DAY 1: ARRIVAL PARO – THIMPHU

Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.The journey follows the beautiful Pa Chhu before entering the Wang Chhu valley and gradually climbing towards Thimphu. After checking into the hotel, take time to relax following your flight. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a gentle introduction to Thimphu with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery overlooking the Wang Chhu. The dzong is an important centre of Bhutan’s religious and governmental administration. The evening is free to explore the streets of Thimphu and experience the relaxed atmosphere of Bhutan’s capital. Overnight: Thimphu

DAY 2: CHERI MONASTERY HIKE & THIMPHU VALLEY

After breakfast, drive north of Thimphu towards Dodena, the starting point of today’s forest hike to Cheri Monastery. The trail begins beside the river before gradually climbing through peaceful Himalayan forest. The route passes through pine, oak and rhododendron vegetation, with the sound of the forest and mountain streams accompanying the walk. The climb eventually reaches Cheri Monastery, founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The monastery occupies a peaceful mountainside location overlooking the Thimphu Valley and is historically associated with the establishment of Bhutan’s dual system of government.

After visiting the monastery, descend through the forest and return to Thimphu. Afternoon visit to Buddha Dordenma, Painting School, and Takin Reserve Center before the journey into the mountains. Overnight: Thimphu

DAY 3: THIMPHU – PHOBJIKHA VALLEY

Depart Thimphu and travel towards the spectacular Phobjikha Valley. The road climbs through forests towards Dochula Pass, at approximately 3,100 metres. The pass is marked by its 108 Druk Wangyel stupas and, on clear days, offers magnificent views towards the snow-covered Himalayan ranges. Continue through mountain forests and descend towards the wide glacial landscape of Phobjikha. It is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful highland valleys, surrounded by the Black Mountains. It is also internationally known as the winter habitat of the black-necked crane, which arrives from the Tibetan Plateau during the colder months. 

After checking in, enjoy an easy introductory walk through the valley. For those wanting a gentle first exploration, the Gangtey Nature Trail provides a contrasting experience to the more demanding hikes later in the journey. The trail passes through pine forest, farmland and the open valley landscape. Overnight: Phobjikha

DAY 4: LONGTEY HIKE & PHOBJIKHA VALLEY

Today is the signature hiking day of the journey. After breakfast, drive approximately 30 minutes from Phobjikha to the starting point near Longtey Village on the East-West Highway.

The trail initially descends towards Longtey Village before entering an increasingly beautiful landscape of bamboo, traditional farmhouses and open grazing areas. The route then begins climbing gradually through spectacular old-growth rhododendron forest. The forest section is one of the highlights of the hike, particularly during spring when the rhododendrons provide colourful displays. During the colder months, yaks can often be seen grazing in the surrounding highland meadows. 

The final section climbs more steeply towards Kayche La, a high mountain pass at approximately 3,586 metres. From the pass, the landscape opens dramatically, revealing sweeping views across the Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Goemba, the monastic college and surrounding mountains. From the pass, the trail descends through open meadows and traditional countryside towards Kumbu Village. Depending on the group’s fitness, weather and trail conditions, the hike can finish at Kumbu with vehicle collection, or continue towards Gangtey and the valley floor. Return to Phobjikha after the hike and enjoy a well-earned evening at the lodge. Overnight: Phobjikha

DAY 5: PHOBJIKHA – PUNAKHA

After breakfast, depart Phobjikha and descend towards the warmer Punakha Valley. On arrival, visit magnificent Punakha Dzong, dramatically positioned at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. The fortress is one of Bhutan’s most important architectural and religious landmarks. Continue to the Punakha Suspension Bridge, where a walk across the traditional bridge provides beautiful views of the river and surrounding valley.  The afternoon continue to Chimi Lhakhang, popularly known as Bhutan’s Fertility Temple. The temple is associated with Lama Drukpa Kunley, the famous Bhutanese saint known as the Divine Madman. The approach is a pleasant walk through traditional villages and agricultural fields. Overnight: Punakha

DAY 6: KHAMSUM YULLEY NAMGYEL – PARO

Begin the morning with the hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, one of the most scenic short hikes in the Punakha Valley. The trail crosses agricultural land and follows a gentle uphill route through countryside before reaching the beautifully decorated chorten. Located above the Mo Chhu Valley, the site provides excellent views across the surrounding fields, forests and mountains. After lunch, begin the scenic journey westwards towards Paro. Arrive in Paro and visit Mandala Display Center for fun mandala creation activities. This will help relaxing your mind from a tiring journey. Overnight: Paro

DAY 7: TIGER’S NEST HIKE

Today is the grand finale of the hiking journey, the legendary Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest. After breakfast, drive to the trailhead and begin the climb through pine forest. The trail gradually rises above the Paro Valley, with prayer flags, forested slopes and mountain views accompanying the ascent. After reaching the viewpoint, the famous monastery comes dramatically into view, seemingly suspended on the cliff face. Continue through the stairways and forested sections towards the monastery complex. The site is one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations and is traditionally associated with Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have meditated here in the eighth century. After exploring the monastery, descend to the trailhead and return to Paro. Evening, visit to a local farmhouse for a traditional Bhutanese farewell dinner. Overnight: Paro

DAY 8: DEPARTURE

The final morning allows time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Paro (depending on flight) before transferring to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.

Package Inclusions

• Airport transfers and standard transportation throughout the tour.
• Accommodation in comfortable 3-star hotels.
• All meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Bottled drinking water during sightseeing and transfers.
• An experienced English-speaking guide throughout the journey.
• Bhutan visa and visa processing fees.
• Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and applicable government taxes.
• Sightseeing and entrance fees for monuments and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
• Short hikes and packed lunches where required.

Package Exclusions

• International and domestic airfares.
• Accommodation upgrades to 4-star or 5-star hotels.
• Vehicle upgrades.
• Travel insurance.
• Beverages and bottled water consumed at hotels or outside the included meals.
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and other service providers. These are entirely at the guest’s discretion and may be given based on the quality of service received.
• Personal expenses and any services not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions.
• Bank/wire transfer fees and credit card transaction or processing fees.
• Anything that not mentioned in the inclusions

Cancellation Policy

To confirm your Bhutan tour booking with Rustic Frontiers, a minimum of 50% of the total tour cost must be paid upon confirmation and prior to your arrival in Bhutan.

In the event of cancellation, refunds will be processed after deducting the applicable cancellation charges outlined below. Bhutan Airlines, Drukair and luxury hotels may have separate reservation, cancellation and refund policies, which will apply in addition to the tour cancellation policy. Any bank or wire transfer charges associated with a refund will be deducted from the refundable amount.

Cancellation Charges

Important: All cancellation requests must be submitted to Rustic Frontiers in writing by email and are subject to confirmation and approval by Rustic Frontiers. The applicable cancellation period will be determined by the date the cancellation request is received and approved.

Airline tickets, luxury hotel reservations and other services with separate cancellation policies will be subject to the respective supplier’s terms and conditions.