7 Days Magical Bhutan

Experience the enchantment of the last Himalayan kingdom on this 7-day magical journey through Bhutan. Immerse yourself in authentic encounters with warm-hearted locals, explore centuries-old dzongs, and witness time-honoured Buddhist traditions that have shaped this mystical nation.

Bhutan Cultural Tour

ABOUT TRIP

From vibrant local markets to ancient monasteries, discover a world where tradition meets modernity in perfect harmony. This transformative tour offers intimate glimpses into Bhutanese daily life, traditional arts, and sacred rituals, creating a profound cultural experience that sets itself apart from conventional travel. Perfect for curious travellers seeking an authentic escape into a kingdom where happiness is measured above material wealth.

Hear From Our Satisfied Travellers

Our Guests Rate Their Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

tripadvisor

A Perfect Trip

This was the Perfect trip from first contact to the end. Every question was answered almost immediately before we arrived and once in Bhutan, we had one of the best guides that I have ever had. Sanguay and our driver, Terine, were always nearby making sure we had an understanding of the culture and history of what we were seeing or getting the best service from our hotel or restaurant. I wouldn’t hesitate using them again or recommending them.

tripadvisor

Lifetime trip / Honeymoon

I chose Best Bhutan Travel because it was high on the tripsdvisor ranking - and frankly because their communications were very professional compared to other agencies and individual travel guides I had reached out to. Communication has been fast, crisp and helpful. They were very supportive with the payment which honestly felt so strange to me (you pay Bhutanese agencies through the national Bhutan bank). They took care of the visa, and our return flights from Nepal to Bhutan. We were happy with the suggested itinerary. We spent 12 days together, all the way to Bumthang. On the trip itself we realised it is more of a guideline where to go - with changes possible for e.g. hotel or activities. The latter was notably thanks to our guide and driver who were phenomenal. We had an amazing time with Lotay (guide) and Khandu (driver). They were kind, attentive, knowledgeable and fun to hang out with. They adjusted the itinerary based on our interests* and their experience. We went to the (in)official start of the Paro festival which is held in the "second tiger nest". We were the only Western foreigners and were so welcomed by all locals, and really enjoyed watching the masked dances, with Lotay explaining to us their meanings and purposes. *Our guide was very, very attentive. For example I mentioned quickly that my wife does a lot of arts and crafts. Therefore, we visited a paper making factory and the institution of 13 arts in Timphu. We really appreciated it. We also went to Karaoke twice, and competed in archery and darts. Our visits to the temples were amazing, with Lotay teaching us about tantric Buddhism, and as a very social person, always talked with the monks and shared more insights with us. Along the way we learnt from the head monks and got blessed. Honestly I could go on about all the positive aspects. On the 2nd day I briefly mentioned that this trip was actually our honeymoon. The very evening they congratulated us with wine and cake, and every hotel had some decoration to celebrate our marriage. It was also very important for me that we eat local, Bhutanese food. It's spicy, trust me. This may be an important element to mention in your planning so that restaurants and hotels are made aware. Our guide and driver took care of everything. We were also always fed to keep energy levels up. Honestly, you get the drift, so I wholeheartedly recommend Best Bhutan Travel. Finally, surprisingly, some hotels were very nice and empty, as if they were just booked for us. We were lucky. As a word of advice: the more East you travel, the more you'll spend time in the car, so prepare accordingly your expectations. We did enjoy Trongsa and Bumthang though! Very different to Western Bhutan.

ebF9653GL April 27, 2025
tripadvisor

Good overall first time experience in Bhutan

My partner and I visited Bhutan over the course of a week and was wowed by the majestic nature and vibrant culture that Bhutan had to offer. Even though both of us were unfortunate to come down with food poisoning towards the latter half of the trip, we were super well taken care of by our guide Lotay and driver Khandu. Would recommend Bhutan Best Travel for a well curated itinerary and thought through recommendations, but I would pay abit more attention in retrospect to a couple of the dining establishments (which were likely the cause of our stomach upsets)

anghong April 27, 2025
tripadvisor

Trip of a lifetime!

