Discover Bhutan
Duration
9 Days 8 Nights
Tour Type
Cultural
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time
Round the Year
Discover the very best of Bhutan on this immersive 8 Nights and 9 Days journey along the country’s spectacular Lateral Road. Travel from the vibrant capital of Thimphu through the pristine Phobjikha Valley, the spiritual heartland of Bumthang, and the historic valley of Punakha before returning to Paro. Experience breathtaking mountain passes, ancient monasteries, majestic fortresses, picturesque villages, and Bhutan’s untouched natural beauty. The adventure culminates with a memorable hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, offering the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable journey through the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Tour Highlights
- Journey Across Bhutan’s Scenic Lateral Road
Travel through diverse landscapes, crossing mountain passes, lush valleys, traditional villages, and pristine forests while experiencing the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage. - Explore Bhutan’s Sacred Heritage
Visit centuries-old monasteries, magnificent dzongs, and revered pilgrimage sites including Bumthang’s sacred temples, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, and the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu. - Hike to the Legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Complete your Bhutan adventure with an unforgettable hike to the world-famous Paro Taktsang, dramatically perched on a cliff and regarded as Bhutan’s most sacred and iconic landmark.
Day 01: Arrive to Paro Airport then Drive to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport, one of the most amazing airports as you descend you will be witness stunning Paro valley.
Welcome to Bhutan, The Land of Thunder Dragon. Our team will be waiting to welcome in the place of Happiness. After that you will be driving towards Thimphu, in the capital of Bhutan along aside the Pho chu river. It will take an hour to reach Thimphu mean while will you will stop at on the way.
- Tachog Iron Chain Bridge: is a historical 15th Century Bridge built by Tibetan Yogi Thangtong Gyalpo. It links highway to Private temple Tachog Lhakhang offering scenic view. The bridge is by adorned with Prayer flags.
- Chuzom : Another amazing place where Pachu River meets with Wang Chu river. You will also see four different style of Buddhist stupa.
- Tashichhoe Dzong: one of the most impressive forts that serves as the seat of government, housing throne room, kings office and as summer residence of monastic body.
Night in Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu Localsightseeing
Hope you have great first night in our Beautiful country. After breakfast we will start local sightseeing of Capital of Bhutan.
- National Memorial stupa: we will start our day by visiting one of the most visible religious landmarks built in memory of Father of Modern Bhutan third king, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1974. where you witness lots of locals circumambulating the Stupa both young before going to office and old spending their whole day chanting prayers and holding rosary beads.
- Buddha Dordenma Statue: Magnificent statue of 169 feet Buddha’s statue standing as the symbol of peace and harmony in world. Temple contain 125000 smaller statues of Buddha. It also offers spectacular view of Thimphu Valley.
- Takin Preserve Centre: it’s a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to protect National Animal of Bhutan, Takin. Legend has it that it was created by Legendary ” The Divine Mad Man” in order to prove his enlightenment.
- Institute of Zorig Chusum : Institute dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional arts and crafts built under the command of third King of Bhutan in 1971 by Princess Dechen Wangmo Wangchuk.
Over night at Hotel
Day 03: Drive from Thimphu to Phobjikha
- Dochula Pass:a scenic Mountain pass at 3100m where 108 stupas are builts in between the road commissioned the fourth Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.
- Gangtey nature Trail: is one of the most scenic nature hike where you will descend the pine forest, walk through the beautiful traditional village and to the meadow- beautiful Phobjkha Valley which is the winter home for the endangered bird,Black Necked Crane.
Day 04: Phobjikha to Bumthang
Approximately 188km (6 to7 hrs drive), the journey from tranquil Phobjikha valley to Bumthang- the spiritual heartland of Bhutan- is one of the most scenic, culturally rich, and physically demanding segments of the Bhutan overland itinenary because Bhutan’s terrain is highly mountainous, a transfer here isn’t just a simple drive; it’s a full day mountain expedition.
Overnight stay in Bumthang
Day 05: Bumthang sightseeing
Fresh day, after breakfast :
- Kurjey Lhakhang: one of the most sacred temple complexes. It houses cave containing the 8th century body imprint of Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to the kingdom. Surrounded by 108 stupas, this deeply spiritual site is also the final resting place of Bhutan’s first three kings.
- Jambay Lhakhang: one of the oldest and most atmospheric temples, built in 7th century by Tibetan king to pin down an evil demoness. Famed for its ancient murals, sacred shrines,, and vibrant autumn festival, it offers a powerful glimpse into the dawn of Himalayan Buddhism.
- Mebartsho: the “burning lake”, is a sacred, swirling river pool where the 15th century saint Pema Lingpa miraculously retrieved hidden treasure with a burning butter lamp. Shrouded in deep mysticism, this peaceful pilgrimage site is beautifully adorned with thousand of colorful prayer flags and small clay offerings.
- Jakar Dzong: the “Castle of the White Bird,” is an imposing 17th century fortress perched over Bumthang’s main valley. Serving as the region’s administrative and monastic heart, it features a unique defensive water tower and offers spectacular, panoramic views of the surrounding pine forests and patchwork farmlands below.
Overnight stay in Bumthang
Day 06: Bumthang to Punakha
Approximately 212 km (7 to 8 hrs drive), moving from high altitude, spiritual valley of Bumthang down to the subtropical, lush valley of Punakha is a reverse journey of your incoming trip, but with a completely different energy. You are essentially descending from Central Bhutan back into Western Bhutan, because it tracks westbound, you will experience a dramatic shift in scenery, climate, and geography over the course of a single day.
Day 07: Punakha sightseeing
- Chimi Lhakhang: Temple dedicated to The Divine Mad Man, Lam Drukpa Kinley. Known to people as fertility temple and people around world has visited to receive the blessing to have Children.
- Punakha Dzong: is one of the most beautiful fortress stands between male and Female river as symbol of Bhutan’s unity, rich architure, culture and Heritage.It is Second oldest fort built in Bhutan.
- Suspension Bridge:From Dzong walk 20 Minutes to 180m long suspension Bridge crossing to male( Phochu) river.
Transfer to Paro
Day 08: Hike to Tiger’s Nest
- Paro Taktsang famously known as Tiger’s Nest, is one of the most iconic and scared monasteries in Bhutan. Perched dramatically on a cliff about 900 meters above the Paro valley. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on the back of the tigress and meditated in the cave. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains and forests, Tiger’s Nest is the symbol of spiritual strength, devotion and Bhutan’s rich Buddhist History.
Day 09: Drop at Paro international Airport
You will be dropped to Airport and we wish you a happy and safe flight.
Thank you for choosing our country and the company to explore
At Aiming Bhutan Tours, we carefully design each journey to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and enriching travel experience across Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and cultural highlights. To help you plan with clarity, the section below outlines what is included in your tour package, along with items that are not covered. This transparent breakdown allows you to understand exactly what to expect and prepare for your journey with confidence.
Includes
- Airport transfers and private transportation throughout
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- 3-star boutique hotel accommodation (twin-sharing)
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Monument entrance fees
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and government taxes
Excludes
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Visa fee (if not included in your arrangement)
- Spa and wellness services
- Any services not mentioned
