The Magical Bhutan Tour

Thimphu, Bhutan
8 nights
Easy

Eight nights through Thimphu, Punakha, the glacial valley of Gangtey/Phobjikha, and Paro — black-necked cranes, the Tiger's Nest and time to breathe.

Tour highlights

Fulfill a necessary holiday in Bhutan, a lifetime experience
Personalized attention, all details are taken care
Full insights – cultural & natural aspects of Bhutan
Visits to both popular and less visited sights
Local experience and Interactions
Discovery of Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangdue, Punakha and Gangtey/Phobjikha Valleys
Breathtaking views, wonderful hikes
Happy smiles, unique experiences
Luxuries of time, you have it all

Overview

Experience the enchantment and discover the magic of Bhutan. The Magical Bhutan Tour is an 8-night, 9-day itinerary where you'll immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty and rich culture of the Kingdom.

The journey begins in Thimphu, the vibrant capital, where traditional charm meets modernity. Continue your adventure to Punakha, known for its stunning Punakha Dzong — one of Bhutan's most magnificent and historically significant structures. The beautiful riverside setting and lush surroundings provide a serene backdrop.

Discover the remote beauty of Gangtey in the Phobjikha Valley, a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Home to the rare black-necked cranes, Gangtey offers breathtaking landscapes and an opportunity to experience Bhutan's wildlife and traditional culture in a tranquil setting.

Finally the itinerary ventures to Paro, a picturesque valley renowned for its stunning landscapes and historical sites — including the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched high on a cliff.

How demanding is it?

Easy

Mostly driving and gentle sightseeing, with short optional walks. No trekking experience needed, and the pace is yours to set.

Day 1 Paro Airport –Thimphu
- 50 km Driving distance
- 1 hr 15 min Driving time
- 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu
The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. On arrival at the Paro International airport your guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a “Tashi Khadar”. Drive to Thimphu.
Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu River (Wangchhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas featuring distinct Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style architecture. Villages, linear settlements the comfortably winding road along the Thimphu and Paro River with some beautiful views are some of the experiences as you reach Thimphu.
After lunch, if the energy levels allow, stroll around Clock Tower Square, Craft Bazaar and the Kaja Throm”, the new local market built as per the command of the His Majesty. In the evening visit impressive Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) which houses the Throne Room and the Offices of His Majesty the King as well as the Je Khenpo, senior most religious authority of Bhutan.
Welcome dinner with your Bhutanese hosts and overnight in hotel.
Day 2 Thimphu

After a leisure breakfast, join the Local residents of Thimphu for circumambulations at the National Memorial Chorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Drive towards Kuenselphodrang.
On the way visit Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra on 1019 in this temple.
Further in Kuenselphodrang, witness the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu. Visit the temple inside the statue and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas. The place offers a breath-taking view of the Thimphu Valley. If you love Hiking You can opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from here.
It is a 7 km Hike through the pine forest. This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan.
Finally visit the Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group. Lunch in one of the Tourist Restaurant in Town. After lunch, visit Takin Preserve.
Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy. The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey/ Phobjikha:
- 140 km Driving distance
- 4 hr Driving time
- 3,000 m Altitude of Phobjikha/ Gangtey
Visit the Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Drive to the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.
Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Explore the Lobesa Village for a while. Interact with the local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other local produce.
Lunch at the Lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638. Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu).
After crossing the bridge the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights. Explore the Lawala Pass.
A few Photographs are must here. Drive down along the pine forest till you reach Gangtey/ Phobjikha, one of the most beautiful Glacial Valleys in the Himalayas. Spend your evening enjoying the breathtaking views and the soothing Himalayan breeze.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel
Day 4 Gangtey/ Phobjikha Valley

Start your day with a breakfast with views. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.
Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks. Explore the nearby villages for a while.
Picnic Lunch in the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch drive towards the villages of Kilkhorthang and Remeachin. Visit the Nelung Dreachagling Nunnery and the villages around. Witness farmers working in the field and enjoy taking photographs in this beautiful Glacial valley.
On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 5 Gangtey/ Phobjikha – Punakha
- 80 km Driving distance
- 2 hr 30 min Driving time
- 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha
Retrace your steps back to Punakha with ample stoppages on the way to enjoy anything interesting that comes along the way. Picnic Lunch in Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.
Explore the Khuruthang town for a while and then finally visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 6 Punakha and Wangdue Valley

Start your day with a Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chhorten. An hour of walk after crossing the suspension bridge and through the rice fields takes you to magnificent views and the Chhorten, beautifully crafted in traditional Bhutanese style.
With the intricate design and sculptures, the temple was built by Bhutanese craftsmen which took 9 years. The craftsmanship of Bhutanese artists is amazing. The 360-degree views of the Punakha valley’s rice fields and the shimmering river shall ensure that the sweating was worth.
An hour of rafting on the Mo Chhu shall bring you near the Punakha Dzong. A Picnic lunch at the Banks of the Mo chhu. Spend some time with the Nuns at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Visit the Nalanda Buddhist University and the Talo Goenpa.
Drive back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 7 Punakha –Paro
- 135 km Driving distance
- 3 hr 45 min Driving time
- 2,280 m Altitude of Paro
After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village. After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Finally Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.
Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 8 Paro Valley
- 2,280 m Altitude of Paro
Your day starts with an early morning Hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century.
Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.
Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan. Drive back to the Hotel. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 9 Departure

“The Magical Bhutan Tour” comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and fare.

