Glimpses of Bhutan’s Treasures

Trip Highlights

Jaw-dropping Himalayan landing at Paro with views of Everest and Jomolhari.
Thimphu’s giant Buddha, Tashichho Dzong, and rare takins.
Sacred Bumthang monasteries steeped in legend.
Phobjikha Valley with graceful black-necked cranes.
Epic cliffside hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Trip overview

This 11-day itinerary provides glimpses into Bhutan’s cultural, natural, and spiritual treasures. Traveling through iconic locations like Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa, and Bumthang, the journey showcases Bhutan’s rich heritage through its sacred sites, breathtaking landscapes, and traditional arts, offering a well-rounded introduction to the country’s unique treasures.

Why Book Your Trip Now?

Visa Approved Within 24 Hours – Get your Bhutan visa fast, once your booking is confirmed.
Guaranteed Departures – No cancellations. Your adventure is locked in and ready to go!
Group Discounts Available – Traveling with friends or family? Enjoy special rates when you book as a group.

View

Itinerary

Day 01:

Arrival – Thimphu

After an unforgettable flight into Paro International Airport, wherein you would have feasted on some of the wonders of the Himalayas, such as views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including Bhutan’s Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake, you will have a thrilling landing. At the airport, you will be received by representatives of our Company, who will escort you towards Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan after which your adventure of Bhutan will begin.

On the way we will make a stop at Tamchoe Lhakhang, which is considered to be one of the residences of Thangtong Gyalpo, a famous Tibetan Buddhist master who visited Bhutan in the 14th century. He is also known by the name Chakzampa, the “Iron Chain Maker”, and is said to have built 58 iron chain suspension bridges in Tibet and Bhutan, several of which are still in use today, including one beside Tamchoe Lhakhang in this picture.

The two-storied Tamchoe Lhakhang is said to house many holy items left by Thangtong Gyalpo.

Overnight at a hotel.

screenshot visual

Day 02:

Explore Thimphu valley

The morning will be dedicated to sightseeing in Thimphu. Begin with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a large stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Next, head to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang),

home to the world’s largest seated Buddha statue, which offers sweeping views of the valley. Continue to the Arts and Crafts School, where you’ll see students creating traditional Bhutanese paintings and crafts.

Afterward, visit Sangaygang, a viewpoint that provides a bird’s-eye view of Thimphu and its scenic surroundings. Following this, explore the Takin Preserve, where Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, is protected. After lunch, visit the National Library, which houses ancient manuscripts, followed by the Folk Heritage Museum, which provides a glimpse into Bhutanese rural life.

Conclude the day with a tour of Tashichho Dzong, the central secretariat building and seat of the government. This impressive structure houses the Throne Room, the King’s office, several government ministries, and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and senior monks.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 03:

Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue

Taking about three hours, the drive from Thimphu which traverses thorough a constantly changing landscape of veg- etation, waterfalls, flowers, mountains and meadows. After a 45 minutes’ drive, we will stop at the popular Dochula pass (3,100m), from where on a clear day, we can see the entire eastern Himalayan range, comprising snow-capped mountains with heights ranging from 6000m to 7554m. Apart from its wealth of extremely beautiful flowers, the 108 Buddhist stupas exquisitely built around a mound adds to the grandeur of the place, the Druk Wangyel Chorten.

The journey forward from the pass descends to the sub- tropical valley of Punakha, which served as Bhutan’s capital in the past and holds some of the country’s most priceless treasures, especially Buddhist relics.

The Punakha Fortress is an architectural masterpiece and resembles a gigantic ship on an ocean floor from afar, and girdled by two (Male and

Female) rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still home of the Chief Abbot in winter months. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal has played prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earth- quake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendour.

On the way to Punakha, we will hike for about 45 minutes round trip to the monastery of Drupa Kuenley, “Divine Madmonk,” named Chimi Lhakhang which was built in the 15th century. After the visit to Dzong we will take a short stroll towards the Suspension Bridge and have a photography Session.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 04:

Punakha/Wangdue – Trongsa

Early in the morning, we’ll begin our drive to Trongsa via Wangduephodrang, crossing the Pele La Pass (alt. 3,300m), a traditional boundary between eastern and western Bhutan marked by large prayer flags.

