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Contact Person: Chimi Dem
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Office Location:Changlam Rd, Thimphu

Upcoming Festival Tours

Feb 22 -Mar 2,2026 Punakha Festival Tour
Mar 26 to April 3,2026 Talo & Paro Tshechu
Mar 26 to April 3,2026 Talo & Paro Tshechu
May 9-13, 2025 Ura Yakchoe Festival
April 7-9,2025 Haa Spring Festival
Sept 25-Oct 1,2025 Thimphu Drubchen Tour
Sept 29-Oct 7 Thimphu & Gangtey Tshechu
Oct 7-8,2025 Thangbi Mewang
Nov 1-11,2025 Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Dec 12-18,2025 Druk Wangyel Festival
Dec 27-31,2025 Trongsa Tshechu

Bhutan Trip Cost & Tour Itinerary of 8 Night/9 Day Bhutan Heritage Tour

Overview of Tour itinerary

Day	Highlights	Overnight
Day 1	Arrival in Paro – Travel to Thimphu & Cultural Exploration	Thimphu
Day 2	Scenic Drive to Phobjikha Valley & Exploration	Phobjikha
Day 3	Gangtey Nature Trail Hike & Travel to Bumthang via Trongsa	Bumthang
Day 4	Day Excursion to Tang Valley	Bumthang
Day 5	Bumthang Cultural Tour & Travel to Punakha	Punakha
Day 6	Cultural Exploration & Immersive Village Experience & Journey to Thimphu	Thimphu
Day 7	Thimphu Cultural Tour, Travel to Paro & Paro Cultural Tour	Paro
Day 8	Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery & Bhutanese Traditional Hotstone Bath Experience	Paro
Day 9	Departure from Paro	–

Detailed Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Travel to Thimphu & Cultural Exploration - overnight in Thimphu

Overview of the Tour itinerary

Distance: 54 km & estimated driving time: 1 hour
Altitude at Thimphu: 2330 m

Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you’ll be welcomed by our Bhutan tour guide from Access Bhutan Tour – your local tour operator and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital. On the way, enjoy walking over a suspension bridge to view 15^th century iron chain bridge suspended over the Pa chu near Tamchog Monastery and you may visit the monastery.

As you continue along the Wangchu River, enjoy picturesque countryside views, traditional houses, and beautiful landscapes before reaching Thimphu.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax briefly after your journey.

Afternoon Cultural Sightseeing in Thimphu:

National Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts. Here, young Bhutanese undergo six years of intensive training in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts, including thangka painting, sculpture, wood carving, and embroidery. A visit here offers deep insight into the country’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

Changlimithang Archery Ground:
Just a short walk from the market is the Changlimithang National Stadium, where you can witness Bhutan’s national sport—archery. On weekends and holidays, locals passionately compete in traditional matches accompanied by song, laughter, and celebration. It’s an engaging way to observe Bhutan’s unique sports culture and interact with friendly locals.

Traditional Bhutanese Paper-Making at Jungshi Paper Factory

Visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory in Thimphu, where Bhutan’s ancient paper-making tradition comes to life. The art of handmade paper in Bhutan dates back to the 8th century and is a cherished part of the country’s cultural heritage.

This traditional craft, passed down through generations, uses the bark of the Daphne plant (locally known as Deshing) to produce high-quality paper known as “Deh-sho.” The resulting paper is valued not only for its durability and beauty, but also for its spiritual and historical significance in Bhutanese society.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, take a relaxed evening stroll through the vibrant capital, where modern life meets traditional culture. Visit the popular Craft Bazaar, a curated marketplace with over 80 stalls featuring handmade arts and crafts from across Bhutan. This is a great place to purchase authentic Bhutanese souvenirs and witness the creativity of Bhutan’s artisans.

