Embark on a magical 13-day journey through Bhutan’s cultural heartland, exploring ancient monasteries, vibrant markets, and stunning Himalayan landscapes — the perfect introduction to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Experience the essence of Bhutan in just thirteen days — from panoramic Himalayan views and sacred monasteries to vibrant culture and serene valleys. Explore the capital Thimphu, hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and immerse yourself in Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural richness for a truly unforgettable getaway.
This was the Perfect trip from first contact to the end. Every question was answered almost immediately before we arrived and once in Bhutan, we had one of the best guides that I have ever had. Sanguay and our driver, Terine, were always nearby making sure we had an understanding of the culture and history of what we were seeing or getting the best service from our hotel or restaurant. I wouldn’t hesitate using them again or recommending them.
I chose Best Bhutan Travel because it was high on the tripsdvisor ranking - and frankly because their communications were very professional compared to other agencies and individual travel guides I had reached out to. Communication has been fast, crisp and helpful. They were very supportive with the payment which honestly felt so strange to me (you pay Bhutanese agencies through the national Bhutan bank). They took care of the visa, and our return flights from Nepal to Bhutan. We were happy with the suggested itinerary. We spent 12 days together, all the way to Bumthang. On the trip itself we realised it is more of a guideline where to go - with changes possible for e.g. hotel or activities. The latter was notably thanks to our guide and driver who were phenomenal. We had an amazing time with Lotay (guide) and Khandu (driver). They were kind, attentive, knowledgeable and fun to hang out with. They adjusted the itinerary based on our interests* and their experience. We went to the (in)official start of the Paro festival which is held in the "second tiger nest". We were the only Western foreigners and were so welcomed by all locals, and really enjoyed watching the masked dances, with Lotay explaining to us their meanings and purposes. *Our guide was very, very attentive. For example I mentioned quickly that my wife does a lot of arts and crafts. Therefore, we visited a paper making factory and the institution of 13 arts in Timphu. We really appreciated it. We also went to Karaoke twice, and competed in archery and darts. Our visits to the temples were amazing, with Lotay teaching us about tantric Buddhism, and as a very social person, always talked with the monks and shared more insights with us. Along the way we learnt from the head monks and got blessed. Honestly I could go on about all the positive aspects. On the 2nd day I briefly mentioned that this trip was actually our honeymoon. The very evening they congratulated us with wine and cake, and every hotel had some decoration to celebrate our marriage. It was also very important for me that we eat local, Bhutanese food. It's spicy, trust me. This may be an important element to mention in your planning so that restaurants and hotels are made aware. Our guide and driver took care of everything. We were also always fed to keep energy levels up. Honestly, you get the drift, so I wholeheartedly recommend Best Bhutan Travel. Finally, surprisingly, some hotels were very nice and empty, as if they were just booked for us. We were lucky. As a word of advice: the more East you travel, the more you'll spend time in the car, so prepare accordingly your expectations. We did enjoy Trongsa and Bumthang though! Very different to Western Bhutan.
My partner and I visited Bhutan over the course of a week and was wowed by the majestic nature and vibrant culture that Bhutan had to offer. Even though both of us were unfortunate to come down with food poisoning towards the latter half of the trip, we were super well taken care of by our guide Lotay and driver Khandu. Would recommend Bhutan Best Travel for a well curated itinerary and thought through recommendations, but I would pay abit more attention in retrospect to a couple of the dining establishments (which were likely the cause of our stomach upsets)
My husband and I have just completed a 12 day tour with Bhutan Best Travel. We are in our mid-50s and have been travelling most of our adult lives. We have almost always done this independently, so we were a little unsure how we would fare on an organised tour. We needn't have worried. We had an amazing experience of Bhutan, and that was in no small part due to our guide Sangay and driver Tshering. They were incredibly thoughtful and always looking for ways to make our trip special. We had the flexibility to change what we did, when we did it, where we ate, and what we ate. Sangay picked up on things we said during the trip and then incorporated that into our experience. (Eg. We told him early on we liked eating fish, so he organised with some of our hotels some delicious fish meals.) We opted for 3 star hotels and we were very happy with the choices that Bhutan Best Travel made for us. Our experience with the staff at all the hotels was positive, and our rooms were comfortable with great views, usually looking out across a valley at the local dzong. There were so many highlights - the stunning natural scenery, the fauna and flora, the unique architecture, the fascinating history and traditions, the Bhuddist culture and way of life, and the warm and gentle Bhutanese people. We started in Paro and timed our visit in April so we could see the Paro festival and the Rhododendrons in bloom. From Paro, we headed east, visiting Thimpu, Punakha, Trongsa, Jakar (in Bumthang), and Gangtey. We visited dzongs, temples, monasteries, local markets, a local school, a local brewery, a home stay, tried our hand at archery (the national sport) and went on a number of short hikes. A real highlight was the hike up to Tiger's Nest. We started out just before sunrise to beat the crowds to the top and weren't disappointed. It was a magical