12 Days Bhutan In-depth Tour
Explore More in This Location
About This Tour in Thimphu
Why Visit Thimphu?
Thimphu, Bhutan offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Thimphu provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Thimphu
You can reach Thimphu, Bhutan by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- All meals and evening tea
- Drinking water in the car
- English-speaking tour leader and driver
- Airport pick up and drop-off
- All 3-4 star accommodations
- All necessary Park fees
- Excellent SUV /Toyota Hiace Van
- Drinking mineral water
- Mandatory monument fees worth USD 300
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses like laundry, telephone, beverages, shopping expenses
- Travel and Medical insurance
- International airfare
- SDF/Daily Tourism Tax of USD 100 per night.
- Tips and Gratuity
- Visa fee of USD 40 per person
- Domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro
- Bhutan international flights
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photo Gallery
Customer Reviews
Individual reviews are not available through the API. View all 29 reviews on Viator
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Point
please look for a placard with your names outside the airport
End Point
please look for a placard with your names outside the airport
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point
Itinerary
Welcome to Bhutan.
Upon arrival you’ll be received by our friendly... 30 minutes
Upon arrival you’ll be received by our friendly professional guide who will receive you outside for the airport and you can spot them with your names on a placard, and help you to the car.
Enroute stop to visit the Tachogang Lhakang monastery... 1 hour
Enroute stop to visit the Tachogang Lhakang monastery for a breath of fresh mountain air and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links from the 13th century bridge.
On arrival you will be taken to your hotel for a check-in and short rest 2 hours
On arrival you will be taken to your hotel for a check-in and short rest . In the evening, if time permits visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa which is a sacred shrine built in the memory of third king of Bhutan.
You will enjoy welcome dinner in a nice... 2 hours
You will enjoy welcome dinner in a nice local restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisines. Overnight in the resort.
Explore the capital city Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive to Kuensel Phodrang where the... 1 hour
After breakfast, drive to Kuensel Phodrang where the gigantic 169ft statue of Buddha Dordenma sits overlooking the valley. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city from there.
From here we’ll enjoy a lovely easy hike... 2 hours
From here we’ll enjoy a lovely easy hike on one of the capital town’s favourite hiking trails to start flexing your leg muscles for a great start to your Bhutan holiday. The hike of 6 km easy paced brings you to the Changangkha temple.
A 19th century traditional Bhutanese farmhouse which provides... 1 hour
A 19th century traditional Bhutanese farmhouse which provides glimpses of the Bhutanese heritage, history lifestyle
Showcases Bhutan’s rich and famous textiles and see... 1 hour
Showcases Bhutan’s rich and famous textiles and see how local weavers are trained to make complex designs etc.
Finish the day by strolling around the Crafts... 2 hours
Finish the day by strolling around the Crafts Bazaar, along the streets of Thimphu which sells and displays various handicrafts and textiles made entirely in Bhutan. Weekend is a time for shopping so we’ll drive to the Centenial market and Kaja Thorm markets to delve right into the Bhutanese way of life and walk past various venders selling local vegetables and fruits that make up the Bhutanese culinary. This is place where locals come and spend time
Thimphu to Punakha Sightseeing with Trans Bhutan Trail Hike
Drive to Punakha over the Dochula Pass (3140) 3 hours
Drive to Punakha over the Dochula Pass (3140). Situated atop the pass at the backdrop of fluttering prayer flags is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) that was built to exemplify the greatness of the Fourth King. From here you can enjoy the great views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Descend to the low-lying rice valley of Lobesa and pay your respects to one of Bhutan’s most charming and eccentric historic figures nicknamed ‘The Divine Madman’ at the Chhimi Lhakhang – also called the fertility monastery. The visit involves a short nice hike through a beautiful village surrounded by paddy fields.
Punakha Sightseeing with scenic hikes.
Drive to Punakha valley to visit Khamsum Yuelley... 3 hours
Drive to Punakha valley to visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa, which involves a short scenic hike through paddy fields for about 45 minutes till the hilltop where the temple is located. The temple itself is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions and the only one of its kind in the world. From here you can optionally take another great hike from the riverside crossing a suspension bridge to other side of the Mo Chu river for approximately 3 km with hours hiking. Continue to Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan situated at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. Proceed to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery which is atop a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang.