Flag Lowering Ceremony at Tashichhoe Dzong:
At around 5:00 PM, Witness the national flag lowering ceremony, a solemn and symbolic tradition that marks the end of the day at Tashichhoe Dzong, a magnificent 17th-century fortress known as the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion.” Located on the banks of the Wangchu River, this impressive structure houses the King’s office, the throne room, and the central monastic body.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Scenic Drive to Phobjikha Valley & Exploration - overnight in Phobjikha

Thimphu-Phobjikha Distance: 135 km, estimated driving time: 4 hr
Altitude at Phobjikha:2900m

After breakfast, begin your scenic journey to Phobjikha Valley with a 35-minute drive to the Dochula Pass (3,088 m). On a clear day, the pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan range — a perfect photo stop.

From Dochula, continue your drive past the picturesque villages of Thinleygang and Lobesa. After lunch en route, the road ascends through dense conifer and broadleaf forests, passing through charming rural hamlets such as Nobding and Gogona, before reaching the pristine Phobjikha Valley.

Phobjikha lies within the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (formerly Black Mountain National Park), one of the largest untouched tracts of forest in the Eastern Himalayas. The valley’s diverse elevation and rainfall patterns create a rich ecosystem, supporting an impressive variety of flora, fauna, and birdlife — including the endangered Black-Necked Cranes, which migrate here in winter.

This journey is not just a transfer but an immersive introduction to Bhutan’s natural beauty, biodiversity, and rural life.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax in the peaceful ambiance of the valley. After refreshment Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, followed by a short walk through the valley’s fields and traditional farmhouses, where you’ll have the opportunity to freely interact with local villagers and experience rural Bhutanese life up close.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Phobjikha.

Day 3: Gangtey Nature Trail Hike & Travel to Bumthang via Trongsa - overnight in Bumthang

Distance: 155km & estimated driving time: 5 hours
Altitude at Pele La Pass:3300m
Altitude at Yotong La Pass:3400m

Altitude at Bumthang: 2600 m

After breakfast, visit the historic Gangtey Monastery, one of the most important Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan. From here, embark on a gentle downhill hike through scenic alpine meadows to the village of Semchubara. The trail continues through enchanting forests before opening up into the wide Phobjikha Valley. After passing a traditional chorten (stupa), the hike concludes at Kinga Lhakhang, a serene village temple.
Approximate hiking time: 50 minutes

Then,embark on a scenic journey to Bumthang via the scenic Pele La Pass (3,300 m). As you cross the pass, the landscape opens up to reveal the picturesque beauty of rural Bhutan – scattered traditional farmhouses nestled far from the main road, open meadows, and highland yak herding communities. This stretch offers fantastic photography opportunities, with multiple scenic stops along the way.

En route, you’ll pass the historic Chendebji Chorten, a 19th-century stupa built in the style of Nepal’s Swayambhunath, before arriving at Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family.

After a refreshment break at Trongsa, visit the magnificent Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses. Built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong is an architectural marvel, dramatically perched on a ridge with layered whitewashed buildings cascading down the slope. Next,visit the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the historic Ta Dzong, a former watchtower overlooking Paro Valley. The museum offers a fascinating insight into Bhutan’s rich culture and history through a carefully curated collection of artifacts, religious relics, traditional costumes, and ancient manuscripts. A short documentary film is also shown, providing an engaging overview of Bhutanese history, including the evolution of its monarchy and cultural heritage.

Afterwards, continue eastward, crossing the Yotong La Pass (3,400 m) before descending into the spiritual heartland of Bumthang.

Just before reaching your destination, stop at the Yathra Weaving Centre in Zungney Village, where you’ll witness local artisans weaving vibrant Yathra textiles — colorful, handwoven woolen fabrics unique to the Bumthang region. Made from the wool of locally reared sheep, Yathra is traditionally used to craft jackets, scarves, bags, and more. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about Bhutan’s rich textile traditions and support local craftsmanship.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Bumthang.Top of Form

Day 4: Day Excursion to Tang Valley – overnight in Bumthang

Bumthang –Tang Valley: Distance:46 km, estimated driving time:1 hour
Altitude at Tang Valley:2800m

After breakfast, embark on a scenic one-hour drive to the remote and tranquil Tang Valley, one of the four valleys that make up the Bumthang district. Unlike the fertile lands of other valleys, Tang’s soil is less suitable for cultivation, so the locals primarily raise sheep and yaks, especially at higher elevations.

