Wander Across Bhutan

Overview

Get ready to discover Bhutan, a unique and untouched destination where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with stunning Himalayan landscapes.

Starting and ending in convenient Kathmandu, Nepal, each day of our itinerary offers a new opportunity to connect with Bhutan’s extraordinary culture and breathtaking natural beauty. We’ll hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, dramatically perched above the Paro Valley, and visit the majestic Punakha Dzong fortress, an architectural masterpiece at the confluence of two rivers. Along the way we’ll take in panoramic views of the Himalayas from Dochula Pass, stroll through the serene Phobjikha Valley, and immerse ourselves in the tranquil atmosphere of Buddhist monasteries and nunneries. We’ll also partake in many meaningful traditions, such as lighting butter lamps during a prayer ceremony and participating in a cleansing ritual at a nunnery.

What makes this journey truly special are the rare and unique experiences made possible by our local contacts, offering opportunities that most travelers never get to experience. We’ll share a home-cooked meal with a Bhutanese family, enjoy breakfast in an extraordinary location, and learn traditional crafts from skilled artisans at a weaving center. With time to explore colorful markets, relax in the tranquil countryside, and engage with Bhutan’s welcoming communities, this trip offers more than just stunning sights, it’s an authentic immersion into the heart of Bhutan.

*A 2 day stay in Kathmandu at the start of the tour and flights from Kathmandu to Bhutan and Bhutan back to Kathmandu are included!

Price – Single room

$5250

Price – Shared room

$4450

Book with Confidence

To reserve your spot on a tour, a $500 deposit will be required. However, you can book with complete peace of mind as this deposit will be refundable – minus a 3% transaction fee – for 30 days. For our complete payment/refund policy, please READ HERE.

If you make a deposit for a tour within 90 days of the tour start date, the deposit is non-refundable.

Highlights

Hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery

Explore ancient temples and historic squares

Visit remote off-the-beaten-path villages

Experience bustling markets and savor local flavors and delicacies

Share a home-cooked meal with a local family

Offer lunch to Buddhist nuns at a tranquil nunnery and join in a prayer session

Itinerary

Day

Kathmandu (Nepal) (arrival day)

Nov 10

Arrival day

Included: Dinner

Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you'll be picked up by our private driver and taken to our hotel in the city center. Once everyone has arrived we'll have an evening orientation followed by a great local dinner for a first taste of Himalayan cuisine.

Day

Kathmandu

Nov 11

Highlights: Walking tour of Kathmandu

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we’ll set out on a half-day walking tour of Kathmandu beginning in Thamel, a vibrant neighborhood known as the city’s cultural hub, filled with bustling streets, colorful shops, and unique handicrafts. From there we’ll visit the Asan Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the city where locals come to shop for spices, produce, and everyday essentials. For lunch we’ll stop at a nearby restaurant to try momos, Nepal’s beloved dumplings filled with spiced vegetables or meat. Afterwards you’ll have free time to explore on your own, with options such as visiting the tranquil Garden of Dreams, a neo-classical garden in the heart of the city, or browsing the many boutiques in Thamel. Your tour leader will be available to assist with any activities you wish to plan during this time. In the evening we’ll gather for dinner at a rooftop restaurant, enjoying stunning views of Kathmandu as we savor local flavors.

Day

Kathmandu » Paro (Bhutan) » Thimphu

Nov 12

Highlights: Flight to Bhutan, drive to Thimpu, School of Buddhist Astrology

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we’ll leave Nepal behind and take a quick 1.5-hour flight to Paro, Bhutan, beginning a new chapter in the Himalayan region. After arrival we’ll take a one-hour drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, which is set in a scenic valley surrounded by terraced fields and forested hills. Thimphu is known for its rich cultural heritage and serves as the country’s political and economic center. Upon arrival we’ll check into our hotel, enjoy a relaxed lunch, and take some time to settle in. Later in the evening we’ll visit the School of Buddhist Astrology, where we’ll gain a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s deep spiritual heritage. This cultural experience will offer us a glimpse into how astrology shapes Bhutanese traditions and daily life.

