International airfare

Additional meals, excursions and activities not listed

Tips to your local guides and drivers

Temple donations

Alcohol, unless specified

Required travel insurance

The flight to the town of Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Stepping out of the aircraft, the first impressions of Bhutan are the cool fresh air and deep blue skies.

On arrival we’ll take about an hour and a half drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan, which leads through the Paro Valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom. On the way you’ll see the Tamchog Lhakhang, the temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (several of which are still in use today). The present bridge to Tachog Lhakhang was restored in 2005 in the design of a traditional style with iron chains.

We’ll enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch in a heritage farmhouse. You’ll get to experience typical flavors such as chili and green onion along red rice and many seasonal dishes.

In the afternoon, we’ll check in to the hotel and you’ll have free time to rest up or walk around Thimpu. Dinner will be at the hotel in the evening.

Meals: B, L, D

This morning we’ll take some time to explore Thimphu’s markets! Popularly known as the Weekend Market, this bustling, colorful market is the biggest one where farmers from different parts of the country gather to sell their farm products. You’ll get to see all the grains, such as red rice, dried chiles and spices and all the many vegetables, from wild greens and mushrooms. You might even try some market specialties such as yak cheese!

After stopping for traditional momos for lunch, we’ll visit Tashichhodzong, ‘fortress of the glorious religion.’ This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo, or Chief Abbot, who leads the Commission for Monastic Affairs in Bhutan. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Tashichhodzong was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

We’ll then drive north of town to the Buddha Dordenma, located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D. that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni is made of bronze and is gilded in gold, measuring 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues in Bhutan. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, and each of these also have been cast in bronze and gilded.

We’ll then drive to Punakha about three hours across the Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly at the top to take in the view and admire the chorten (stupa), main wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. The Druk Wangyal Chortens - 108 of them! - were built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. Your guide will tell you all about how they’re built!

If the skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Massaging (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongphugang (7,060m), a Table Mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m.

In the evening we’ll stay at a beautiful mountain lodge with views of the Punakha Dzong below.

Meals: B, L, D

We’ll start off the morning with a short hike (about 45 minutes) to the Khamsam Yully Namgayal Chorten, built by the Queen of Bhutan in 2004. This site overlooks the Punakha Valley is said to ward off evil deities.

After lunch we’ll take a short excursion through the village to the Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and want one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field.’ Along the way you’ll also see many symbols of fertility and for those of you into health food, you’ll see shops dedicated to wild harvested cordyceps, a fungus that grows on a caterpillar and is known for its health benefits.

We’ll then drive about three hours along a scenic highway filled with rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries as well as the National Museum and country’s only international airport. Mount Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunges through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). The Paro Valley is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

We’ll enjoy an evening stay in the town

Meals: B, L, D

We’ll get an early start for a sunrise hike to the Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Legends say that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest.’ This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. It can only be reached by foot; there are no roads to the top. We’ll visit the temple at the top, integrating and reflecting on the experiences we’ve had throughout the trip.

After our we come down, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at the base before heading back for free time in the afternoon. You can head into Paro for some shopping and mementos or rest up after our hike. Then don your swimsuit if you’re doing the hot stone bath, a traditional Bhutanese method of resting tired muscles in stone-heated, herb scented private baths. We’ll follow this with our farmhouse farewell dinner.

Meals: B, L, D

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you’ll depart from Paro to either Kathmandu or Delhi. We can assist with your onward travel home

Meals: B

Starting at $2495 per person. See table below.

Bhutan recently had a major revamp in its tourism policy. The Governmental Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) which was earlier called ‘Royalty’ was hiked from USD $65 to USD $200 per person per night, into effect June 20th, 2022. Also entrance fees to monuments are significantly increased. As of September 1, 2023 the SDF fee was lowered to $100 per person per night.

So while an investment into visiting Bhutan may not be cheap, it is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and supports the livelihoods of those that you’ll be visiting in this unique country.

The prices will vary depending on how many people book the excursion. Your Traverse trip leader will be in close contact with you about the final price based on bookings, which will be finalized no later than 60 days prior to trip departure. Airfare from Delhi (India trip) or Kathmandu (Nepal trip) will be booked for you and the price billed back to you based on current airfare pricing plus a 5% service charge.

Due to the nature of this unique excursion, a $500 deposit is required on booking, followed by 50% of the balance after 30 days. The final balance will be due 60 days prior to departure.

Bookings are based on double occupancy. If you would like your own room the “my own room” option is $325.

Bhutan makes a great pairing with two of our other trips! Click the links below for the full itinerary and date options.

Welcome to India

Discover Nepal

Yes, you do and we will acquire that for you as part of the trip cost.

We'll book your roundtrip flight from either Delhi or Kathmandu to Paro, depending on your desired travel plans. Bhutan is a rare case for our trips in that with the visa and governmental requirements it's best for us to book your airfare for you to ensure everything is aligned correctly. We'll then bill you back for the cost of airfare + 5% service fee.

There will be short hikes each day to temples and other sites. These trails are easy and non-technical. The hike to the Tiger’s nest is 3-5 hours round trip, depending on the group’s pace. There are some steep inclines on the trail, but it is not too technical.

Yes! Bhutan makes a great combination with our Welcome to India and Discover Nepal itineraries with easy flights to both.