Classic Bhutan · Cultural Tours · Easy
The Western Valleys
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Dochula
- Punakha
- …
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and the glacial valley of Phobjikha — the classic first journey through Bhutan, paced with room to breathe.
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Luxury & Bespoke · Cultural Tours
Bespoke Luxury Bhutan
Bhutan's finest lodges, a dedicated guide and driver, and private experiences arranged quietly around you — from Paro to the valleys of Bumthang.
- Duration
- 10 days · 9 nights
- Route
- Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Gangtey …
- Activity level
- Easy
- Best time
- Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
- From
- Price on requestQuoted for your dates and style
Overview
Some journeys are shaped entirely around the traveller. This one begins with a conversation about how you like to travel — and then we take care of everything: lodges in the most beautiful settings, a senior guide who becomes a trusted companion, and private experiences that would be impossible to arrange on your own.
The route below is a suggestion. Every detail can be changed.
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Gangtey
- Bumthang
- Paro
Highlights
- Stays at a selection of Bhutan's leading luxury lodges
- A private audience with a monk or astrologer
- Exclusive farmhouse dinner and hot stone bath
- Domestic flight to Bumthang (subject to schedule)
- Tailored pace, with every detail arranged in advance
Day by day
- Day01
Arrival in Paro Paro
A private welcome and transfer to your lodge, with the afternoon free to settle in.
- Private welcome
- Day02
Thimphu Paro → Thimphu
Private visits to the Textile Academy and the school of traditional arts, with time to meet the craftspeople. A private astrologer reading in the afternoon.
- Textile Academy
- Zorig Chusum
- Private astrologer reading
- Day03
To Punakha Thimphu → Punakha
Cross Dochula to Punakha. Afternoon visit to the dzong with a senior guide and a private picnic in the rice fields.
- Dochula
- Punakha Dzong
- Private picnic
- Day04
Punakha at leisure Punakha
Raft, cycle, walk to Chimi Lhakhang, or simply enjoy your lodge. Your guide adapts the day to you.
- Activities of your choice
- Day05
To Gangtey Punakha → Gangtey
Drive up to the Phobjikha valley. A private visit to Gangtey Goemba and a walk on the nature trail.
- Gangtey Goemba
- Nature trail
- Day06
Fly to Bumthang Paro → Bumthang
Reach Bumthang by domestic flight when operating, or travel by road via Trongsa Dzong. Evening at your lodge.
- Transfer to Bumthang
- Day07
The temples of Bumthang Bumthang
Visit Jambay and Kurjey Lhakhang with a guide versed in their history, and meet a local family in the Tang valley.
- Jambay Lhakhang
- Kurjey Lhakhang
- Tang valley
- Day08
Return to Paro Bumthang → Paro
Fly back to Paro (subject to schedule) and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
- Return to Paro
- Day09
The Tiger's Nest and a farmhouse evening Paro
An early private start for the Tiger's Nest. In the evening, an exclusive farmhouse dinner with a hot stone bath.
- Tiger's Nest hike
- Farmhouse dinner
- Hot stone bath
- Day10
Departure Paro
Private transfer to Paro airport.
- Airport transfer
Staying, eating, travelling
- Accommodation
- A selection of Bhutan's leading luxury lodges and boutique hotels, chosen around your preferences. We will present options and current availability with your quote.
- Meals
- All meals included, with private dining experiences arranged along the way.
- Transport
- Private premium vehicle and driver; domestic flights where confirmed.
- Your guide
- A senior licensed guide dedicated to your party throughout.
What is included
Included
- Bhutan visa processing and visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- Luxury accommodation as confirmed in your quote
- All meals in Bhutan
- Private experiences listed
- Senior private guide, driver and premium vehicle
Not included
- International flights
- Domestic flights unless confirmed in your quote
- Travel insurance (required)
- Spa treatments and premium beverages
- Tips
When to go & what you need
Best time to travel
March–May and September–November; winter offers quiet, clear days at the lodges.
- January
- February
- March — recommended
- April — recommended
- May — recommended
- June
- July
- August
- September — recommended
- October — recommended
- November — recommended
- December
Before you travel
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
- Travel insurance
Along the way
Places on this route
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- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Paro
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- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
- …
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