experience and one not to be missed. Bhutan is a small country, but the challenging geography means a bit of time spent in the car travelling from valley to valley, negotiating narrow roads that cling to steep valley walls, snaking their way up over high passes where yaks graze amongst the Rhododendrons, with distant views of snow capped mountain peaks. Despite the challenging road conditions, we always felt safe with Tshering at the wheel. Our time in the car was spent learning about life in Bhutan, which Sangay and Tshering were happy to share with us. We can't speak more highly of Sangay and Tshering. They went out of their way to make our experience enjoyable. We learnt so much from Sangay and his knowledge of Bhutanese history and culture, and he really enriched our experience as we explored the numerous temples and dzongs that we visited. We really appreciated his willingness to tailor our experience according to our interests. Tshering was so sweet and caring. He was great company and very thoughtful. He drove extra cautiously when my husband was sick with a stomach bug for a couple of days, and constantly checked in to make sure he was OK. Sangay and Tshering made us feel relaxed and at home. We shared many meals with them, and the four of us spent hours in the car together. We developed a great rapport and had a lot of laughs along the way. It's only been a few days, but we are already missing them both. If you are planning a trip to Bhutan, we would both thoroughly recommend Bhutan Best Travel. From our first contact with the office team when we started looking into the trip, through to our final farewell with Sangay and Tshering at the airport, our experience was first rate.
Scenic Arrival in Paro with Himalayan Views and Visit to Historic Drugyal Dzong
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress – 16 km from Paro town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Mount Jumolhari (“Mountain of Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day. In the evening you can explore Paro town.
Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, you can visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government ofiices and religious institutions, as do all the dzongs (forts) currently. You will visit the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the dzong. It now houses a collection offine arts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques.
You can then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the alternoon you will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The drive to Thimphu is along a winding road following the Paro and Thimphu rivers.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Scenic Hike to Tango Monastery and Nature Walk in National Park
Alter breakfast you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the Takin reserve, which contains the national animal of Bhutan.
From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Cralts (also known as the painting school). Alter a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong, and Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom).
Overnight in Thimphu.
Spiritual Heights & Sacred Legends at the Iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
After breakfast, you will drive to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas.
After lunch, you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. On the way back from Punakha, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing.
Overnight in Wangduephodrang.
Mountain Pass Views, Punakha Dzong Visit, and a Walk to the Fertility Temple
Alter breakfast you will drive 12km north ofThimphu to hike to Tango monastery. It will take about 45 minutes to hike to the monastery. Tango Monastery is a Buddhist college, and it’s the residence of the Desi Tenzin Rabgye, a young boy who is the reincarnation of the 16th-century monk who built Tango. Altenrvard, if you wish, you can wander through Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park.
Overnight in Thimphu
Journey to Gantey and Trongsa via Scenic Valleys, Forests, and Mountain Passes
You will begin the day by driving to Gantey. You’ll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gantey village, where you’ll visit Gantey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
From Gantey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjika Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. From there, you’ll head to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and at certain times of year, it’s possible to see yaks. You can browse through the Trongsa shops and town in the afternoon.
Overnight in Trongsa.
Explore Trongsa Dzong, then Journey to Spiritual Bumthang with a Stop at a Traditional Weaving Center
In the morning, you’ll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you’ll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong.
After lunch, you’ll proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way, you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. You can spend the evening strolling through Bumthang town.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Discover Trongsa’s Architectural Marvels and Continue to Bumthang’s Spiritual Heartland
In the morning, you’ll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you’ll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong.
After lunch, you’ll proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way, you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. You can spend the evening strolling through Bumthang town.
Overnight in Bumthang.
After breakfast, you will visit the following places:
You can spend the evening exploring Bumthang town.
Overnight in Bumthang.
You’ll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangduephodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops.
The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings and bamboo work.
Overnight in Wangduephodrang.
In the morning, you will drive back to Thimphu. After lunch, you will tour the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the weaving center in Changzamtok. You can explore Thimphu town in the evening.