The drive, taking around an hour, offers scenic mountain views. En route, we’ll stop at Chendbji Chorten, an 18th-century Nepalese-style stupa built by Lama Shida, notable for the eyes painted at its four cardinal points. Before starting the drive, we’ll embark on a 45- minute hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, winding through picturesque fields to a vantage point offering stunning, bird’s-eye views over the Punakha Valley. The peaceful

surroundings make it a rewarding stop.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 05:

Trongsa – Bumthang

After breakfast walk by Trongsa Dzong, built by Shabdrung in 1647. Another majestic architectural masterpiece and once ancient Bhutan’s capital, it is very historic and every King, before ascending the Throne must, as the Crown Prince serve as the Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa.

We will also visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower) and then drive to Bumthang which is about 3 hours. 29 Kms from Trongsa we reach the Yutong La pass (alt. 3,400 m) and after a further 13 kms drive, the road enters into a wide, open and cultivated valley known as Chumey valley.

On arrival in Bumthang, check into a hotel. Overnight at the Hotel

Day 06:

Bumthang

One of the most sacred regions in the Kingdom, Bumthang valley is a blend of the abstract and concrete with innumerable legends surrounding the area. You will be visiting Kurje Lhakhang where the Great Indian Saint Guru Padsambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock.

The other is Jamphel lhakhang, which was built in the 7th century by Songsten Goembo, the Tibetan Buddhist King. Jakar Dzong (the fortress of white bird) built in the 17th century by Tenzin Rabgay (the fourth Desi) is another famous landmark. You will also be visiting, Tamshing lhakhang built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa (the founder of religious treasures). Kuenchosum lhakhang and Membertsho (the flaming lake) are other places. Legend has it that Pema Lingpa discovered several religious text from the lake.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 07:

Bumthang – Trongsa – Gantey / Phobjikha

After breakfast proceed to Gantey/Phobjikha via Trongsa. The approach to Phobjikha valley is through a forest of Oak and Rhododendron. Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and chosen home of black necked cranes which migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 08:

Gantey / Phobjikha – Wangdue – Thimphu- Paro

After breakfast, we’ll explore Phobjikha Valley, visiting the Crane Center to learn about the region’s black-necked cranes. Then, we’ll take a short walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, followed by a visit to Gangtey Monastery.

Afterward, we’ll drive to Paro via Wangduephodrang.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 09:

Paro

We will visit Kyichu Monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest, built in 659 A.D. by the Buddhist Tibetan King Songsten Goembo. A short drive from there will take us to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong (”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”), which

was built to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese forces over the Tibetans in the 16th and 17th centuries. You will also visit the National Museum and Paro Rimpong Dzong. You can take a stroll of the town after which you can call it a day. Overnight at hotel

Day 10:

Paro – Takstang monastery hike

One of Bhutan’s holiest shrines and an amazing structure that crosses all boundaries of architectural masterpiece, Taktsang (Tiger’s Lair) monastery is perched some 1000m/3000ft on a cliff overlooking a valley. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Taktshang monastery is the ultimate pilgrim site for all Buddhist, especially in Bhutan.

The hike to the monastery takes about 5 hours (up and down), and follows an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels.

Day 11:

Paro – Delhi/ Bangkok/ Katmandu

After early breakfast, we drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Tashi Delek!

Cost Details

Cost includes

Accommodation
Full Board Meals
English speaking Guide
Transportation
Entrance fee, Visa fee
Unlimited bottles of mineral water
Applicable government taxes(5%GST)
SDF
Trying out of traditional Bhutan attire.

Cost exclusion

Medical & personal insurance
Personal expenses
Emergency evacuation charges
Tips for the guide and driver
Airfare
Pony Ride to Taktshang (Tiger Nest)
Hot Stone Bath
Raffting

Trip Facts

Trip Duration 11 Days

Trip Price 2625

Single Supplement 420

Region Covered Paro, Thimphu, Wangduephodrang, Punakha, Trongsa & Bumthang

Accomodation Hotel or Resort

Entry Paro

Exits Paro

Difficulty: Medium

Ugyen Choden Media & Marketing

Ask our
travel expert to start
planning your
tailor-made holiday

Connect With Our Experts or Arrange a Video Appointment For Ideas & Advice.

Ask our Travel Expert

Trip gallery

Some snapshots during past trips

View

View

View

View

Hotels/Accommodations

Hotels where you’ll be staying during this trip

Our Bhutan tour packages are specifically curated with the travellers in mind. As a reputable Bhutan travel agency, for the past 23 years, our tour guides and travel specialists have dedicatedly served travellers from all over the world. We want to show you what Bhutan has to offer, and we’re committed to making your trip to Bhutan a special and memorable one. We have a deep love for the Kingdom, and we hope that you’ll come to love it too.

