The Bhutan adventure

• 8 nights of accommodations in thoughtfully selected lodging (based on double occupancy/twin-share rooms)

• All meals in Bhutan from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 9, featuring authentic Bhutanese cuisine and many locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients

• Professional Outdoor Mavens trip leader to guide your experience and support you throughout the journey

• Experienced English-speaking Bhutanese local guide to share cultural insight, history, and local knowledge

• Private transportation throughout Bhutan including all ground transportation during the itinerary

• All entrance fees and permits for monuments, cultural sites, and experiences included in the itinerary

• Bottled water throughout the journey

• Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) — the required government fee that supports sustainable tourism and community development in Bhutan

• Bhutan tourist visa processing fee — we will coordinate your visa application through our in country liaison and provide your approved documentation before departure

• Sightseeing experiences, cultural activities, special permits, and monument preservation fees included as outlined in the itinerary

Day 1: In the morning arrive in Paro airport and your guide will pick you up at the Paro airport. Enjoy lunch near Paro and then a short drive to Paro Valley to experience culture and heritage at Bhutan’s National Museum & Paro Dzong; a historic Buddhist fortress built in 1645. We complete our day in Paro with dinner and an evening stroll around town.

Meals Provided: L, D

Day 2: Spend the day exploring Thimphu’s cultural highlights, including the National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and Tashichho Dzong; the seat of the government and monastic body. Visit a local handicrafts market and observe traditional arts such as weaving and woodwork. The day offers insight into Bhutan’s unique balance of tradition and modern development. Tonight we sleep in Thimpu.

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Day 3: Today we will take the stunning mountain drive to Punakha, crossing the  scenic Dochula Pass(3,100m), where on clear days you can see  panoramic Himalayan views.

Continue down into the Punakha Valley and visit the stunning Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers.

In the afternoon, take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, passing through rice fields and small villages.

Overnight in Punakha

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Day 4: After breakfast we will take a morning hike through rice paddies, pine forests to the Khamsum Yully Namgyel temple.

In the afternoon we will take a walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge. Spanning 180 meters (590 feet) across the rushing Pho Chhu River, this thrilling, flag-adorned footbridge connects the historic Punakha Dzong to local villages while offering sweeping views of the lush valley below.

Overnight in Punakha

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Day 5: Today we journey to the peaceful Phobjikha Valley, with scenic cultural stops along the way. Visit the historic Wangdue Dzong and enjoy views of Rinchengang Village, a traditional hillside settlement known for its mud houses and strong community heritage.

Continue to Gangtey Goempa, a 16th-century Nyingma Buddhist monastery overlooking the valley. From here, we begin our Phobjikha Nature Hike, winding through peaceful pine forests with sweeping views of the valley—home to the sacred Black-Necked Cranes during their winter migration.

Along the trail, we’ll visit the ancient Khewa Lhakhang temple, a quiet and sacred space where guests can pause, reflect, and experience a deeper connection to Bhutan’s spiritual traditions.

Overnight at Phobjikha

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Day 6: Retrace your journey today as we drive back to Bhutan’s capital,  Thimphu, via Wangduephodrang.

On the way back we will visit the  Phobjikha black neck crane conservation center and learn about local community efforts to preserve this unique species at the Crane  Preservation Project.

We will have lunch at a classic farm house, and then stop at the Botanical Park for a walk, and at Dochula Pass for epic views over a local cup of Bhutanese coffee.

Overnight in Thimpu

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Day 7: After breakfast, we’ll visit Choki Arts & Crafts School, a living museum dedicated to preserving Bhutan’s traditional arts. Experience local craftsmanship through demonstrations, learn about the school’s community impact, and try your hand at traditional painting.

We’ll also visit the iconic Thimphu Memorial Stupa before traveling back to Paro. Along the way, we’ll stop at the historic 15th-century iron bridge and explore Tachog Lhakhang, a beautiful temple with deep cultural significance.

Overnight in Paro

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8: Today we’ll take on Bhutan’s most iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a breathtaking sacred site perched dramatically on a cliffside 800 meters above the Paro Valley.

The scenic trail winds through forests filled with prayer flags and rhododendrons, offering incredible views as we ascend toward this revered monastery connected to Guru Rinpoche, one of Bhutan’s most important Buddhist figures. The hike is approximately 5 hours round trip, with time to explore and take in the spiritual energy of this unforgettable place.

After the hike, enjoy lunch at a café along the trail before returning to Paro for time to rest and refresh.

We’ll gather for our final evening together with a farewell dinner and time to reflect on the journey through Bhutan.

Overnight in Paro

Meals Provided: B, L, D

Day 9: After breakfast transfer to Paro Airport for departure abroad as per your  international flight. Tour officially ends in the Paro airport.

Meals Provided: B

Airfare to Paro, Bhutan

Visa or passport expenses outside of visiting Bhutan

Travel costs outside of Bhutan

Alcohol

Clothing & personal toiletries

Trip Insurance: Required for this tour

Local, in country guide gratuity