Trip Overview
“Dive deep into the heart of the country to discover captivating countryside villages and unlock a profound understanding of the mesmerising shades of Bhutan’s vibrant intangible culture, seen as the greatest soft power!”
Get ready for an exhilarating, culturally-rich 15-day journey into a land that measures wealth in happiness. From your first breath in Paro Valley’s pristine embrace to your final farewell in the lush foothills of Samdrup Jongkhar, this itinerary is a curated brushstroke on a canvas of transformative experiences.
Ascend to the Cliffside sanctuary of Tiger’s Nest, where legends whisper through the mist. Wander the untouched Haa Valley, its serenity punctuated by the twang of an archery bow. Sit with artisans in Lhuntse as they weave silk threads into art, and Savour the intimacy of a meal at Aum Leki Om Farmhouse, where the laughter of a Bhutanese family, their warmth becomes yours. Each day blends scenic hikes through rhododendron forests and past cascading waterfalls with immersive rituals in a land where Gross National Happiness isn’t just a philosophy but a palpable pulse. Join us as we uncover the tapestry of experiences that promise not just memories, but a piece of Bhutan’s soul.
Throughout the journey, one unforgettable and the most common sight we encounter is the radiant, everlasting smiles of the Bhutanese people, the backdrop of pristine mountains, adorned with fluttering prayer flags, dotted by peaceful monasteries and temples.
ITINERARY SKETCH
Day 01: Arrive in the timeless Paro Valley
Day 02: Hike to the Ethereal Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Day 03: Unravel the Secrets of Haa Valley
Day 04: Immerse in Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital
Day 05: Follow the Divine Madman Trails to Punakha Valley
Day 06: Roam the Crane-sanctuary Phobjikha Valley
Day 07: Marvel at Trongsa’s majestic dzong and waterfalls
Day 08: Delve into Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual core
Day 09: Explore the sacred depths of Bumthang
Day 10: Discover Yongkola, a haven for nature’s chorus on the way to Mongar
Day 11: Trace royal roots in Lhuntse’s rugged beauty
Day 12: Savour Trashigang and the rice fields of Radhi
Day 13: Descend to Samdrup Jongkhar’s foothills
Day 14: Depart via Guwahati International Airport
INCULISONS & EXCLUSIONS
A Detailed Day-wise Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in the Timeless Paro Valley
7,480.3ft
Kuzu-Zangpo-La! Your adventure ignites as you touch down in Paro, a valley cradled by Himalayan sentinels, where time seems to pause in reverence, and mountains rise like silent sentinels greeted by your cultural ambassador with a warm tashi delek, offering a traditional white scarf, and ushering you to a luxurious retreat for Himalayan tea that soothes the soul.
In the afternoon, ascend to the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in a 17th-century watchtower, where Bhutan’s storied past unfurls through sacred relics. Then, step into Rinpung Dzong, its golden spires a beacon of devotion, and feel history’s heartbeat beneath your feet.
Relish a welcome dinner of authentic Bhutanese red rice and Ema Datshi, a fiery chilli-cheese stew, elevated to your taste buds and preferences at your hotel.
Overnight in a Premium; 3*Star, 4*Star or 5*Star Hotel in Paro valley.
Awaken to a pilgrimage that defines Bhutan: hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a marvel clinging to a cliff at 10,240 ft. The 4-5-hour trail winds through whispering pines, each step a meditation as the monastery’s spires emerge like a vision. With ponies available up to the midway point.
Pause at a rustic café for coffee with a view that takes your breath away, and feel the weight of devotion as you stand where Guru Rinpoche once meditated. Enter the monastery where Guru Rinpoche’s spirit lingers, then descend to explore Drugyal Dzong’s triumphant ruins and Kyichu Lhakhang, an 8th-century sanctuary of quiet grace.
Anecdote: Kneading dough with a Bhutanese family is like a cultural bridge across worlds. And both the taste of connections and those of momos are shared pure joy.
Overnight stay in a premium 3-star, 4-star, or 5-star hotel in the capital city, Thimphu.
Day 02: Ascend to the Ethereal Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro Valley
Day 03: Unravel the Secrets of Haa Valley
35mi
2.3Hrs
10,022ft
Journey over Chelela Pass @12,791 ft. is the highest motor road in the west region of Bhutan, where snow-capped peaks like Mt. Jumolhari of Bhutan and Mt. Kanchenjunga of Sikkim unfold in majestic splendour, piercing the sky. Also, on this pass is a great place to hoist prayer flags. With you, your family name written on it, I wish for good health and harmony.
