Luxury Bhutan Tour to Central Bhutan
Trip Overview
The Luxury Bhutan Tour to Central Bhutan is a premium cultural journey across western and central Bhutan. The tour starts and ends in Paro. It covers Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley, and Bumthang. The route connects Bhutan’s political center, fertile river valleys, high mountain passes, and the spiritual heartland of the country.
This tour suits travelers who want depth, comfort, and space. Travel takes place in a private luxury vehicle with a licensed guide. Accommodation features high-end hotels and boutique lodges. The experience blends sacred monasteries, quiet villages, scenic drives, and gentle nature walks. Bumthang adds strong spiritual value with ancient temples and rural landscapes.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic flight into Paro through the Himalayas
- Guided cultural visits in Thimphu
- Dochula Pass with panoramic mountain views
- Punakha Dzong at the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers
- Walk to Chimi Lhakhang through farmland
- Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Monastery
- Nature walk in black-necked crane habitat
- Central Bhutan exploration in Bumthang
- Ancient temples and sacred sites of Bumthang
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike
- Luxury hotels and private services
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro
Arrive at Paro International Airport. Meet the guide and driver. Complete visa and entry formalities. Transfer to the hotel. Light sightseeing or rest after arrival. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing
Visit Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong National Museum. Walk through Paro town. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Paro.
Day 3: Paro – Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu along the Paro River. Stop at Simtokha Dzong en route. Visit Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley. Walk around Thimphu city. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu Cultural Experience
Visit Cheri Monastery with a forest walk. Explore Pangri Zampa Monastery. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts. Continue to the Textile Museum and Traditional Medicine Institute. Evening free. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 5: Thimphu – Punakha
Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters. Stop for views of the eastern Himalayas. Walk through villages and rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang. Visit Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 6: Punakha – Phobjikha Valley
Drive to Phobjikha Valley through forested hills. Visit Gangtey Monastery overlooking the glacial valley. Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail. Visit the Black-Necked Crane Center in winter. Overnight in Phobjikha or Punakha based on hotel selection.
Day 7: Phobjikha – Bumthang
Drive toward Bumthang via mountain passes and valleys. Enjoy changing landscapes and rural villages. Arrive in Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual center. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang Sightseeing
Visit Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, and Kurjey Lhakhang. Explore Tamshing Monastery. Walk through villages and farmland. Experience central Bhutan’s quiet rhythm. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 9: Bumthang – Punakha
Drive back toward western Bhutan. Scenic stops along the route. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 10: Punakha – Paro
Return to Paro via Dochula Pass. Stop at Tachhog Lhakhang near the iron chain bridge. Evening free for leisure or spa. Overnight in Paro.
Day 11: Tiger’s Nest Hike – Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery. Walk through pine forest trails. Reach the viewpoint and continue to the monastery. Visit the sacred cliffside site. Overnight in Paro.
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport for onward flight.
Cost Includes
- Bhutan visa processing and permits
- Sustainable Development Fee
- Luxury hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Private luxury vehicle with driver
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- All sightseeing and monument entry fees
- Airport transfers and internal transport
- Bottled drinking water during the tour
Cost Excludes
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Lunches
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Tips for guide and driver
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed