Free cancellation
Activity Thimphu, Bhutan
Bhutan Highlights Tour - 7 Nights 8 Days of Culture & Adventure
out of 5
14 reviews
About this activity
Embark on our enchanting 7 Nights 8 Days Bhutan Highlights Tour, immersing in rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. From Paro's vibrant hues to Thimphu's charming streets, explore Punakha's lush valleys and Gangtey's serene glacial expanse. Discover Trongsa's historical significance before retracing to Paro, with a detour to Haa Valley. Culminate your journey with a visit to the awe-inspiring Taktsang Monastery, known as the Tiger's Nest. Experience Bhutan's culture, religion, and history in one unforgettable expedition.
At a glance
- Duration
- 8 days
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group
- Your group only
- People per booking
- 1–15
- Guide
- English
- Operated by
- Happiness Drukyul Holiday
Ages: Adults (5–99 years)
What is included
Included
- Included: Route Permit and monuments entrance fees
- Included: Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Included: 3-star accommodation on twin sharing
- Included: Sustainable development fee USD 100 per person per night
- Included: Government SDF, surcharges, all taxes etc.
- Included: Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Included: Lunch
- Included: Dinner
- Included: All land transportation by private vehicle
- Included: Breakfast
- Included: Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- Included: A licensed Private Bhutanese tour guide
Not included
- Not included: Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Not included: Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Not included: Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Itinerary
Day 1 · Arrival in Paro (2250m) and transfer to Thimphu (2350m) and sightseeing
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Aura Trails - Bhutan Travel & Adventure
Passing by
With years of experience in crafting unforgettable journeys, Aura Trails Bhutan offers expertly guided tours led by knowledgeable and friendly local guides. We carefully handpick quality accommodations and provide comfortable, luxury transportation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. From personalized service to authentic cultural insights, we are committed to making your Bhutan journey truly special.
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Thimphu
12 hours
Stay overnight in Thimphu
Overnight in Hotel
Day 2 · Thimphu sightseeing to Punakha (1310m)
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Thimphu District
4 hours
After breakfast visit National Memorial Chorten Institute of Traditional Medicine, Folk heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Takin Zoo and Buddha Point. Later drive towards Punakha for about 1 and half hour passing across Dochula Pass (3,050m). Overnight at Hotel.
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Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
30 min Admission included
The Memorial Stupa, Thimphu, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, is a stupa (Dzongkha chöten, cheten) in Thimphu, Bhutan, located on Doeboom Lam in the southern-central part of the city near the main roundabout and Indian military hospital. The stupa, built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), is a prominent landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells. In 2008, it underwent extensive renovation. It is popularly known as "the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan". It was consecrated by Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje.
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Thimphu’s Weekend Market
30 min Admission included
Visit weekend market, if the tour is in weekend.
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Dochula Pass
one hour Admission included
Stop at Dochula Pass on the way from Thimphu to Punakha
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Buddha Dordenma
30 min Admission included
Visit Buddha Point
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Motithang Takin Preserve
30 min Admission included
Visit Takin Preserve
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Centenary Farmers Market
30 min
Centenary Farmers Market in Thimphu is best for local fresh farm products.
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National Folk Heritage Museum
30 min Admission included
Folk Heritage Museum highlights the culture and traditions of Bhutan.
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Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
30 min Admission included
Tashichoe Dzong is a Buddhist monastery and fortress in Thimphu.
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Chimi Lhakhang Temple
30 min
Chimi Lhakhang is the temple dedicated to Drukpa Kunley and also known as the 'fertility temple'.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3 · Punakha sightseeing and travel to Gangtey (2320m)
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Punakha
12 hours
After breakfast visit Punakha Dzong, visit to Punakha Suspension Bridge and drive to Gangtey via Wangdue. Drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, over a high pass down into the Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Visit Gangtey Monastery. Later, drive for an hour through the jungle before emerging to the valley floor. Overnight at Hotel.
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Punakha Dzong
one hour Admission included
The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang (meaning "the palace of great happiness or bliss", is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Ngawang Namgyal, 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, in 1637–38, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. The dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, including the Rangjung Kharsapani and the sacred remains of Ngawang Namgyal and the tertön Pema Lingpa.
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Punakha Suspension Bridge
15 min Admission included
A short hike to Punakha Suspension Bridge.
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Wangdue
Passing by
Drive to Gangtey via Wangdue
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Gangtey
Passing by
A scenic drive to Gangtey valley
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Phobjikha Valley
12 hours
A beautiful valley also known as winter home of black-necked cranes.
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Gangtey Monastery
30 min Admission included
Short visit to Gangtey Monastery
Overnight in Hotel.
