6 Days Bhutan Tour: A Comprehensive Journey to Thimphu, Punakhk & Paro
Classic Bhutan Tour
Details
Fly to Paro Airport – Transfer to Thimphu (55 km / approx. 1.5–2 hours)
Take a flight with Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines to Paro International Airport. During the flight, enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range and the beautiful highland landscapes before landing at Bhutan’s only international airport in Paro.
After completing the arrival formalities, meet your Bhutanese guide outside the terminal and begin the drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The journey covers approximately 55 km and takes around 1.5–2 hours, depending on road conditions.
In the afternoon, visit Tashichho Dzong, a magnificent fortress standing on the western bank of the Wang Chhu River. It serves as the office of the King and houses the country’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Finance. It is also the summer residence of Bhutan’s religious leader and the central monastic body.
After visiting the dzong, continue to the Takin Preserve, which is dedicated to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. This rare Himalayan animal, with a head resembling a goat and a body resembling a cow, is regarded as one of the most distinctive symbols of Bhutanese wildlife.
If time permits, you may also visit one of Thimphu’s local markets to experience the everyday life of the Bhutanese people and browse local products.
Overnight: Thimphu
Thimphu – Gangtey (150 km / approx. 5.5 hours)
After breakfast, drive uphill toward Dochula Pass, located at an altitude of 3,088 meters (10,130 feet). Take some time here to enjoy the surrounding scenery and see the stupas, mani walls, and prayer flags decorating this high mountain pass.
On a clear day, the pass offers views of several spectacular Himalayan peaks, including Masagang (7,158 m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Terigang (7,060 m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7,060 m) and Gangkar Puensum (7,497 m), the highest peak in Bhutan.
Continue the journey toward Phobjikha Valley, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions of Bhutan. The valley is particularly famous as the winter home of the black-necked cranes. From early November to the end of March, visitors may have the opportunity to see these elegant and shy birds in their natural surroundings.
Before finishing the day, visit Gangtey Goemba, an ancient monastery with a history dating back to the 17th century. From the monastery, you can enjoy panoramic views over the beautiful Phobjikha Valley.
Overnight: Gangtey
Gangtey Trek Day 1 – Gangtey to Gogona
15 km | 6–7 hours | Ascent 610 m | Descent 410 m | Camp altitude 3,130 m
The trek begins in Phobjikha Valley at an altitude of approximately 2,830 meters. The trail heads south and then west, crossing open meadows before entering a mixed forest of rhododendrons, bamboo, juniper, and magnolia.
After crossing Tsele La Pass (3,430 m), the trail descends into the Juge Khangkha Chhu Valley. A short climb then leads to the campsite at Gogona, located at around 3,100 meters. This beautiful hilltop campsite overlooks a long valley and offers a peaceful setting surrounded by mountain scenery.
Nearby are Gogona Lhakhang and dozens of poles decorated with fluttering white prayer flags. Gogona is also known for producing its own distinctive Gogona cheese.
About 30 minutes beyond Gogona is a small village where you may have the opportunity to purchase locally brewed ara, a traditional alcoholic beverage. The women of the village are known for weaving blankets, while the local villagers speak a distinctive dialect known as Bjop-kha, the language traditionally associated with nomadic communities.
Overnight: At the camp
Gangtey Trek Day 2 – Gogona to Khotokha Village
16 km | 5–7 hours | Ascent 450 m | Descent 860 m | Camp altitude 2,790 m
Continue along a gently ascending trail, passing grazing sheep and cultivated fields before entering a beautiful forest. The forest is made up of fir, oak, spruce, dwarf rhododendron, small rhododendron, cypress, and juniper trees.
Along the route, you may notice the yellow flowers of the Daphne plant, which is traditionally used by Bhutanese people to make paper.
After a long but gradual climb, the trail crosses Shobjela Pass at 3,480 meters. From the pass, descend into a broad valley surrounded by beautiful mountains.