What is and isn't Included?

Meals and Accommodations

All meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Lunches may be provided in other tourist Restaurants or picnic lunches in certain cases
Accommodation in 3-star hotels and village farmhouses

Guide, Transport & Entry Fees

Certified, English speaking guide throughout the tour
Language Guides may be available at an additional cost, however this shall entirely depend upon the requirements confirmed at the time of booking
Exclusive vehicle for all transfers as per the group size
Entrance fees for museums and monuments

SDF, Visa Fee and Other Taxes

Sustainable development fund
Indian Nationals – INR 1200 per person per night
Others – USD 100 per person per night
USD 40 Visa Fee (for travelers other than Indian Nationals)
Other govt taxes applicable

Organizing your Bhutan trip

Cost related to planning and confirming your trip to Bhutan excluding within our premises. Additional Cost may be applicable in certain cases.

All kinds of bank charges
Single room supplement
Personal expenses, such as phone, laundry, etc.
Any form of insurance
Any kinds of bottled drinks
Flights fares – both domestic and international
Gratitude and Tipping
Extra activities such as rafting, cycling, horse ride
(if not included in the inclusion or complimentary)
All kinds of additional expenses due to unforeseen contingencies whether man-made of natural
Anything not mentioned in the cost inclusion during the confirmation of the trip

Complimentary with this tour

Assistance with Bhutan Travel Info
Guidance in planning your Bhutan tour
Drinking water during the tour
A traditional cultural show
Hot stone bath in a village house
National dress and Archery experience

Getting there & when to go

Getting there

Arrive at: Paro international Airport
Depart from: Paro International Airport

We meet you in the arrivals hall and handle every transfer, permit and internal journey from there. Flights to Bhutan →

When it runs

Throughout the year

This is a private tour, so there are no fixed departure dates — we build it around yours. When to visit Bhutan →

Trip facts

Trip Rating: Easy, Comfortable
Travel Type: Nature, Culture, Walks, Hikes, Local Interactions & Experiences, Sights & Monuments
Destinations: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangdue, Punakha and Gangtey/Phobjikha Valleys.

Travel cost details

Travel Cost

Kindly write to us at idealtravelcreations@gmail.com for the travel cost as the cost varies for different months for different nationalities.

The cost does not include the following:

All kinds of bank charges
Single room supplement
Personal expenses, such as phone, laundry, etc.
Any form of insurance
Any kinds of bottled drinks
Flights fares – both domestic and international
Gratitude and Tipping
Extra activities such as rafting, cycling, horse ride
(if not included in the inclusion or complimentary)
All kinds of additional expenses due to unforeseen contingencies whether man-made of natural
Anything not mentioned in the cost inclusion during the confirmation of the trip

Notes & policies

Notes

We reserve the right to change the itinerary or hotels anytime as may be required to, in case of unforeseen contingencies (natural/man made) or unavailability of hotels or any other services such as flights and transport.
Some of the sites to be visited may be closed on government holidays or during breaks. In such cases we shall do other sightseeing in its place.
This itinerary can be tailor made for any duration or within any destination and can be combined with any kind of activities such as trekking, rafting, walking tour, cycling , etc
It is advisable to book tours in Bhutan at least 6 months prior to the travel date because of limited Bhutan tourism infrastructures and inventories.
Except for the planning, guidance and information phase, all bookings are confirmed only after the receipt of the tour payment.

Cancellation Policies

We shall charge a minimal amount of USD 30 as administrative charges for any bookings cancelled more than a month before the date of travel.
25% of the payment shall be charged as cancellation charges for any bookings cancelled within one month to 16 days from date of travel.
50% of the payment shall be charged as cancellation charges for any bookings cancelled within 15 days to 7 days from date of travel.
100% cancellation charges shall be applicable for any any bookings cancelled within 6 days from date of travel or no show
Cancellation charges shall also depend upon the policies of the parties from whom we have taken the services such as hotels and airlines. The cancellation charges levied by the external parties shall be applicable incase it exceeds the amount as mentioned above in points 1 – 4.