Bhutan Deep Valley: 12 Nights Across Five Kingdoms

Bhutan keeps the outside world at a measured distance, which is exactly what makes it extraordinary. This 12-night circuit through Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha

About This Trip

Bhutan measures progress in Gross National Happiness, and a few days here explains why. This Himalayan kingdom guards its traditions fiercely — dzong fortresses rise above river valleys, prayer flags flutter on mountain passes, and monks in saffron robes walk ancient trade routes. This 12-night, 13-day itinerary covers Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobji, Bumthang, Paro with 3 Star properties accommodation throughout. Selected meals are included as per the daily itinerary, so every morning starts well regardless of where you are. Transfers between cities and to all sightseeing sites are arranged from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart.

What You Will See

The sightseeing programme covers Semtokha Dzong, National Library and Archives of Bhutan, Textile Museum and Handicraft Emporium, Tashichho Dzong, Motithang Takin Preserve, Phajoding Monastery, and more along the way. Each site is visited with an expert local guide who knows the stories behind the stones and the best times to visit before the midday heat sets in.

Accommodation

Your hotels are 3 Star properties selected for location and quality. In a heritage city, a well-chosen 3-star property often means a haveli conversion or a business hotel within walking distance of the main sites. In a resort destination, the same category delivers a pool, structured meals, and a helpful front desk that genuinely knows the area. You sleep well; you wake up ready.

Meals

Selected meals are included as per the daily itinerary. On days when additional meals are on your own, your guide will point you toward the right local restaurants — the ones that have been feeding travellers for decades rather than just opening last season. Bhutan's food culture is one of its underrated gifts: ema datshi (chilli and cheese), red rice, and butter tea.

Book Your Dates

Departures run across multiple dates with flexible pricing. Confirm your travel dates early — Bhutan packages in this range fill up quickly around festival seasons and school holidays.

Trip Highlights

• 3 Star hotel stays across all 12 nights
• Selected meals included as per itinerary
• Guided visits to Semtokha Dzong, National Library and Archives of Bhutan, Textile
• Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) cliff-face hike
• Punakha Dzong fortress on the Mo Chhu river

Day 1: Arrive Phuentsholing

Arrive in Phuentsholing and settle into your hotel. The afternoon is easy — perhaps a first walk to Zangto Pelri Lhakhang temple at the town centre to get your bearings, or simply rest after the journey. Your guide will brief you on tomorrow's plans.

Day 2: Phuentsholing — Full Day Sightseeing

Today is entirely given to Phuentsholing. Morning visits to Zangto Pelri Lhakhang temple at the town centre, then Bhutan Gate and Crocodile Breeding Centre after lunch. If the schedule permits, end with Amo Chhu river bank walk at the India-Bhutan border. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Phuentsholing — Journey On

After breakfast, check out and travel to the next destination. En route there may be opportunities to stop at local viewpoints — your driver-guide will know the best spots.

Day 4: Thimphu — Dochula Pass

Today visits Dochula Pass — Located about 65 km away from Paro, on the road to Punakha, Dochula Pass is the highest accessible point in the capital... | The Chimi Lhakhang temple. The afternoon continues to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Punakha Dzong, Druk Wangyal Monastery. Return to your Thimphu hotel for the evening.

Day 5: Thimphu — Phobjikha Valley

Today visits Phobjikha Valley — Gangtey Nature Trail is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan covering a total of 4 K... | Perched atop a hill that. The afternoon continues to Gangtey Nature Trail, Gangteng Monastery, Black Necked Crane Centre. Return to your Thimphu hotel for the evening.

Day 6: Thimphu — Journey On

After breakfast, check out and travel to the next destination. En route there may be opportunities to stop at local viewpoints — your driver-guide will know the best spots.

Day 7: Punakha — Jakar Dzong

Today visits Jakar Dzong — Jakar Dzong in Bhutan is the principle Dzong or a Bhutanese styled fortress that overlooks the Jakar town in the Bumthan... | Kurjey Lhakhang, is one. The afternoon continues to Kurjey Lhakhang, Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, Jambay Lhakhang. Return to your Punakha hotel for the evening.

Day 8: Punakha — Punakha Suspension Bridge

Today visits Punakha Suspension Bridge — One of the longest bridges in Bhutan, the Punakha suspension bridge connects Punakha Dzong with Punakha City and other s. Return to your Punakha hotel for the evening.

Day 9: Punakha — Journey On

After breakfast, check out and make your way to the next destination. The drive passes through Bhutan's countryside — keep an eye out for landscapes that rarely make the brochures. Arrive by mid-afternoon.

Day 10: Phobji — Ringpung Dzong

Today visits Ringpung Dzong — A fine example of Bhutanese architecture, the Ringpung Dzong is a complex with courtyards, towering walls, temples and d... | Perched precariously on. The afternoon continues to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), Kyichu Lhakhang. Return to your Phobji hotel for the evening.

Day 11: Phobji — Journey On

After breakfast, check out and travel to the next destination. En route there may be opportunities to stop at local viewpoints — your driver-guide will know the best spots.

Day 12: Bumthang — Full Day Sightseeing

Today is entirely given to Bumthang. Morning visits to Jambay Lhakhang — one of Bhutan's oldest temples, then Kurje Lhakhang — where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint in rock after lunch. If the schedule permits, end with Bumthang Brewery and the valley's apple orchards. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 13: Bumthang — Full Day Sightseeing

Today is entirely given to Bumthang. Morning visits to Jambay Lhakhang — one of Bhutan's oldest temples, then Kurje Lhakhang — where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint in rock after lunch. If the schedule permits, end with Bumthang Brewery and the valley's apple orchards. Dinner at the hotel.

Inclusions

• 3-star hotel accommodation — Central Hotel (1 nights)
• 3-star hotel accommodation — Khamsum Inn (2 nights)
• 3-star hotel accommodation — Hotel Khuruu Khuruu - Holidays Selections (1 nights)
• 3-star hotel accommodation — Phuntsho Yangkhil Resort - Holidays Selections (1 nights)
• 3-star hotel accommodation — The Village Lodge Bumthang (2 nights)
• 3-star hotel accommodation — Hotel Khuruu Khuruu - Holidays Selections (1 nights)
• 3-star hotel accommodation — Hotel Khamsum (3 nights)
• 3-star hotel accommodation — Central Hotel (1 nights)
• Airport pickup and drop transfers
• Intercity transfers by AC vehicle
• Meals as per itinerary
• 17 activity passes (as per itinerary)