The trail eventually reaches Chorten Karpo, where four stupas are dedicated to the four principal abbots associated with the region.
The best campsite nearby is located in an open area at approximately 2,790 meters, beside a tall blue pine forest. From the campsite, enjoy views across the valley toward Khotokha Village, which consists of around 60 rustic houses.
Overnight: At the camp
Gangtey Trek Day 3 – Khotokha Village to Tikke Zampa – Drive to Wangdue Phodrang
12 km | 4–5 hours | Ascent 120 m | Descent 1,340 m
From the campsite, make a short ascent toward Tashi La Pass at 2,800 meters. From here, the trail descends steeply through a beautiful forest rich in birdlife.
As you descend, the vegetation gradually changes from rhododendrons and magnolias to ferns and dwarf bamboo. This section of the trail is regarded as one of the best birdwatching areas in Bhutan.
The trail then continues steeply downhill from terraced wheat fields before eventually reaching the road near Tikke Zampa, at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters. This marks the end of the trek.
After the trek, drive to Wangdue Phodrang. Upon arrival, you will have some free time to walk around the town and explore the local surroundings at your own pace.
Overnight: Wangdue Phodrang
Wangdue Phodrang – Punakha – Paro (131 km / approx. 4 hours)
In the morning, depart from Wangdue Phodrang and travel toward Paro. Along the way, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple built by the cousin of Lama Drukpa Kunley in his honor. Lama Drukpa Kunley was a highly revered Bhutanese saint, popularly known as the “Divine Madman.”
According to local belief, women who are unable to have children may visit the temple and pray for fertility.
Continue to Punakha Dzong, the most important attraction of the day. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers in the Punakha-Wangdue Valley, this magnificent fortress is regarded as one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan.
Punakha Dzong was the seat of the national government until 1950 and remains an important religious and historical landmark. The dzong is particularly beautiful in spring, when the surrounding jacaranda trees burst into bloom.
In the afternoon, continue by road toward Paro.
Overnight: Paro
Paro Sightseeing – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
In the morning, begin the hike from the floor of the Paro Valley toward Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery), perched dramatically on the mountainside.
Tiger’s Nest is considered one of the most sacred places in Bhutan and is among the country’s most iconic monasteries. Located at an altitude of approximately 3,120 meters, it holds an important place in Bhutanese Buddhism. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) arrived here from Tibet riding a tigress, traditionally believed to have been the manifestation of his consort, Yeshe Tsogyal.
You may choose to travel part of the way on horseback or hike on foot. The trail can be physically demanding, but every step is traditionally regarded as an accumulation of spiritual merit.
The hike begins through a relatively gentle forested section, with prayer flags hanging along the trail. After passing a stream and several water prayer wheels, the trail becomes steeper as it climbs toward the monastery.
Halfway up the route is a scenic teahouse offering an excellent place to take a break and enjoy a cup of tea. From here, continue toward the viewpoint, one of the best locations for photographing Tiger’s Nest.
From the viewpoint, descend a steep flight of stairs and pass a waterfall before completing the final ascent to the monastery entrance. Visitors are required to leave backpacks, cameras, and mobile phones at the designated storage area before entering the monastery.
In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. After sightseeing, your guide can also take you to explore a local market in Paro, where you can browse and purchase Bhutanese handicrafts and other traditional local products.
Overnight: Paro
Departure from Paro
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Paro International Airport.
Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will assist you with the check-in procedures for your international departure flight.
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct | 2026-10 | $ 2450 | Book now |
| Nov | 2026-11 | $ 2450 | Book now |
| Dec | 2026-12 | $ 2450 | Book now |
| Jan | 2027-01 | $ 2450 | Book now |
| Feb | 2027-02 | $ 2450 | Book now |
| Mar | 2027-03 | $ 2450 | Book now |
| Apr | 2027-04 | $ 2450 | Book now |
| May | 2027-05 | $ 2450 | Book now |
| Jun | 2027-06 | $ 2450 | Book now |
| Jul | 2027-07 | $ 2450 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 8-Day Bhutan Gangtey Trekking Tour: Thimphu, Gangtey & Paro
Fee Description
Tour Inclusions
- Transportation: Regular tourist vehicles will be provided throughout the tour. An appropriate vehicle type will be arranged according to the actual group size to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.