Upon arrival in Tang, enjoy a gentle hike through the upper villages, where you can interact with friendly locals working in their fields — a wonderful opportunity to observe traditional rural life and exchange a few warm words.

Next, visit the Ogyen Choling Heritage Museum, a beautifully preserved manor house that once served as a royal palace. Now a private museum, it houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts, religious objects, and household items, offering deep insight into Bhutanese aristocratic life.
Lunch will be served at a nearby farmhouse, where you can relax over traditional Bhutanese cuisine with tea before exploring the museum.

In the afternoon, return to Bumthang Jakar and visit the iconic Jakar Dzong, also known as the Fortress of the White Bird. Perched on a ridge overlooking the valley, the dzong holds great historical and spiritual significance. According to legend, when Lama Ngagi Wangchuk (1517–1554) arrived to spread the Drukpa Kagyupa teachings, he witnessed a white bird land on the hilltop — a divine sign that led him to establish a temple and monastic center on the site. Over the centuries, the structure was expanded by various religious and political figures.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Bumthang.Top of Form

Day 5: Bumthang Cultural Tour & Travel to Punakha – overnight in Punakha

Distance: 197 km, driving time: 5 hours
Altitude at Punakha :1300 m

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, also known as Tamshing Lhendrup Chholing, meaning “Temple of the Good Message.” Founded in the early 16th century by the great spiritual master Pema Lingpa, this temple is an important center of the Nyingma tradition and houses some of Bhutan’s oldest religious wall paintings.

Next, enjoy a pleasant 10-minute walk, crossing a traditional suspension bridge over the Chamkhar Chu River to reach Kurjey Lhakhang. Kurjey means “body imprint,” and the temple is named after the sacred cave where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated and left the imprint of his body. The oldest of the three temples was built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa, the Trongsa Penlop.

Continue to Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It is believed to be one of 108 temples he commissioned across the Himalayan region to subdue a demoness and propagate Buddhism.

Afterward, visit a traditional farmhouse near Jambay Lhakhang, where you’ll enjoy an authentic Bhutanese lunch in a warm and rustic local setting.

Post-lunch, Depart Bumthang and begin your westward journey to Punakha. Along the way, pass through Chumey Valley, one of the four valleys of Bumthang, where you may stop to engage with friendly locals and observe their daily rural life.

Continue the drive and cross the Yotong La Pass (3,400 m), offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, before descending into Trongsa — the historic center of Bhutan’s royal lineage. Upon arrival in Trongsa, take a short refreshment break.

Afterward, resume your journey toward Punakha, crossing the scenic Pele La Pass (3,300 m) and traveling through mountain forests and scattered highland settlements. The drive is long but rewarding, with opportunities for photo stops along the way.

You are expected to arrive in Punakha by late evening, where you can rest and prepare for the next day’s exploration of this subtropical valley.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Punakha.

Day 6: Cultural Exploration & Immersive Village Experience & Journey to Thimphu - overnight in Thimphu

Distance: 71 km, driving time: 2 hours

Altitude at Thimphu :2330 m

After breakfast, drive about 15 minutes through the scenic upper Punakha valley, then enjoy a leisurely walk crossing a suspension bridge and meandering through lush paddy fields to reach the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang. This stunning temple, built by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck—the Queen Mother of Bhutan—is dedicated to promoting peace and stability in an ever-changing world. Perched atop a hill overlooking the valley, the temple can be reached via a gentle hike that takes approximately one hour each way. After visiting the temple, soak in the breathtaking views from this serene vantage point. The entire round-trip walk usually takes about two hours.

Next,visit the iconic Punakha Dzong, majestically situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river).

From the dzong, take a 15-minute walk to one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, spanning 350 meters high above the swift Pho Chu. Draped with colorful prayer flags, this bridge connects the town of Punakha with the dzong and serves as a vital shortcut for locals from the nearby village.