Descend into untouched Haa Valley, lace up for the Haa Panorama Hiking Trail, a soul-stirring trek through pine-scented forests and meadows, past ancient monasteries like Yangthang.
Savour a hot picnic lunch amid sweeping vistas, then end your day at a farmhouse with a traditional game of archery and lessons, Bhutan’s national sport, and sip homemade suja. Call it off for the day with a soothing hot stone bath, a ritual of river-heated stones and healing herbs. Overnight in Soednam Zhingkha Heritage Lodge in Haa Valley, steeped in rustic charm and comfort.
Drive to Thimphu, pausing at Chuzom, where rivers flowing from Paro and Thimphu converge in a dance of nature. After settling into your lodge in Thimphu, dive into the Centenary Farmers Market, a kaleidoscope of local life, then stroll the Authentic Bhutanese Craft Market, where artisans breathe soul into their creations. explore the Centenary Farmers Market, a riot of colour and flavour, and the Bhutan Postal Museum, where you’ll craft a personalised stamp—a keepsake of your journey.
At dusk, witness the flag-lowering ceremony, a ritual steeped in reverence at Tashichhoe Dzong. Every evening and morning, this fortress comes to life with monastic chants and regal grace. Overnight in Six Senses Thimphu Lodge in the capital, Thimphu, where luxury whispers Bhutan’s charm.
Day 04: Immerse in the Heart of Thimphu, Bhutan’s Vibrant Capital
71.4mi
3.45hrs
7,611ft
Journey via Yotong-La Pass (11,650 ft.) to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual core. At the Yathra Weaving Centre, watch artisans spin wool into art, then visit Jakar Dzong, the Castle of the White Bird. Step into Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche’s imprint lingers, and hike to Thangbi Goemba, a 15th-century retreat.
End with a stroll through Chamkhar town, alive with quiet charm. Overnight in Six Senses Bumthang Lodge in Bumthang, a sanctuary of luxury.
Day 08: Dive into the Spiritual Essence of Bumthang Valley
122.2mi
4.5hrs
5,249.3ft
Hike to Tamzhing Lhakhang, a UNESCO treasure, then uncover the ancient sanctity of Jambay Lhakhang.
Drive to Tang Valley for Ogyen Chholing Manor, a window into Bhutanese nobility, retracing the history of Bhutan and reflect at Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake.
Overnight at Six Senses Bumthang Lodge in Bumthang
Day 09: Explore the Sacred Depths of Bumthang Valley
Day 05: Follow the Divine Madman’s Path to Punakha Valley
9,776.9ft
2.3Hrs
46.9mi
Cross Dochula Pass (10,301 ft.), where 108 chortens frame Himalayan vistas, then descend into Punakha’s lush embrace. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the quirky Temple of Fertility, its playful legacy a gift from the Divine Madman. After a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for sweeping valley vistas, visit Aum Leki Om Farmhouse over a meal of organic delights for an intimate encounter, share stories, savour a farm-fresh meal, and try archery with your hosts.
Cap the day at Punakha Dzong, a riverside masterpiece, a Bhutanese architectural splendour and a thrilling walk across its suspension bridge. Overnight in Punakha River Lodge in Punakha, where nature meets opulence.
Day 06: Roam the Roosting ground of Black-necked Crane Bird in the protected Phobjikha Valley
Ascend to the much-protected Phobjikha Valley, a winter haven for the heavenly black-necked cranes. At Kuenzang Chholing Shedra, a Buddhist College for Higher Buddhist Studies," we join the maroon-robed monks for a session of meditation, wintess their chants, a balm to the soul. Explore Gangtey Goemba, a hilltop sanctuary, then hike the Gangtey Nature Trail (1.5hrs), where bamboo forests and crane calls envelop you through a gentle path of pine and meadow.
Visit the Crane Information Centre to connect with Bhutan’s sacred bond and reverence for these sacred birds. Overnight at Gangtey Lodge in Phobjikha, a haven of elegance amid the wild.
47.8mi
2.2Hrs
7,217ft
Cross Pelela Pass (11,220 ft.), spotting yaks amid the mist, and pause at Chendebji Chorten, a stupa of serenity, a replica of Swayambhu Nath Temple in Nepal. Having lunch beside a cascading waterfall at Willing Waterfall Resort, also your host for tonight, sets the tone for a day of awe.
In Trongsa, explore the sprawling Trongsa Dzong, a labyrinth of history, then ascend to the Royal Heritage Museum in its ancient watchtower. Stand in awe of waterfalls in your resort, seal this day of grandeur in Trongsa. Overnight in Willing Waterfall Resort in Trongsa, where waterfalls serenade your dreams.
Day 07: Marvel at Trongsa’s Majestic Dzong
4,101ft
2.3Hrs
46.6mi
42.2mi
2.3hrs
8,530ft
Today’s leg of the journey is going to be very long and tiring, but it is also one of the most scenic routes in the country, as the road stretches through the Selthangla Pass (11,811ft), with views of Mt. Gangkhar Puensum (24,737ft), the world’s highest unclimbed peak. Descend to Ura Valley’s medieval charm.
Traverse Yongkola, the birding capital of South-East Asia: home to the rare hornbills, partridges and many more, before reaching Mongar, a town pulsing with promise. Overnight in Wangchuk Hotel in Mongar, a premium 3-star comfort.
Day 10: Cross Thrumshing-La Pass @12,401ft.) to Mongar’s Vibrant Growth
Day 11: Excursion to Lhuntse, Royal Ancestral Realm
46mi
3.3hrs
4,790ft
Journey to Lhuntse, pausing at villages where lac dyes paint the trees crimson. Sip tea in Autsho, then explore Gangzur’s pottery artisans and Lhuntse Dzong, a hilltop fortress of sacred relics. Walk to Khoma village, where Kushuthara weavers craft silk masterpieces, try your hand at this living art. Visit Dungkar Ngatshang, a noble house tied to Bhutan’s royal lineage. Overnight in Wangchuk Hotel in Mongar.
Day 12: Savor Trashigang and Radhi’s Rice Fields
48.9mi
3.0hrs
3,851.7ft
Begin at Mongar Dzong, a nail-less marvel, then cross Korila Pass (8,000ft) to Trashigang. Hike to Trashigang Dzong, overlooking the Drangmechu River, then trek to Sailing village for vistas of the Dakpa highlands. In Radhi, the “Rice Basket of the East,” marvel at raw silk bura textiles woven by farmers. Overnight in Linger Lodge, Trashigang, a cosy retreat.
Leave the mountains for Samdrup Jongkhar, pausing at Sherubtse College and Zangdopelri Temple. Visit Khaling Handloom centre and Munselling School for the blind, then stroll the weekend market, alive with local tales.
Unwind with a hot stone bath, its mineral warmth a final embrace. Overnight in Druk Mountain Hotel, blending comfort and culture.
Day 13: Descend to Samdrup Jongkhar’s Lush Foothills
492ft
4.5hrs
109.5mi
Day 14: Farewell to Bhutan, head to Guwahati for Departure
65.5mi
3.3hrs
64.4ft
Depart for Guwahati International Airport, crossing into Assam’s vibrant borderlands. Reflect on a journey that has woven you into Bhutan’s tapestry as you prepare for your onward flight.
Culinary Experience: Bhutan’s cuisine is a bold love song to its land: organic, fiery, and heartfelt. Savor:
Ema Datshi: Chilli and cheese in perfect harmony, served with red rice.
Phaksha Paa: Smoky pork kissed by dried chillies.
Momos: Handmade dumplings, a delight to craft and savour.
Suja: Butter tea that warms from within.
Dine in farm resorts and boutique lodges every morning and evening, and dine at curated eateries appointed by Drukyul Delights, where organic, farm-to-table meals deepen your connection to the land.
Festival Integration: With endless possibilities for festival integration, align your journey with the tshechu Bhutan’s vibrant festivals of mask dances and sacred rituals. Add one of these vibrant spectacles to your itinerary:
Paro Tshechu (March 29th – April 2nd, 2026): Witness mask dances and a giant thongdrel unfurling on Day 01.
Punakha Dromchoe (February 24th – 26th, 2026): Experience spiritual reenactments on Day 05.
Thimphu Tshechu (September 21st – 23rd, 2026): Immerse in cultural splendour on Day 04.
Trongsa Tshechu (December 18th – 20th, 2026): Join mask dance festivities on Day 07.
Jakar Tshechu (October 18th – 21st, 2026): Celebrate in Bumthang on Day 08.
Jambay Lhakhang Drub (October 26th – 29th, 2026): Experience the Naked Dance Festival on Day 09.
Mongar Tshechu (November 17th – 19th, 2026): Join vibrant festivities on Day 10.
