Dzongs · Valleys · Temples
Bhutan Cultural Tour
The unhurried grand tour — Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and the Phobjikha valley of the black-necked cranes.
The journey
What makes it unforgettable.
This is Bhutan at a gentle, immersive pace: the fortress-monasteries and temples of the west, then east over the Dochula pass — 108 chortens above a sea of cloud — into the warm rice-terraced Punakha valley.
You'll cross Bhutan's most beautiful dzong at the confluence of two rivers, walk to the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang through paddy fields, and continue to the glacial bowl of Phobjikha, winter home of the rare black-necked cranes.
Throughout, you stay in characterful boutique hotels and travel with a guide steeped in Bhutanese Buddhism, history and the quiet philosophy of Gross National Happiness.
Duration
10 days
Best time
Year-round
Grade
Easy
Style
Boutique hotels
Trip cost
from USD 3,540/ person
Bespoke departures · flexible dates
Trip highlights
Day by day
Your itinerary.
- 1
Day 1
Arrive Paro
Land in Paro and ease in with a valley walk and welcome dinner.
- 2
Day 2
Paro sights
Kyichu Lhakhang, the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong.
- 3
Day 3
Thimphu
The capital's Buddha Dordenma, memorial chorten and traditional crafts.
- 4
Day 4
Dochula → Punakha
Cross the chorten-crowned Dochula pass into the warm Punakha valley.
- 5
Day 5
Punakha
The magnificent Punakha Dzong and a paddy-field walk to Chimi Lhakhang.
- 6
Day 6
Phobjikha valley
Drive to the glacial Phobjikha bowl; Gangtey monastery and crane centre.
- 7
Day 7
Phobjikha → Paro
Return west through changing forest and farmland.
- 8
Day 8
Tiger's Nest
The signature hike to Taktsang monastery.
- 9
Day 9
Paro at leisure
A free day for markets, a farmhouse lunch or a hot-stone bath.
- 10
Day 10
Depart
Transfer for your onward flight.
What's included
- Bhutan visa & sustainable development fee
- Boutique & heritage hotels throughout
- Private guide, driver & all transfers
- All meals, permits and monument fees
Ready for Bhutan Cultural Tour?
Tell us your dates and preferences — we'll shape a private itinerary and handle every permit, flight and detail from Kathmandu onward.