Day 4 · Gangtey sightseeing and travel to Trongsa(2200m)
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Trongsa
12 hours
Drive to the Pele la Pass and enter the traditional eastern region. Then the road gradually drops passing through Kgebji village, Sephu village, Chendebji village followed by large Chendebji Chorten. Now the road passes through farms, villages and reaches the Trongsa Dzong. Visit Trongsa Dzong which is the largest and most impressive Dzong in Bhutan built in 1644 by the Shabdrung. Overnight at Hotel.
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Trongsa District
30 min
Visit Trongsa Dzong
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Tongsa Dzong
one hour Admission included
Trongsa Dzong is the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan
Overnight at Hotel
Day 5 · Trongsa sightseeing and travel to Wangdue (1310m)
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Wangdue Phodrang District
Passing by
Early in the morning after breakfast, drive for about 6 hours re-tracing the same route back to Trongsa. Overnight at Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 6 · Wangdue to Haa Valley(3050m) and return to Paro (2250m)
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Haa Valley
2 hours Admission included
After breakfast, drive over Chele La Pass (3899m) and then continue the drive towards Haa. Visit Wangchuckli Dzong, Lhakhang Nakpo (Black temple), and Lhakhang Karpo in Haa. Afterwards, drive back to Paro. Overnight at Hotel.
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Chele La Pass
30 min Admission included
Drive to Haa Valley via Chele La Pass
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Haa District
2 hours
A visit to Haa Valley.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 7 · Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery, and sightseeing
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Paro Taktsang
5 hours Admission included
Early in the morning after breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang and then commence the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. Afterwards, hike back to the road point then drive to Kyichu Lakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Also visit Rinpung Dzong. Later drive back to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
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Stop 2
30 min Admission included
Visit Kyichu Lakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan
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Paro Taktsang
5 hours Admission included
Tasktsang Monastery also knonw as 'Tiger's Nest' is the prime attraction of Bhutan.
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Paro Taktsang
5 hours Admission included
Hike to Paro Taktsang monastery.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 8 · After breakfast, drive to airport and fly to your onward journey
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Paro
Passing by
Your 7 Nights Bhutan Tour end today, after breakfast, drive towards the Paro international airport, board the flight and bid farewell to remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom.
Meeting point and pickup
The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.
Pickup points
- Town View Resort
- Tshongdu Boutique
- Nirvana Inn
- Hotel Olathang
- Lhayhuel Resort & Spa
- Hotel Gakyidiana
- Zambala Hotel River-View
- Diamond Hotel
- Aja Village Resort
- Yang Bhutan Hotel
- Dawa at Hilltop by Heeton
and 18 more pickup points
We will pick you up from Paro Airport, Bhutan upon your arrival, based on the flight details you provide. If your flight time or route changes, please inform us immediately to ensure a smooth and hassle-free pickup.
Cancellation
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
| If you cancel | You get back |
|---|---|
| At least 6 days before | 100% |
| At least 2 days before | 50% |
| Less than a day before | 0% |
Good to know
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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All international travelers are required to obtain a visa clearance prior to traveling to Bhutan. Once your trip is confirmed, we will handle the visa processing on your behalf. To proceed, we only require a clear copy of your passport, a recent photograph, and your flight details, which can be conveniently sent via email or whatsapp.
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We welcome last-minute bookings; however, please allow at least 2 business days for visa processing.
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Please allow a minimum of 2 business days for visa processing. We guarantee 100% visa approval for all travelers.
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No need to print or pre-stamp your visa. We will provide an e-visa, and upon arrival in Bhutan, your passport will be stamped at the airport for entry.
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Would you like to customize your tour or upgrade your hotel? Absolutely! After you book your trip, we can provide a separate, personalized quote for any modifications or upgrades you choose.
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How to Get to Bhutan: Traveling to Bhutan is easy and hassle-free with direct flights operated by Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. These airlines connect Bhutan with several major cities across Asia and the Middle East. You can fly directly to Paro International Airport from cities such as Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, and Dhaka. Whether you’re coming from South Asia or Southeast Asia, these convenient connections make your journey to the Land of the Thunder Dragon smooth and comfortable.
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Visiting Bhutan can be more expensive than other destinations because the country follows a “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy. This ensures sustainable travel, preservation of culture and environment, and quality experiences for visitors. Costs include mandatory daily tariffs, accommodation, transportation, guides, and entrance fees, all designed to provide a safe, authentic, and enriching journey while supporting local communities.
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Most hotels in Bhutan offer free Wi-Fi for your stay, allowing you to stay connected with family, friends, or work. However, internet access may be limited during tours. To stay connected on the go, you can easily purchase a local SIM card with data at Paro Airport at an affordable price, ensuring you have coverage whenever you need it.
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Bhutan Highlights Tour - 7 Nights 8 Days of Culture & Adventure
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