17 Nights 18 Days Tour

Details

Experience the majestic landscapes, spiritual landmarks and cultural heritage of Bhutan on this extended 18-day journey. From the popular western regions to the remote and rarely visited east, this tour allows for deep exploration of Bhutan’s diverse regions, each with its own unique traditions and scenic beauty.

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Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Paro, Drive to Thimphu

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Morning: Arrive at Paro International Airport and enjoy the scenic descent into the valley.
‍Transfer: Drive to Thimphu(1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, and the National Memorial Chorten.
Evening: Explore Thimphu’s main street, visit craft shops, and see the Handicrafts Emporium for Bhutanese textiles.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing

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Morning: Visit Tashichho Dzong, the traditional seat of Bhutan’s government. Then, see the Takin Reserve, where you can view Bhutan’s national animal, the takin.
Afternoon: Explore the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Library to learn about Bhutanese culture and history.
Evening: Leisure time to explore local cafes and shops.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha

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Morning: Drive to Punakha, passing over the Dochula Pass, where you can see the 108 memorial chortens and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
‍Afternoon: Visit Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress, located at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers.
Evening: Visit the Suspension Bridge nearby or enjoy a riverside walk.
‍Overnight: Hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha to Paro

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Morning: Hike to the Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley (the “Divine Madman”) and known as the fertility temple.
‍Afternoon: Drive back to Paro, with stops at scenic viewpoints.
Evening: Free time to relax in Paro or explore local markets.
‍Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 05: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

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Full Day: Early morning start for the iconic hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). The trail takes approximately 3 hours up and 2 hours down, with incredible views.
Afternoon: Descend and have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Evening: Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temple in Bhutan.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 06: Departure from Paro

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Morning: Depart from Paro International Airport.

Photos

Details

‍

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Paro, Drive to Thimphu



Morning: Arrive at Paro International Airport.
‍Transfer: Drive to Thimphu(1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the National Memorial Chorten and explore the weekend market (if it's the weekend).
Evening: Leisure time to stroll around Thimphu's main street.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing

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Morning: Visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue and Changangkha Lhakhang, a historic hilltop temple.
Afternoon: Explore the Folk Heritage Museum, the Textile Museum, and the School of Traditional Arts.
Evening: Visit Tashichho Dzong, the fortress-monastery.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

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Morning: Depart for Punakha, stopping at the Dochula Pass to admire the 108 chortens and Himalayan views (weather permitting).
‍Afternoon: Visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most impressive fortresses.
Evening: Take a walk across the Suspension Bridge over the Pho Chhu river.
‍Overnight: Hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha Valley Exploration

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Morning: Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman.”
‍Afternoon: Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a scenic nunnery with beautiful valley views.
Evening: Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Punakha Valley.
‍Overnight: Hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Punkha to Phobjikha Valley(Gantey)

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Morning: Drive to Phobjikha Valley (around 3 hours), a glacial valley and one of Bhutan’s most stunning nature reserves.
‍Afternoon: Visit the Gangtey Monastery and learn about the area’s significance as a sanctuary for the black-necked cranes that arrive each winter.
Evening: Leisure time to explore the valley and enjoy the serene landscape.
‍Overnight: Hotel or lodge in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 06: Phobjikha Valley Exploration and Return to Thimphu

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Morning: Take a nature walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail to observe the valley’s flora, fauna, and the black-necked cranes (in season).
Afternoon: Drive back to Thimphu.
Evening: Free time in Thimphu to relax.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 07: Thimphu to Paro

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Morning: Drive to Paro and along the way, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan.
Afternoon: Visit the Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and explore the Paro Museum (Ta Dzong) to gain insight into Bhutan’s history and culture.
Evening: Explore Paro town for shopping or visit local cafes.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 08: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

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Full Day: Early morning start for the iconic hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). The trail takes approximately 3 hours up and 2 hours down, with incredible views.
Afternoon: Lunch at a nearby restaurant and return to Paro.
Evening: Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 09: Departure from Paro

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Morning: Depart from Paro International Airport.

Photos

Details

‍

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Paro, Transfer to Thimphu



Arrive at Paro International Airport.
‍Transfer: Drive to Thimphu(1.5 hours)
Afternoon: Visit the National Memorial Chorten and explore the weekend market (if it's the weekend).
Evening: Leisure time to stroll around Thimphu’s main street.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing

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Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass



Morning: Depart for Punakha, stopping at the Dochula Pass to admire the 108chortens and Himalayan views (weather permitting).
‍Afternoon: Visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most impressive fortresses.
Evening: Take a walk across the Suspension Bridge over the Pho Chhu river.
‍Overnight: Hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha Valley Exploration



Morning: Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley,also known as the “Divine Madman.”
‍Afternoon: Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a scenic nunnery with beautiful valley views.
Evening: Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Punakha Valley.
‍Overnight: Hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha to Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey)

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Morning: Drive to Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley known for its scenic beauty and as the winter home of the black-necked cranes.
‍Afternoon: Visit the Gangtey Monastery, one of the most significant Nyingmapa monasteries in Bhutan.
Evening: Leisure time to explore the valley and take in the serene landscape.
‍Overnight: Hotel or lodge in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 06: Phobjikha Valley Exploration

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Morning: Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail, a beautiful walk through the valley offering views of wetlands, meadows and small villages.
Afternoon: Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Center to learn about these rare birds (if in season).
Evening: Relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Phobjikha Valley.
‍Overnight: Hotel or lodge in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 07: Phobjikha Valley to Bumthang

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Morning: Drive to Bumthang, passing through Trongsa (approx. 6-7 hours). Stop at Trongsa Dzong, a massive fortress with a fascinating history.
Afternoon: Continue to Bumthang and check into your hotel.
Evening: Relax after the day’s journey.
‍Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang.

Day 08: Bumthang Valley Exploration

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Morning: Visit Jakar Dzong, the “Castle of the White Bird,” and Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
Afternoon: Explore Kurje Lhakhang, a temple complex where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated and Tamshing Lhakhang.
Evening: Free time to explore Chamkhar town or relax.
‍Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang.

Day 09: Bumthang Day Trip to Tang Valley

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Full Day: Drive to the Tang Valley, a less-visited area known for its rural charm. Visit the Burning Lake (Mebar Tsho) a sacred pilgrimage site and the Ogyen Choling Palace Museum for insight into Bhutanese heritage.
Evening: Return to Bumthang.
‍Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang.

Day 10: Bumthang to Trongsa

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Morning: Drive back to Trongsa.
Afternoon: Visit the Ta Dzong Watchtower and the Trongsa Museum, which offers insights into the monarchy and history of Bhutan.
Evening: Explore Trongsa town.
‍Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa.

Day 11: Trongsa to Paro

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Morning: Depart for Paro, a long scenic drive (approx. 7-8 hours) with breaks along the way for photos and meals.
Afternoon: Arrive in Paro and check into your hotel.
Evening: Free time to relax in Paro.
‍Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 12: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

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Full Day: Early morning start for the famous hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley. The hike takes around 3-4 hours round trip.
Afternoon: Lunch near the monastery and descend.
Evening: Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
‍Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 13: Departure from Paro

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Morning: Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure.

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