during national holidays in Bhutan, bookings should be completed 12 weeks ahead of time. This is especially important during popular Tshechu festivals, such as the Thimphu Tshechu, Paro Tshechu, and Punakha Tshechu, as securing accommodation and flight seats during these peak tourist seasons can be very challenging without early reservations.
Having some ideas about your Bhutan tour? Now, it’s time to start your dreamy trip to the happiness Kingdom with us.
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