Classic Bhutan · 7 Days

Best Bhutan Journey

A thoughtfully paced private journey through the heart of Bhutan — ancient monasteries, dramatic Himalayan landscapes, living traditions, and meaningful encounters with local life, from Thimphu and Punakha to the glacial stillness of Gangtey and the sacred heights of Tiger's Nest.

Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Regions
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey
Group Size
Private & Fully Flexible
Best Suited For
The Complete Bhutan Experience
Overview

The Essential Character of Bhutan

This is our most complete introduction to the Kingdom — bringing together ancient monasteries, dramatic Himalayan landscapes, living traditions, and meaningful encounters with local life. From the capital of Thimphu and the fertile Punakha Valley to the quiet glacial landscapes of Gangtey and the sacred heights of Tiger's Nest, this journey captures the essential character of Bhutan while leaving space to experience it at your own pace.

Day by Day

Your 7 Days in Bhutan

01

Arrive Paro – Thimphu

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Your journey begins with a spectacular flight into the Paro Valley. On arrival, your private Ultra Dewa guide and driver welcome you before the scenic journey to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital.

Tamchog Lhakhang

A traditional iron-chain bridge and temple, an atmospheric introduction to Bhutan's heritage and landscape.

Buddha Dordenma

A magnificent golden Buddha statue overlooking the entire Thimphu Valley.

National Memorial Chorten

Where locals gather throughout the day for prayer and circumambulation.

Kaja Throm

A gentle evening introduction to contemporary Bhutanese life.

Welcome butter tea & local snacks on arrival · Overnight: Thimphu
02

Thimphu – Punakha

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Travel toward Punakha, crossing the spectacular Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres before descending into the warmer Punakha Valley.

Dochula Pass

Pause among the pass's iconic 108 chortens, with panoramic Himalayan views on a clear day.

Chimi Lhakhang

The Temple of the Divine Madman, reached on foot through rice fields and traditional villages.

Punakha Dzong

Dramatically positioned at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Punakha Suspension Bridge

One of Bhutan's most impressive suspension bridges, stretching high above the river.

Overnight: Punakha
03

Punakha – Gangtey

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Leave the subtropical Punakha Valley and journey into the mountains toward Gangtey, as pine and rhododendron forests give way to the vast glacial valley of Phobjikha — one of Bhutan's most beautiful and environmentally significant landscapes.

Gangtey Goenpa

An important Nyingma Buddhist monastery overlooking the valley, with its traditional surrounding village.

Gangtey Nature Trail

A gentle walk through forests, meadows, and rural settlements with sweeping views across Phobjikha — winter home of the endangered black-necked crane.

Overnight: Gangtey / Phobjikha
04

Gangtey – Paro

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Wake to the quiet beauty of Phobjikha Valley before journeying west toward Paro, with a stop for one of the trip's most personal encounters with rural Bhutanese life.

Toebzam Farmhouse

A freshly prepared farm-to-table lunch amid traditional farmland and peaceful countryside.

Traditional Bhutanese Archery

Try the national sport with guidance from local hosts, and discover the traditions around it.

Overnight: Paro
05

Paro

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A day dedicated to the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Paro Valley, at a relaxed pace.

National Museum of Bhutan

An important collection of Bhutanese art, religious artefacts, and cultural treasures.

Rinpung Dzong & Nyamai Zam Bridge

One of Bhutan's finest examples of traditional fortress architecture.

Kyichu Lhakhang

One of Bhutan's oldest and most revered Buddhist temples, dating to the 7th century.

Picnic Lunch in the Paro Valley

A specially arranged outdoor lunch surrounded by peaceful countryside and mountain scenery.

Sand Mandala Experience

Discover the symbolism behind this intricate Buddhist art form, and the precision involved in creating it from coloured sand.

Afternoon at leisure in Paro town · Overnight: Paro
06

Paro – Tiger's Nest Monastery

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The unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), Bhutan's most iconic spiritual landmark, perched roughly 900 metres above the Paro Valley.

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)

Hike through pine forests and prayer flags to explore its sacred temples and the legends of Guru Rinpoche.

Traditional Hot Stone Bath (Optional)

Relax at your hotel after descending, or soothe tired muscles in a bath heated with river stones.

Ultra Dewa Farewell Dinner & Cultural Programme

A special final evening with a one-hour performance of traditional folk dances and the sacred Cham mask dance, plus a curated Ultra Dewa gift bag.

Overnight: Paro
07

Departure

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After breakfast, your private guide and driver transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Tashi Delek — until we meet again.

Where You'll Stay

Accommodation

Destination
Nights
Accommodation
Thimphu
1 night
Punakha
1 night
Gangtey
1 night
Paro
3 nights

All accommodation is based on twin-sharing unless otherwise requested.

What's Included

No Surprises, Just Clarity

Cost Includes

  • Bhutan tourist visa and processing
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), government taxes and service charges
  • 6 nights' accommodation, twin/double room
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • All monument and sightseeing entrance fees
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Comfortable private vehicle throughout
  • Professional, English-speaking licensed Bhutanese guide
  • Welcome butter tea and local snacks
  • Unlimited bottled drinking water throughout the tour

Package Excludes

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Tips for guide and driver
The Ultra Dewa Difference

Signature Experiences, Included

Included in your journey with no extra cost
  • Authentic farmhouse visit with a home-cooked Bhutanese lunch
  • Traditional Bhutanese archery experience
  • Gho and Kira traditional attire experience at Punakha Dzong
  • Private cultural programme with folk and sacred Cham mask dances
  • Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath
  • Exclusive Ultra Dewa gift bag for each guest
Questions

Before You Enquire

How do I get to Bhutan?

Bhutan's only international gateway is Paro International Airport, served by Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines from hubs including Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Singapore. A visa is required for most nationalities and is arranged on your behalf as part of this journey.

Is this tour suitable for a private group of any size?

Yes — this is a fully private journey, so there is no minimum number of travellers required. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or as a larger family group, your itinerary, pace, and vehicle are arranged around you alone.

Is this tour safe and suitable for children?

Yes — Bhutan is a genuinely family-friendly destination, and this itinerary can be adapted in pace for travelling with children. The Gangtey Nature Trail is a gentle, family-friendly walk; the Tiger's Nest hike is the one section worth discussing with your travel designer in advance, as it involves several hours on a mountain trail.

Can I request a guide who speaks a language other than English?

Yes — while our standard guides are English-speaking, we can often arrange guides fluent in other languages such as French, German, Spanish, or Mandarin upon request. Language availability varies, so please let your travel designer know your preference as early as possible when planning your journey.

What is not included in the itinerary?

International airfare, travel insurance (mandatory), personal expenses, alcoholic and premium beverages, and tips for your guide and driver are not included.

Are any experiences included at no extra cost?

Yes — a farmhouse lunch, traditional archery, the Gho and Kira dress experience at Punakha Dzong, a private farewell cultural programme with Cham mask dance, and a traditional hot stone bath are all included as Ultra Dewa signature experiences.

Ready for the Best Bhutan Journey?

Tell us your dates, and we'll shape this journey around you.

Enquire About This Journey
Best Bhutan Journey7 Days · Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey
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