- Accommodation: Accommodation in 3-star hotels is included throughout the tour, based on twin-sharing rooms. Single rooms are not included. If you prefer a higher standard of accommodation, we can arrange an upgrade to 5-star hotels. Please contact us for available options and the applicable upgrade costs.
- Meals: Meals are included during the Bhutan tour. Bhutanese cuisine is known for its use of chili, and many dishes contain ingredients such as cheese, potatoes, and chili peppers. Vegetables commonly include beans and root vegetables. If you do not eat spicy food, or have vegetarian, food allergy, or other special dietary requirements, please inform us before booking so that appropriate meal arrangements can be made in advance.
- Guide Service: A Chinese-speaking, English-speaking, or Chinese-English bilingual guide will be arranged according to the actual needs of the group and language requirements.
- Entrance Fees: Entrance fees to the first entrance of the attractions listed in the itinerary are included. Visits will be arranged according to the itinerary. If certain attractions cannot be visited due to weather conditions, temporary closures, or other unforeseen circumstances, we will discuss the situation with travelers and adjust or replace the attractions according to actual conditions.
- Bhutan Visa & Sustainable Development Fee: The Bhutan visa fee of USD 40 per person is included. The standard Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee was originally USD 200 per person per night. Under the current promotional policy, the fee is reduced to USD 100 per person per night from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2027.
- Travel Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance is included.
- Airport Transfers: Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off services are provided at Paro International Airport.
- Complimentary Drinking Water: 2 bottles of mineral water per person per day.
Tour Exclusions
- Single Room Supplement: Accommodation is based on two people sharing one room. A single room supplement will apply if you require a private room.
- International Flights: International flights to and from Bhutan are not included in the tour price. Travelers may arrange their own flights or ask the travel agency to assist with flight arrangements.
- Personal Expenses: Hotel laundry, telephone, fax, pay-per-view TV, beverages, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, and other personal expenses are not included.
- Additional Costs Due to Special or Unforeseen Circumstances: In the event of force majeure or circumstances beyond the travel agency’s control, including but not limited to natural disasters, war, strikes, or flight delays or cancellations by airlines, visa processing delays by embassies or consulates, insufficient group size, or other special circumstances, the travel agency reserves the right to cancel, adjust, or modify the itinerary according to actual conditions. Any additional costs arising from such circumstances, including visa fees, accommodation, meals, transportation, or costs resulting from changes in national airline fares, shall be borne separately by the traveler.
- Tips and Other Service Charges: Tips for drivers and guides are not included in the tour price. It is recommended that each traveler tip the driver and guide separately at USD 5–8 per person per day. For hotel room service, a tip of USD 1 per room per night is recommended. Tipping for other services may vary depending on the location, service, and circumstances. Please consult your local guide if necessary.
- Other Expenses: Any other expenses arising from special requests made by travelers outside the scheduled itinerary.
Due to Bhutan’s unique weather and geographical conditions, flights may be delayed, cancelled, or suspended due to weather conditions. Travelers visiting Bhutan are therefore advised to check the entry or transit visa requirements of their transit countries in advance and obtain any necessary visas, such as a Thailand visa or an eligible visa on arrival.
Bhutan Booking Notes
- Group Size & Service: The tour can operate with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 12 travelers, offering a small-group travel experience. Upon arrival in Bhutan, a local guide will meet travelers at Paro International Airport. The tour will be operated by a local Bhutanese guide and driver throughout the trip. No Taiwan-based tour leader will accompany the group throughout the tour.
