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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.

Taktang Goenba, or Tiger's Nest
Map of Bhutan Highlights: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro - 6 Days
Bhutan Highlights: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro - 6 Days

Explore the most iconic highlights of Western Bhutan on this six-day itinerary. In the capital of Thimphu, you'll see how ancient traditions coexist with modernity and learn about Bhutanese architecture and history. Then, you'll drive across the spectacular Dochu La pass to the semi-tropical valley of Punakha, the former winter capital of the Kingdom. The tour ends at the emerald-green Paro Valley, where you'll hike up to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery—a quintessential Bhutanese experience.

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.

A pair of cyclists traveling to Paro
Map of Bhutan Cycling Adventure - 15 Days
Bhutan Cycling Adventure - 15 Days

This Bhutan bike tour is an excellent combination of biking through Bhutan's stunning landscape. Experience the real Bhutanese countryside life and visit some cultural highlights as well. Biking is done mostly on good roads with very little traffic, but you'll take quiet roads as much as possible, and during the last days, you'll leave the main road and cycle on farm roads exclusively. You'll stay in decent hotels, sleep in traditional farmhouses, and camp in nature.

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 1 Week in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week 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
Map 7 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itineraries
7 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Map 5 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itineraries
5 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Map 10 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itineraries
10 Days in Bhutan - 4 Unique Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Bhutan
Travel specialist Vishal Pradhan
active 48 mins 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 Ravi Tickoo
active 48 mins ago

Ravi Tickoo

World traveller, professional mountaineer and passionate adventure entrepreneur, Ravi has over 25 years of experience conducting adventure, experiential and culture tours across the length and...

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Travel specialist Raj Gyawali
active 3 days 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...

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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...

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Why travelers love kimkim

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Trip Reviews for Bhutan

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Overall, the trip exceeded our high expectations
Bhutan | Feb 17 - Feb 26, 2024

A
Amy S.
Baltimore, MD | Reviewed on Feb 27, 2024
Overall, the trip exceeded our high expectations. Mieke was great and responsive and flexible. Our guide Yonten and our driver Dawa were superb, five stars! They could not have been better in any way. We could have used more explanation beforehand from Kim Kim about the home stay, to have a better appreciation of the simplicity of the lodgings and the economic benefit it brings to rural Bhutan. Read more

Overall, the trip exceeded our high expectations. Mieke was great and responsive and flexible.

Our guide Yonten and our driver Dawa were superb, five stars! They could not have been better in any way.

We could have used more explanation beforehand from Kim Kim about the home stay, to have a better appreciation of the simplicity of the lodgings and the economic benefit it brings to rural Bhutan.

Hotel Review
Dhumra Farm Resort
Punakha

Beautiful peaceful lodgings with the best and freshest food we had the entire trip.

Authenticity & Character
Food from the garden
Location
Great views, peaceful setting
Staff
Very helpful and kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Gorgeous and spacious
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Feb 27, 2024

Hi Amy
Thank you for your lovely review! It was a pleasure hosting you here. Also on behalf of Yonten and Dawa, thank you for choosing Bhutan as your destination for this trip! We're glad you have enjoyed it so much!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

JUST SPECTACULAR!
Bhutan | Dec 18 - Dec 26, 2023

J
Jaya S.
San Mateo, CA | Reviewed on Jan 11, 2024
Our guide Tashi was just spectacular! He quickly figured out what our interests are when we travel and made modifications to the itinerary accordingly. We experienced Bhutan by talking to locals (who wanted to practice their Hindi) at the festival in Tsonga, being quizzed by a 7 year old on Buddhist dieties, chatting with a 15-year old who loves TikTok and basketball. None of these authentic interactions would have possible without Tashi's curation of urban and rural hikes. Our driver Ponshu... Read more

Our guide Tashi was just spectacular! He quickly figured out what our interests are when we travel and made modifications to the itinerary accordingly. We experienced Bhutan by talking to locals (who wanted to practice their Hindi) at the festival in Tsonga, being quizzed by a 7 year old on Buddhist dieties, chatting with a 15-year old who loves TikTok and basketball. None of these authentic interactions would have possible without Tashi's curation of urban and rural hikes. Our driver Ponshu (quite sure I misspelled his name) was phenomenal. Since my husband was recovering from a leg injury and had to slow down on the hikes, he decided to accompany us.
The Dochula Pass, and the Paro Takstang hike were fabulous experiences. The food and accommodation at Dhumra in Punakha was definitely our #1.

Hotel Reviews
Dewachen Hotel
Phobjikha

Fabulous location and friendly staff. The rooms & amenities are a work in progress.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed & bathroom amenities
Dhumra Farm Resort
Punakha

The meals were just delicious! Incredible property in every way!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Uma Paro
Paro

The food at the restaurant was mediocre, especially the non-Indian vegetarian options that were served at the Xmas eve dinner and the Bhutanese cuisine. The property, the rooms, and staff were exceptional!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Sebastiaan Naus
Sebastiaan
Sebastiaan Naus
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Jan 17, 2024

Dear Jaya, Thanks for your kind words about your guide and driver. Tashi is indeed one of our best guides so glad to read you were happy with his work. Also great to hear Bhutan made a big impression on you. Hope you will cherish these trip memories for a long time! Warm regards, Bas.

