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Bhutan

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Private

14 days

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Private Tour

Bhutans Hidden Valleys Explorer

Paro to Paro – 14 Days

Expedition Overview

Uncover the quiet beauty and cultural richness of Bhutan on this immersive journey through its lesser-known valleys and countryside. Starting in Paro and travelling through Punakha, Gangtey, Trongsa, and Bumthang, this tour reveals the heart of Bhutanese life — from hilltop dzongs and sacred monasteries to vibrant textile workshops and welcoming village homes. As you travel through western Bhutan, you’ll witness stunning landscapes and the natural beauty of the region, including lush forests and remote villages nestled in the mountains. Along the way, you’ll experience scenic drives over mountain passes, light hikes to cliffside temples, and authentic encounters with local traditions.

What sets this journey apart is its focus on Bhutan’s remote heartlands — places that remain untouched by mass tourism and full of character. With stays in charming boutique hotels and opportunities to visit working farmhouses, weaving centres, and spiritual sites, the itinerary offers a perfect balance of culture, nature, and comfort. Bhutan offers unique experiences and breathtaking scenery, ensuring every traveler discovers something extraordinary. Conclude with a trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a highlight that reflects the depth and serenity of your adventure across Bhutan’s hidden valleys.


Highlights

EXPLORE BHUTANS REMOTE VALLEYS: Travel beyond the usual path into the untouched beauty of Gangtey, Bumthang, Tang Valley, and the scenic Choekor Valley. Journey through lush pine forests, the tranquil Haa Valley, and the picturesque Thimphu Valley, each offering unique glimpses into authentic rural life. These hidden regions are surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, open marshlands, and peaceful farmland — ideal for nature lovers and travellers seeking cultural depth away from crowds.

DISCOVER BHUTANESE CULTURE & TRADITION: Visit historic dzongs, working monasteries, and vibrant village farmhouses to gain insight into Bhutan’s living heritage. From cheese-making and textile weaving to sacred pilgrimage sites, this journey reveals the country’s deep-rooted traditions and the strong community spirit that defines life in Bhutan’s remote cultural heartlands. Enjoy the opportunity to witness traditional dances at local festivals and savor authentic Bhutanese cuisine throughout your trip.

TIGERS NEST MONASTERY TREK: End your journey with a guided hike to Bhutan’s most iconic site — the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, also known as Taktsang Monastery. Perched dramatically on a cliff above Paro Valley, this revered pilgrimage site is adorned with colorful prayer flags and offers a spiritual atmosphere with panoramic views, marking a powerful and reflective finale to your cultural adventure. Enjoy a memorable picnic lunch with breathtaking views of Paro Valley or at a nearby cafeteria after your trek.

LUXURY & COMFORT IN THE COUNTRYSIDE: Stay in boutique lodges and heritage-style resorts that offer warmth and comfort in scenic settings. Whether overlooking dzongs or nestled in highland valleys, your accommodation ensures a restful experience, with thoughtful service, Bhutanese hospitality, and stunning views throughout the entire journey. The capital city of Thimphu is a key stop, offering cultural and urban experiences as part of your itinerary.

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The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.

DAY 1

Paro

Arrive at Paro International Airport, a peaceful town surrounded by mountains. Your journey begins with a visit to Rimpung Dzong and the ancient Drukgyel Dzong, both rich in Bhutanese history. Stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, where locals still come to pray and colorful prayer flags flutter around the temple, symbolizing blessings and traditional Buddhist practices. After sightseeing, head to your luxury hotel and unwind. The serene setting of Paro is the perfect place to relax after your flight and prepare for the adventure ahead.

DAY 2

Paro

Begin your day with a drive to Kila Nunnery, perched on a cliffside. Here, you’ll see how nuns live a peaceful and spiritual life. Later, visit the National Museum, filled with artefacts that tell Bhutan’s story. In the afternoon, step inside a traditional farmhouse to learn about daily life in the countryside and experience the warm hospitality of Bhutanese people. Enjoy tea and snacks with your hosts, sampling authentic Bhutanese cuisine, before heading back to your hotel for a restful evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 3

Punakha

Travel to Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital, passing through the scenic Dochu La Pass with panoramic Himalayan views, where pine forests blanket the slopes and colorful prayer flags flutter along the roadside. From the pass, take in the stunning landscapes of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and pristine forests. Once in Punakha, visit the stunning Punakha Dzong, set between two rivers. Then stop at Chime Lhakhang, a temple known for fertility blessings. Both sites reveal Bhutan’s strong spiritual and architectural traditions. After a fulfilling day, check into your hotel and enjoy a peaceful night in the valley.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Punakha

DAY 4

Punakha

Today begins with a short hike through rice fields to Khamsum Yuley Monastery, which offers panoramic views. After exploring the monastery, enjoy a picnic lunch with stunning views of the valley. The temple’s intricate details reflect Bhutanese craftsmanship. Later, enjoy a rafting experience on the Mo Chu River—gentle but thrilling. You may also visit a local farmhouse, where you’ll gain insight into the traditional Bhutanese way of rural life. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening after a day of nature and culture.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 5

