Discover our In Comfort adventures in Bhutan

Punakha Area, Bhutan | Lachlan Gardiner

Zhiwaling Ascent, Bhutan | Lachlan Gardiner

Enjoy delightful accommodations on our In Comfort trips in Bhutan | Lachlan Gardiner

Archery in Paro District, Bhutan | Lachlan Gardiner

Zhiwaling Ascent, Bhutan | Lachlan Gardiner

The impressive Takstsang Monastery near Paro

Thimpu Art School, Bhutan | Lachlan Gardiner

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Bhutan Explorer Premium

Discover Bhutan’s sacred valleys on a small group cultural journey featuring iconic monasteries, breathtaking Himalayan scenery and the legendary Tiger’s Nest, all enjoyed in premium 4 and 5 star accommodation.

9 Days from

$8760 USD

Trip Code: BCX

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel Junior Suite Double Room/twin and breakfast 1 night

$510 USD

Bhutan Explorer Premium Exclusive Two Person trip

$820 USD

Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel Junior Suite Single Room and breakfast 1 night

$880 USD

Single Supplement

$1790 USD

Duration

9 Days

Activities

9 days cultural journey

Style

Premium Adventures

Accommodation

8 nights hotel (boutique accommodation)

Meals

8 Dinners
8 Lunches
8 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

2 / 10

Adventure touring

Bhutan Explorer Premium Highlights Trip highlights

Explore Bhutan’s spiritual heart with visits to Punakha Dzong, Gangtey Monastery, Changangkha Lhakhang, Chimi Lhakhang, and other important temples and dzongs
Enjoy a stay at the meticulously crafted Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel, Bhutan’s only Bhutanese-owned five-star property
Delve into authentic Bhutanese culture through curated farmhouse experiences, traditional culinary demonstrations, artisan workshops, colourful local markets, and sacred spiritual ceremonies.
Enjoy gentle Himalayan walks and nature hikes through pine forests, fertile river valleys, and the glacial landscapes of the Phobjikha Valley
Visit Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most iconic and sacred monastery, perched dramatically high above the Paro Valley
Savour elevated dining experiences at our carefully selected premium hotels

Overview

Bhutan Explorer Premium is a small group cultural journey offering an immersive and refined way to experience the spiritual heart of the Himalaya. Travel through Bhutan’s most sacred valleys on a thoughtfully paced itinerary designed for travellers seeking cultural depth, gentle exploration, and elevated comfort. Throughout the journey, you’ll stay in handpicked 4 and 5 star boutique accommodation, chosen for its Bhutanese character, warm hospitality, and exceptional settings.

Begin with a welcome prayer ceremony in Paro before discovering Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, including the monumental Buddha Dordenma overlooking Thimphu, the majestic Punakha Dzong, the serene Gangtey Monastery, and the legendary Taktsang Lhakhang, the Tiger’s Nest. Enjoy a half-day hands-on experience at the Choki Traditional Art School, meaningful interactions with local dignitaries in Thimphu, and the opportunity to take part in traditional archery and darts.

Scenic drives over the Dochula Pass reveal sweeping Himalayan panoramas, leading to picnic lunches in Punakha and tranquil riverside sunsets near the dzong. Cultural immersion continues with farmhouse cooking experiences and a rare drum ceremony performed by nuns in Paro. All-inclusive meals showcase delicious, authentic Bhutanese cuisine. With expert local guides and seamless logistics throughout, this journey offers a deeply enriching and unforgettable introduction to Bhutan.

Itinerary

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Fly into Paro International Airport, renowned for its dramatic Himalayan approach. After clearing immigration, meet your guide and begin the scenic 1.5-hour drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, following the Paro Chu and Wang Chu rivers through forested valleys. After hotel check-in and a brief trip briefing, visit the monumental Buddha Dordenma, a towering golden statue offering sweeping views across the Thimphu Valley. Later, enjoy a gentle 2–2.5 hour acclimatisation walk through pine forest to Changangkha Lhakhang, one of Thimphu’s oldest temples, beautifully positioned on a ridge above the city. The evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel’s spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valley from the rooftop lounge. Accommodation: Zhiwaling Ascent Hotel Thimphu (4-star) or similar

