TOUR OVERVIEW
This 12 Days / 11 Nights Bhutan Grand Cultural Circuit takes you through the heart of Bhutan, covering its most important valleys and cultural hubs. From the vibrant capital Thimphu to the lush rice terraces of Punakha, the royal heritage of Trongsa, the spiritual heartland of Bumthang, and the glacial wetlands of Phobjikha, this itinerary offers a perfect balance of nature, culture, monasteries, and scenic drives.
Your journey concludes in Paro, with the unforgettable hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)—the highlight of most Bhutan journeys.
📅 12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS – FULL ITINERARY
🛬 Day 1: Arrival in Paro → Transfer to Thimphu
- Meet guide at Paro Airport
- Drive to Thimphu (1 hr)
- Light sightseeing (depending on arrival time):
- Buddha Dordenma
- Memorial Chorten
- Tashichho Dzong (evening)
Overnight: Thimphu
🏙️ Day 2: Thimphu Full-Day Sightseeing
- National Library
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School)
- Takin Sanctuary
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Craft Bazaar
- Evening free walk in the city
Overnight: Thimphu
🌉 Day 3: Thimphu → Punakha via Dochula Pass
- Drive to Punakha (2.5 hrs)
- Stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m) for 108 stupas
- Visit Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress
- Walk across the Suspension Bridge
- Evening in Punakha Valley
Overnight: Punakha
🏞️ Day 4: Punakha → Trongsa
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility)
- Scenic drive to Trongsa over Pele La Pass
- Explore Trongsa Dzong
- Visit Ta Dzong Museum
Overnight: Trongsa
🕍 Day 5: Trongsa → Bumthang
- Drive through stunning Yotong La Pass
- Arrive in Bumthang, the “spiritual heartland of Bhutan”
- Visit:
- Jakar Dzong
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Kurjey Lhakhang
Overnight: Bumthang
🧘♂️ Day 6: Bumthang Sightseeing
- Tamshing Monastery (UNESCO tentative)
- Red Panda brewery or local cheese factory
- Short hike to Tharpaling Monastery (optional)
- Explore Chamkhar town
Overnight: Bumthang
🌲 Day 7: Bumthang → Phobjikha (Gangtey Valley)
- Scenic drive back west
- Explore Gangtey Monastery
- Visit Black-Necked Crane Center
- Leisure walk in Phobjikha Valley
- Optional: Gangtey Nature Trail
Overnight: Phobjikha
🍃 Day 8: Phobjikha → Paro
- Long but scenic drive to Paro (6–7 hrs)
- Rest at hotel
- Evening stroll around Paro town
Overnight: Paro
🏯 Day 9: Paro Full-Day Cultural Sightseeing
- National Museum (Ta Dzong)
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong ruins
- Kyichu Lhakhang (one of Bhutan’s oldest temples)
Overnight: Paro
⛰️ Day 10: Tiger’s Nest Hike (Taktsang Monastery)
- Early morning hike (4–6 hrs total)
- Explore the sacred monastery perched 900m above Paro Valley
- Optional hot-stone bath in the evening
Overnight: Paro
🛕 Day 11: Paro Leisure Day / Optional Activities
Choose among:
- Hike to Kila Goenpa Nunnery
- Archery session
- Traditional farmhouse visit with local lunch
- Additional city sightseeing or handicraft shopping
Overnight: Paro
✈️ Day 12: Departure from Paro
- Breakfast & airport transfer
- End of tour
📌 Suggested Tour Inclusions
- Government-licensed English-speaking guide
- Private vehicle, fuel & driver
- 3-star hotels (upgradeable to 4–5 star)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Entry fees & permits
- Bhutan Government SDF & visa
- Bottled water
- All taxes and service charges