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Introducing Bhutan

From the magic of the Himalayan mountains to the traditional Buddhist temples and culture, Bhutan is as enchanting as it is beautiful.

When is the best time to visit?
October to December offer clear skies, warmer weather, and is most travelers' preferred time to explore Bhutan. Learn more

Where to go in Bhutan?
Don’t expect to get by on a backpacker budget in Bhutan. It’s seemingly one of the most expensive places to travel thanks to a mandatory tariff of $250 a day (in U.S. dollars) for foreign visitors. Prospective travelers shouldn’t panic, however, since this fee covers accommodation, food, transport, and an official guide. With these expenses paid upfront, visitors can tour the impressive dzongs and monasteries, the forest-draped hills and canyons, and take in the local tsechus, or dance festivals without worrying about pinching pennies.

How many days do I need?
Seven days is the ideal amount of time to travel through Bhutan.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 12 days · 14 days

Bhutan Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
View of the Himalayas from Dochu La Pass
Map of Highlights of Bhutan - 5 Days
Highlights of Bhutan - 5 Days

The kingdom of Bhutan remains one of the last unspoiled gems of the Himalayas. Closed to foreign visitors until the 1970s, Bhutan's past and present are firmly grounded in traditional Buddhist culture. On this quick 5-day journey around the country, you'll visit quiet monasteries, explore ancient fortresses, and enjoy stunning views of the mountains as you hike through peaceful valleys.

Nature and Culture in Bhutan - 10 Days
Map of Nature and Culture in Bhutan - 10 Days
Nature and Culture in Bhutan - 10 Days

From the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery to the sleepy streets of Paro, visiting Bhutan is all about the simple pleasures of natural beauty and a distinctly preserved culture. Experience this long-isolated country's stunning mountains, colorful architecture, and lush countryside on this comprehensive 10-day tour.

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek - 12 Days
Map of Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek - 12 Days
Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek - 12 Days

Trek through an area adorned with a multitude of pristine, crystal clear lakes, and Bhutanese villages. As you walk, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks - including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, and many more.

Sunset on Dochu La Pass
Map of Bhutan Highlights - 7 Days
Bhutan Highlights - 7 Days

Explore the enigmatic kingdom of Bhutan on this exciting 7-day journey around the country's highlights. Visit historic fortresses, see one of the world's largest Buddha statues, hike through lush green valleys, enjoy views of soaring mountain peaks, and trek to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery. Along the way, you'll gain insight into Bhutan's fascinating history and culture.

Hiking in the Bhutanese Himalayas
Map of Bhutan Trekking Tour - 14 Days
Bhutan Trekking Tour - 14 Days

Take in the best Bhutan has to offer, from culture to mountain scenery. Visit the impressive fortresses and monasteries of Thimphu and Punakha, see the tranquil Bhutanese countryside, and enjoy day hikes before embarking on the famed trek to Mount Jomolhari. It's an adventure that takes you to the stunning snow-capped mountains and lakeside campsites, with the chance to see Himalayan vultures and the elusive snow leopard along the way.

 Jumolhari Round Trek and Cultural Tour - 17 Days
Map of  Jumolhari Round Trek and Cultural Tour - 17 Days
Jumolhari Round Trek and Cultural Tour - 17 Days

This itinerary combines wild adventure with Bhutan's unique culture. The trek, though challenging, is highly rewarding and one of Bhutan's best. En route, catch glimpses of the spectacular Mount Jhomolhari, which straddles the border between China (Tibet) and Bhutan. In Thimphu and other small towns, learn about Bhutan's unique form of Tibetan Buddhism and the culture that was cut off from the rest of the world for so long. In short, this trip has it all!

Make the Most of Your Time in Bhutan

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Buddhist monks at a festival in Bhutan
How Many Days to Spend in Bhutan

Whether you have five days or an entire month, you'll have an epic experience in Bhutan with a bit of planning. Five days is just long enough for a quick Himalayan trek or for...

Dramatic landscapes in the Paro Valley
Map of 7 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With a week to spend in Bhutan, many travelers choose a highlights tour that includes visits to monasteries and the opportunity to do some hiking in the mountains. If you're...

The Punakha Dzong Monastery
Map of 2 Weeks in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

You can cover a lot of ground with two weeks to spend in Bhutan. One popular itinerary option is a highlights tour that features visits to the Kingdom's most famous monasteries,...

Bhutan Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Bhutan Content

Buddhist monks at a festival in Bhutan
How Many Days to Spend in Bhutan

Whether you have five days or an entire month, you'll have an epic experience in Bhutan with a bit of planning. Five days is just long enough for a quick Himalayan trek or for exploring the major monasteries and other sites around Thimpu and adjacent valleys. With a week or longer, you can branch out to far-flung locales or enjoy an in-depth experience such as spending 10 days checking off species of birds on a birding itinerary. With two weeks or more, you can explore the full breadth of the country.