Following a riverside picnic lunch, take a 20-minute walk through the picturesque Sopsokha village, surrounded by lush rice fields, to reach Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Divine Madman’s Monastery. This sacred site is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the eccentric yogi-saint known for subduing evil spirits with humor, song, and his symbolic phallus.

Legend says that Lama Drukpa Kinley subdued a demoness here, and Chimi Lhakhang was built on the site by his brother, Lama Ngawang Chogyal. Today, the temple is visited by couples seeking fertility blessings, making it one of Bhutan’s most spiritually significant and culturally unique attractions.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a short uphill walk to Rinchengang Village, a centuries-old settlement perched across from Wangduephodrang Dzong. The village is known for its cluster of traditional stone houses and skilled artisans who specialize in Bhutanese stone masonry-an ancient craft passed down through generations.

In the evening, travel back to Thimphu via the scenic Dochula Pass, concluding a day rich with culture and nature.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 7: Thimphu Cultural Tour, Travel to Paro & Paro Cultural tour – overnight in Paro

Distance: 54 km & estimated driving time: 1 hour
Altitude at Paro: 2200 m

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the iconic Buddha Dordenma at Kuenselphodrang – one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, standing at a height of 51.5 meters. Made of bronze and gilded in gold, this majestic statue sits atop a meditation hall and overlooks the southern entrance of Thimphu Valley. Located within the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the Buddha Dordenma fulfills a centuries-old prophecy foretold by Terton Pema Lingpa and is believed to radiate peace and harmony across the world.

Next, visit the Takin Preserve
A short drive brings you to the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal – the Takin, a gentle creature found only in the Eastern Himalayas. The preserve provides a natural habitat where visitors can observe these unique goat-antelope-like animals in a serene forest setting.

Centenary Farmers’ Market:
Begin your Thimphu cultural tour with a visit to the bustling Centenary Farmers’ Market, a popular weekend market where locals from nearby villages gather to sell their fresh produce. Stroll through rows of organic vegetables, fruits, local cottage cheeses, dried chilies, and other Bhutanese farm products. It’s a great opportunity for photography and to immerse in authentic Bhutanese daily life.

Continue to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to subdue an evil spirit said to haunt the region. The name Simtokha means “Atop a Demon,” and the dzong now houses one of the premier institutes for Dzongkha language learning.

Afterwards, explore Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center, where skilled female weavers bring Bhutanese textile traditions to life. Watch them create intricate patterns using vibrant silk and cotton, producing traditional kiras, scarves, shawls, and ghos.

After lunch, travel to Paro Valley and enjoy a scenic walk across Rimpung Bridge (Nyaime Zampa), Bhutan’s oldest traditional cantilever bridge, leading you to the magnificent Paro Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley. The dzong is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and continues to serve as a religious and administrative center.

Later in the afternoon, take a short 10-minute drive to Bondey village, followed by a gentle 20-minute uphill walk to reach Dzongdrakha Temple – often called the “mini Taktsang.” Perched on cliffs above Bondey, these temples are steeped in legends, including one about a levitating monument secured within one of the shrines to prevent it from flying into the sky.

In the evening, enjoy leisure time exploring Paro Town at your own pace. Stroll through its charming streets, browse handicraft shops, or relax at a cozy café.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

Day 8: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery & Bhutanese Traditional Hotstone Bath Experience- overnight in Paro

Altitude at Takstang:3000m

After breakfast, drive for about 1 hour to the base of Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s most revered and iconic historical monuments. Begin your hike through pine-scented forests; it takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the Viewpoint, where you will ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the monastery clinging to a vertical cliff at 3,120 meters above sea level. Pause for refreshments at the Taktsang Cafeteria, a scenic rest stop offering incredible views and a chance to catch your breath.

Continue your ascent for another 1.5 hours to reach the monastery itself. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) flew to this sacred site on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated in a cave for three months. The current monastery was built in 1692 around this holy cave. Although it was tragically damaged by fire in 1998, it has been restored to its former glory, preserving its spiritual significance and architectural beauty.