Overnight in Thimphu.
After breakfast, you will take a “pilgrimage” hike up to the most famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger Nest. All Bhutanese Buddhists desire to make this their pilgrimage at least once in their lives, and each step they take along the trail counts as merit points towards their future.
The trail is through the meadow of pines, rhododendrons, and oaks. Visitors choose between 2 hours round-trip hike to the cafe for a good view of the Monastery or a longer hours more strenuous hike to the Monastery itself. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and mediated here for 3 months and subdued the local deities, and converted them to Buddhism.
Later in the 17th century, the 4th Desi deities or temporal ruler of Bhutan, Tenzin Rabgye, built a temple in 1692 in its present form, thus fulfilling the wishes of Shardrung Rinpoche, who died before he built this temple. (Horse ride to the cafe is available and can be arranged at additional cost).
After lunch, on the way back to the town, you will visit the oldest temple called Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most revered temples, which was built by a Tibetan king in the 7th century to subdue the demoness.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
Today, you bid farewell to Bhutan. Our representative will transfer you to the airport and bid you farewell. Thank you for visiting Bhutan! Hope to see you again. Tashi Delek!
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Yes, all international travelers (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) require a Bhutan travel visa. The visa must be processed through an authorized Bhutanese tour operator or a partner agency. Visa approval is granted prior to your arrival and stamped at the airport.
Yes, we guarantee your Bhutan visa application process with a full refund policy!
Our Guarantee:
For the smoothest experience, we recommend:
Peace of mind guaranteed – Book with confidence!
We recommend booking 2-3 months in advance for the best experience. Here’s why:
Peak Seasons (Book 3-4 months ahead):
Regular Seasons (Book 1-2 months ahead):
Last-minute bookings possible but:
Book early for better rates, preferred accommodation, and smoother visa processing!
The best seasons to visit Bhutan are:
Spring (March to May) – Ideal for hiking, nature lovers, and rhododendron blooms.
Autumn (September to November) – Perfect weather and famous Bhutan festivals like Thimphu Tshechu.
Tip: Avoid the monsoon (June–August) if you prefer dry trekking conditions.
A Bhutan itinerary usually covers:
Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), Paro Dzong, National Museum.
Thimphu – Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong.
Punakha – Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, and scenic river valley.
Optional: Haa Valley, Phobjikha Valley, or Bumthang for cultural depth and nature.
Yes. Bhutan has a mandatory guided tour policy for international tourists. Throughout your stay, you must travel with a licensed Bhutanese guide, which ensures cultural preservation and enhances your experience.
The Tiger’s Nest hike in Paro is moderately challenging.
Duration: 4 to 6 hours round-trip.
Elevation gain: ~600 meters.
You can rent a pony up to the halfway point. Wear good hiking shoes and bring water.
We recommend all travellers to obtain their own travel insurance.
A Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a cornerstone of the country’s visionary
“High Value, Low Volume” tourism strategy. This mandatory daily charge ensures that
tourism aligns with Bhutan’s goals of environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and
equitable socio-economic growth for its communities.
Standard Fee Structure
Special Rates and Conditions
The SDF funds development projects, preserves cultural traditions, enhances
sustainability, upgrades infrastructure, and provides free healthcare and education.
A visa is to be obtained through a foreign or local agent in Bhutan (excluding Indians, Bangladeshis and Maldivians).
We require a scanned clear copy of your passports to process visas. Payment is required to be made in full in order to process your visa. Please ensure that your passport has more than 6 months of validity.
There is will be no charge for delays in arrival and departure due to weather conditions, flights disruption or road blocks.
However, the guest will have to bear the cost of food, accommodation transportation and other services required.
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) that is at par with the Indian rupee. US dollar are also accepted only at certain shops, restaurants and hotels. Generally, credits cards are not accepted, with the exception of hotels.
Almost all hotels in Thimphu and Paro have internet access. Mobile (cell) phones are also widely used with international roaming facilities.
Bhutan is an ideal place for photographers, offering immense opportunities for photography, especially our outdoor sightseeing trips.
However, indoor photography is not allowed inside Dzongs, temples, monasteries and religious institutions, unless you have a special permit from the Department of Culture.
Nevertheless, you can capture images of the landscapes, panoramic views of the mountain ranges, the rural folk life, the flora and fauna, the Bhutanese architecture and the Dzongs and Chortens in particular.
