Best of Bhutan

TBT03: 7 Days Private Tour of Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Gangtey - Paro
Tour Type: Private Tour, any parts of the itinerary can be customized
Guide: English-speaking guide, experienced and knowledgeable
Driver: Private driver with a spacious air-conditioned car
Accommodation: 3-star handpicked hotels, also be open to your own choice
Meals: Authentic local cuisines and western-style food for your choice
This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
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Day 1 Arrival in Paro - Thimphu
National Memorial Chorten
On the first day, your guide will meet you at Paro airport and escort you to Thimphu city by private car. During the 1.5-hour driving time, you'll catch the beautiful scenery of the Iron Bridge in Tamchog Lhakhang.

After settling in Thimphu, your guide will accompany you to visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimphu’s most visible and beloved landmarks. Built in 1974 to honor the legacy of Bhutan’s third King, this classic Tibetan-style stupa serves as a profound monument to world peace and prosperity. The National Memorial Chorten is a vibrant hub of daily life and faith. You'll find it a favorite gathering place for locals, particularly the elderly, who spend their day in circumambulation - walking clockwise around the white structure while murmuring mantras and spinning large prayer wheels. This rhythmic movement creates a deeply peaceful atmosphere, offering you an authentic glimpse into the spiritual heartbeat of the Bhutanese people.

The next destination is the Buddha Dordenma Statue, which is a gigantic Buddha made of bronze and gilded in gold.

Later we will see Bhutan's national animal, the Takin, in the Motithang Takin Preserve.

Then we turn to the Zilukha Nunnery and finally the day ends at Tashichho Dzong. Also called Thimphu Dzong, it is the largest religious building in Bhutan and the present King's office and administrative center.

At night, you will be treated to a hearty dinner with authentic Bhutanese cuisine at the Folk Heritage Cafeteria. Finally, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Thimphu Deluxe or similar
Bhutan local people
Bhutan local people
Roaming and Drinking Takins
Roaming and Drinking Takins
Day 2 Thimphu
Tango Monastery, Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts School, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, Traditional Paper Making Factory. (B+L+D)
The whole morning will be spent in Tango Monastery, the most important religious school in Bhutan. It takes about 1.5 hours hiking up to the monastery, and the scenery en route is really spectacular. The afternoon visit is scheduled for you to learn much about Bhutan's culture, history and local people's life. You will visit the Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts School and the Folk Heritage Museum, before continuing to the National Library and the Traditional Paper Making Factory. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Thimphu Deluxe or similar
Iconic National Memorial Chorten
Iconic National Memorial Chorten
Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu
Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu
Day 3 Thimphu - Punakha
Drive to Punakha, Dochula Pass, 108 grand stupas, Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, Suspension Bridge. (B+L+D)
Today our trip will extend to Punakha, the previous capital city. After breakfast, we will drive you to Punakha and stop at Dochula Pass, where you will have a coffee break, observe the grand 108 stupas (sacred structures) and appreciate the stunning view of the Himalaya Mountains if it is a clear day. Later we will turn to Chimi Lhakang, which is a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and people come here to pray for children. 

Continue the trip to Punakha Dzong, a large and spectacular Bhutanese architecture, located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. It was the religious and administrative center of Bhutan until 1950 when the capital moved to Thimphu. After that, you will be guided to visit the nearby Suspension Bridge, which is the longest bridge in Bhutan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Meri Puensum Resort Punakha or similar
108 Stupas at Dochula Pass
108 Stupas at Dochula Pass
Hike to Chimi Lhakhang
Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha
Day 4 Punakha - Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley
Drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha, Rinchengang Village, Gangtey Monastery. (B+L+D)
Today we will get to Gangtey/Phobjikha valley after a morning transfer. As one of the few glacier valleys in the country, the Phobjikha is a wonderful place for tourists to observe the pretty black-necked cranes in winter. Pay a visit to the Rinchengang Village and admire the majesty and grandness of Gangtey Monastery whilst trekking along the scenic Gangtey. Afterwards, please take a good rest in the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Dewachen Phobjikha or similar
Punakha Dzong, Bhutan
Punakha Dzong, Bhutan
Punakha Suspension Bridge with Idyllic Surroundings
Punakha Suspension Bridge with Idyllic Surroundings
Day 5 Gangtey/Phobjikha - Paro
Hike across Gangtey Nature Trail, Black-necked Crane Information Centre, Gangtey Primary School, Drive to Paro. (B+L+D)
After breakfast, a morning's hike across Gangtey Nature Trail would add more fun to this holiday. You will be amazed at the tranquility and picturesqueness of the surroundings including layer upon layer of mountains and distinctive dwellings of locals during the 45 minutes hike excursion. Then, after a close contact with the cranes at the Black-necked Crane Information Centre, we will go to Gangtey Primary School, where you can get a warm welcome from the lovely children. At last, we return to Paro in around 5 hours. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tenzinling Resort Paro or similar
Punakha Street Vendors
Punakha Street Vendors
Bhutanese Cham Masked Dance
Bhutanese Cham Masked Dance
Day 6 Paro
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), Kyichu Lhakhang, Aum Chencho Farm House. (B+L+D)
This morning we will conduct a 2-hour hike up to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest). Perched about 900 meters (3000 feet) above Paro Valley along the cliff, the Taktsang would impress you deeply by its unique architectural scale and exquisite decorations. It also provides a superb position for overlooking the graceful Paro Valley involving green pines and verdant cypresses, golden rice fields as well as tranquil villages. 

After lunch, a visit to Bhutan's oldest temple - Kyichu Lhakhang follows. Later, this best Bhutan tour will be rounded off by a fun time of the hot stone bathing in the Aum Chencho Farm House.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tenzinling Resort Paro or similar
Tiger's Nest, Bhutan
Tiger's Nest, Paro
Tiger's Nest Hikers
Tiger's Nest Hikers
Day 7 Departure from Paro
Hotel-airport transfer & see you off. A nice journey home! (B)
Your vacation ends when our guide and driver pick you up at the hotel and see you off at the airport. Bon voyage!

Meals: Breakfast
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This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
Tour Prices
2026 & 2027 Specials: 12% off - Book before Apr 30, 2026
Travelers2-3 travelers4-5 travelers
Year RoundUSD2099 USD1847USD1979 USD1741
  • Prices are per person on twin sharing.
  • The prices in red reflect 12% discount.
  • If you are a group of 6 people or more, we will offer a more favorable price by your group size.
Price Includes
  • Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotel
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Service of professional English speaking guide
  • Service of private driver and air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entrance fees for all tourist sites
  • Bottled water during the tour
  • SDF and other taxes to the government
  • Bhutan visa fee for a single entry
Price Excludes
  • International flight into and out of Bhutan
  • Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal travel insurance
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