Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 16-days journey through Bhutan, starting in Paro and concluding in Samdrup Jongkhar, with a transfer to Guwahati, India. This immersive tour takes you from the western to the eastern reaches of Bhutan, allowing you to experience the country's rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unique traditions. From the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery to the serene Phobjikha Valley, you'll explore ancient dzongs, sacred monasteries, and vibrant local markets while enjoying breathtaking hikes and opportunities to connect with Bhutanese culture.
Included/Excluded
- The Bhutan SDF
- All accommodations
- Meals and mineral water
- A licensed English-speaking guide
- A driver and vehicle
- Air fare
- A visa fee of US $40
- Alcohol
- Gifts/Souvenirs
- Travel insurance and personal bills
- Museums & Monument Fees
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by a World Perfect Tour representative who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. After lunch, start your journey with a visit to Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, the seat of local government and the monastic body. Explore the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress that once defended Bhutan against invasions. Conclude the day with a visit to Tshering Farm House to try traditional archery.
Day 2: Paro
After an early breakfast, embark on a hike to the iconic Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, perched on a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. The hike takes approximately three hours to ascend and two hours to descend. Enjoy lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria or at a local restaurant in Paro upon your return. In the afternoon, explore the local handicraft shops or continue your sightseeing in Paro.
Day 3: Paro to Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, located 60 km from Paro (about a 1-hour drive). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and begin exploring the valley. Visit the Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, and the majestic Statue of Seated Buddha at Kuenselphodrang. Continue to the Royal Textile Academy, the School of Fine Arts, and the Folk Heritage Museum to immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture.
Day 4: Thimphu
Spend the day sightseeing in Thimphu. Highlights include a visit to the Tashichhodzong, the Royal Secretariat, and the Institute of Traditional Medicine. Explore a traditional handmade paper factory, visit local art galleries, and take some time to shop for souvenirs in the handicraft shops.
Day 5: Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, a journey of about 76 km (approximately 4 hours). On the way, stop at the Dochu-La Pass (3,150 m) to enjoy panoramic views of the snow-covered Himalayas. Upon arrival in Punakha, visit the Chime Lhakhang, a fertility temple, followed by a tour of the Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho-Chu and Mo-Chu rivers.
Day 6: Punakha
Begin your day with a hike to Khamsum Yueling Namgyel Choeten, an exemplary modern-day architectural masterpiece. Afterward, enjoy a two-hour white-water rafting experience, covering 14 kilometers. Following lunch, visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Punakha and Wangdiphodrang valleys.
Day 7: Punakha to Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley
Drive to Phobjikha Valley (188 km, approximately 6 hours). Along the way, visit the Trongsa Dzong and the museum of Trongsa. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.
Day 8: Gangtey, Phobjikha
Spend the day exploring the stunning Phobjikha Valley, home to the endangered black-necked cranes. Visit the Black Neck Crane Center and Gangtey Monastery, followed by a nature walk through the valley. In the evening, visit a local farmhouse to experience Bhutanese rural life and enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Day 9: Gangtey to Bumthang
After breakfast, embark on a drive to Bumthang (192 km, approximately 7-8 hours). The route offers spectacular views as you pass through sub-tropical forests, farmlands, and finally the high-altitude Thrumshingla Pass. Arrive in Bumthang and check into your hotel.
Day 10: Bumthang
Explore the sacred sites of Bumthang Valley, including Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, and Lhoddrakharchu Gompa. Spend the afternoon strolling through Bumthang town.
Day 11: Bumthang
After breakfast, drive to Tang Valley. Visit the sacred Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) and the Ogyen Choling Museum. Spend the afternoon exploring Tang Valley before returning to Bumthang.
Day 12: Bumthang to Mongar
Drive to Mongar (192 km, approximately 7-8 hours). The journey offers breathtaking views of Bhutan’s natural beauty, including the Rhododendron garden and glimpses of Gangkhar Puensum, the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. Upon arrival, visit the Mongar Dzong.
Day 13: Mongar to Trashigang
After breakfast, drive to Trashigang (92 km, approximately 3½ hours). En route, stop at Khaling to visit the National Handloom Development Project and the National Institute for the Disabled. Upon arrival, explore Trashigang, Bhutan’s largest district.
Day 14: Trashigang
Enjoy a day trip to Trashiyangtse (54 km, 2-2½ hours). Visit Gom Kora, a sacred meditation site, and the Chorten Kora stupa. Explore the local woodworking and paper-making traditions, and visit the Institute for 13 Arts and Crafts. In the afternoon, return to Trashigang and visit the Trashigang Dzong.
Day 15: Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar
Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar (180 km, approximately 7 hours). On the way, witness the changing vegetation and stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Upon arrival in Samdrup Jongkhar, check into your hotel and explore the town, the largest urban center in eastern Bhutan.
Day 16: Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati
After breakfast, drive to Guwahati, India (110 km, approximately 3 hours). A World Perfect Tour representative will assist you with departure formalities and bid you farewell at the airport. "See You Again!"
Tour Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.Â
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.Â
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).Â
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.Â
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
There is a one-off fee of US$40 for the processing of your application. This is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the process of submitting your visa application.
All treks must be undertaken with an accredited tour operator or guide. Your tour operator will assist you with all the necessary logistics and safety precautions.
Please contact our hosts for the Department of Tourism’s list of approved tourism services.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
SIM cards can be purchased from the Paro International Airport’s visitor information centre on arrival, or from branch offices of Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell, or from authorised agents in towns.
There are no rules about what visitors should wear. However if you are planning to visit places of religious significance, respectful smart-casual clothing that covers your body from shoulders to knees is appropriate and appreciated.
Yes, permits are required to enter National Parks in Bhutan. However the process can be done online and the permit should be issued quickly. Please visit this link for more information:Â https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScM4k5SPaGI_GnV6NJuQHstpS5ai9G4wOlpLSq0fsy73EZK7A/viewform
While most monuments in Bhutan are free, some are chargeable. For the full list of monument fees, please click here for more information. Children below 18 years will have a 50% concession and children aged five years and below will be exempted. Most monuments are open from 9am – 5pm each day. In June 2023 it was announced that foreign visitors can now visit monuments whenever they are open to the general public, without any restrictions.