3 weeks cycle&hike in Bhutan
Bhutan | Nov 18 - Dec 8, 2023

Rob
Rob C.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 11, 2023
Pema, our guide, was as knowledgeable, flexible, helpful and keen to cycle&hike as any guide we've ever had. He also gets five stars.
The routes were all scenic and reasonably challenging.
All of our drivers were really good.
Read more

Pema, our guide, was as knowledgeable, flexible, helpful and keen to cycle&hike as any guide we've ever had. He also gets five stars.
The routes were all scenic and reasonably challenging.
All of our drivers were really good.

Hotel Reviews
Bhutan Suites
Thimphu

really friendly and helpful staff

Dewachen Hotel
Phobjikha

nice place

Yangkhil Resort
Trongsa

really nice place. We would have enjoyed an extra night here

Chumey Nature Resort
Chumey

nice place but worst breakfast of the trip (everything was cold including the instant coffee)

Ura Homestay
Ura

interesting experience, great breakfast. It would have been better if they could have conversed with us

Trogon Villa
Yonkola

Took a few tries to get a room with hot water, but otherwise was a reasonable place

Wangchuck Hotel
Mongar

Beautiful hotel and location, Great, helpful staff.

Red Fox Hotel
New Delhi

Decent place, really good breakfast

Mountain resort
Jakar

Beautiful hotel

Lingkhar Lodge
Trashigang

Beautiful place, large unit. helpful staff, nice to have a bath in the unit

Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge
Ha

Room was not well sealed and was therefore cold, but staff was very accommodating and even put in an electric mattress heater which helped a lot! I believe that we actually stayed in a place nearby with a similar name

Tashi Namgay Resort
Paro

beautiful place

Wangdue Eco Lodge
Wangdue Phodang

nice place but I don't agree that no wifi in our room is eco-friendly as they suggest

Activity Reviews
Thimphu City Walk (Thimphu)
Thimphu City Walk (Thimphu)
Thimphu

It was good to have a look around. Best done on foot

From Thimphu to Wangdue Phodrang by bicycle
From Thimphu to Wangdue Phodrang by bicycle
Thimphu

Dochu La pass was a good one to start with

From Wangdue Phodrang to Phobjikha by car and bicycle
From Wangdue Phodrang to Phobjikha by car and bicycle
Wangdue Phodrang

Lawa La pass is a tough climb. It gets steeper near the top. Need to be careful going into the blind corners as sometimes oncoming vehicles are trying to pass... The road down into the valley is mostly paved.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cycling in Phobjikha Valley
Cycling in Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha

We walked instead of cycling. Nice to see the cranes

From Jakar to Ura Valley (cycling)
From Jakar to Ura Valley (cycling)
Jakar

Another nice ride

From Ura to Yonkola (cycling)
From Ura to Yonkola (cycling)
Ura

Another nice ride with an amazing descent into warm weather

Visit Trashigang Dzong
Visit Trashigang Dzong
Trashigang

Another well built and scenic dzong

From Mongar to Trashigang (cycling)
From Mongar to Trashigang (cycling)
Mongar

The descent in the middle portion of the ride was surprisingly chilly, but otherwse it was yet another great cycle route. Nice to see monkeys along the route.

Hike to Tigernest Monastery aka Taktshang Goemba (Paro)
Hike to Tigernest Monastery aka Taktshang Goemba (Paro)
Paro

Amazing place. We were well acclimatized for the hike after our 3 weeks in Bhutan. We hiked up to the next temple as well which was worth it for the views and additional photos

Trying out bicycles
Thimphu

It was good to ride a bit to see that the bikes were working fine

Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten  & Punakha Dzong
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten & Punakha Dzong
Bhutan

Punakha Dzong was one of the nicest ones to see

From Phobjikha to Trongsa (partly cycling)
From Phobjikha to Trongsa (partly cycling)
Phobjikha

A nice ride with a lovely descent into a warm valley

Paro valley hike to Dzong
Paro valley hike to Dzong
Paro

Nice short hike to the museum and dzong which are both worth seeing.

Trongsa Dzong & Museum
Trongsa Dzong & Museum
Bhutan

The museum is interesting. We didn't have time to see the dzong. Would have enjoyed an extra day here.

From Yonkola to Mongar (cycling)
From Yonkola to Mongar (cycling)
Yonkola

A good ride, with warm weather the whole distance. It felt good to walk into the great hotel and enjoy the views

Ha Valley hike
Ha Valley hike
Ha

We did the hike up the ridge from Chele La, the panorama hike and the hike over the pass towards Paro during our few days in Ha Valley, The latter two were in mostly pine forests. We did see a sambar deer. The views from the ridge above Chele La were great - could see Jomohari quite clearly

From Chumey to Jakar (partly cycling)
From Chumey to Jakar (partly cycling)
Chumey

Another nice ride

From Trongsa to Chumey (partly cycling)
From Trongsa to Chumey (partly cycling)
Trongsa

Another nice ride

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in Bhutan/Netherlands | Replied on Feb 12, 2024

Dear Rob and Karla
Great to hear you have had such a good time. And you have managed to do quite so much of cycling! Thank you for your kind words about Pema, we are indeed lucky to have him on board.
Wangdue Ecolodge comment about no wifi in the room being eco-friendly made me frown - what a silly thing to say :)
It was a pleasure hosting you here. Our best wishes, on behalf of all Wind Horse family,
Mieke