Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Paro (2,250m)
Arrive Paro International Airport. Khata welcome, transfer to your boutique hotel, orientation, and a farmhouse welcome dinner.
Paro — Tiger's Nest & Cultural Sites
Morning hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) at 3,120m. Afternoon: Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong National Museum, and Kyichu Lhakhang.
Paro to Thimphu via Haa Valley
Cross Chele La Pass (3,988m) into remote Haa Valley. Visit Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo, then continue to Thimphu (2,350m).
Thimphu — Capital Exploration
Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, Memorial Chorten, Motithang Takin Preserve, Traditional Arts School, and Weekend Market when open.
Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass (3,100m) and 108 chortens, then descend to Punakha (1,250m) for Punakha Dzong at the river confluence.
Punakha Valley — Divine Madman & Wellness
Chimi Lhakhang, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, and an evening hot stone bath (Dotsho).
Punakha to Phobjikha Valley
Drive via Wangdue to glacial Phobjikha (2,900m). Gangtey Goemba, crane centre context, and a valley nature walk.
Phobjikha to Trongsa
Seasonal crane centre visit, Pele La Pass (3,390m), then Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong museum — royal ancestral seat.
Trongsa to Bumthang — Cultural Heartland
Continue to Bumthang (2,800m). Yathra weaving in Chumey Valley, then Jakar orientation in Bhutan's spiritual heartland.
Bumthang Sacred Sites — Kurje Lhakhang
Kurje Lhakhang (Guru Rinpoche), Jambay Lhakhang, Kencho Sum, Tamshing, and an evening walk to Jakar Dzong.
Bumthang Valley Exploration
Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), Tang Valley and Ugyen Choling, plus a farmhouse visit with local hospitality.
Bumthang to Thimphu
Return west through the mountains with a weaving stop in Chumey. Evening arrival in Thimphu and farewell dinner.
Thimphu Free Day & Shopping
Free day for the Post Office, handicrafts, and optional Takin Preserve or Zilukha Nunnery. Guide on hand for packing help.
Departure from Paro
Drive to Paro, farewell lunch with your guide, and transfer to Paro International Airport.
About this journey
Tour Overview
Who this is for
Travellers who want a complete western-to-central Bhutan arc — not a rushed week — with time in Haa, Phobjikha, Trongsa, and Bumthang’s temples. Suits private couples and small groups who prefer boutique stays and a licensed local guide.
Practical notes
- Best months: March–May and September–November for clear passes and Tiger’s Nest; October–March for black-necked cranes in Phobjikha.
- Pace: Several longer drive days between valleys; Day 2 (Tiger’s Nest) is the main fitness ask.
- Private vs dates: Private tours year-round; enquire for seasonal group windows.
- SDF: Current Sustainable Development Fee is included in package quotes at the published rate.
Tour Highlights
- Western Bhutan core: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha
- Remote Haa Valley via Chele La Pass
- Sacred Bumthang — Kurje, Jambay, Tamshing, Burning Lake
- Seasonal black-necked cranes in Phobjikha (Oct–Mar)
- Tiger's Nest monastery hike
- Hot stone bath and farmhouse hospitality
- Yathra weaving and traditional crafts
- Licensed private guide and SDF-inclusive packaging
Pricing
Indicative price range
Per person, land package + SDF. Final quote confirms hotels, vehicle, and season.
Assumes comfort hotels, shared guide & vehicle, double rooms.
INR quotes available. Indian nationals: ₹1,200/night SDF (not $100). Land cost follows Nu. guide / vehicle / hotel bands.
USD range is indicative all-in land: guide, private vehicle, comfort hotels, meals, $100/night SDF & permits. Flights extra.
What's Included
- licensed guide
- private vehicle & driver
- hotels (comfort band, MAP where stated)
- meals as per itinerary
- SDF / permits
- monument fees
What's Not Included
- international flights
- drinks & tips
- travel insurance
- luxury-property upgrades (quoted separately)
Share your dates and hotel style — we confirm the final quote.
What's Included
- 13 nights boutique accommodation (3-4 star)
- All meals as specified (B, L, D)
- Professional English-speaking Bhutanese guide
- All private transportation in comfortable vehicle
- All airport transfers
- Bhutan Tourism Council Visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) - $100 per person per night
- All monument entrance fees
- Tiger's Nest monastery entry fee
- Hot stone bath experience
- Traditional welcome and farewell ceremonies
- Farmhouse visits with meals
- Daily bottled water
- Weaving center visits and demonstrations
What's Not Included
- International flight to/from Paro
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses and tips
- Alcoholic beverages and personal items
- Additional activities not mentioned
- Professional photography services
Where You'll Stay
Experience Bhutan's finest boutique hotels and heritage properties, carefully selected for comfort, authenticity, and stunning locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this 14-day Depth Discovery tour for?
How fit do I need to be for Tiger's Nest and the drives?
What does the price include — is SDF covered?
When is the best time — can I see black-necked cranes?
Are there fixed group dates or only private departures?
Can you customise hotels, pace, or skip a valley?
What Our Travelers Say
"Every detail felt considered — from Tiger's Nest pacing to quiet evenings in the valleys."
"Licensed guides who actually know the temples — not a rushed checklist tour."
"Clear SDF-inclusive quote and seamless WhatsApp support before we flew."
