Overview
This 14-day cultural tour of Bhutan offers a rich journey from the western valleys to the spiritual heart of central Bhutan. Starting in Paro, explore iconic landmarks like Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery and Paro Dzong. In the capital Thimphu, visit the Giant Buddha, traditional arts schools, and vibrant local markets. Continue to Punakha, known for its stunning Punakha Dzong and the scenic Dochula Pass. Journey to the serene Phobjikha Valley, home to the endangered black-necked cranes. In Trongsa, discover Bhutan’s largest dzong and learn about royal history. Finally, immerse yourself in the cultural depth of Bumthang, with its sacred temples, monasteries, and peaceful countryside. The tour blends Bhutan’s spiritual heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.
Tour Highlights
- Thimphu: Visit Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, and the National Memorial Chorten.
- Punakha: Explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong and the scenic valley.
- Haa Valley: Discover the tranquil beauty and unique cultural heritage of this hidden valley.
- Phobjikha Valley: Visit the Gangtey Monastery and enjoy the valley's stunning landscapes.
- Trongsa: Explore the majestic Trongsa Dzong and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
- Bumthang: Experience the sacred temples and historical landmarks like Jakar Dzong.
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Conclude your journey with a trek to the iconic cliffside monastery with breathtaking views.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Paro by Druk Air – Acclimatization Day!
- Welcome blessing, at Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temple of the nation built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
- Visit the ancient watch tower Ta Dzong, which is turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
- Rinpung Dzong “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels
- In evening, time at your leisure.
- Walk around Paro’s peaceful town.
- Overnight in Paro/ Amankora 5*(Alt; 2280m)
Day 2: Zuri Hike and Paro sightseeing
- After breakfast, start the Zuri Hike from Ta Dzong (National Museum), Paro. This moderate 2–3 hour trail winds through peaceful pine forests and offers panoramic views of Paro Valley.
- Visit Zuri Dzong, one of Bhutan's oldest fortresses and a historic meditation site for Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava.
- Rent a bike and ride through the beautiful valley of Paro and interact with the locals in Paro( Optional) Or visit a local school and interact with the students.
- In evening, time at your leisure.
- Overnight in Paro/ Amankora 5* (Alt; 2280m)
Day 3: Thimphu Cultural Tour
- After breakfast dive to Thimphu. Visit Mothithang Takin Preserve.
- Buddha Dordenma Statue, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu
- Visit the General Post Office for personalized postage stamps with your own photo for
- The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and
- also, the house of the State Monastic
- Overnight in Thimphu/ Amankora 5* (Alt; 2320m)
Day 4 Spiritual Hike to Tango Cheri
- After breakfast, drive 14 km away from Thimphu city and hike to the picturesque Tango Cheri .
- Hike to Cheri monastery glued to the rocky cliff 300m above the river valley. This 12th century Cheri Gomba is the most sought-after meditational retreat centre for the monks in the kingdom. (2hr hike).
- Visit the holy shrines, and spend some time meditating
- After picnic lunch by the river side at the base, drive back to Thimphu
- Circumambulate around Memorial Chorten (huge stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their devotion.
- Farmers Weekend Market. Try some organic fruits & nuts.
- Overnight Thimphu/ Amankora 5*
Day 5: Discovering Punakha (78km/ 2hr)
- En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range.
- After visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river.
- Walk on the suspension bridge in Punakha. The colourful adorned bridge is longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.
- Hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child.
- Overnight in Punakha & Wangdue/ Amankora 5* (Alt; 1240m)
Day 6: Day Excursion to Talo & Nobgang Village
- After breakfast, hike to Khamum Yulley Namgyal Chorten which takes about an hour. The stupa stands proudly above the Punakha valley, offering a beautiful view of the countryside and hills below
- Drive to Talo and Nobgang village, the native village of the four Queen mothers. Spend your evening in Nobgang village interacting with villagers and visiting their homes.
- Visit the Sangchen Lhundup Nunnery along- side the hill and spend time with the nuns.
- In the evening, drive back to Punakha.
- Overnight in Punakha & Wangdue/ Amankora 5*
Day 7: Gangtey Valley Rural Expedition (65km/ 2.5hr)
- Drive on different vegetation of alpine, subtropical and glacial. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the north western tip of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes.
- On arrival, embark on the Nature trail hike across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kewa village (1hr hike).Visit a farmhouse for traditional butter tea and snacks.
- Visit the Crane Info Centre to watch the Black Necked Cranes in their natural inhabitants
- Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel for rest.
- Overnight Phobjikha/ Amankora 5* (2900m)
Day 8: Longtey Hike
- Begin your journey with a scenic drive to the Village of Longtey, the starting point of this picturesque hike.