The Punakha Dzong Monastery
Map of 2 Weeks in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

You can cover a lot of ground with two weeks to spend in Bhutan. One popular itinerary option is a highlights tour that features visits to the Kingdom's most famous monasteries, temples, and high-altitude mountain passes, plus the chance to do some day hikes. If it's a more active adventure you're after, consider a 14-day cycling tour around the country or a hiking tour that includes the famous trek to Mount Jomolhari. It's also possible to combine some time in Bhutan with a trip to Nepal, getting a solid introduction to both countries' cultures and landscapes. Read on to learn more about your itinerary options.

Taktsang Goenba in the Paro Valley
Highlights of Bhutan: Thimphu, Punakha, Paro & More - 14 days

There's no place like Bhutan. Discover the kingdom's most spectacular landscapes and cultural sites on this two-week highlights tour that includes quiet forest hikes, visits to the country's oldest temples, an overnight stay in a traditional farmhouse, and unforgettable views of the Himalayas from high-altitude mountain passes. The grand finale of the trip is the classic hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, built into the side of a cliff in the beautiful Paro Valley.

Bhutan Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Bhutan map: 5 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itineraries
5 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Bhutan map: 10 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itineraries
10 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Bhutan map: 7 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itineraries
7 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itineraries
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Bhutan
Travel specialist Raj Gyawali
active 1 day ago

Raj Gyawali

I specialize in soft adventure experiences that are custom tailored, and that generally go beyond the surface and immerses into the country resulting in participatory experiential experiences that...

read more...
Travel specialist Vishal Pradhan
active 1 day ago

Vishal Pradhan

Daddy to my son ‘ Chogyal’ ,I call Paro, Bhutan home. I started my career in the tourism industry in 2003. Since then I have had the chance to create meaningful holiday experiences for many...

read more...
Travel specialist Priya Dikshit

Priya Dikshit

Traveling is about making memories. Though traveling around and exploring new places is one of the best things you can do for yourself, it is always important to explore places and meet people who...

read more...
Travel specialist Sebastiaan Naus
active 4 days ago

Sebastiaan Naus

Being born in the lowlands of Holland, my passion for mountains may not seem logical. However, my parents took me to the European Alps before I could barely walk and I can't remember any family...

read more...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit Bhutan also visit these destinations

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Bhutan

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

My trip to the last Shangri lah
Bhutan | Dec 18 - Dec 24, 2022

Sreeks
Sreeks K.
Singapore | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2022

My guide was Tashi & my driver was Sonam from Windhorse travels. I couldn’t have ask for a more polite & understanding crew. Simply said: THEY WERE FANTASTIC!!
Overall, the trip was amazing & Mieke had done a marvellous job with the details and itinerary.
Highlights :
1) The Dzong (Fortress) at Punakha
2) The Kitchu temple in Paro
3) The trek to the Tiger nest monastery
4) Outstanding service at the hotels- especially Uma Punakah
6) Just the people in Bhutan.
Something that caught... read more

My guide was Tashi & my driver was Sonam from Windhorse travels. I couldn’t have ask for a more polite & understanding crew. Simply said: THEY WERE FANTASTIC!!
Overall, the trip was amazing & Mieke had done a marvellous job with the details and itinerary.
Highlights :
1) The Dzong (Fortress) at Punakha
2) The Kitchu temple in Paro
3) The trek to the Tiger nest monastery
4) Outstanding service at the hotels- especially Uma Punakah
6) Just the people in Bhutan.
Something that caught me by surprise:
- While the view from my room at Uma Punakha was beautiful, the size if the room (in relation to tye price of the room) was underwhelming!

Hotel Reviews
Uma Punakha
Punakha

Fantastic hotel. Great service across the board: Room service, service at the restaurant, SPA etc., Genuinely warm & friendly staff. I was a bit underwhelmed by the size of the room (I had a valley facing room). One would have expected a bit more generosity for the price tag :-)

Authenticity & Character
The property just has great character & charm
Location
Within 30-40 mins drive of most things to do in Phunakah. The location offers 100% tranquility
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa
Paro

Nice spacious rooms. GREAT SERVICE all round: room service, restaurant, reception etc., The wifi service in the room was sub-optimal!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Like the tranquility the property has to offer. Easy driving distance to most attractions in Paro.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Resort Thim Dorji
Paro