Meals: L,D

Today is dedicated to exploring the cultural heart of Thimphu. Begin with a visit to the Choki Traditional Art School, where students preserve Bhutan’s artistic heritage through disciplines such as thangka painting, wood carving, embroidery, and mask making. Enjoy hands-on participation in selected crafts, offering a meaningful and immersive cultural exchange. After lunch, visit the Royal Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the remarkable and unique takin. Continue to a traditional paper-making workshop, where artisans still produce handmade Deh-sho paper using centuries-old techniques passed down through generations. The day concludes at the vibrant Centenary Farmers’ Market, a lively hub of local life. This evening, enjoy a special dinner with local dignitaries, providing unique insight into contemporary Bhutanese society and culture. Accommodation: Zhiwaling Ascent Hotel Thimphu (4-star) or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After a delicious breakfast, we depart Thimphu on a scenic drive to Punakha, climbing to Dochula Pass (3,100 m / 10,171 ft). The pass is adorned with 108 chortens and, on clear days, offers sweeping panoramic views of the Himalayan range. From Dochula, enjoy a gentle 45-minute nature walk through forest to Lampelri, before continuing by road into the warm and fertile Punakha Valley. In the afternoon, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the revered fertility temple associated with Lama Drukpa Kunley, reached via a pleasant walk through rural villages and terraced fields that provide insight into traditional Bhutanese life. Accommodation: Zhiwaling Ascent Hotel Punakha (4-star) or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Begin the morning with a delightful walk to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Stupa, following a scenic trail through rice paddies and along river valleys, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Later, relax by the river and enjoy a picnic-style lunch with superb views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, set against the lush valley backdrop. In the afternoon, explore Punakha Dzong, dramatically positioned at the confluence of two rivers and widely regarded as one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and important fortress monasteries. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to relax and unwind. Accommodation: Zhiwaling Ascent Hotel Punakha (4-star) or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Travel to the stunning Phobjikha Valley, stopping en route at Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Choling Nunnery, beautifully positioned on a ridge with sweeping views across the surrounding valleys. After lunch in the rural village of Nobding, continue over Lawa La Pass, where you’ll take part in a traditional prayer-flag hoisting ceremony. In the afternoon, enjoy the Gangtey Valley walk (approximately 2 hours), soaking in expansive glacial landscapes and open alpine views before checking in to your hotel nestled in the pines of Bhutan's Gangtey Valley. Accommodation: Dewachen Hotel (4-star) or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Visit Gangtey Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Phobjikha Valley, where you take part in a private butter lamp offering ceremony. Afterwards, enjoy the Gangtey Nature Trail, a gentle 1 to 1.5 hour walk across the open valley floor, surrounded by expansive glacial landscapes. Lunch is hosted at a local farmhouse, featuring a traditional Bhutanese cooking demonstration and freshly prepared dishes, including butter tea. In the afternoon, take a village walk through Kilkhorthang, gaining insight into rural life, before visiting the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, dedicated to the conservation of this endangered species that winters in the valley. Accommodation: Dewachen Hotel (4 star) or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Drive back to Paro, with a stop in Thimphu for lunch along the way. In the afternoon, visit Jabdo Goenpa Nunnery to attend a rare Chöd drum ceremony performed by the nuns, offering a deeply moving and intimate spiritual experience. Continue onward to Paro for hotel check in and enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure. Accommodation: Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel Paro (5 star) or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, drive to the trailhead and begin the iconic hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest), dramatically perched 700 m / 2,297 ft above the Paro Valley. The hike takes approximately 2 hours uphill and 2 hours downhill, with unforgettable views throughout and time to appreciate one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites. After lunch, return to the hotel or enjoy free time to explore Paro town and browse for local handicrafts and souvenirs. Accommodation: Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel Paro (5 star) or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, we transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Your guide and driver will bid you a warm farewell as your enriching journey through Bhutan’s sacred valleys, cultural landmarks, and Himalayan landscapes comes to an end. Depart with lasting memories of monasteries, mountain vistas, and meaningful encounters that define the spirit of Bhutan. Trip concludes in Paro.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

All meals during the trip: 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners
Bhutan visa fees
Premium quality 4 and 5 star boutique hotels on a twinshare basis throughout
Private internal transportation
Airport transfers
Sightseeing and entrance fees as listed
English speaking local guide

Not included

International flights
Airport and departure taxes
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Meals not listed as included
Personal expenses such as phone calls and laundry
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Tips and gratuities
Any items not listed as included