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An Insider’s Tour of Bhutan
11 days from £6,050 for 2023 per person
Journey into Bhutan’s more remote corners on this comprehensive off-the-beaten-track tour of Bhutan. Whilst exploring the major highlights this itinerary is also perfect for those who are looking to get under the skin of this beautiful Himalayan kingdom and delve deeper into Bhutan’s alluring interior.
The tour begins in Bhutan’s capital, and is the perfect introduction to your adventure into the country’s heartlands. Spend the day exploring local markets, the folk museum and Thimphu’s main Dzong. From here, drive through the spectacular Dochu La Pass en-route to the subtropical landscapes of Punakha, which, at a lower altitude, is rich in farmland and is especially known for the beautiful Dzong. Here you will camp out under the stars and cosy up by the camp fire in the evenings – it’s is the perfect way to experience the quiet paradise of Bhutan’s pristine natural surrounds. As you venture further east, the journey continues onto Gangtey, which has some of the best hiking in Bhutan, it is also home of the famed Black Neck Cranes which migrate here from November to late March. Spend time exploring the beauty of the surrounding region and visit the Monastery for evening prayers.
The utterly fascinating eastern Bumthang Valley is the next stop of the tour. From countless day walks and exploring the various monasteries within the valley, to the remote Tang Valley to see Bhutanese rural communities totally unchanged by time, this is where you will see Bhutan at its most captivating. From Bumthang fly back to Paro and head straight to the Haa Valley, one of the most untouched areas in Bhutan, dotted with small hamlets and villages that have remained unchanged for centuries. Finally, the adventure ends in Paro and the highlight of walking up to the absolutely magical Tiger’s Nest.
This is purely a suggested itinerary, so it can be booked as it is, or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made tour of Bhutan. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Active Holiday collections as well as our favourite Mountains & Trekking itineraries.
Itinerary details
11 days from £6,050 for 2023 per person
- Day 1 - Zhiwa Ling Ascent - Thimphu
Arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. Spend the evening at leisure. - Day 2 - Tented Outposts in the Wild - Punakha
Spend the morning explore the local sites of Bhutan's capital, before departing for Punakha, stopping over at the the Dochu La Pass en-route. - Day 3 - Tented Outposts in the Wild - Punakha
Camp out in Bhutan's peaceful wilderness in a cosy tent, compete with wood burner and toasted marshmallows, and explore all the natural surrounds have to offer. - Day 4 - Gangtey Lodge - Gangtey
Depart for Gangtey, stopping at high mountain passes en-route to the Phobjikha Valley. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore the village. - Day 5 - Gangtey Lodge - Gangtey
Spend the day with your guide for a full day of guided hiking. This evening relax at leisure with a hot stone bath treatment. - Day 6 - Swiss Guest House - Bumthang
This morning depart for Bumthang with a stopover in Trongsa to visit the Dzong and museum. Arrive in Bumthang and spend the rest of day at leisure. - Day 7 - Swiss Guest House - Bumthang
Full day sightseeing in Bumthang, including Wangdichholing Palace, Kurjey Lhakhang monument, Tamshing monastery and the Red Panda brewery. - Day 8 - Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge - Haa Valley
This morning catch a flight to Paro and drive to the Haa Valley. Spend the afternoon enjoying local activities. - Day 9 - Uma Paro - Paro
Spend the morning at leisure for local activities before returning to Paro, with the afternoon at leisure. - Day 10 - Uma Paro - Paro
Take a day hike in the valley ending at the Tiger's Nest. - Day 11 - In transit.
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward journey home.
Places of Interest
AccommodationThe first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling
