Valley Tour
Valley Tour
10 nights/11 days
Embark on the exclusive Bhutan tour with the 10 Nights/11 Days Valley journey. Explore the pristine Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the endangered Black-Neck Cranes, and visit ancient monasteries, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Bumthang. Enjoy personalized services, expert guides, and carefully curated experiences tailored to your interests. Witness breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, spiritual traditions, and the rich biodiversity that makes Bhutan unique. This unforgettable itinerary offers an intimate, immersive journey through Bhutan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, perfect for travelers seeking a deeply enriching and customized Bhutan experience.
Highlights
Birds eye view of Paro Valley, hike to Tiger’s Nest, driving through beautiful valleys, farm house visits, hot stone baths, and lighting butter lamps.
ITINERARY EXPAND
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As you fly into Paro, enjoy stunning views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s own sacred peaks—Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake. After immigration and baggage collection, you'll be warmly greeted by our representative and driven to Thimphu along the scenic Paro and Wang Chu rivers. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Memorial Chorten, a spiritual site built in honor of the Third King, rich in Buddhist symbolism. Later, explore Tashichho Dzong, Bhutan’s administrative and religious heart. In the evening, stroll Thimphu’s vibrant streets filled with monks, traders, and locals before resting at your hotel for the night.
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After breakfast, hike 45 minutes to Cheri Monastery, founded in 1620 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Bhutan’s unifier and spiritual leader. This sacred site, visited by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century, is now a key teaching center of the Drukpa Kagyu order and a popular meditation retreat. Next, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th-century temple perched above Thimphu, dedicated to Avalokiteshvara. Enjoy panoramic views of Thimphu Valley from its courtyard. Later, explore the bustling weekend market to experience local culture, then visit Centenary Park to see the 45-foot Thai-built Walking Buddha statue. End the day with an overnight stay at your hotel.
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After breakfast, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, founded by Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, showcasing Bhutan’s rural lifestyle through artifacts and a restored traditional mud-and-timber house. Then explore the Institute of Zorig Chusum, where students learn Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts like thangka painting and carving. At the Textile Museum, view exquisite weaves from Lhuentse, the royal family’s ancestral home. Discover handmade paper-making techniques using daphne and edgeworthia plants. Visit Bhutan Post to see the country’s famous stamps, including personalized ones. Explore the peaceful Royal Botanical Garden, a favorite weekend retreat. End with a visit to Buddha Point for panoramic views of Thimphu Valley and the towering Buddha statue.
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After breakfast, drive toward Punakha Valley, Bhutan’s former capital. Ascend to Dochula Pass at 10,300 feet, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. Visit the Druk Wangyal Chortens—a stunning cluster of 108 stupas honoring Bhutan’s monarchy, designed under the Queen’s inspiration. Descend through terraced fields, rivers, and fluttering prayer flags into the vibrant Punakha Valley. Explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 at the confluence of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. This architectural masterpiece hosted the coronation of Bhutan’s first king and royal weddings. Though partially damaged by a glacial lake outburst in 1994, it is being beautifully restored.
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After an early breakfast, drive 15 minutes to begin a 35–45-minute hike to Khamsum Yuellay Namgyal Chorten, a stunning stupa built by the Queen Mother to promote global peace and harmony. Next, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour river rafting adventure on the Mochu River, surrounded by serene blue waters, alpine views, rare bird sightings, and thrilling rapids with the majestic Punakha Dzong as a backdrop. In the afternoon, hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, built in honor of the Divine Madman. The peaceful round-trip walk through rice fields offers cultural insight and beautiful valley views. Overnight at your hotel.
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Travel through Wangdue Phodrang, once a powerful southern district, where the historic dzong is restored after a 2012 fire. En route to Phobjikha Valley, take a scenic detour before Pele La Pass, passing forests of blooming rhododendrons, magnolias, and dwarf bamboo. Phobjikha is Bhutan’s largest glacial valley and a winter home for endangered Black-Necked Cranes, revered by locals. Visit the RSPN center, which supports conservation and hosts the annual Crane Festival each November. Explore Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan, recently restored after termite damage. End the day with a farmhouse visit and warm interaction with locals.
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Begin an early drive to Paro, passing through the picturesque Sha Valley, known for its terraced rice fields and rich biodiversity. The route winds through forests of magnolia, rhododendron, and oak, with chances to spot birds, yellow-throated martens, and grey langurs. Enjoy a scenic lunch en route. Upon arrival in Paro, relax at your hotel or take a leisurely stroll around the charming town. Paro Valley beautifully showcases Bhutan’s essence—ancient temples, grand fortresses, serene monasteries, traditional villages, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s the perfect setting to reflect on your journey and prepare for the adventures that await in this magical valley.
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After breakfast, visit Paro’s Ta Dzong, a round watchtower built in 1951, now serving as Bhutan’s National Museum since 1967. Though under renovation, its rich collection of art, relics, and thangkas is displayed nearby. Next, explore Rinpung Dzong, an impressive 17th-century fortress that functions as both a civil administrative center and monastic residence. Built in 1644 under the command of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend against Tibetan invasions, it is one of the few dzongs that withstood the 1897 earthquake with minimal damage. These historic landmarks offer deep insight into Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Overnight at your hotel.
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After an early breakfast, drive to Haa Valley, situated at 9,000 feet and once a key trade route between Bhutan and Tibet. Opened to tourists only in 2001, the journey crosses the scenic Chelela Pass at 11,000 feet, offering stunning views of Mt. Jumolhari on clear days. Travel through pine forests and yak pastures before reaching Haa. Visit the sacred Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), said to be built with divine help. The valley is watched over by three symbolic mountains representing Buddhist deities. Return to Paro in the late afternoon. Overnight stay at your hotel.
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After breakfast, drive 25 minutes to Ramthangka base and begin your hike to Bhutan’s most iconic site, Taktshang Lhakhang—“Tiger’s Nest” Monastery—perched 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tigress and meditated in a cave that later became this sacred monastery. The hike to the cafeteria takes about two hours, followed by another hour to reach the monastery, offering breathtaking views and tranquil sounds of wind, water, and monk chants. After lunch at the cafeteria, descend and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century. Overnight at your hotel.
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After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. As you depart, take with you cherished memories of Bhutan’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. We wish you a safe and pleasant flight to your next destination.

