Travel from Bagdogra into Bhutan’s heartland, where peaceful valleys, ancient heritage, and Himalayan landscapes create a deeply memorable journey.
With Rays Holiday, experience Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, and the timeless spiritual path to Tiger’s Nest.
Tour Overview
This Bhutan journey covers Paro, Punakha, Bumthang and Thimphu, combining important cultural sites with changing landscapes across western and central Bhutan. Visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, Punakha Dzong and Dochula Pass before continuing to Bumthang for its historic temples and traditional villages. Return to Thimphu for Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, traditional arts and local markets. The trip concludes with a drive from Thimphu to Phuentsholing for your onward destination.
Highlights
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike in Paro
- Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang
- Visit Punakha Dzong and experience its riverside cultural setting
- Explore Paro’s sacred temples, historic dzongs, and peaceful valley scenery
- Enjoy a full dedicated day for Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Tour Itinerary
This 7-night, 8-day Bhutan itinerary covers Paro, Punakha, Bumthang and Thimphu, with a good mix of cultural visits, historic sites and scenic drives. Visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Rinpung Dzong in Paro, Punakha Dzong and Dochula Pass, followed by Bumthang’s ancient temples and traditional villages. Return to Thimphu for Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, traditional arts and local markets before driving to Phuentsholing for departure to your onward destination.
Arrive in Paro and meet your guide for the transfer to the hotel. After check-in and some rest, begin sightseeing around Paro Valley. Visit Rinpung Dzong, an important historic fortress overlooking the valley, followed by Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Later, walk around Paro town, visit local shops and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, spend the day visiting Paro’s most important landmark, Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. The hike passes through pine forests and mountain viewpoints before reaching the monastery built along the cliffside. After completing the hike, return to the valley and visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse if time permits. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring Paro town and its local market.
Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, drive from Paro to Punakha via Thimphu and Dochula Pass, known for its 108 chortens and mountain views on clear days. Continue downhill into the warmer Punakha Valley and visit Punakha Dzong, located between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Depending on time, visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge or Chimi Lhakhang before checking into your hotel for the evening.
Overnight: Punakha
After breakfast, begin the drive to Bumthang through central Bhutan, passing mountain passes, forests, villages and changing landscapes. Travel through Trongsa, where you can stop for views of the impressive Trongsa Dzong before continuing toward Bumthang. The journey provides a good view of Bhutan’s central valleys and rural settlements. Arrive in Bumthang, check into your hotel and spend a quiet evening in the valley.
Overnight: Bumthang
Spend the day visiting Bumthang’s important religious and historical sites. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang, each closely connected with Bhutan’s Buddhist history. Continue through the valley to see traditional villages, farmland and local surroundings. Depending on time, visit local shops or small cottage industries producing traditional products. Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening in the peaceful Bumthang Valley.
Overnight: Bumthang
After breakfast, leave Bumthang for the return journey to Thimphu. Travel through central Bhutan, passing Trongsa, mountain passes, forests and small settlements along the way. Stop at suitable locations for refreshments, photographs and views of the surrounding valleys. Continue toward western Bhutan and arrive in Thimphu in the evening. Check into your hotel and rest after the long drive, with the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Thimphu
Spend the day visiting Thimphu’s main cultural and religious sites. Visit Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang, the National Memorial Chorten, Folk Heritage Museum and traditional Painting School. Continue to the Handicrafts Emporium and Tashichho Dzong, depending on opening hours. Later, explore the city center and local market, with time for shopping, cafés and a relaxed walk around Bhutan’s capital city.
Overnight: Thimphu
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive from Thimphu to Phuentsholing through forested mountains, river valleys and Bhutan’s southern foothills. Stop at suitable places along the way for refreshments and photographs. Upon arrival in Phuentsholing, complete the necessary departure formalities. Your guide and driver will assist with the arrangements and bid you farewell as you continue to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!
Tour Cost & Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation in certified hotels
- Bed & Breakfast (CP plan)
- Private transportation
- Airport pickup and drop-off to Phuntsholing
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Entry fees to monuments and sites
- All permits required for travel
- All government taxes and service charges
- Basic first-aid support during travel
- Bottled water during travel
What’s Not Included
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- International airfare / travel to Bhutan
- Entry fees to monuments and sites
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities
Route Overview
The route begins in Paro with two nights of sightseeing before continuing to Punakha via Dochula Pass. Travel onward to Bumthang for two nights, visiting important temples and traditional villages in central Bhutan. Return west to Thimphu for two nights of cultural sightseeing and local experiences. The journey concludes with a drive from Thimphu to Phuentsholing for departure to your onward destination.
Tour Highlights
Scenic drive from Thimphu to Phuentsholing for departure, Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike in Paro, Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, Dochula Pass and its 108 chortens, Historic Punakha Dzong and river valley, Central Bhutan road journey to Bumthang, Jambay, Kurjey and Tamshing Lhakhangs in Bumthang, Traditional villages and rural landscapes, Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang, National Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu traditional arts, handicrafts and local markets