- Itinerary & Meal Adjustments: The actual itinerary and meal arrangements may be appropriately adjusted according to the local season, attraction reservation availability, closure schedules of tourist areas, hotel locations, and other actual circumstances. In the event of force majeure, such as severe weather, natural disasters, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances, the company reserves the right to adjust, modify, or rearrange the itinerary in order to ensure the safety of travelers.
- Tour Payment & Bhutan Visa Application: The full tour payment must be made at least 30 days before departure so that the relevant funds can be transferred to the bank account designated by the Bhutanese government. Once the Bhutanese government receives the payment, the local travel agency can begin processing the Bhutan visa. If travelers subsequently need to cancel the trip, any government fees, processing fees, and other applicable cancellation costs incurred in connection with the visa application shall be borne by the travelers.
Special Reminder:
Travelers planning to visit Bhutan must first pay the full tour cost before the travel agency can submit the traveler’s information and proof of payment to the relevant Bhutanese authorities for visa processing. Once the visa application has been completed, travelers must carry a copy of the Bhutan visa or relevant visa documentation arranged by the travel agency when departing, in accordance with airline check-in requirements.
- Bhutan Travel Experience: Bhutan places great importance on traditional culture, spiritual beliefs, and environmental protection. The country does not have large numbers of luxury shopping malls and has relatively little overtourism and excessive commercialization. Therefore, this tour is not primarily designed around luxury shopping or lavish experiences. Instead, it focuses on experiencing Bhutan’s unique history and culture, natural landscapes, traditional way of life, and spiritual traditions, allowing travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the charm of this Himalayan kingdom.
- Meal Considerations: Bhutanese cuisine is known for its use of chili, and many dishes contain cheese, potatoes, and chili peppers. Vegetables commonly include beans and root vegetables. If you do not eat spicy food, or have vegetarian, food allergy, or other special dietary requirements, please inform us before booking so that suitable meal arrangements can be made in advance.
- Voluntary Withdrawal from the Itinerary: If a traveler voluntarily decides not to participate in any scheduled activity, attraction, or service during the tour, it will be considered a voluntary waiver of the relevant service. No refund will be provided for unused services or portions of the itinerary.
- No Independent Departure from the Group: For the safety of travelers and to facilitate proper tour management, travelers are generally not permitted to leave the group or separate from the scheduled tour independently during the trip.
The service period of this tour begins with airport pick-up at Paro International Airport and ends with airport drop-off at Paro International Airport.
Bhutan Travel Notice
1. High Altitude and Special Travel Environment
Bhutan is located on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, with complex terrain and significant differences in elevation — parts of the country sit above 3,000 meters. Because of this varied geography and altitude, climate and temperature can differ considerably from one region to another.
Some of Bhutan’s attractions are spread out, and itineraries may involve long stretches of driving. Overall travel conditions differ from those in countries with highly developed transportation and tourism infrastructure. Bhutan is therefore a somewhat special travel destination, and travelers should be in good physical and mental condition, and be prepared for long drives, varying altitudes, and relatively simple travel conditions.
2. Sun Protection and General Health
Some areas of Bhutan have long hours of sunlight, and UV exposure is especially strong at high altitude. Travelers are advised to bring a hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved clothing, and personal sun protection products, and to stay well hydrated — drinking plenty of water and eating fruit — in order to maintain good physical condition.
3. Respecting Local Religion and Cultural Customs
Bhutan has a distinctive religious culture and set of traditional customs. Please respect local religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and ways of life during your trip. When entering temples, dzongs, and other religious sites, please follow the relevant visiting rules and your guide’s instructions.
Travelers should also comply with Bhutan’s local laws and government regulations, and be mindful of their behavior and conduct in public. Because countries differ in culture, policy, and law — particularly regarding political and religious matters — please remain cautious and respectful of local norms.
4. Tourism Facilities and Service Standards
Bhutan places strong emphasis on preserving traditional culture and the natural environment, and its approach to tourism development differs from that of highly commercialized destinations. Attractions, roads, transportation, hotels, and other tourism infrastructure in some areas are relatively simple, and accommodation and dining options in more remote areas may be limited.
