Included: An experienced, local hiking guide and driver with extensive knowledge of the area 12-day Bhutan adventure tour Accommodation for 11 nights in 3-star and 4-star hotels and resorts All meals 2 bottled waters per person per day All ground transport, including airport transfers Daily tourist tax (sustainable development fee) All activities mentioned in the itinerary, including park and entrance fees where applicable Not included: Flights Drinks Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

This Bhutan adventure tour is suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness . Most days involve sightseeing and short cultural walks, with a few easy hikes mixed in along the way. The most demanding activity is the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which takes around 4–5 hours on a well-maintained trail. As long as you’re comfortable walking uphill at a steady pace, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the experience.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag) Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Comfortable hiking clothes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Bhutan adventure tour , the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6 :1. It takes a minimum of 1 person for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants . A Bhutan adventure tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Bhutan adventure tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

A single occupancy room is not available on this Bhutan adventure tour.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Bhutan adventure tour is Thimphu . To get there, most people fly into Paro International Airport (PBH) . From there, your guide will transport you to Thimphu on Day 1.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

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THIMPHU | BHUTAN

Best of Bhutan: 12-Day Adventure

12 days | Easy | 5.00

From $3,890 ()

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Bhutan kept the outside world at arm’s length for centuries, and it shows. This small Himalayan kingdom runs on ancient traditions, dramatic landscapes, and a philosophy that values happiness over speed. On this hiking adventure, we move through fortress monasteries, mountain passes, and quiet valleys, mixing short, scenic hikes with deep cultural immersion. Comfortable hotels, local guides, and seamless logistics keep things simple while we focus on what matters: exploring Bhutan properly. And when the moment comes to hike to Tiger’s Nest, clinging high above Paro Valley, you’ll understand why this place has captured imaginations for centuries.

Puru

Adventure Highlights

Bhutan in action: Cross Himalayan passes, explore fortress dzongs, see the giant Buddha Dordenma, and watch traditional wool weaving
Tiger’s Nest hike: Climb to Bhutan’s most legendary monastery, balanced impossibly on a cliff above Paro Valley
Comfort all the way: Stay in great hotels and enjoy all meals included throughout this hiking adventure

Duration

12 days

Season

Year-round

Group size

Up to 12 people

The adventure, day by day

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This Bhutan hiking adventure blends scenic walks with deep cultural exploration across the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Over 12 days, we travel through lush valleys and high mountain passes, visiting ancient dzongs, sacred temples, and vibrant towns along the way. Short, rewarding hikes lead us to hidden viewpoints, forest trails, and Bhutan’s most iconic sites, including the legendary Tiger’s Nest monastery. With comfortable hotels, all meals included, and experienced local guides taking care of logistics, the journey lets us experience Bhutan’s landscapes, culture, and traditions without rushing the adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu

Upon landing, your guide drives you to Thimphu, passing Tschogang Lhakhang along the way, a 15th-century Tibetan Buddhist temple. We’ll stop en route at Chhuzom, where the Thimphu and Paro Rivers converge and there are pretty Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese stupas to appreciate. After checking into the hotel, we’ll enjoy an evening walk along the main street and explore the market and crafts bazaar.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel

Day 2: Buddha point and nature walk

Today we visit Buddha Point, which has the largest statue in the country and offers a great view of Thimphu valley. From here we do an easy hike along a pretty forested trail that passes villages and thousands of prayer flags. The trail ends at Changangkha Lhakhang, an historic temple and monastic school. After lunch, we take a short drive to Pangri Zampa, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, and then to visit a traditional paper-making factory. In the evening we visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses the king’s throne room and various government bodies.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel
Hiking: 2 hours

Day 3: Dochu pass drive and Gangtey village

Today we drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha), which takes us over the famous, chorten-dotted Dochu mountain pass (3,080 m). On a clear day, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the peaks of the eastern Himalayas. En route we visit the market of Wangdue Phodrang, a town famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. After lunch, we explore Gangtey village on foot and visit Gangtey Goempa which is the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel

Day 4: Gangtey Nature Trail and Tangjey Lhakhang hike

After an early breakfast, we enjoy the easy Gangtey Nature Trail, which introduces us to Phobjikha valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, we head downhill to Semchubara village, and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. Later we head to Tangjey Lhakhang (3,050 m), walking through dwarf bamboo stands, vegetable fields, orchards, and the small village of Kilkhorthang. We end up at Tangey Lakhang temple, dating back to the early 1500s. We end the day with locally distilled traditional drinks.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel
Hiking: 7 hours

Day 5: Drive to Trongsa and historic fortresses

After breakfast we drive to Trongsa across the Pele mountain pass. En route we visit Chendebji Chorten, which was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet to cover the remains of an evil spirit. After checking into the hotel in Trongsa, we visit the striking Trongsa Dzong (fortress), ancestral home of the royal family built in 1648. Both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled from here. All four kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘governer’) prior to ascending the throne. We then visit the mountainside Ta Dzong, built to guard Trongsa.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel

Day 6: Bumthang and traditional wool weaving

We drive to Bumthang this morning, crossing Yutong Pass (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) along the way. One of Bhutan’s most spectacular regions, Bumthang includes four valleys (Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura) ranging from 2,600 m to 4,000 m (8,530–13,123 ft), with landscapes of farmland and conifer forests. Considered the heartland of Tibetan Buddhism in Bhutan, it is home to many important temples and monasteries. After settling in, we visit a traditional wool weaving center, then enjoy free time to explore.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel

Day 7: The best of Bumthang

After breakfast we set out on a guided tour of Bumthang. We visit Kurje Lhakhang, built where the saint Padma Sambhava subdued a local demon, followed by Jambey Lhakhang, a seventh-century temple, and Tamshing Lhakhang, home to some of Bhutan’s oldest wall paintings. We then continue to the impressive Jakar Dzong, a large fortress-monastery overlooking the valley. After lunch we take a short hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu, a working monastery above the town that plays an important role in preserving Tibetan culture.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel

Day 8: Scenic drive to Punakha

Today is one of the longer driving days, as roads are often the only way to travel across Bhutan. After breakfast, we check out and drive west to Punakha, the country’s former capital. Once there, we settle into the hotel and enjoy some free time. It’s recommended to explore the town on foot. Punakha sits in a lush valley and is home to a beautiful dzong at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel

Day 9: Hike to Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha's fortress

After breakfast, we take a short hike through rice paddies and villages to Chimi Lhakhang, known as the Temple of Fertility. Couples hoping for children often come here to pray for blessings. Later we visit Punakha Dzong, a massive fortress at the confluence of two rivers. We then continue to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, a nunnery on a pine-covered ridge overlooking the Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys, where nuns study, meditate, and learn traditional crafts.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel
Hiking: 1.5 hours

Day 10: Drive to Paro and three fortresses

After breakfast, we drive to Paro along a scenic highway, stopping at Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress, built in 1627. After lunch in Paro, we visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower that now houses the National Museum with collections of thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, and armor. We then take a short walk down to Rinpung Dzong, or Paro Dzong, the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels,” known for its beautiful wooden galleries and Buddhist wall paintings.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star resort

Day 11: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

This morning we hike to Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, perched dramatically on a cliff 900 m (2,953 ft) above the Paro Valley floor. The climb is steady, but the forested trail and sweeping views make the effort worthwhile. In the afternoon we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors once fought Tibetan invaders. Later we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a seventh-century temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and one of the sites that introduced Buddhism to Bhutan.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star resort

Day 12: Departure

After breakfast, we head to the airport for our flight home and complete the exit formalities.

Meals: Breakfast

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Lodging & food

Comfortable hotel and resort

Throughout the trip, we stay in comfortable hotels that provide a relaxing base after days of exploring Bhutan.

In Thimphu, we stay at Hotel Druk Thimphu, a stylish hotel that was recently renovated. Most rooms offer lovely views of the Wangchu (Thimphu River) and the city beyond.

In Paro, we stay at Tenzinling Resort, a beautiful resort ideally located for exploring Paro on foot. Room service is available, and there is a range of cuisine on offer if you’re craving a familiar meal.

Adventure, packed to go

Best of Bhutan: 12-Day Adventure

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Puru

A passionate hiker who loves spending time in the Himalayas, Puru helps coordinate adventures in Nepal and Bhutan, making sure travelers are well prepared for their journeys in these remarkable mountain regions.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (2 reviews)

A D

My trek and tour in Bhutan was magnificent. The team made the experience seamless and incredibly special. My guide, driver and trek team were experts who facilitated one of the most life-changing trips I could ever dream of. If you are considering a trip…just go!

Scott Beasley

The itinerary was fantastic, very well thought through and a good mix. Can’t compliment my local guide enough – he was very knowledgeable, kind and helpful at all times. The team were great in organising the trip, with Puru being really helpful through the process. I had a really good experience from start to finish – thank you everyone! It’s a great country to visit and this was a perfect introduction.

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Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide and driver with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 12-day Bhutan adventure tour
  - Accommodation for 11 nights in 3-star and 4-star hotels and resorts
  - All meals
  - 2 bottled waters per person per day
  - All ground transport, including airport transfers
  - Daily tourist tax (sustainable development fee)
  - All activities mentioned in the itinerary, including park and entrance fees where applicable
Not included:
- - Flights
  - Drinks
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
This Bhutan adventure tour is suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. Most days involve sightseeing and short cultural walks, with a few easy hikes mixed in along the way.

The most demanding activity is the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which takes around 4–5 hours on a well-maintained trail. As long as you’re comfortable walking uphill at a steady pace, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the experience.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Comfortable hiking clothes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Bhutan adventure tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 1 person for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
A Bhutan adventure tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Bhutan adventure tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A single occupancy room is not available on this Bhutan adventure tour.
The starting point of your Bhutan adventure tour is Thimphu. To get there, most people fly into Paro International Airport (PBH). From there, your guide will transport you to Thimphu on Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

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