Explore other Hotels in Bhutan

5 Star Hotels

Transportation

Choice of vehicles for this trip

Private SUVs for Couples 2 Seater

Toyota Innova (2 Units) 5 Seater

Coaster Buses (4 Units) 25 Seater

Mini Bus (8-Seater) 8 pax. Seater

Restaurants

Food and Drink

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 89 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Carolann M 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable week in Bhutan! An unforgettable week in Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom In July 2025, I joined a 7-day group tour of Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom, and it was truly an unforgettable experience from start to finish. I had a fantastic time and enjoyed every single moment of the trip. From the very beginning, I felt incredibly well looked after and completely safe, which allowed me to fully relax and immerse myself in the experience. The organisation was excellent, and I was especially impressed by how much we managed to see and do in just one week without ever feeling rushed. Our tour guide, Karma, was absolutely outstanding. His knowledge, professionalism, and warm personality made the journey even more special. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone was comfortable, informed, and enjoying themselves, and his passion for Bhutan really shone through. Thanks to Happiness Kingdom and Karma, this trip created memories I will cherish forever. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a visit to Bhutan — you won’t be disappointed.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Rachel L 
 
 
 
 Verified A fantastic Bhutan trip! We had a wonderful experience exploring Bhutan’s rich culture with Jigme Thinley and Tenzin Wangchuk. Jigme is incredibly knowledgeable and provided engaging explanations about Bhutan’s history and traditions. We thoroughly enjoyed learning from him. Every story, explanation, and insight added depth and meaning to the places we visited. At one point, Jigme even prepared a simple makeshift heat pack to ensure we stayed comfortable in the cool mountain weather. That thoughtful gesture made all the difference and showed just how dedicated he is to his guests’ comfort. Shoutout to Tenzin as well, a wonderful and skilled driver. We felt safe and comfortable throughout our journey. Both of them were exceptionally helpful and attentive. Each day was well-scheduled and relaxed, letting us take in the experience without rush.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Becky S 
 
 
 
 Verified Best value to see Bhutan in a cultural tour We selected this tour company both because of reviews and cost. Flights to and from Bhutan cost more than our 10-days in Bhutan with Happiness Kingdom. Our guide, Tschering Namgay, and driver, Tashi, were great! Both were so polite and helpful. Tashi was a safe driver. Namgay was a very knowledgeable cultural guide. He explained all the temples and fortresses, the stories and history of Bhutan, and the nuances and meanings of Buddhist sculptures and paintings. He had a good sense of humor and worked hard to ensure we got to see and do all that we wanted to do. Communication with the tour company was delayed, because of the time difference, but always responsive. They were happy to rearrange the plans to accommodate what we wanted to do instead of the standard, without leaving out the important things we didn't even know we wanted to see. Our hotels were comfortable, restaurants with good and sufficient food, and although our schedule was full, we were not rushed (just tired) every day. We got to see the black-necked cranes and several other birds. We enjoyed the Takin Preserve to see some of the more difficult species of animals. Word of caution though - if you are unfit, need a cane, walker, or wheelchair, Bhutan is NOT for you. There are stairs and hilly climbs everywhere. It is not ADA-compliant. But, if you want to take a tour of Bhutan, we recommend Happiness Kingdom as your tour company & #tscheringnamgay, #tashi as your guide and driver.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sam B 
 
 
 
