Tiger’s Nest, Punakha and Bumthang

Best of Bhutan:

Tiger’s Nest, Punakha and Bumthang

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From £7,580pp

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14 Nights

Tibetan Buddhist Flags en route to Tiger's Nest Monastery Paro Bhutan

Scripts on a Rock at Kurjey Lhakhang Bumthang Bhutan

Inner View Trongsa Dzong Bumthang Bhutan

Painted Figure on Gangtey Monastery Bhutan

Bhutan’s valleys unfold with sacred monasteries hidden temples and timeless traditions waiting to be discovered

Bhutan’s dramatic valleys, high passes, and sacred sites form the heart of this journey, offering an immersive experience of the kingdom’s landscapes, culture, and heritage. From Thimphu to Punakha, Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang, and Paro, explore centuries-old monasteries, dzongs, and temples that reveal the rhythms of Bhutanese life, while village walks and artisan encounters provide insight into traditional crafts and local customs. Gentle drives and short hikes take you through terraced fields, tranquil valleys, and panoramic mountain vistas, allowing ample time for reflection and observation. Along the way, visits to heritage museums, participation in culinary experiences, and encounters with seasonal rituals deepen understanding of Bhutan’s rich cultural tapestry. Carefully paced and thoughtfully designed, the itinerary balances immersive discovery with comfort, offering a memorable and authentic exploration of Bhutan’s landscapes and traditions.

Itinerary highlights

Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff above Paro Valley, where legend, devotion, and dramatic landscapes converge.

Stand before the golden Buddha Dordenma as it watches over Thimphu, its serene presence mirrored across the valley.

Wander the ornate courtyards of Punakha Dzong where rivers meet and centuries of Bhutanese history unfold in wood and stone.

Cross Dochula Pass amid panoramic Himalayan vistas, pausing to drink in terraced fields and peaceful villages below.

Stroll through the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, home to endangered black-necked cranes and quiet mountain meadows.

Discover Bumthang’s sacred temples, from Jambay Lhakhang to Tamshing Lhakhang, where murals and rock imprints tell timeless stories.

Immerse yourself in village life and traditional crafts, meeting local artisans and farmers who preserve Bhutan’s living cultural heritage.

Bhutan’s valleys unfold with sacred monasteries hidden temples and timeless traditions waiting to be discovered

Itinerary highlights

Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff above Paro Valley, where legend, devotion, and dramatic landscapes converge.

Stand before the golden Buddha Dordenma as it watches over Thimphu, its serene presence mirrored across the valley.

Wander the ornate courtyards of Punakha Dzong where rivers meet and centuries of Bhutanese history unfold in wood and stone.

Cross Dochula Pass amid panoramic Himalayan vistas, pausing to drink in terraced fields and peaceful villages below.

Stroll through the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, home to endangered black-necked cranes and quiet mountain meadows.

Discover Bumthang’s sacred temples, from Jambay Lhakhang to Tamshing Lhakhang, where murals and rock imprints tell timeless stories.

Immerse yourself in village life and traditional crafts, meeting local artisans and farmers who preserve Bhutan’s living cultural heritage.

Day 1

Journey begins

Your adventure begins with a flight to Delhi, the gateway to Bhutan. As the aircraft soars above the clouds, anticipation builds for the landscapes and experiences that lie ahead. The hum of the engine blends with your thoughts of mountains, monasteries, and hidden valleys waiting to be discovered.

Day 2

Delhi, India

Arrive in Delhi and feel the city’s vibrant energy brushing against you even in the quiet of the airport. Upon arrival, you can arrange your own transport to a nearby hotel where calm and comfort await, offering a chance to rest and recharge. Tonight is for gentle reflection, readying yourself for the mountains and monasteries of Bhutan that beckon the next day.

Day 3

Thimphu, Bhutan

Board your flight from Delhi to Paro and feel the excitement rise as the Himalayas appear beneath you. The crisp mountain air greets you at Paro International Airport, a perfect prelude to the wonders ahead. Journey to Thimphu, pausing at Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, a 15th-century suspension bridge adorned with fluttering prayer flags, built by the revered Nyingma master Tangtong Gyalpo. Arriving in Thimphu, explore Tashichho Dzong, an elegant fortress-monastery where Bhutanese tradition and governance intertwine. As evening falls, settle into your hotel, the perfect haven to rest and reflect on your first taste of Bhutan’s serene charm.

Day 4

Thimphu, Bhutan

Begin your day with the awe-inspiring Buddha Dordenma, a golden giant standing 51 metres tall atop a hill, overlooking the Thimphu valley. Inside, thousands of smaller Buddha statues shimmer in quiet splendour. At the Memorial Chorten, witness locals circumambulating and spinning prayer wheels, their devotion filling the air with serenity. Wander through the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students bring Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts to life in intricate detail. Step into the Folk Heritage Museum, a charming farmhouse that immerses you in centuries of rural life. Finish at Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient temple offering blessings and breath-taking views across the valley.

Day 5

Punakha, Bhutan

Start your morning at the Bhutan Postal Museum, where the kingdom’s unique postal history comes alive. Discover the colourful stamps and even create your own personalised keepsake. Then, drive towards Punakha, crossing the scenic Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres. On a clear day, the snow-capped Himalayas stretch across the horizon, while below, terraced fields and quaint villages reveal the rhythm of rural life. Pause at the Royal Botanical Park in Lamperi, wandering among vibrant flora and serene landscapes, before continuing to Punakha, where the valley’s gentle beauty welcomes you to the next chapter of your Bhutanese journey.

