Exclusive Bhutan Tour
Overview:
Nestled high in the Himalayas, Bhutan is an ancient land of mystic traditions, serene monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes. For centuries, this enchanting kingdom remained isolated, accessible only by foot or horseback, preserving its rich heritage and spiritual essence. With Karnali Excursions as your guide, unlock the secrets of Bhutan—from the magnificent Punakha Dzong, the winter capital, to the tranquil Gangtey Gompa, where you can witness the rare Spotted Black-Necked Cranes. Explore Ura, the gateway between the East and West Kingdoms, and immerse yourself in Bhutan’s timeless culture. Our all-inclusive package ensures a seamless journey, covering everything from equipment to permits. These exclusive tours are designed for a minimum of two travelers. We highly recommend early reservations to secure your spot and ensure air transport availability.
Tour Highlights
- Visit sacred monasteries including Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) and Punakha Dzong for spiritual exploration of Bhutan
- Experience Bhutan’s festivals, local markets, and traditional lifestyles and culturally immerse
- Cross high mountain passes and walk through pristine valleys
- Discover centuries-old Dzongs, temples, cantilever bridges and Architectural marvels
- Taste Bhutanese dishes featuring red rice, chili, and cheese
- Observe the Bhutanese flora and fauna
Tour Facts
- Total Trip Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
- Max Elevation: 3,120m (Taktsang Monastery)
- Grading: Easy to Moderate
- Tour Style: Lodge-to-Lodge
- Tour Starts/Ends: Paro
- Best Season: March-June, September-November
- Accommodations: 12 Nights in (BB) Hotels and Lodges
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 01 (03.10.2025): Arrival in Paro – Drive to Thimphu (65 km / 1.5 hrs)
- Flight from Kathmandu to Paro, offering panoramic views of Everest and Kanchenjunga
- Drive to Thimphu
- Check-in at Hotel Capital or a similar hotel
- Visit Buddha Point (Dordenma Shakyamuni statue)
- Explore Farmer’s Market to experience local culture
- Overnight stay at Capital Hotel, Thimphu
Day 02 (04.10.2025): Thimphu Tshechu Festival – Explore Thimphu
- Attend the Thimphu Tshechu Festival (Bhutanese traditional and cultural festival)
- Meet local people and engage in the festive atmosphere
- Explore Bhutanese Buddhist heritage—dzongs, temples, and monasteries
- Witness Bhutan’s national sport—traditional archery festival (competition)
- Overnight stay at Capital Hotel, Thimphu
Day 03 (05.10.2025): Drive to Gangtey (135 km / 6 hrs)
- Embark on a scenic drive to Gangtey
- Enjoy panoramic views of lush valleys and dense forests
- Check-in at Kichu Resort or a similar hotel
- Overnight stay at Kichu Resort, Gangtey
Day 04 (06.10.2025): Gangtey Tshechu Festival – Explore Gangtey
- Attend the 400-year-old Gangtey Tshechu Festival (Bhutanese rituals and mask dances)
- Meet local people and immerse yourself in Bhutan’s unique culture and traditions
- Visit pristine villages to witness traditional lifestyles
- Explore different monasteries and temples for spiritual insight and architectural beauty
- Overnight stay at Kichu Resort, Gangtey
Day 05 (07.10.2025): Drive to Bumthang via Trongsa (5 hrs)
- Early morning drive towards Bumthang
- Stop at Trongsa to visit Trongsa Dzong (Authentic Bhutanese landmark)
- Explore the historical architecture and spiritual significance of Trongsa Dzong
- Continue the drive to Bumthang through scenic landscapes and mountain passes
- Check-in at The Mountain Lodge or a similar hotel
- Overnight stay at The Mountain Lodge, Bumthang
Day 06 (08.10.2025): Thangbi Lhakhang Festival – Explore Bumthang
- Attend the Thangbi Lhakhang Festival (cultural heritage)
- Witness the Mewang ceremony (fire blessing)
- Observe monks and local people performing traditional mask dances in the courtyard