We will do our best to arrange suitable transportation, accommodation, and travel services based on travelers’ needs and actual local conditions, but these cannot be fully compared to standards found in countries or cities with more developed tourism facilities. We ask for your understanding and encourage you to prepare accordingly in advance.
5. Itinerary Adjustments
If weather, natural disasters, road conditions, temporary closures of attractions, transportation changes, government policy, or other unforeseeable factors affect the trip, the travel agency will treat traveler safety as the top priority and make appropriate adjustments to the itinerary, attractions, transportation, or accommodation arrangements as circumstances require.
Cancellation Policy
To cancel a booked trip, you must submit a written cancellation request. Cancellation fees will be calculated based on the date the company actually receives the written cancellation request.
Cancellation fee schedule:
- 45–30 days before the scheduled departure date: 10% of the full per-person tour fee
- 29–15 days before the scheduled departure date: 30% of the full per-person tour fee
- 14–7 days before the scheduled departure date: 50% of the full per-person tour fee
- 6–0 days before the scheduled departure date: 100% of the full per-person tour fee
In addition to the cancellation fees above, if the travel agency has already booked or paid for other services on the traveler’s behalf, any cancellation fees charged by the relevant service providers will also be borne by the traveler. These may include bank or payment platform handling fees, airline cancellation fees, cruise cancellation fees, hotel cancellation fees, railway cancellation fees, and fees arising from other third-party service providers, which will be deducted from any refund due.
If the Bhutan visa has been processed via the expedited channel and the traveler cancels the trip after submitting the visa application, the SDF and visa fees already incurred will be handled according to the relevant policy, and the remaining tour fee will be handled according to the cancellation terms above.
Because Bhutan travel involves a visa application, if a traveler is unable to travel for personal reasons, another traveler may not be substituted in their place. This must be processed as a booking cancellation, subject to the cancellation terms above. Please confirm your personal schedule and travel dates carefully before registering.
Refund policy after the trip has begun:
Once travel has begun, if a traveler leaves early, arrives late, misses the originally scheduled travel dates, or voluntarily gives up part of the itinerary for personal reasons, unused services are, in principle, non-refundable. Whether refunds are available for hotels, flights or train tickets, meals, attraction tickets, and other travel services will depend on the relevant service provider’s refund policy and the actual costs incurred.
Some promotional offers may be subject to different cancellation and refund terms; please refer to the specific terms and conditions listed on the relevant promotional page.
International Flight Ticket Cancellation and Change Policy
Flight ticket cancellation and change policies vary by airline, cabin class, fare type, and ticket conditions. The following is a current reference standard for refunds; the actual refund amount is still subject to final confirmation by the airline.
Business Class
- Cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled travel date: 90% refundable
- Cancelled 10–29 days before the scheduled travel date: 75% refundable
- Cancelled 2–9 days before the scheduled travel date: 50% refundable
- Cancelled 1 day before or on the day of travel: only taxes eligible under airline rules are refundable
- Tickets that have already had a change fee paid and the change completed: if cancelled again, only taxes eligible under airline rules are refundable
Economy Class
- Cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled travel date: 90% refundable
- Cancelled 10–29 days before the scheduled travel date: 75% refundable
- Cancelled 4–9 days before the scheduled travel date: 50% refundable
- Cancelled 3 days before or on the day of travel: only taxes eligible under airline rules are refundable
- Tickets that have already had a change fee paid and the change completed: if cancelled again, only taxes eligible under airline rules are refundable
Note: Promotional fares may not be subject to the refund policy above, and tickets purchased at promotional fares may be non-refundable. When calculating the number of days before cancellation, the actual day of travel is not counted. All flight cancellations, changes, and refunds are ultimately subject to the specific terms of the airline and the fare purchased.
Bhutan Visa Cancellation Policy
- Visa application fee: If a traveler cancels their trip, the paid visa application fee of USD 40 per person is non-refundable regardless of when the cancellation occurs.