Day 6

Punakha, Bhutan

Begin the day at Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, its soaring courtyards, intricate woodwork, and sacred temples reveal Bhutan’s rich heritage. A short countryside walk brings you to Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple, where pilgrims seek blessings amid whispers of history. In the afternoon, a gentle one-hour hike leads to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, perched atop a hill. Wander through rice fields and pine forests, then pause to drink in sweeping views of the valley below, the chorten’s artistry and serenity leaving a lasting impression.

Day 7

Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey), Bhutan

After an early breakfast, drive through the winding roads over Lawala Pass and descend into the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, cradled by the Black Mountains. Known as Gangtey, the valley is a winter sanctuary for the endangered, black-necked cranes. Visit Gangtey Monastery, a spiritual heart overlooking the serene landscape, then stroll the Gangtey Nature Trail through meadows and pine forests, spotting wildlife and breathing in crisp mountain air. The gentle walk reveals the valley’s quiet splendour before you return to Punakha, carrying memories of Phobjikha’s calm and pristine beauty into the evening.

Day 8

Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey), Bhutan

Begin your day with a leisurely village walk, wandering through fields and homesteads while observing traditional farming and daily life. Feel the harmony between the community and the land as villagers go about their routines. Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre to learn about these endangered birds and the valley’s vital conservation efforts. In the afternoon, meet local artisans crafting textiles, woodwork, and other traditional goods. Watch their skilful hands at work, and try your own hand at Bhutanese crafts, gaining a deeper understanding of the people who preserve the kingdom’s rich heritage and cultural spirit.

Day 9

Bumthang, Bhutan

Set off on a scenic drive to Bumthang, a region famed for its cultural richness and serene beauty. Pause at Chendebji Chorten, an 18th-century stupa surrounded by quiet countryside, before passing through the charming village of Trongsa and the imposing Trongsa Dzong perched above the town. Explore the Royal Heritage Museum for a glimpse into Bhutan’s royal history, then enjoy a leisurely lunch by the tranquil Willing Falls. The drive continues through rolling valleys and pine forests, arriving in Bumthang by evening, where your hotel offers a peaceful haven to rest and reflect on the day’s journey.

Day 10

Bumthang, Bhutan

After breakfast, wander through Bumthang on a walking tour to three of the region’s most revered temples. At Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century, feel the history of one of Bhutan’s oldest pilgrimage sites. Kurjey Lhakhang reveals the rock imprint of Guru Rinpoche, while Tamshing Lhakhang, founded by Lama Pema Lingpa, mesmerises with sacred murals and spiritual energy. Later, visit a traditional farmhouse to cook Ema Datshi, Bhutan’s beloved chilli and cheese dish, and savour your creation for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the Dorjibi Weaving Centre, watching artisans craft intricate textiles and gaining insight into a centuries-old tradition.

Day 11

Bumthang, Bhutan

After an early breakfast, journey into the enchanting Tang Valley, where terraced fields, traditional farmhouses, and soaring mountains paint a serene landscape. Pause at the sacred Burning Lake, or Me Bar Tsho, where Guru Rinpoche’s disciple Pema Lingpa discovered a hidden treasure, feeling the tranquil spirituality of this revered site. Visit Pema Choling Nunnery to meet the nuns and glimpse monastic life, then explore Ogyen Cholling Palace Museum, learning about the region’s heritage through artifacts and ancestral stories. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch prepared from local ingredients, before lingering in the valley’s quiet beauty and returning to Bumthang for the evening.

Day 12

Paro, Bhutan

After breakfast, drive to Jakar for your flight to Paro, a town where history and natural beauty intertwine. Begin at the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the 17th-century Ta Dzong watchtower, exploring rare bronze statues, paintings, and religious artifacts that tell the story of Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Continue to Rinpung Dzong, a magnificent fortress-monastery perched above the Paro Chu River. Wander through its grand courtyards, ornate temples, and vibrant murals, feeling the weight of history and devotion, while the sweeping valley views below offer a perfect moment to reflect on Bhutan’s timeless charm.

Day 13

Paro, Bhutan

Begin the day with a drive to Satsam Chorten, then set off on a gentle hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched on a cliff nearly 800 metres above the Paro Valley, it is said Guru Padma Sambhava arrived here on the back of a flying tigress. Pause at the viewpoint to marvel at the monastery’s dramatic perch and sweeping valley below, with the option to continue the hour-long climb to the monastery itself. In the afternoon, try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport at a local archery range, then visit the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang. The day concludes with a cozy farmhouse dinner, sharing authentic Bhutanese flavours and warm hospitality.

Day 14

Depart Paro

At appointed time, transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, make your way to a nearby hotel to rest and reflect on the unforgettable landscapes, culture, and experiences of your Bhutan journey.

Day 15

Arrive home

Every journey has an end. Today, arrange your own transport to the airport and board your flight back to the UK, carrying the serene valleys, majestic mountains, and vibrant culture of Bhutan with you, and looking forward to your next adventure.

What's Included

International return flights from the UK
Domestic and regional flights
Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee
Handpicked accommodations
Meals as indicated
Curated tours and experiences, including entrance fees
Expert English-speaking local guides

What's Included

International return flights from the UK
Domestic and regional flights
Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee
Handpicked accommodations
Meals as indicated
Curated tours and experiences, including entrance fees
Expert English-speaking local guides

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Tiger’s Nest, Punakha and Bumthang

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