 Verified Great 6-day trip in Bhutan Really enjoyed our 6 day tour of Bhutan with our guide Bhim and driver Tshering. They were both very attentive to our every need, and took us to some great places. We loved the hike to Tiger's Nest and the visit of Punakha Zhong. Bhim was very knowledgeable and gave us all the context and history we needed while visiting all the religious sites. Thanks again for everything!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   ik298 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful trip 7days Bhutan Trip 19.th – 25th. of October 2025 I had booked the 7days trip to Bhutan via Asia Odyssee travel agency. This trip was really a great adventure and everything was wonderful. Well Bhutan I is a very special and amazing country with such a beautiful landscape, very cultivated architecture and overall deep religious life. Well let me give you some details of my tour: The first 3 days I spent with 5 other persons from all over the world. On the second day we made the hike to Tiger nest. I am not so used to climb steep mountains (Steps!!!), so my knees were already quite hurting from my former trek in Nepal. Our driver, Phub Gyeltshen, carried all the way up my backpack and motivated me all the way up to carry on. All the three days he was always there when somebody needed anything, everybody found on his place freshwater bottles. His drive was safe and very relaxed. The last days I travelled alone with the same guide and the driver Gembo. There we had quite long drives – over Dochu La. Also his way to drive was save and forward-looking. I really could enjoy to be on routes. But the main contribution of this wonderful trip layed in the responsibility of the guide (all 7 days!) Sonam Phuntsho. He is such a mindfulness person and always tries to make that everybody feels well. His explanations at the different sites where really detailed and showed that he has a great knowledge, specially religious belongings. Two of the other travellers were Tibetans and he could give always profound answers even from them, who had a great knowledge of the Bhuddist religion. In the day when I was travelling alone, we talked a lot about the social life, education, regime (your King), environmental protection and much more. So I got a deep insight of the life in Bhutan. So I really want to thank you for this wonderful days. Before this trip Bhutan seemed to be an unreachable country and somehow unreal, but now it is a part of my dreams, a country were I really could feel the meaning of happiness and mindfulness. .
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Paul W 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing place. Wonderful people. I did a 7-day trip through West Bhutan and loved the tour overall. It was very well organised and Bhim (Narayan) and Dorji (Wangchuk) were a pleasure to spend time with. Friendly, helpful and a credit to the hospitality of their country. My personal highlights were the dzong at Punakha, getting to enjoy two tsechus (festivals) at Wangdue and Thimphu, and the hike to Tiger's Nest. The addition of a homestay was also a nice way to see a different side to Bhutan. I can thoroughly recommend both visiting Bhutan and this trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   thierry w 
 
 
 
 Verified Great travel in Bhutan Very well organise 10 days tour group in Bhutan. the guide Tashi and Phuba the driver were fantastic. Adapting the time for us to discover places without rushing us. 'the hotels were we stayed were nice and the food very good. I would highly recommand happiness kingdom travel to anyone who decide to travel to bhutan
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Chris K 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic tour, well organised, great Guide and Driver. Excellent in all aspects Did a small group tour of Bhutan over 10 days with Tashi and driver Phuba. The tour took our group from Paro to Thimbu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley and Bumthang Valley. A lot of logistics to get that to go off smoothly; stayed in good hotels, always with extremely enthusiastic staff, saw lots. But what really set this off was Tashi; extremely knowledgeable and equally extremely patient with guiding the group through from zero to at least a vague understanding of Bhutan Buddhist culture and history. Tashi, your sense of humor and tolerance really made this trip work. And Phuba always there and ready to assist.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   MK L 
 
 
 
 Verified A memorable journey! It was our first visit to Bhutan, and it turned out to be an incredibly unforgettable journey -- stunning views, awesome culture, and super friendly locals! We arranged this exclusive 6-day trip via a travel agency in Hong Kong. We landed at Paro Airport on 7 Sept and proceeded to Thimphu, then Punakha, before returning to Paro for the Tiger's Nest. Huge thanks to our amazing guide Jigme for his expertise, organization, and dedication in making the journey truly memorable. He possesses great knowledge and has revealed to us the charm of Bhutan. Jigme attentively looked after us in every way, including informing all the restaurants of my dietary preference, and ensured we were comfortable to fully enjoy each moment throughout the trip. We are grateful for our friendly driver Tashi and his outstanding abilities. The ride was so comfortable and smooth! We couldn't have requested a better team! 👍👍 I was also impressed that Jigme not only spoke fluent English but also knew French! A heartfelt thank you to Jigme and Tashi, and I wish you both the very best! 🙏🙏
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Madam Wong 
 
 
 
 Verified The Guide Who Turned Our Bhutan Trip Into a Masterpiece . TE25070007AT Bhutan is a country rich in culture and steeped in deep historical traditions. Our tour guide, Mr. Trashi Dhendup Namgyel, demonstrated exceptional professionalism throughout our journey. He was highly knowledgeable and consistently able to answer all of our questions with clarity and insight. Mr. Namgyel also went out of his way to accommodate our requests whenever possible, ensuring that our experience was both comfortable and memorable. We are truly grateful to have had him as our guide on this meaningful trip. — Madam Wong

Related trips

Trips similar to Culture Tour

4 Days & 3 Nights

.contactform .wpcf7-form input[type="submit"]{ margin-bottom:50px !important; } .contactform .wpcf7-form textarea { resize: vertical; min-height: 59px; height: 125px; }