Cultural Discovery - Paro to Bumthang 10 Days

A ten-day cultural arc from the Paro valley east through Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Trongsa, and the spiritual heartland of Bumthang, returning by domestic flight.

About this trip

This is the journey we recommend to travelers who want more than the western highlights. Over ten days you cross five mountain passes, sleep in four valleys, walk the courtyards of seven dzongs, and end in Bumthang, where Guru Rinpoche first brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. We use the Bumthang domestic flight on day 9 to skip the long return drive and free up a full day for Tiger's Nest. Mid-range hotels throughout; private vehicle (Toyota Prado or HiAce depending on group size). Best between mid-March and mid-May or late September through November for clear Himalayan views.

Highlights

→Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang, 3,120 m)
→Punakha Dzong at the Mo Chhu / Pho Chhu confluence
→Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Goempa (Nyingma school)
→Trongsa Dzong, ancestral seat of the Wangchuck dynasty
→Bumthang sacred sites: Jambay, Kurjey, and Tamshing Lhakhang
→Bumthang to Paro domestic flight (45 min, saves a full driving day)

Day by day

Included

✓Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide
✓All accommodation (twin-share, tier as noted per day)
✓All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✓Private transport with experienced driver
✓All monument and museum entry fees
✓Bhutan visa processing
✓Bottled drinking water during transit
✓Bumthang to Paro domestic flight (subject to availability)

Not included

✗International flights to/from Paro
✗Sustainable Development Fee (USD 100/person/night, paid separately)
✗5% GST on tour cost (from Jan 1, 2026)
✗Travel insurance
✗Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities