Bhutan Tours

Travel To Bhutan

Land of the Thunder Dragon

Stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and an emphasis on Gross National Happiness. Explore ancient monasteries, trek through pristine mountains, and immerse yourself in the unique traditions of this incredible land on our Bhutan tours.

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Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. This enchanting kingdom is renowned for its untouched natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to preserving its traditional way of life.

Explore centuries-old dzongs (fortresses), hike through pristine forests, and witness colourful festivals that celebrate the country’s vibrant traditions. With its serene atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes, and emphasis on sustainable tourism, Bhutan beckons travellers seeking both adventure and spiritual renewal in a land steeped in legend and mystery.

This is the place if you want to escape from it all.

Visa?

We will apply for your visa on your behalf and send you a copy before you travel.

What should I bring?

Depending on the time of the year, you might need clothes for cool weather conditions. Comfortable footwear for trekking is also a must.

When should I go?

Popular times to visit Bhutan are during the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of September to November. During these times, the weather is generally pleasant with clear skies. The only downside is that is can actually get quite busy during these months.

Group Tour Itineraries

2 spots available!

See the contrasting highlights of both countries in this epic combo!

2 spots remaining!

Witness one of the great festivals in a rarely visited part of central Bhutan.

Featuring the annual and very colourful Paro festival in Bhutan!

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – Paro / Thimphu

Arrive at Paro International Airport. Paro is situated in a beautiful valley at 2280 metres and is a fitting introduction to this charming kingdom.
Your guide will collect you and take you on a short one-hour drive along the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.
Visit the huge statue of Buddha Dordenma, which commands a tremendous view of Thimphu valley. The impressive 3-storey throne holds several chapels and the body itself is filled with 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha.
Take a mini hike to
Changangkha through a beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest with a fantastic view of Thimphu valley.
Visit Changangkha temple – perched on a hilltop overlooking the town. Devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels. The temple also contains beautiful wall paintings and hundreds of religious scriptures written in gold.
Take an evening walk around town and soak in the atmosphere of this magical capital with its busy shops, bazaars and photogenic citizens in national dress.
Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2 – Punakha

Visit Dechen Phodrang Monastery where you will come across young monks attending their morning assembly (9:00 am on weekdays).
Drive from Thimphu through the Dochu La pass at 3050 metres.
From Dochu La we will take a day hike to the 18th century Lungchotse Lhakhang. On a clear sunny day one can see the entire Bhutan Himalaya with its snow-covered peaks. Stop for a hot drink or lunch and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan ranges.
Continue your drive for approximately 2 hours to the old capital, Punakha.
Overnight in Punakha.

Day 3 – Punakha

Take a morning hike to Jiligang hilltop temple. Inside the temple in the main stupa is a statue of the God of compassion and the Lama Drukpa Kuenley himself. The temple is now privately owned by the descendants of the Lama.
Below is the valley of Samdzingkha where local
farmers tend their crops.
Continue the descent down towards the impressive Punakha Dzong where your hike ends and your driver will be waiting for you. The hike is roughly 12 km and should take around 5 hours.
Dinner & overnight in Punakha.

Day 4 – Punakha / Gangtey

Take a morning walk for an hour or so across the terraced fields of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15 the century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley).
Then we can visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “ The Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. This is home to royal weddings and coronations.
In the afternoon drive to about 2 hours to Gangtey.
Enjoy the views of the immense and remote Phobjikha valley and the black mountain ranges.
Visit Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and explore the valley where the villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle.
This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in their hundreds in November each year after spending the summer in Tibet.
Overnight in Gangtey

Day 5 – Gangtey

Early morning day walk around the Phobjikha Valley. You can start
your walk just below your hotel or drive for a few minutes to Khewang
temple.
The walk takes 5-6 hours and covers a large part of the valley.
Relax in the afternoon at your scenic and serene hotel.
Dinner & overnight in Gangtey.

Day 6 – Paro

Today we head for Paro, a drive of 5-6 hours making some stops along the way.
Stop on the way at Wangdi – (also known as Wangdue Phodrang) was originally considered Bhutan’s secondary capital and it commands an important central position.
Wangdi Dzong was gutted by fire in June 2012 but 10 years of renovation work is finally complete and
it is now open to visit.
After visiting the Dzong continue on your way to Paro.
In the afternoon visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan.
Visit a local farmhouse for dinner and sample the restorative properties of a traditional hot stone bath!
Overnight in Paro

Day 7 – Paro

Take a day walk to the legendary ‘Tigers Nest’ – the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor.
Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries. If you feel like it, you can climb higher above the monastery to some small more secluded temples before descending.
Lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.
Visit Dumtse Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder or visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 8 – Departure

Transfer to the airport depending on your flight time.
End of Bhutan tour

Inclusions

Exclusions

Accommodation

Standard twin share hotels.
Tourist Tax

The Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF - Daily Tax) is included in the tour cost.
Guides

An English speaking local guide, driver and foreign tour leader on group tours.
Transport

All transport in country to complete the itinerary.
Meals

All meals are included.
Activities, Entrance Fees & Taxes

Jamba Lhakhang Festival, activities & entrance fees included unless otherwise stated.

Flights

Flights to and from Bhutan.
Tips

Tips are expected for your local guides and driver.
Travel Insurance

A must for this trip.
Personal expenses

Soft drinks, laundry, souvenirs etc.
Visa Fee

We will apply for the Bhutan visa on your behalf. The cost is $65.

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Bhutan Tours - FAQs

Most frequent questions and answers for our tours to Bhutan.

When is the best time to go?

You can visit Bhutan at any time of the year. The winter is cold but beautiful and quiet. The high season is from March to May.

What's the best way to get there?

Currently, there are direct flights to Paro International Airport Calcutta, Delhi, Dhaka, Kathmandu and Bangkok.

what currency should i bring?

USD cash is the most widely accepted.

What is the group size?

On group Bhutan tours the size will be no more than 12 travellers.

I have DIETARY requirements, is that an issue?

Not at all! We can cater to all diets.

do i need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a must. We have teamed up with IATI Travel Insurance because they provide cover for all our destinations. You’ll also automatically receive a 5% discount with them as a Rocky Road Travel customer.

How does the visa work?

We apply for the visa on your behalf and send you a copy of it before the tour.

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