Punakha to Phobjikha
Drive to Phobjikha 3 hours
Drive to Phobjikha. The highway to Phobjikha (Gangtey) follows the scenic Dang Chuu ( River), climbing through forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing Pele La ( Pass) a small side road splinters off into the hidden Phobjikha valley. Visit the famous Gantey Gompa monastery. Development of industry and electrification in the valley has been installed in Phobjikha valley as it is home for the endangered Black-necked cranes who visit the valley in winter from the Tibetan plateau. The locals are unperturbed as the valley is gifted with extensive land area which makes it ideal for potato farming. Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre, the Kewang (Lhakhang) temple. Undertake hike on a nature trail through the beautiful valley making it an ideal for photography. The hike ends at the bowl shape glacial valley where your driver will pick you up. Overnight and dinner at the hotel .
Drive to Tangsibje village (Meet-the-locals).
After breakfast drive to the scenic Tangsibje village 4 hours
After breakfast drive to the scenic Tangsibje village. Stay overnight in Tabgsibji heritage house, which he built in the 60’s. You will be welcomed by host and her husband who was recently won the “Strongest Man of Bhutan” contest. We are the only tour operator in Bhutan taking visitors to this beautiful village which is considered one of the most beautiful villages of Trongsa district, and therefore makes it a real off-the-beaten-track experience. The host family will prepare a splendid dinner for you using fresh organic vegetables and herbs from her garden. Note: This experience is consistently rated as a favourite amongst our guests.
Tangsibje valley and Bumthang.
After breakfast, drive to Bumthang Chumey valley through Trongsa town 4 hours
After breakfast, drive to Bumthang Chumey valley through Trongsa town. Visit the Tower of Trongsa museum, an old watchtower now converted to a museum highlighting the establishment of our monarchy and the royal dynasty of Bhutan. Various artifacts, relics and historical items on display, the most important exhibit is the Raven Crown used by the first two kings of Bhutan, and the royal robes of the founding fathers of Bhutan. Continue visit to the Trongsa Dzong fortress on the tip of Conch is the Longest Dzong in the country.Overlooking the Mangdechhu river, the Trongsa Dzong testifies to the richness of Bhutan’s architectural hereitage.
Day Excursion around Chumey Valley – Tharpaling Goenpa.
In the morning drive 12 km to Tharpaling... 3 hours
In the morning drive 12 km to Tharpaling Goenpa which was founded by the great Tibetan lama Longchenpa in the 1300s. After visiting the temple, return to the valley and visit the villages in Chumey including the Prakhar temple, old palaces of our Kings etc. The evening ends with a visit to a local handloom weaving house specialising in the famous Yak Wool textiles called Yatha textiles. You will see weavers at their craft and opportunity to interact with the weavers.
Bumthang cultural heartlands
After breakfast, drive to Kurjey monastery and visit the temple 3 hours
After breakfast, drive to Kurjey monastery and visit the temple. After that start the Luegi Rowa hike that starts on a forested road for about 3.5 km along the river past charming small farm houses until Thangbi Goemba. Continue to Kharsat Bridge. After crossing the river, the path continues just above the river side for about 1 - 2 hours until you reach Ngang Lhakhang. We’ll have lunch here at a farmhouse. Lunch will be typical local Bumthang culinary. Note: Ngang Lhakhang is accessible by vehicles; therefore you could shorten your hike and drive back to town. In the afternoon visit Tamshing Lhakhang – founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the temple was restored at the end of the 19th century. You could also visit the Cheese factory to see how local Gouda cheese is made. Take some rest here at this cozy outlet and snack on Bumthang Cheese and locally made white beer - the Red Panda beer. Dinner at town and head to your resort.
Domestic flight to Paro and Sightseeing.
After breakfast, continue to the airport and take... 3 hours
After breakfast, continue to the airport and take a 30 minutes domestic flight to Paro. Many guests love the experience as it's a nice glide over the himalayan ranges. After reaching Paro, visit the 7th century Kyichu lhakhang monastery, the sister temple of Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang. These two are considered the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong fortress overlooking the beautiful Paro river. Drive towards town and visit the Dungtse Lhakhang: The uniqueness of this temple lies in the fact that it is in the form of a chorten, one of the very few that exists in Bhutan.
Excursion to Tiger’s Nest.
We’ve saved the best of Bhutan for the last 4 hours
We’ve saved the best of Bhutan for the last. Today you’ll experience Bhutan’s most valued attractions, and perhaps one of the major highlights of your trip. An excursion to the famous Taktshang monastery –translated as- Tiger’s nest monastery is also a good way to acclimatise before you start trekking. A two hours hike would reward you with a spectacular temple clinging on a 1000 feet cliff. On the way back stopover at Satsam Chorten which offers you nice views of mount Jomolhari. Proceed to your resort.
Farewell
After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will take you to the airport 30 minutes
After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will take you to the airport. Your guide will help you with the formalities and fare you well on your onward journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure…
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