My husband and I have just completed a 12 day tour with Bhutan Best Travel. We are in our mid-50s and have been travelling most of our adult lives. We have almost always done this independently, so we were a little unsure how we would fare on an organised tour. We needn't have worried. We had an amazing experience of Bhutan, and that was in no small part due to our guide Sangay and driver Tshering. They were incredibly thoughtful and always looking for ways to make our trip special. We had the flexibility to change what we did, when we did it, where we ate, and what we ate. Sangay picked up on things we said during the trip and then incorporated that into our experience. (Eg. We told him early on we liked eating fish, so he organised with some of our hotels some delicious fish meals.) We opted for 3 star hotels and we were very happy with the choices that Bhutan Best Travel made for us. Our experience with the staff at all the hotels was positive, and our rooms were comfortable with great views, usually looking out across a valley at the local dzong. There were so many highlights - the stunning natural scenery, the fauna and flora, the unique architecture, the fascinating history and traditions, the Bhuddist culture and way of life, and the warm and gentle Bhutanese people. We started in Paro and timed our visit in April so we could see the Paro festival and the Rhododendrons in bloom. From Paro, we headed east, visiting Thimpu, Punakha, Trongsa, Jakar (in Bumthang), and Gangtey. We visited dzongs, temples, monasteries, local markets, a local school, a local brewery, a home stay, tried our hand at archery (the national sport) and went on a number of short hikes. A real highlight was the hike up to Tiger's Nest. We started out just before sunrise to beat the crowds to the top and weren't disappointed. It was a magical experience and one not to be missed. Bhutan is a small country, but the challenging geography means a bit of time spent in the car travelling from valley to valley, negotiating narrow roads that cling to steep valley walls, snaking their way up over high passes where yaks graze amongst the Rhododendrons, with distant views of snow capped mountain peaks. Despite the challenging road conditions, we always felt safe with Tshering at the wheel. Our time in the car was spent learning about life in Bhutan, which Sangay and Tshering were happy to share with us. We can't speak more highly of Sangay and Tshering. They went out of their way to make our experience enjoyable. We learnt so much from Sangay and his knowledge of Bhutanese history and culture, and he really enriched our experience as we explored the numerous temples and dzongs that we visited. We really appreciated his willingness to tailor our experience according to our interests. Tshering was so sweet and caring. He was great company and very thoughtful. He drove extra cautiously when my husband was sick with a stomach bug for a couple of days, and constantly checked in to make sure he was OK. Sangay and Tshering made us feel relaxed and at home. We shared many meals with them, and the four of us spent hours in the car together. We developed a great rapport and had a lot of laughs along the way. It's only been a few days, but we are already missing them both. If you are planning a trip to Bhutan, we would both thoroughly recommend Bhutan Best Travel. From our first contact with the office team when we started looking into the trip, through to our final farewell with Sangay and Tshering at the airport, our experience was first rate.

cathy2939 April 25, 2025

Day 1 (Paro, Thimphu)

Welcome to Bhutan – Scenic Flights, Sacred Monasteries & a Warm Thimphu Arrival

During the flight on a clear day, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other famous Himalayan peaks, including Bhutan’s sacred Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. Upon arrival at Paro Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The drive to Thimphu takes approximately one hour, offering views of the Thimphu valley and river through an arid, rocky landscape.

After lunch, visit:

  • The King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, who reigned from 1952-1972)
  • The School of Traditional Arts
  • Mini Zoo to see takins, Bhutan’s national animal
  • Buddha Point for panoramic views of Thimphu valley

Evening at leisure to explore Thimphu town, where you can:

  • Visit local handicraft shops
  • Browse the markets
  • Shop at your leisure

Overnight stay at Hotel Riverview in Thimphu.