You may shop for a a variety of goods such as hand-woven textiles that is either in raw silk or silk, carved masks of various animals, woven baskets of cane and bamboo, wooden bowls known as Dapas, handmade paper products or finely crafted gods of silver.
There are also shops that sell beautiful Thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. There are many handicraft shops in and around Thimphu and Paro.
Tipping is generally only for your guide & driver, hotel porters, and trekking crew, as for the rest, tipping is generally discouraged. For children accompanying you, please do not include them in the tipping formula as only adults need to tip.
1- 2 persons travelling: US$8 – 10 per person per day for your guide & USD5 – 7 per person per day for your driver
3 -8 persons travelling: USD6 – 8 per person per day for your guide & USD3 – 5 per person per day for your driver
8-16 persons travelling: USD4 – 6 per person per day for your guide & USD3 – 5 per person per day for your driver
For travellers that are staying more than 8 nights, we recommend a slightly lower rate to be paid for your guide and driver tips, at your own discretion.
You will also need to tip your trekking cooks and horsemen (not structured to day hikes). Normally, your trekking guide will be with you throughout your entire journey. Tip your guide & driver at the end of your tour using the formula above.
We recommend the below total tips for the entire cook/horsemen crew and not per person.
Tips for 5 trekkers or less:
Short treks 4 nights or less: total USD80 to the cook/s & total US$50 to the horsemen
Longer treks 5 night plus: total USD150 to the cook/s & total US$80 to the horsemen
Tips for 6 trekkers or more:
Short treks 4 nights or less: total US$150 to the cook/s & total US$100 to the horsemen
Longer treks 5 nights plus: total USD200 to the cook/s & total USD150 to the horsemen
Tourists travel in Bhutan with medium-sized buses (20-22 seats), small buses (8-12 seats) or hired cars. Larger coaches are not permitted due to the road’s limited width.
With the high altitude, Bhutan is a challenging and rewarding experience for trekkers. It will take you deep into the beautiful and unspoilt nature. It will lead you to evergreen forests populated by various plant and animal species, forming a scenic path for you to follow. These treks lead you through villages, farms and religious temples, allowing a chance to witness the rich culture and the life of the rural Bhutanese people.
We have knowledgeable and friendly guides, cooks, porters, assistants and pony handlers at your disposal.
In short, all you need to do is simply enjoy the trek with a camera in hand as you take shots of the breathtaking scenery and mingle with the indigenous people.
In addition, we customise treks to suit each individual of different groups and needs.
Bhutan’s summers are warm with daily temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees celsius, while winters are cold with daily temperatures often falling bellow 15 degrees celsius.
If you’re visiting Bhutan during winter, be sure to pack a few sets of warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
All trekkers are accompanied by a guide, a cook and usually at least one horseman or yak herder.
They will lead your trekking group. The horseman and cook will usually run ahead during a trekking day.
They will have prepared a packed lunch for hikers and will go on to the night’s resting place to set up camp.
They set up tents, cook dinner and ready the area for arriving trekkers.
When trekkers reach the campsite they are greeted with a hot cup of tea and biscuits in the dining tent. After six hours on the mountains, no drink will ever taste sweeter.
For dinner, the cook will usually prepare a buffet of dishes that are just as delicious as they are welcoming.
In Bhutan, all trekking supplies – camping equipment, kitchen implements, food – are all carried by pack animals. Usually, the loads are carried by horses or, in higher regions, yaks.
It’s always important to ensure that you’re well-prepared before you head off on your trekking expedition in Bhutan. Here’s a little packing list that will guide you along.
Footwear
Other equipment
Clothing
Miscellaneous
Altitude sickness can be a serious problem at the altitudes hiked to in Bhutan.
If you feel sick, dizzy or have a worsening headache, stop and drink as much water as possible.
If the symptoms persist, go back down the mountain.
Bhutanese guides are trained to look out for altitude sickness and other ailments that can affect trekkers.
They are expert walkers who have been trained as trekking guides and follow routes that have been walked for centuries.
All trekkers are required to strictly follow trekking rules to protect the fragile environment at high altitudes.
Yes, Bhutan is one of the safest countries to visit.
Low crime rate.
Friendly and welcoming locals.
Clean, peaceful environment.
Respect local traditions and follow these basic Bhutanese cultural etiquette rules:
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Walk clockwise around stupas and religious structures.
Remove your shoes before entering temples.
Avoid pointing at sacred objects.
Always ask before photographing monks or locals.