After exploring the sacred temples inside the Taktsang monastery descend to the cafeteria for lunch with a view, before hiking back down to the base.

In the late afternoon, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed with Bhutanese butter tea and local snacks, offering a genuine glimpse into rural Bhutanese hospitality and lifestyle. Experience the cultural charm of the countryside, and try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport – archery, using traditional bamboo bows and arrows.

Enjoy an authentic Bhutanese dinner at the farmhouse, featuring home-cooked dishes prepared with local ingredients.

Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 9: Departure from Paro

After breakfast, your tour guide and driver from Access Bhutan Tours — your trusted local Bhutan tour operator – will escort you to Paro International Airport for your departure flight.

Note: The above Bhutan Tour itinerary can be customized to suit your specific interests. Please let us know your preferences when planning your Bhutan trip with us.

Cost of Bhutan Trip Package for the 8 -Night /9-Day Bhutan Valleys & Mountain Vistas

Travel Season	Accommodation Options	1 pax	2-3 pax	4 pax & above
Low Season: July, Aug, Dec, Jan, Feb	3-star hotels/homestay	USD 2520/person	USD 1920/person	USD 1880/person
Regular Season: Mar, April, May, Jun, Sept, Oct & Nov	3-star hotels/homestay	USD 2575/person	USD 1960/person	USD 1920/person
Low Season: July, Aug, Dec, Jan, Feb	4-star hotels	USD 3080/person	USD 2480/person	USD 2400/person
Regular Season: Mar, April, May, Jun, Sept, Oct & Nov	4-star hotels	USD 3200/person	USD 2560/person	USD 2480/person

The Above Bhutan Trip Package Cost Includes the Following:

Accommodation in a single room for a solo traveler or double/twin room for 2 or more travelers at 3-star hotels/homestay or 4-star hotels (as per your selected option)

Breakfast and dinner at the hotels
Licensed and experienced English-speaking tour guide
All land transportation within Bhutan -including airport transfers-in a private vehicle (vehicle type will depend on number of travelers) with your personal driver and Bhutan travel guide
Daily unlimited supply of bottled mineral water
Bhutan Visa Fee of USD 40 per person
Government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) / tourism Levy /Tourist tax of USD 100 per person per night
Lunch at restaurants or traditional farmhouses (as per your preferences)

Entrance fees to all monuments, museums, and other sites

The above Cost of Bhutan trip do not include the following:

International airfare to and from Bhutan
Alcoholic beverages (optional)
Personal expenses such as laundry, overseas calls, tips, etc.
5-star luxury hotel accommodations and meals (available upon request at an additional cost)

Complimentary Services:

Traditional Bhutanese attire (Gho/Kira) for complimentary rental , should you wish to experience wearing it
Archery experience with traditional bamboo bows and arrows, arranged at a local farmhouse upon request
Traditional hotstone bath at a farmhouse following your strenous hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Why Choose This Bhutan Tour Package?

Authentic Local Travel Expertise: This private or small-group tour is organized directly by a licensed local Bhutan tour operator with deep knowledge of the country – Bhutan, ensuring a truly personalized and authentic travel experience.
Comprehensive Exploration: Discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of both Western and Central Bhutan in just 8 nights and 9 days.
Immersive Cultural Experience: Enjoy meaningful interactions with local communities and gain deep insight into the traditional Bhutanese way of life.
Tailored Comfort: Stay in handpicked accommodations of your choice — from charming 3★ hotels to quality 4★ or luxurious 5★ properties – offering comfort and style to match your preferences and budget.
Transparent & Inclusive Tour Pricing: Our all-inclusive Bhutan tour package is reasonably priced with no hidden costs — what you see is what you pay.
Balanced & Enriching Itinerary: Thoughtfully crafted to blend stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and insights into everyday Bhutanese life -for a well-rounded, fulfilling journey.

***Thank you & Tashi Delek***

For more information please reach out to us at WhatsApp: +975 17110720/ Email: accessbhutan@gmail.com