Trashigang Tshechu (November 18th – 20th, 2026): Celebrate on Day 12.
Key Considerations for Festival Attendance:
Feasibility: Festivals are a highlight, and we’ll adjust your itinerary to ensure you experience one, based on your travel dates.
Adjustments: Prioritise a festival that aligns with your travel window for a vibrant cultural crescendo.
Cultural Impact: Tshechus offer a rare glimpse into Bhutan’s spiritual and communal traditions, making them unforgettable.
Practical Considerations:
Visa and Booking: All visitors require a visa. Book early, especially for festival seasons.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): A daily fee of USD $100 per person supports Bhutan’s carbon-negative initiatives and funds the healthcare and education systems.
Accommodation & Food: Stay at 5-star eco-luxury lodges such as Six Senses Thimphu, Punakha River Lodge, and Gangtey Lodge. In eastern Bhutan, premium 3-star hotels offer comfort and authenticity.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer mild weather and vibrant festivals. Summer (June-August) brings lush greenery, while winter (December-February) showcases the black-necked cranes' arrival in Phobjikha Valley.
Transportation and Guides: Luxury Toyota 4WD SUVs or Toyota vans with professional English-speaking guides ensure comfort on winding roads and services at the highest level. Motion sickness medication is recommended.
Altitude Considerations: Altitude on this tour idea ranges between 496ft to 10,236ft. Stay hydrated and ease into hikes for acclimatisation.
Homestay Interactions: Share meals and stories at Aum Leki Om Farmhouse, connecting with rural Bhutanese life.
Local Activities: Try archery, soak in hot stone baths, and weave with artisans at Khoma village or the Royal Textile Museum in Thimphu.
Festival Attendance: Align your trip with a tshechu for mask dances and communal celebrations.
Spiritual Engagement: Meditate with monks, hoist prayer flags, and participate in rituals to feel Bhutan’s spiritual pulse.
Enhancing Cultural Immersion
Bhutan’s tshechus ignite the spirit with mask dances and sacred rituals. Align your travel date to add one of these rare spectacles to your adventure to immerse yourself in the cultural crescendos. Book early to secure your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is this itinerary ideal for first-time visitors to Bhutan?
This journey is perfect for newcomers, offering a balanced blend of cultural immersion, scenic hikes, and spiritual encounters. Iconic sites like Tiger’s Nest and Punakha Dzong are accessible, while expert guides provide rich context. Customise your trip with Drukyul Delights to include festivals or additional treks for a tailored experience.
Q. When is the best time to experience this journey?
A: Spring (March-May): Vibrant rhododendron blooms and mild weather (15-25°C) make it ideal for hiking and festivals like Paro Tshechu. Summer (June-August): Lush greenery and fewer crowds, with occasional showers. Pack waterproof gear for indoor cultural experiences. Autumn (September-November): Clear skies and festivals like Thimphu Tshechu offer stunning views and cultural highlights (10-20°C). Winter (December-February): Serene landscapes and black-necked cranes in Phobjikha, with temperatures from 0-15°C.
Q. What altitude ranges should I prepare for?
A: From Samdrup Jongkhar (492ft) to Thrumshing-La Pass (12,401ft), altitudes vary. Most days stay below 10,000 ft, but hydrate well and avoid strenuous activity on Days 1-2 if unaccustomed to elevations above 8,202ft.
Q. What documents are needed for a Bhutan visa?
A: A passport valid for six months beyond your departure date and a recently taken passport-sized photo are required. Drukyul Delights guarantees a pre-approved visa. A one-time fee of USD $40 per person visa fee is charged, which must be remitted along with your Bhutan tour payment.
Q. Is travel insurance mandatory?
A: We highly recommend travel insurance, especially for high-altitude hikes and medical emergencies. Drukyul Delights can arrange local coverage or ensure your policy covers trekking and altitude-related risks.
Q. What kind of accommodations are included?
A: Stay in 5-star eco-luxury lodges like Six Senses Thimphu, Punakha River Lodge, and Gangtey Lodge. In eastern Bhutan, premium 3-star hotels ensure comfort and authenticity.
Q. What’s included in the tour package?
A: Everything: luxury accommodations, all meals, private transport, expert guides, entry fees, and the SDF. Your journey is fully curated for ease and immersion.
What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?
A: The USD $100 Bhutan Daily Minimum Spend per person that supports Bhutan’s sustainability efforts, funding free healthcare, education, and conservation, aligning with the Gross National Happiness philosophy.