Gangtey

Travel to Gangtey in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, passing through lush forests and stunning landscapes in a quiet region known for black-necked cranes. Visit the Crane Centre to learn about these rare birds and their winter migration. In the afternoon, explore Gangtey Monastery, a peaceful temple with sweeping views of the valley. The area’s beauty and stillness offer a refreshing break from busier routes. Settle into your comfortable hotel for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 6

Gangtey

Spend the day exploring the Phobjikha Valley. Enjoy a nature walk through marshlands, home to cranes and other wildlife. This peaceful area is ideal for hiking and connecting with nature. You’ll pass through small villages and farmhouses, as well as remote villages on the valley floor, offering a look at everyday life and the unique character of the region. Later, return to your hotel for a gourmet dinner and some well-earned rest in this remote and serene location.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Gangtey

DAY 7

Trongsa

Today’s journey takes you to Trongsa, a picturesque village in central Bhutan. Along the drive, enjoy beautiful mountain views. Visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong, dramatically set on a ridge above the river and known as the ancient seat of power in Bhutan. Then stop by the Trongsa Museum of Monarchy to learn about the history and legacy of Bhutan’s royal family. Stay overnight at Yangkhil Resort, offering spectacular views of the dzong and surrounding valley.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 8

Bumthang

Travel to Bumthang, a spiritual heartland just two hours away, nestled within the scenic Choekor Valley. On the way, stop at the Yathra Centre in Chume to see traditional wool weaving. In Bumthang, visit Kyichu Lhakhang Temple and the Swiss Farm, known for its cheese and Red Panda beer. The day blends culture, craft, and cuisine, offering a glimpse into both sacred and everyday life in Bhutan.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 9

Bumthang

Start early with a drive to the remote Tang Valley, a peaceful place with farms and forested hills. Visit the Burning Lake, a sacred site believed to reveal holy treasures. Continue to Pemacholing Nunnery, one of the region's notable meditation centers, where young girls study religion and meditation. Then visit Ura Village, known for yak and sheep herding. End your day with a relaxed dinner at your resort.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Bumthang

DAY 10

Bumthang

Explore Ugyencholing Palace, now a museum that tells stories of Bhutan's noble families. Walk through displays of weapons, masks, and household tools from centuries past. Enjoy an outdoor lunch with views across the valley. Spend your afternoon at leisure or take another short hike. Return to your resort for a quiet evening surrounded by nature.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 11

Thimphu

Fly from Bumthang to Paro, then drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. Visit the Royal Textile Academy, also known as the National Textile Museum, to see weaving demonstrations and traditional Bhutanese fabrics. Then head to the National Library, home to rare Buddhist manuscripts. These visits offer a deeper look into Bhutan’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Spend the night in a luxury hotel in Thimphu.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 12

Thimphu

Discover more of Thimphu today. Begin at the Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases life in a traditional Bhutanese home. Enjoy a local lunch, then consider visiting local markets in Thimphu for an authentic experience and a chance to sample local delicacies. Next, visit a paper mill where old methods meet modern recycling. End the day at Buddha Dordenma, a massive bronze statue offering views across the city. Return to your hotel for a restful evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Thimphu

DAY 13

Paro

Return to Paro for the famous trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Palphug), also known as Tiger's Nest and Taktsang Monastery. The uphill walk is steady and rewarding, with views that become more breathtaking the higher you go. The monastery, clinging to a cliff, is one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites. It is closely associated with Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have meditated here and brought Buddhism to Bhutan, making Tiger's Nest a key spiritual and cultural landmark. Explore its shrines and enjoy the peaceful setting before walking back down.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 14

PARO - DEPARTURE

Enjoy your final morning in Bhutan at your own pace. You may revisit Paro town for last-minute shopping or simply relax at your hotel. Reflect on the journey through Bhutan's monasteries, mountains, and villages before heading to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast


The story

The tour, inspired by Bhutan’s serene spirituality and rich history, invites explorers to immerse themselves in a tapestry of cultural heritage and natural splendour in the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Starting in Paro, visitors experience ancient monasteries and temples, symbolising a journey into Bhutan’s spiritual heart.

As the journey unfolds through Punakha and Gangtey, it weaves through majestic dzongs and pristine valleys, reflecting the harmony between Bhutan's culture—with its deep-rooted traditions, Buddhist heritage, and vibrant festivals—and nature. In Bumthang, the spiritual core, and Thimphu, the artistic hub, travellers delve deeper into the nation’s soul.

This meticulously crafted tour, culminating in the iconic Tiger’s Nest, is not just a trip but a transformative pilgrimage into Bhutan’s mystique.


What To Expect

Our expedition's flexible approach allows us to adapt to new opportunities and conditions. We offer a range of activities from easy to moderate, tailored to your preference. Participants should be fit for activities such as walks, treks, and visits to cultural sites, with options for more strenuous hikes. Our trips are suitable for families.

Accommodation: Our tours feature the finest accommodations in each destination, from charming boutique hotels to cosy lodges, ensuring a comfortable stay with authentic cuisine. We carefully choose each location for its alignment with our itinerary and the activities planned, prioritising comfort and local experience.

Transportation: All transportation for your tour is meticulously planned according to the itinerary. For personal explorations beyond the scheduled activities, your Expedition Leader is ready to suggest the best transportation choices, ensuring your travel within the tour is seamless and tailored to your interests.

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