
EXPLORE THE HIMALAYA KINGDOM
10 Days Classic Bhutan Himalaya Tour
Paro (1N) - Punakha (1N) - Trongsa - Bumthang (2N) - Phobjikha Valley - Wangdue (1N) - Thimphu (2N)– Paro (2N)
This 10-day classic Bhutan Himalaya tour will take you to one of the popular Himalayan Kingdoms, to take in its fascinating landscapes from rolling Himalaya mountains to verdant valleys, and admire the brilliant cultural wonders across the western and central regions of the country.
Starting from Paro, you will visit important landmarks in Paro, Punakha, and Thimphu, like Paro Rinpung Dzong, Chhimi Lhakhang, National Memorial Chorten, Tango Monastery etc. Then, you will explore the green meadows with yaks and rhododendrons-ridden valleys, dense forests, and the Black Necked Crane Center while touring central Bhutan. Also, when trace the mountain road from Haa Valley to Paro, you will get stunning views of the Bhutan Himalayas along the way.
Last but not least, you will experience the holy trekking to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), the awesome temple standing 3750 meters high clinging to the vertical cliff.
- Late February to May and September to December
- Cultural Sightseeing
- Private Tour for One and More
Highlights
- Visit famous Ta Dzong Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong.
- Explore celebrated Punakha Dzong and Chhimi Lhakhang.
- Discover the beautiful Probjikha valley in central Bhutan.
- Admire Thimphu’s cultural wonders like National Memorial Chorten, National Textile Museum and Traditional Paper Making Factory etc.
- Take in amazing views of the Himalaya while cross Chele La Pass, the highest road pass in the country.
- Hike to Taksang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest), the holiest temple of Bhutan.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Highlight: Visit landmarks in Paro including Ta Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, and Paro Rinpung Dzong after arriving in this amazing city by flight.
Welcome to Bhutan, the land of the “Thunder Dragon”!
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be picked up by your tour guide at the airport and then escorted to the hotel. After a short rest, you will go to tour the Paro city.
First, you will visit Ta Dzong, the national museum located on the hill behind the Paro Dzong. It houses many fine arts, religious relics, handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, etc. You can get a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich history, culture, and religion.
Then, you will head to the Kyichu Lhakhang, which is one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Built in a manner similar to the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet, it has the great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni.
After that, you will go to explore the famous Paro Rinpung Dzong. It is a large Buddhist monastery and fortress that was built in the 17th century to protect Paro Valley. It houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.
Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro including Ta Dzong Museum
Accommondation
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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Paro Olathang Hotel
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Paro Tashi Namgay Resort
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Paro Le Meridien Hotel
Meals Included
- Lunch and Dinner
Please feel free to tell us any of your food requirement.
Day 2: Paro to Punakha
Highlight: Cross Dochula Pass and visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
In the morning, you will take a drive from Paro to Punakha (1,242m). On the way, you will pay a visit to Tachog Lhakhang (Tachong Temple). The 14th-century temple was built by the great master-level architect Thangtong Gyalpo and houses some of the unique and precious statues.
Then, 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).
After lunch, you will keep driving to Punakha. Upon arrival, you will visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is the second-largest Dzong and one of the most impressive buildings in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular-shaped fortress is also an honorable treasury that preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.
After witnessing the superb Punakha Dzong, you will continue to 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.
Later, you will drive back to Punakha.
Stay overnight in Punakha.

Chimi Lhakhang
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 3: Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa
Highlights: Cross two mountain passes with scenic views and visit Chendebji Chorten.
Get up early this morning, you will start your journey to Bumthang (2,700m) in central Bhutan. Covering a distance of nearly 200 kilometers, it will take you around 7 hours to get to Bumthang from Punakha. You will enjoy lush forests of oaks and pine trees and see the view change as you ascend the mountain. Upon arrival at Pele La Pass (3,300m), you will get a fantastic panoramic view of the mountain ranges.
Then, you will visit Chendebji Chortern, a large Nepalese-style chorten that sits quietly by the side of the road. The Chorten is modeled after the Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. It is said that Chendebji Chorten was built in the 19th century by Lama Zhida to cover the remains of an evil spirit who was killed at this spot.
After that, you will continue your journey to Bumthang, passing through Yotong La Pass (3,400m). The route during this section takes you to the Yathra Waving Center at Zugney village where you can witness the locals waving Yathra, a name that refers to the colorful and woolen cloth with geometric design in Bhutanese.
Stay overnight in Bumthang

