Vacation Planner Bhutan · Est. Thimphu
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Classic Bhutan Cultural Journey
8 Days / 7 Nights

Classic Bhutan Cultural Journey

Western valleys and the crane valley of Phobjikha

8 days Easy Max 3,120 m Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Phobjikha & Gangtey · Wangdue Phodrang
Overview

Western valleys and the crane valley of Phobjikha

Our most popular itinerary goes beyond the essentials to the remote and beautiful Phobjikha valley, winter home of the endangered black-necked crane. You will stay in a traditional farmhouse lodge, hike the Gangtey Nature Trail and visit monasteries where few travellers linger.

Every day includes time to slow down — a picnic lunch by a river, tea with a local family, or simply sitting in a monastery courtyard as monks gather for prayers.

Duration8 Days / 7 Nights
Best seasonMarch–May, September–December
GroupPrivate: 1–12 guests
Start / EndParo → Paro

Journey highlights

  • Gangtey Nature Trail in Phobjikha
  • Black-necked cranes (Nov–Feb)
  • Punakha Dzong & Chimi Lhakhang
  • Weekend market & 13 arts school in Thimphu
  • Tiger’s Nest hike
Day by day

Itinerary

Day1

Arrive Paro – Thimphu

Meet your guide at Paro airport and drive to Thimphu. Afternoon visit to the National Memorial Chorten and a walk through the town centre.

Overnight: Thimphu Meals: L, D Drive: 1 hr
Day2

Thimphu: capital of crafts

Buddha Dordenma, the Institute for Zorig Chusum, the Textile Museum, the Centenary Farmers Market and Tashichho Dzong. Optional evening cooking demonstration of ema datshi.

Overnight: Thimphu Meals: B, L, D
Day3

Over Dochula to Punakha

Drive over Dochula Pass to Punakha. Afternoon at Punakha Dzong and the suspension bridge.

Overnight: Punakha Meals: B, L, D Drive: 3 hrs
Day4

Punakha – Phobjikha

Hike through fields to Chimi Lhakhang, then drive via the restored Wangdue Phodrang Dzong into the Phobjikha valley. Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre.

Overnight: Phobjikha Meals: B, L, D Drive: 3 hrs
Day5

Gangtey Nature Trail

Morning visit to Gangtey Goenpa, then walk the Gangtey Nature Trail (2 hrs, easy) across the valley. Afternoon free in a farmhouse, with an optional hot-stone bath.

Overnight: Phobjikha Meals: B, L, D
Day6

Phobjikha – Paro

Return west to Paro (5–6 hrs) with a picnic lunch at Dochula. Evening walk around Paro town.

Overnight: Paro Meals: B, L, D Drive: 6 hrs
Day7

Hike to Tiger’s Nest

The highlight of any trip to Bhutan: the hike to Taktsang Monastery. Afternoon visit to Kyichu Lhakhang and a farewell dinner in a traditional farmhouse.

Overnight: Paro Meals: B, L, D
Day8

Depart Paro

Transfer to Paro airport for your departure. Tashi Delek!

Meals: B

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Itineraries may be adjusted for weather, festival dates and road conditions.

Good to know

What’s included

Included

  • Bhutan visa processing (US$40 visa fee included)
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per night
  • Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide throughout
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
  • 3-star government-certified hotels on twin-sharing basis
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner), tea & bottled water
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums on the itinerary
  • Airport transfers in Paro

Not included

  • International flights to and from Paro (we can book Drukair / Bhutan Airlines)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Single-room supplement
  • 4- and 5-star hotel upgrades (available on request)
  • Alcoholic drinks, laundry, phone calls & personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver
Reviews

What travellers say

“Our guide Karma made Bhutan come alive — from explaining the paintings in every temple to arranging tea with his aunt in Punakha. The Phobjikha farmhouse was the most peaceful place we have ever stayed.”
S
Sarah & James WhitfieldUnited Kingdom · October 2025
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