- Set off on a four-hour moderate trek towards Gangtey Goenpa, an impressive 17th-century Buddhist monastery. The trail takes you along a sloping pathway lined with towering jade-hued bamboo bushes, leading to a small cluster of traditional Bhutanese homes. Admire the distinct architectural style featuring elevated platforms, carved timber windows, and arched wooden roofs.
- Continue through ancient rhododendron forests and woodlands that burst into vibrant hues of crimson, violet, and pink during spring. In winter, the valley transforms into a serene snowy wonderland, with yaks grazing against the pristine white backdrop.
- Pause along the trail for a Bhutanese-inspired lunch while soaking in breathtaking views of the glacial Phobjikha Valley and its sacred monasteries.
- Descend to the tranquil village of Kumbu, where you can choose to conclude your hike or extend it further to the valley floor, ending at the Shedra—a renowned center for Buddhist teachings.
- Traditional hot stone bath in the hotel. River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing.
- Overnight Phobjikha/ Amankora 5*
Day 9: Trongsa & Bumthang Landscape Tour (188km/ 5-6hr )
- In morning, drive to Trongsa, stopping for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m). It’s common to spot yaks along this pass.
- As you reach Rukubji valley, the houses are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat.
- En route circumambulate Chendebji Chorten, a large white stupa beside a stream.
- Enjoy full view of Trongsa Dzong from Tangsibji.
- Visit Trongsa Dzong; a white fortress that appears to grow directly up from the narrow green ridge.
- Drive over one of the most scenically beautiful routes via the Yotong La pass to Bumthang. (3425m).
- En route visit Yathra weaving centre in Chumey valley. The hand-woven woolen cloth produced locally.
- Overnight Bumthang/ Amankora 5* (Alt; 2580m)
Day 10: Bumthang Spiritual Sightseeing
- After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong (fortress of the White-bird). It is one of the biggest Dzongs in Bhutan with the surrounding walls about 1 km in circumference.
- Wangdichholing Palace; the first palace of the present Wangchuk dynasty and also the first palace that was not designed as a fortress.
- Hike along a series of ancient and important sites such as, Jambay lhakhang, Kurjey lhakhang & Pema Sambha Lhakhang.
- Visit the Red Panda local beer factory.
- In evening time at your leisure.
- Overnight in Bumthang/ Amankora 5*
Day 11: Excursion to Tang Valley
- Drive up the hill to Tang valley and visit the mystical Ugyen Choling Ugyen Choling is a national treasure. Its remote location makes it the less frequently visited historical sites in Bhutan.
- En route take a short hike to Menbar Tsho (the burning lake). This lake is the holiest lake in the country and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake.
- After picnic lunch at Ugyen Choling Palace, drive down to visit Tang Rimpoche’s temple and
- Visit Guru’s Nye, Tang Lhakhang, located below an enormous rock .The monastery is marked as a sacred place because Guru meditated here. The rock has a body print of Guru and his two consorts. Locals also believe it’s the gate way to Zangtopelri ( Heaven )
- Drive back to Bumthang in the Stroll in the town at your leisure.
- Overnight in Bumthang/ Amankora 5*
Day 12: Bumthang to Paro ( Flight time – 35 minutes )
- After breakfast take a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro.
- Visit Dzongdrakha, which is a located above Bondey village and it’s about 30 minutes from Paro. Dzongdrakha Temple is often called mini Taktshang because it’s built on a cliff above the village.
- Time at your leisure.
- Overnight in Paro/ Amankora 5*
Day 13: Excursion to Mystical Taktsang
- After a wholesome breakfast, spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous, spiritual and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5hrs round trip. (Ponies & horses optional)
- Picnic lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
- Overnight in Paro/ Amankora 5*
Day 14: Departure from Paro International Airport
- Our representative will bid you farewell at the Airport. Tashi Delek!
Included
- Visa Fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Accommodation in 5 star hotels on twin sharing
- All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner )
- Entrance fees for monuments and cultural sites
- Licensed English speaking guides
- Airport transfer and all transportation
- Bottled water during the tour
- Picnics en route to other Amankora Lodges
- Inhouse beverages (selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages)
- One 60 mins Amankora Holistic Massage per person once during stay
- Wi-fi & Laundry
- One-way complimentary flight between Bumthang & Paro in economy class for single or double occupancy
- One Traditional Hot stone bath per room in Amankora Gangtey
- One night complimentary (Stay 13, pay 12)
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International airfare to/from Bhutan
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses (lphone calls, shopping, etc.)
- Other Alcoholic and specialty beverages
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
- Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional expenses due to unforeseen events (weather, flight cancellations, etc.)
Good to know
- More than 45 days before the tour: Free cancellation
- Within 30 days: 35% of the total cost
- Within 21 days: 50% of the total cost
- No-show in Bhutan: 100% of the total cost
Reviews
No reviews yet
- Best price guaranteed
- No booking fees
- Book now & pay later
You might also like...
