7 Days Fascinating Bhutan

Embark on a 7-day journey from the historic Paro Valley to the pristine Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most stunning natural wonders. Experience the magic of this glacial valley, famous as the winter sanctuary of the endangered black-necked cranes and surrounded by magnificent Himalayan peaks.

Bhutan Cultural Tour

ABOUT TRIP

This carefully crafted tour combines cultural heritage with natural splendour, offering unique opportunities to witness Bhutan’s rich biodiversity, visit ancient monasteries, and experience the traditional lifestyle of local villages. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking to capture the rare beauty of Bhutan’s protected wildlife and untouched landscapes in the heart of the Dragon Kingdom.

Hear From Our Satisfied Travellers

Our Guests Rate Their Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

tripadvisor

A Perfect Trip

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.

tripadvisor

Lifetime trip / Honeymoon

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.

ebF9653GL April 27, 2025
tripadvisor

Good overall first time experience in 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)

anghong April 27, 2025
tripadvisor

Trip of a lifetime!

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.

cathy2939 April 25, 2025

Day 1 (Paro, Thimphu)

Welcome to Bhutan – Scenic Flights, Sacred Monasteries & a Warm Thimphu Arrival

Upon arrival, your Bhutan Best Travel (BBT) guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. During the journey, observe the countryside’s traditional Bhutanese architecture, with all buildings featuring distinctive local design and painting styles.

En route, visit the National Museum in Paro, which features an informative audio-visual presentation – an excellent introduction for visitors to the Kingdom.

Upon reaching Thimphu, check in to your hotel before lunch.

Afternoon sightseeing in Thimphu includes:

  • Golden Buddha statue, offering panoramic valley views
  • National Memorial Stupa
  • National Textile Museum
  • Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal

Overnight stay at Pedling Hotel or Dorji Elements in Thimphu.

Day 2 (Thimphu)

Crossing the Sacred Pass of Dochula

This morning, travel north up the Thimphu valley for a slow walk through the forest to either Cheri or Tango Goemba. En route, view the majestic Trashichhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices and, time permitting, pay a visit to Pangri Zampa – two 16th-century buildings that now house a monastic training school for astrologers.

Other recommended places to visit are Zorig Chusum – the Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan (sometimes closed for visitors); the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts; the handmade paper making factory, the Folk Heritage Museum and the weekend market (Fri-Sun) where everyone goes to buy an array of fresh fruits and vegetables and many colourful local items such as yak tail dusters, cups of butter tea, turquoise from Tibet, and musical instruments.

Afterwards, take a stroll along Thimphu’s main street, Norzin Lam. Your guide will advise you of the best options.

Overnight stay at Pedling Hotel or Dorji Elements Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3 (Thimphu, Punakha)

From Mountain Passes to Fertility Temples

After breakfast, proceed to Punakha Valley. En route, visit Simtokha Dzong, built in 1629, the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley and now serves as a Theological university. Continue ascending to Dochula Pass to view 108 stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during a low-intensity conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan-India border. On a clear day, witness breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas.

Visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong, which formerly served as the seat of government and remains the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body). This is Bhutan’s most spectacular dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress and centre of both monastic and administrative functions has adapted and evolved for modern-day use. This afternoon, travel northwards up the Punakha valley and take a fascinating hike through fields of vegetables and tiny hamlets to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This chorten holds special significance, being consecrated in 1999 and dedicated to the protection of the former Crown Prince – today’s current King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Overnight stay at Meri Puensum Resort, Punakha.

Day 4 (Punakha, Gantey)

From Divine Madman to Sacred Cranes

fter breakfast, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk) who has a colourful history. The temple is an easy 20-minute walk across paddy fields. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing) from the resident monk.

Pass through Wangdue, one of the major towns and district capitals of Western Bhutan. Located south of Punakha, Wangdue is the last town before central Bhutan. The district is famous for its fine bamboo work and its slate and stone carving.

Upon arrival at Phobjikha Valley, visit the renowned winter home of the Black-necked crane. Every winter from early November until end of March, approximately six hundred Black-necked cranes visit Phobjikha Valley, flying in from Tibet. Overlooking the valley is the Gangtey Goemba, an old monastery dating back to the 17th century.

Overnight stay at Gakling Guest House/Farmhouse.

Day 5 (Gantey, Paro)

Return to the Valley of Paro

After breakfast, leave Phobjikha and proceed to Paro Valley, crossing Dochula Pass once again, and arrive in Paro town in time for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour of Paro’s major attractions, including Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge.

In Paro, take a stroll along the main street, which offers excellent shopping for jewellery and handicrafts. Alternatively, your guide can arrange a valley hike to suit your fitness level and time preferences.

Overnight stay at Mandala Resort, Paro.

Day 6 (Tiger's Nest)

The Tiger’s Sacred Lair: Taktsang Pilgrimage

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) is one of the most sacred and revered monasteries in the Kingdom, and all Bhutanese Buddhists desire to make a pilgrimage visit to Taktsang at least once in their lives. Each step taken towards the monastery gains merit points towards their future. This morning, you too will have the opportunity and good fortune to take a pilgrimage hike to the Taktsang Monastery.

Choose between a 2-hour round trip hike to the monastery viewpoint or a longer 5-hour hike into the monastery itself. Tiger’s Nest clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at over 1,000 metres above the valley floor, where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue local demons, followed by 3 months meditation in a cave still visible in the monastery. In 1998, the monastery was seriously damaged by fire and has since been painstakingly reconstructed to its original condition and consecrated by the 4th King in 2005.

Afterwards, if time permits, visit Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples, boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit, followed by a visit to the old ruined fortress of Drukgyel Dzong (14km from Paro). This is the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory, from which the Bhutanese used to repel Tibetan invaders again and again. On a clear day, views of the 7,314-metre snow-domed peak of sacred Mount Chomolhari can be seen.

Overnight stay at Mandala Resort, Paro.

Day 7 (Depart)

Farewell to Bhutan: Safe Travels and Hope to See You Again!

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!

BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY!

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