BHUTAN

Classic Bhutan: Journey from
Paro to Bumthang Group Tour

TOUR DATES : October 23rd – November 1st, 2026 - Jambay Festival
February 28th – March 9th, 2027 - Tangsibi Mani Festival

Bhutan Unveiled: A Cultural Passage Through the Himalaya
Discover the fascinating traditional culture and majestic mountain scenery of Bhutan on this unforgettable cultural journey traversing the country overland. This little-visited country in the heart of the Himalaya, offers those few visitors fortunate enough to explore its timeless villages and picturesque valleys a travel experience like no other. Other highlights of this journey include drives across high mountain passes, visits to museums and monasteries, and Bhutan’s awe-inspiring dzongs, citadels featuring beautifully painted wooden architecture, as you explore Western and Central Bhutan.
GROUP JOURNEY DATES:
October 23rd – November 1st, 2026
Jambay Festival
February 28th – March 9th, 2027
Tangsibi Mani Festival
2 TRAVELERS:
From $13,455 per person
GOV’T OF BHUTAN SDF:
$100 per person, per day: $900
INTERNAL AIRFARE:
Bumthang to Paro: $285 per person
(Subject to Change)
INQUIRE

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Land Price Includes:

  • All accommodations (hotels and lodges) as mentioned in the above itinerary based on double occupancy and inclusive of all taxes;
  • Private ground transportation in Bhutan as described in the itinerary;
  • Transfers on arrival and departure;
  • All meals in Bhutan as noted in the itinerary;
  • All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
  • Bhutan Visa Fee (Nomadic Expeditions will obtain your Visa);
  • Extensive pre-departure notes, reading list, and travel tips;
  • Bilingual guide throughout your stay in Bhutan.

Land Price Does Not Include:

  • International airfare; internal airfare is quoted separately and is subject to change by airlines;
  • Govt. of Bhutan mandatory Tourism fees (listed above);
  • Gratuity to Local Guide and Driver;
  • Comprehensive medical and trip insurance;
  • Excess baggage charges;
  • Photography and video fees;
  • Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone calls;
  • Other items not specifically mentioned as included.
CLASSIC BHUTAN Paro to Bumthang Group Tour

Itinerary

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Days 1-2

Welcome to Bhutan | Thimphu

Arrive in Paro with breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks before meeting your Nomadic Expeditions guide and transferring to your hotel in Thimphu. The following day, explore Bhutan’s capital beginning with the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Continue to the National Institute of Traditional Medicine and visit the towering Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley. Depending on time, discover the School of Arts and Crafts, the Heritage Museum, Drupthob Lhakhang nunnery, or see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3

Thimphu | Punakha

Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar hung with lichen up to Dochula Pass (3,050 m.), which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Stop for a short hike up to Chimi Lhakhang, a hilltop temple, and then continue about 3 hours down into the fertile Punakha Valley (4,430 ft.).

After lunch continue to Punakha to view the dzong situated between Pho Chu and Mochu, the Male and Female Rivers. Once the capital of the kingdom, this fortress is now used as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. After a stroll through the town of Punakha, enjoy dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Days 4

Punakha | Gangtey

After breakfast, drive toward Gangtey (3 hours) via Wangdiphodrang. Visit the once-remarkable Wangdi Dzong, an impressive structure in ruins built high on a ridge with magnificent views overlooking the expansive valley. While in Wangdiphodrang, visit a house in the village and enjoy the local hospitality.

Continue driving toward Gangtey and pass through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees before reaching the town.

On arrival in Gangtey valley, visit the Crane Information Center and learn about the revered Black-neck cranes that migrate all the way form Siberia and Mongolia to make this valley their winter habitation.
Days 5

Exploring Gangtey Valley

Visit Gangtey Goenpa Monastery for a tea ceremony with local lamas and a discussion on Buddhism. The monastery’s head lama is the 9th incarnation of Pema Lingpa, one of Bhutan’s revered saints. Explore Phobjikha Valley, winter home to rare black-necked cranes, with a scenic nature hike and village walk. Stop at the Crane Center to learn more before enjoying optional afternoon hikes.
DAYS 6

To Bumthang

After breakfast, drive five hours to Bumthang, stopping at the dramatic Trongsa Dzong and crossing Yotong La Pass into Chumey Valley to visit Domkhar Dzong. Observe traditional wool weaving in Tsugney before crossing Kiki La Pass into Choekhor Valley. In Bhutan’s holiest valley, visit Kurjey Lhakhang and hike to Padmasambhava Lhakhang, sacred meditation sites linked to Guru Rinpoche. Check into your lodge.

Day 7

Bumthang | Local Festival

Attend the vibrant Jambay Lhakhang or Tangsibi Mani Festival, witnessing colorful mask dances and local celebrations. Connect with villagers before visiting a small cheese and apple juice factory and the sacred Burning Lake (Membertsho). Later, explore Chamkhar, Bumthang’s charming capital, known for its many temples and meditation centers. Return to your lodge for the evening.
Days 8

Bumthang | Paro

In the morning, transfer to Bumthang airport for your flight to Paro. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon, go for a short 20-minute drive northward to visit the ruins of Drukyul Dzong (fortress of the victorious Drukpas), this Dzong was built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to mark his victory over invading Tibetan forces. The Dzong was destroyed by a fire in 1951. On a clear day, you will be able to see Mount Jhomolhari. On the drive back toward Paro town, you will get a view of the Tiger’s Nest – Taktsang Lhakhang – perched atop a cliff at 9,700 feet 2,950 meters. Overnight at hotel.
DAYS 9

Paro

In the morning, hike to the pilgrimage site of Taktsang Lhakhang, also popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. This extraordinary monastery is perched on the edge of a granite cliff 3,000 feet above Paro Valley. Legend says Guru Rinpoche landed here from neighboring Tibet on the back of a flying tiger, bringing the doctrines of Buddhism with him. On our way back, visit Drukgyal Dzong, located 16 kilometers up. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 10

Departure

After breakfast, drive to Paro International airport for departure.
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CLASSIC BHUTAN Paro to Bumthang Group Tour

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