Grand Bhutan Cultural Circuit
- Trip length
- 8 days • 7 nights
- Activity level
- Moderate
- Group size
- Up to 10
- Departures
- 2026: Nov–Dec · 2027: Jan–May, Sep–Nov
From Nu. 68,000/person
Includes guide, transport, hotels and the daily SDF
Overview
An 8-day loop through Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and the glacial Phobjikha Valley — the fullest introduction to western Bhutan.
An 8-day loop through Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and the glacial Phobjikha Valley — the fullest introduction to western Bhutan. This 8-day journey is led by Bhutanese guides who know the places and the people. Day by day: Arrive in Paro; Hike to Tiger's Nest; Drive to Thimphu; Thimphu markets & crafts; Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass; Punakha to Phobjikha Valley; and more across 8 days. The full itinerary with each day's details is on this page. This is a cultural journey: you spend your days among dzongs (fortress-monasteries), temples, markets and villages, with time to meet people and watch craftsmen at work, rather than racing between sights. The difficulty is moderate. You should be comfortable walking for several hours on uneven ground and at altitude, but no technical experience is needed. Every Droelma Tours & Travels journey is arranged with a licensed Bhutanese guide, a private vehicle and driver where roads allow, and accommodation planned in advance, and we help with your Bhutan visa and permits. Departure dates and group size can be adjusted — send us an enquiry and we will tailor the itinerary to your dates and interests.
Highlights
- Airport pickup
- Rinpung Dzong visit
- National Museum of Bhutan
- Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
- Buddha Dordenma statue
- Tashichho Dzong
Bhutan
Start / end Paro
Day by day
What each day looks like. Timings shift with the weather and the festival calendar — your guide will tell you the night before.
Day1Arrive in ParoParo
Land at Bhutan's only international airport and settle in.
What you'll do
- Airport pickup
- Rinpung Dzong visit
- National Museum of Bhutan
Day2Hike to Tiger's NestParo
A half-day hike to Bhutan's most iconic monastery, perched on a cliffside.
What you'll do
- Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
Day3Drive to ThimphuThimphu
Explore the capital city's landmarks at an easy pace.
What you'll do
- Buddha Dordenma statue
- Tashichho Dzong
- Memorial Chorten
Day4Thimphu markets & craftsThimphu
A second day in the capital focused on local life and traditional craftsmanship.
What you'll do
- Weekend Market (seasonal)
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Handicrafts workshops
Day5Drive to Punakha via Dochula PassPunakha
Stop at the 108-chorten pass before descending to the fertile Punakha valley.
What you'll do
- Dochula Pass
- Punakha Dzong
- Punakha Suspension Bridge
Day6Punakha to Phobjikha ValleyWangdue Phodrang
A glacial valley where black-necked cranes winter each year, and home to Gangtey Monastery.
What you'll do
- Gangtey Monastery
- Phobjikha nature trail
Day7Return to ParoParo
A scenic drive back with a stop at Wangdue Dzong ruins and free time for shopping.
What you'll do
- Wangdue Dzong ruins viewpoint
- Free time / shopping
Day8DepartureParo
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
What you'll do
- Transfer to airport
Where you'll stay
We haven't published the property list for this trip yet. Accommodation is included throughout, and we confirm each hotel in writing before you pay anything — ask us and we'll tell you exactly where this itinerary stays.
Gallery
Photographs from this trip. Tap any of them to see it full size.
What's included
Included in the price
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Private vehicle & driver
- 3-star hotel accommodation
- All meals as specified
- Entrance fees to listed sites
Not included
- International/domestic flights
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Visa fee
- Personal expenses & tips
Traveler reviews
Nobody has reviewed this trip on the site yet. Reviews here are written by travellers after they return, so they only appear once a departure has run — ask us and we can put you in touch with someone who has travelled with us.
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