- Bhutan Government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): If a traveler cancels their trip or shortens the original itinerary, the SDF may be eligible for a refund in accordance with the Bhutanese government’s policy at the time; the actual refund amount and process will be subject to the latest regulations from the Bhutanese government.
Bhutan Travel Information
Visa documents: Applying for a Bhutan visa generally requires the following:
- Valid passport: The passport’s validity must meet the requirements of the Bhutan visa and the airline. It is generally recommended that the passport be valid for at least 6 months. In some cases, a color electronic copy of the passport may be provided.
- Basic personal information: Including residential address, home phone number, and mobile phone number.
Actual visa document requirements may be adjusted depending on the traveler’s nationality and Bhutan government visa policy; please follow the latest requirements at the time of application.
Administrative divisions: Bhutan is divided into 4 main regions — Western, Central, Southern, and Eastern. Below the regional level, the country is divided into a total of 20 districts (Dzongkhags).
Language and script: Bhutan’s official language is Dzongkha. English is also widely used in government, education, and tourism. Tibetan, Nepali, and other languages are also spoken in some areas. Bhutan’s traditional script is based on the Tibetan writing system.
Capital: Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and the country’s main center for politics, administration, and culture.
Climate: Bhutan’s varied terrain and elevation mean climate differs significantly from region to region. In general, March to May and September to November are the most popular travel seasons, with relatively comfortable weather and clearer views in some areas. December to February is winter and the relative off-season, with lower temperatures in some areas — high-altitude regions may drop to or below freezing. June to August is the rainy season, with heavier rainfall in some areas that may affect roads and travel arrangements. Actual temperatures vary by region and altitude; it’s recommended to prepare appropriate clothing based on your specific itinerary before departure.
Peak travel season: March to May and September to November generally offer the most comfortable weather and better mountain visibility, making them the most popular seasons among international travelers.
Religion: Bhutan’s culture is predominantly Buddhist, with Hinduism also holding some influence. Bön, Christianity, and other minority faiths are also present. When visiting temples, dzongs, and other religious sites during your trip, please respect local religious customs and follow the relevant visiting rules.
Voltage: Bhutan generally uses 220V. Travelers are advised to bring a plug adapter suitable for local outlets.
Food: Bhutan’s staple foods include rice, buckwheat, and corn, with red rice being one of the country’s representative traditional foods. Chili peppers and dairy products are very common ingredients in local cuisine. One of Bhutan’s most iconic traditional dishes is Ema Datshi, made primarily from chili peppers and cheese, and it is typically quite spicy. Beef, mutton, and pork dishes are also common. Because Bhutanese Buddhist culture places strong value on non-killing, animal slaughter is not widely practiced locally, and most meat sold in markets is imported from neighboring countries.
If you do not eat spicy food, require a vegetarian diet, or have food allergies or other special dietary needs, please inform us in advance at the time of booking so that suitable meals can be arranged.
Beverages: Common local beverages include black tea, butter tea, rice wine, and beer.
Tobacco and smoking regulations: Bhutan has relatively strict regulations regarding tobacco and smoking. Travelers who need to bring tobacco products into the country must comply with Bhutan’s applicable customs, tax, and legal requirements at the time. Tobacco products may be subject to relevant taxes and quantity restrictions. As policies may change, please confirm the latest entry regulations from the Bhutanese government and customs before departure to avoid unnecessary issues.
Other Important Notes
Our company will provide travel services in accordance with actual local conditions, government policy, airline regulations, hotel policy, and the terms of relevant service providers. In the event of force majeure, government policy changes, flight changes, attraction closures, road conditions, weather factors, or other circumstances beyond the travel agency’s control, the company will prioritize traveler safety and rights, do its best to assist travelers in handling related matters, and reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and service content according to actual circumstances.
Some promotional products, special-offer itineraries, or special booking plans may be subject to different fee, cancellation, and refund/change terms. Please carefully read the specific terms and conditions listed on the relevant product page before registering.