Day 2 (Thimphu)

Crossing the Sacred Pass of Dochula

After breakfast, visit Simtokha Dzong, the country’s oldest fortress-monastery, built in 1629. From there, enjoy an hour-long ascent to Dochula Pass, situated at an altitude of 3,150m. The pass is adorned with colourful prayer flags and 108 stupas. Weather permitting, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan peaks.

Optional: Take an hour-long hike along the mountainside before lunch at Dochula Resort.

After lunch, continue your journey to Punakha.

Evening at leisure to explore Punakha town.

Overnight stay at Hotel Damchen in Punakha.

Day 3 (Punakha)

From Mountain Passes to Fertility Temples

After breakfast, visit Simtokha Dzong, the country’s oldest fortress, built in 1629. The road then climbs for an hour until reaching Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,150m, decorated with colourful prayer flags and 108 stupas. Weather permitting, enjoy spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan peaks. You may wish to enjoy a hot beverage at the Dochula tourist café (at your own expense).

Continue your descent towards Punakha and Wangdue through diverse vegetation zones:

  • Temperate forests featuring rhododendrons and magnolias (blooming in spring)
  • Semi-tropical zones abundant with orange trees, banana plants, and cacti

Lunch en route.

After lunch, take a 20-minute walk through rice terraces and the village of Yoakha to reach Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. This temple, perched on a round hilltop, is believed to bless childless couples with fertility.

Overnight stay at hotel in Punakha.

Day 4 (Punakha)

Royal Chortens and Ancient Fortresses: A Day in Punakha

After breakfast at the hotel, drive ten kilometres north of Punakha to visit the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, built by Her Majesty Queen Ashi Tshering Yangden on Nyizergang hill. Consecrated in December 1999, this three-storey chorten sits in idyllic rural countryside. The 45-minute climb from the road rewards visitors with beautiful paintings displaying complex iconography and impressive statues.

Drive to the majestic Punakha Dzong, crossing the cantilever bridge to explore this architectural masterpiece. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it stands as one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses.

Lunch at a restaurant in town.

Afternoon activities:

  • Visit the local nunnery
  • Drive to the Queen Mother’s Village to experience traditional village life

Overnight stay at hotel in Punakha.

Day 5 (Paro)

Crossing Kingdoms: From Punakha to Paro

After breakfast, begin your four-hour drive to Paro via Dochula Pass. At the pass, view the 108 stupas commissioned by the former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the conflict in late 2002, when Indian rebels were evicted from their camps along the Bhutan-India border. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas. The scenery varies seasonally:

  • November to March: Alpine snow landscapes
  • March to May: Colourful blossoms amid wild herbs and forest trees

After lunch in Thimphu, continue your drive to Paro. Visit Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels), the administrative and religious centre of Paro District. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan in the 17th century.

Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

Day 6 (Tiger's Nest)

The Tiger’s Sacred Lair: Taktsang Pilgrimage

After breakfast, embark on a pilgrimage hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). This sacred site is a cherished destination for Bhutanese Buddhists, who believe each step along the trail accumulates merit for their future. The trail winds through meadows of pines, rhododendrons, and oaks. Choose between:

  • A 2-hour round trip hike to the cafeteria for panoramic monastery views
  • A more strenuous 5-hour round trip hike to the monastery itself

Legend tells that Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tigress’s back, meditated for 3 months, and converted local deities to Buddhism. The present structure was built in 1692 by Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Desi of Bhutan, fulfilling Zhabdrung Rinpoche’s wishes. (Horse ride to cafeteria available at additional cost)

After lunch, visit:

  • Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built by a Tibetan king in the 7th century to subdue a demoness
  • Ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, the historic ‘Fort of Drukpa Victory’ (burned down in the 1950s), from where Bhutanese forces repelled Tibetan invasions. On clear days, enjoy views of sacred Mount Chomolhari (24,000 feet)

Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

Day 7 (Depart)

Farewell to Bhutan: Safe Travels and Hope to See You Again!

Today, you bid farewell to Bhutan. Our representative will transfer you to the airport and bid you farewell. Thank you for visiting Bhutan! Hope to see you again. Tashi Delek!

BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY!

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