- Immerse in the spiritual and festive atmosphere of the monastery
- Overnight stay at The Mountain Lodge, Bumthang
Day 07 (09.10.2025): Explore Tang Valley – Visit Mebar Tsho and Jakar Dzong
- Drive to Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake) in the southern part of Tang Valley (30-minute drive from Chamkhar town)
- Discover the sacred legend of Pema Lingpa (Treasure revealer of Bhutan)
- Admire the spiritual significance of Mebar Tsho, observe local faith and practice
- See the rock carvings of Pema Lingpa and his two sons at the lake’s entrance
- Drive back to the hotel for lunch
- Visit Jakar Dzong (Jakar Yugyal Dzong), one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan
- Explore historical significance of dzong
- Take a walk around Chamkhar town to explore local life and shops
- Drive back to the hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening
- Overnight stay at The Mountain Lodge, Bumthang
Day 08 (10.10.2025): Drive to Mendrelgeng via Punakha – Explore Heritage and Culture
- Drive towards Mendrelgeng Heritage Home via Punakha
- Visit Punakha Dzong, the second largest and oldest dzong in Bhutan
- Explore hirtory of Punakha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (17th c)
- Visit Chhimi Lhakhang Temple
- Drive to Mendrelgeng Heritage Home for authentic Bhutanese culture and tradition
- Explore the local lifestyle and architecture of the heritage home
- Overnight stay at Mendrelgeng Heritage Home
Day 09 (11.10.2025): Drive to Thimphu – Leisure Time
- Drive to Thimphu (2.5 hrs) through scenic landscapes
- Check-in at Hotel Capital or a similar hotel
- Explore Thimphu’s streets, cafés, or shops at your own pace
- Overnight stay at Hotel Capital, Thimphu
Day 10 (12.10.2025): Hike to Dodeydrak Monastery
- Drive towards the starting point of the hike to Dodeydrak Monastery
- Embark on the 5-kilometer hike
- Arrive at Dodeydrak Monastery and Explore
- Overnight stay at Dodeydrak Monastery
Day 11 (13.10.2025): Drive Back to Paro – Relax at Kichu Resort
- Drive back to Paro
- Check-in at Kichu Resort
- Overnight stay at Kichu Resort, Paro
Day 12 (14.10.2025): Hike to Taktsang Monastery – Visit Kichu Lhakhang
- Embark on the hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery (3,120 m) with stunning views of the Paro Valley
- Explore Taktsang Monastery where Guru Padmasambhava practiced and preached
- Enjoy the spectacular views during the 3-5 hour hike
- On the return journey, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan
- Overnight stay at Kichu Resort, Paro
Day 13 (15.10.2025): Departure from Bhutan
- Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight
- Fly from Paro to Kathmandu
- Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel
Day 14 (16.10.2025): Departure from Kathmandu to Home
- Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight
- Fly back home, concluding your unforgettable Bhutan and Nepal journey
- End of the tour, with cherished memories of your travels
Cost, Includes & Excludes
Cost Includes:
- 12 Nights in Bhutan at tourist-standard hotels on a full board basis
- All transfers by private vehicle
- All entrance fees to attractions
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- Bhutan SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) and Royalty fees
- Bhutan visa fee
- Round-trip flight from Kathmandu to Paro (KTM/Paro/KTM)
- One-night accommodation in Kathmandu on a Bed and Breakfast (B/B) basis
- All airport transfers
Cost Includes:
- Personal expenses
- Drinks and beverages
- Rescue and evacuation costs
- Tips and donations
- Expenses incurred due to delays from unforeseen circumstances
Trip Extension
Do you wish to extend your trip to include more time, additional destinations, or both? Let us know and we’ll help you plan it out.
(These trips can also be extended or modified to fit your schedule.)
To view our Trip Extension options, please take a quick look at our Trip Extensions menu.