This hotel is “being built” & I used this as i used this as a transit hotel. Met my need 100%. The resort part owner and GM - Dorji was a fantastic host. The room was functional for the most part. If you looking for the “lap of luxury” this is probably not it. Having said that I will need to caveat my review - since the property is under construction.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Punakha Dzong (Punakha)
Punakha

A must visit location. Amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chorten Nebu hike (Punakha)
Punakha

A short hike up the paddy fields. A intriguing monument.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chimi Lhakhang (Punakha)
Punakha

Quirky is the way I would explain this. To me this place associates with some kind of an obsession for the male phallus!! As with all monuments in Bhutan there is a story of “good over evil prevailing” A small restaurant on the way to this temple dishes out outstanding local food that is safe to eat.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Prayer ceremony at local nunnery (Punakha)
Punakha

Skipped this experience. Ive have just plugged some ratings as the web page wouldn’t allow me to proceed without a rating. Perhaps something that Kimkim should take note of. Travelers shd be allowed to skip, especially when they have not visited some aspect of their planner itinerary

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike to Lungchutse Lhakhang from Dochu La pass
Punakha

Skipped this part of my itinerary

Quality of Experience
Zaw
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chele La pass (38110 m) & Kila nunnery (Paro)
Paro

Kila nunnery was nothing special. Ok to go if the objective is “have nothing else to do”

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike to Tigernest Monastery aka Taktshang Goemba (Paro)
Paro

Highlight #1 of my trip. OUTSTANDING.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kyichu Lhakhang (Paro)
Paro

Highlight #2 of my trip. The tranquility & serenity that this 1400 year old temple presents is a must experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Dec 28, 2022

Thank you Srikant, for your kind words and for taking the time to review the trip and all services! On behalf of Wind Horse family, we loved hosting you here and hope that maybe one day you can bring the rest of your family as well :)
Best regards,
Mieke

Our adventures with Himalayan Kingdom Expedition!
Bhutan | Dec 4 - Dec 12, 2022

Prujal
Prujal P.
India | Reviewed on Dec 25, 2022

Our trip to Bhutan would have been quite nice in itself owing to the scenic vistas, the serene people, the pristine architecture, and the rich culture. But the gap between "quite nice" and extraordinary was bridged by the team at Kimkim: Mr Thinley, our tour and trekking guide who was adept at history, art, and wordly insights alike; Mr Tashi, our very friendly chauffeur, who was as merry and bright as he was peaceful behind the wheel.
Mr Vishal was our trip planner and he had made the... read more

Our trip to Bhutan would have been quite nice in itself owing to the scenic vistas, the serene people, the pristine architecture, and the rich culture. But the gap between "quite nice" and extraordinary was bridged by the team at Kimkim: Mr Thinley, our tour and trekking guide who was adept at history, art, and wordly insights alike; Mr Tashi, our very friendly chauffeur, who was as merry and bright as he was peaceful behind the wheel.
Mr Vishal was our trip planner and he had made the process so easy right from the time we got in touch with him after deciding to spend our honeymoon at Bhutan. He took us out for a wonderful dinner at Thimphu and it was great interacting with him in person.
The farmstay at Punakha, hotel at Thimphu and the luxury camping at Paro gave us really memorable and unique experiences in the valley. We did easy to moderate hikes for 4 separate days- very scenic and well planned to make us comfortable throughout. Mr Thinley made sure the activity and locations were all catered to our personal palates the evening prior to the activity planned. He gave us a very nice spiritual insight to Buddhist culture which we were seeking actively when we were planning the trip. Both Mr Thinley and Mr Tashi made sure we had the most relaxing yet adventurous trip. Mr Vishal made sure we are taken care of well and we hope to be back soon- Central Bhutan is on our list next. 🙏

Activity Review
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal monastery
Punakha
Local specialist: Vishal Pradhan
Vishal
Vishal Pradhan
Local specialist in Paro, Bhutan | Reviewed on Dec 26, 2022

Dear Doc,

Thank you so much for your kind words. We thoroughly enjoyed organizing your trip and am hopeful Bhutan has inspired the both of you, as you embark on this wonderful Journey. Tashi Delek to both of you and very best for future. Thank you for everything and your patronage. With regards Vishal

Cameron, UK
Bhutan | Nov 9 - Nov 28, 2022

C
Cameron D.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Dec 03, 2022

Outstanding throughout. The booking had to be changed several times for reasons beyond our control and Mieke was proactively helpful the whole time. Guide Jonten was excellent throughout an itinerary that was ideally tailored to me. Bhutan is a truly exceptional place that I will never forget, and I intend to return.

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Reviewed on Dec 03, 2022

Thank you so much Cameron! It was lovely hosting you and we look forward to seeing you back in the Land of the Thunder Dragon!