Q. What health precautions should I take?
A: Carry necessary medications, as pharmacies are limited outside Thimphu and Paro. Consult your doctor about altitude precautions and stay hydrated.
Q. How is internet connectivity in Bhutan?
A: Wi-Fi is available in hotels, but connectivity may be spotty in rural eastern regions. Drukyul Delights can provide a local SIM card with data for reliable access.
Q. Are the hikes suitable for beginners? Can I customise the itinerary?
A: Hikes like Gangtey Nature Trail (1.5hrs) are gentle, while Tiger’s Nest (4-5hrs) is moderate, with our supportive guides adjusting to your pace. Customise your trip with festivals, extra hikes, or personal touches. Contact Drukyul Delights to craft your style adventure.
Q. Will I have a private guide?
A: Yes, a licensed, English-speaking guide will enrich your journey with cultural and historical insights, ensuring a personalised experience.
Q. Is Bhutanese food spicy? Can dietary needs be accommodated?
A: Chillies are a staple, but meals can be tailored for milder tastes. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs are easily met with farm-fresh ingredients.
Rarely Asked Questions
Q. Can I bring a drone? Where can I shop for souvenirs?
A: Drones require permits and are restricted near dzongs and monasteries: consult Drukyul Delights for approvals. Shop for textiles and crafts at Thimphu’s Authentic Bhutanese Craft Products or from Paro’s craft stalls for authentic Bhutanese souvenirs.
Q. What’s a hot stone bath like, and why should I try it?
A: A therapeutic ritual, river-heated stones infuse herb-laced water with minerals, soothing muscles and spirit. It’s a cultural cornerstone, offering relaxation and connection to Bhutanese healing traditions.
Q. Can I integrate a festival into this itinerary?
A: Absolutely. Align your travel dates with a tshechu like Paro or Thimphu for mask dances and communal joy. Book early, as spaces during festival periods fill quickly.
Q. How does Gross National Happiness shape Bhutan?
A: GNH prioritises well-being over wealth, guiding policies on health, education, and environmental stewardship, creating a society rooted in harmony and compassion.
Q. What wildlife might I see? Will altitude affect me?
A: Spot Takins in Thimphu, Black-necked cranes in Phobjikha (winter), and Langurs on trails. Most sites are below 10,500ft, but hydrate and rest to ease into high-altitude hikes like Tiger’s Nest.
Q. Why are Bhutan’s dzongs unique?
A: Dzongs are sentinel-like defensive structures that stand at strategic locations. They are distinctively Bhutanese in design and architecture. Punakha Dzong, once Bhutan’s capital, is a feast to your eyes, pulsing with living history and spiritual energy.
Q. How does Bhutan remain carbon-negative?
A: With over 70% forest cover, hydropower reliance, and strict conservation, Bhutan absorbs three times the carbon it emits, a global model for sustainability.
Q. What’s the significance of prayer flags and traditional dress?
A: Prayer flags spread blessings on the wind, with colours symbolising elements like sky (blue) and fire (red). The gho (for men) and kira (for women) are vibrant, handwoven expressions of cultural pride, worn daily at school, work and during special occasions.
Why Choose Drukyul Delights?
At Drukyul Delights, we redefine luxury travel by fusing opulence with authenticity. Our hand-picked premium hotels—tested sanctuaries of Bhutanese design and modern comfort, cradle you each night.
Traverse rugged mountain roads in our luxurious Japanese Toyota vehicles, built for adventure and ease. Our passionate, qualified guides, local storytellers at heart, transform every site into a living narrative.
Savour farm-to-fork meals at curated restaurants and remote farmhouses, where Bhutan’s organic bounty connects you to the land.
With exclusive access to off-the-beaten-path experiences like private farmhouse visits, crowd-controlled iconic cultural landmark visits and intimate cultural exchanges, we craft a journey that’s as profound as it is indulgent for those seeking luxury, authenticity, and meaning.
”Every day, they strive to improve their service to the clients by developing the right blend of technology and creativity to make sure every job done is done as efficiently as possible.”
- Clarice Turner
Why Us!
Provide a general summary of the services you provide, highlighting key features and benefits for potential clients.
Service title
Write a short text about your service. Highlight key benefits for potential clients.
Service title
Write a short text about your service. Highlight key benefits for potential clients.
Service title
Write a short text about your service. Highlight key benefits for potential clients.
Get in touch