Chendebji Chorten
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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Bumthang Ugyenling
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Bumthang Jakar Village
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Amankora Bumthang
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Bumthang Sightseeing
Highlight: Explore the cultural heritages in Bumthang, such as Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba.
In the morning, you will first visit Jakar Dong in Bumthang Valley. With a circumference of more than 1,500 meters, Jakar Dzong is one of the most majestic dzongs in Bhutan and is widely accepted as a wonderful piece of architectural art all over the country.
Then, you are going to worship the Jambay Lhakhang, a temple built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 659 AD. It is one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, which was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rinpoche restored his life with his magical powers.
After that, you will continue to visit the nearby Kurjey Lhakhang. It houses the imprint of Guru Rimpoche who meditated in a cave where the monastery was built.
Finally, you will explore Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba, a large Nyingmapa monastery located on a hill to the east of Jakar. Built in the 1970s by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, it offers a serene and spiritual experience.
Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Kurjey Lhakhang
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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Bumthang Ugyenling
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Bumthang Jakar Village
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Amankora Bumthang
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Bumthang to Wangdue via Phobjikha Valley
Highlight: Drive back to Gangtey through Phobjikha Valley and visit Gangtey Monastery.
After breakfast, you will start your journey to Gangtey (2,890m), located 163 kilometers from Bumthang. Also known as Phobjikha, Gangtey is one of Bhutan’s most stunning destinations and serves as the winter home for a group of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate annually from the Tibetan Plateau.
Upon your arrival, you will visit Gangtey Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Goempa. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2800m, the monastery offers a stunning view of Phobjikha Valley.
In the afternoon, you will have plenty of time to explore the Phobjikha Valley and visit the Black Necked Crane Center.
Then, you will continue your travel to Wangdue Phodrang, the capital of Wangdue Phodrang District.
Stay overnight in Wangdue.

Gangtey Monastery
Accommodation
The following local hotels are for your referrence. Please feel free to tell us your preferred hotel standard while enquring for 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: Wangdue to Thimphu
Highlight: Explore Thimphu’s cultural wonders like National Memorial Chorten, National Textile Museum and Traditional Paper Making Factory etc.
After breakfast, you will start your journey to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan.
Upon arrival, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chortern (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 visit the National Textile Museum, which preserves the traditional art of weaving and displays a rich collection of ancient, colorful textiles in various forms.
Next, you will head to visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, which makes traditional paper using the bark of two trees: the Daphne and Dhekap. You can watch the whole process and even try making your own paper as a souvenir.
Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu National Memorial Chorten
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
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Thimphu sightseeing; Short Hike to Tango Monastery
Highlight: Visit National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Takin Preserve, Craft Bazaar and Hike to Tango Monastery.
In the morning, you will enjoy a half-day tour around Thimphu. You will first visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, to see the productive process of Bhutan’s traditional medicine, herbs mostly, and watch the medical practitioner training.
Then, you will visit the Takin Preserve and get a closer look at the housed national animal - Takin, which is only found in Bhutan.
After that, you will explore the Craft Bazaar, which is a unique shopping site to get an in-depth knowledge of Bhutan culture. You can buy the handcrafts with Bhutan characteristics that you are interested in.
After lunch, you'll reach the base camp of Tango Monastery, located north of Thimphu. The monastery is known for housing respected Buddhist monks who brought the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism to Bhutan. From there, you can enjoy spectacular views. The hike through the forest, filled with oak and pine trees, passes vibrant red rhododendrons and fresh air that refreshes you along the way.
After trekking, you will return to Thimphu.
Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Tango 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.
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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 8: Thimphu to Haa valley and back to Paro
Highlight: Explore beautiful Haa Valley and take in stunning Bhutan Himalayas views along the way.
After breakfast, you will drive to Haa Valley, a steep north-south valley with a narrow floor in Haa District. Along the route, you will witness distinguished Bhutanese farmhouses in the fields.
Then, you will visit Lhakhang Karpo (The white temple) or Lhakhang Nagpo (The black temple) in Haa Valley if time permits.
Then, you will pass through the mountain road winding up to the Chele La Pass (3,822m), where you can appreciate a spectacular view of the Himalayas in Bhutan.
Finally, you will arrive in Paro.
Stay overnight in Paro.

Chele La Pass
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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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 9: Trek to Taksang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest)
Highlight: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it.
After breakfast, you will start your hike to Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest 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 and freely explore Paro to experience its unique lifestyle here.
Stay overnight in Paro.

Trek to Taktshang Monastery
Special Notice
You're not allowed to take photos inside Taktsang 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.
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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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 10: 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 service 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 your time in Bhutan, you can choose to have more activities as you like, such as light hiking around the town or a featured culture experience.
Here we offer you the most popular travel ideas that most of our travelers choose to experience as an add-on activity during their trips in Bhutan. For more available activities or anything you want to add on to your trip in Bhutan, 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 hiking or trekking. Different from hot spring, it is a kind of hot water bath offered in a traditional way with a wooden tub and herbs in the water. You can experience it in a local farmhouse or in 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 you don't take the trekking tour in Bhutan, you can also experience pleasant hiking on your travel days. Especially during your trips in western and central Bhutan, like in Gangtey, Bumthang, and Trongsa, there are some easy hiking and trekking trails around the town. You can take light hiking for 1 to 2 hours after general daily sightseeing. Just feel free to tell your guide if you are interested in an extra hiking experience.
Generally, you don't need to pay extra money for the hours' hiking.
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Cultural Exploration
Bhutan is a place that 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 want 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 one 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 also have 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 on 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 offers typicla 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 western buffet in some hotels in Bhutan. There are more choices for you.
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Western Breakfast
The breakfast offered in Bhutan hotels often include the egg, the 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 tourists. There are also kinds of soft drinks you can buy in the restaurant, hotel 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 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 with you when you take the flight to Bhutan.
2. What is the customized tour itinerary?
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 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 do finish it?
Generally, it is suggested to complete the booking 8 weeks in advance, but during national holidays, booking must be completed even 12 weeks in advance. Especially during the popular Tshechu festivals, it can be very difficult to get the accommodation and flight seats without advance bookings, as it is a peak season for the tourist visiting Bhutan.
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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