Day

Thimpu

Nov 13

Highlights: Breakfast in a special location, Institute of Traditional Medicine, weaving center, dinner with local friends

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today begins with the rare opportunity to have breakfast in a rare and special location, a magnificent golden monument overlooking Thimphu, made possible through our local contacts. After breakfast we’ll visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services, where ancient Bhutanese healing practices are preserved and taught. Here you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the use of natural remedies and traditional techniques that are central to Bhutanese culture. Next you’ll have the option to take a short hike to a nearby temple, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. After lunch you'll be able to enjoy some free time to relax or join an optional visit to the Green Weaving Center, where artisans demonstrate sustainable textile practices. In the evening, we’ll be welcomed into a friend’s home for dinner, experiencing Bhutanese hospitality and enjoying a meal prepared with authentic flavors.

Day

Thimpu » Phobjikha Valley

Nov 14

Highlights: Drive to the Phobjika Valley with multiple stops

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We'll begin our day by driving towards the Phobjika Valley with a stop at the Dochula Pass, a breathtaking mountain pass adorned with 108 chortens and offering panoramic views of the Himalayas on clear days. Here we’ll enjoy a light hike along the Trans Bhutan Trail, a serene walk surrounded by lush landscapes and colorful prayer flags. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll visit Richtenang Village, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals and experience the rhythms of rural Bhutanese life. From there we’ll proceed to the serene Phobjikha Valley, known for its sweeping landscapes and tranquil ambiance, and check into our cozy lodge nestled in the heart of nature.

Day

Phobjikha Valley » Punakha

Nov 15

Highlights: Gangtey Monastery, light hike and drive to Punakha

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we’ll explore the serene Phobjikha Valley, a place of stunning natural beauty surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with small villages. We’ll begin with a visit to the historic Gangtey Monastery, a revered Buddhist site and a center of spiritual life in the valley. From there we’ll take a leisurely hike into the valley, enjoying the pristine landscapes and peaceful atmosphere that make this area so unique. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll set off on a drive to Punakha, heading over the Lawala Pass where we’ll arrive in the evening to settle in and relax.

Day

Punakha

Nov 16

Highlights: Punakha Dzong, lunch at a nunnery

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll begin the day with a visit to the Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece situated at the confluence of two rivers. We'll then head to a nearby nunnery, a peaceful retreat where Buddhist nuns live, study, and practice their traditions. Here you’ll have the chance to learn about their way of life and the importance of their spiritual practices. In the afternoon you'll be able to enjoy some free time to relax or explore the area at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner at a local restaurant in town.

Day

Punakha » Dochula Pass » Paro

Nov 17

Highlights: Drive to Paro

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We’ll begin the day with a leisurely morning in Punakha, giving you time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this scenic valley. After a quiet start we’ll set on a beautiful drive to Paro, winding through the Himalaya and passing remote villages and temples along the way. Arriving in Paro in the afternoon, you’ll have some time to explore this charming town, known for its traditional Bhutanese architecture and local culture. We’ll end the day early to ensure everyone is well-rested for tomorrow’s hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Day

Paro » Tiger's Nest » Paro

Nov 18

Highlights: Tiger's Nest hike, optional hot stone bath

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we’ll set out on a hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, a sacred Buddhist site dramatically perched on a cliffside nearly 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Believed to be the site where Guru Rinpoche meditated after arriving on the back of a tiger, the monastery holds immense spiritual and historical significance. The hike is approximately 4 miles round-trip and moderate in difficulty, although those looking for a lighter experience can opt for a pony ride to the Taktsang Viewpoint, where a café provides awe-inspiring views of the monastery and a comfortable place to relax. In the evening you’ll have the option to unwind with a traditional hot stone bath, a Bhutanese ritual renowned for its therapeutic benefits and an ideal way to relax after the day’s adventure.

Day

Paro

Nov 19

Highlights: Free day, farewell dinner

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today will be a well-deserved free day in Paro, offering a chance to relax and explore at your own pace. You might choose to wander through the charming town, visit local shops for handcrafted Bhutanese textiles and souvenirs, or take a gentle hike to nearby sites like Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Alternatively you can enjoy the serene atmosphere of our hotel, treat yourself to a soothing massage, or opt for a visit to a nearby village to experience traditional Bhutanese rural life. In the evening, we’ll come together for a special farewell dinner paired with cultural performances.

Day

Paro » Kathmandu (departure day)

Nov 20

Highlights: Flight back to Nepal, departure day

Included: Breakfast

We’ll begin the day with an early morning 1.5-hour flight back to Kathmandu, where the tour will officially come to an end. From here you can connect with your departure flight, taking with you the unforgettable memories of our journey through Bhutan and Nepal. ** IMPORTANT: Please make sure you book your departure flight from Kathmandu at any time after 1:00 PM in order to have enough time to transfer to the International Departures area of the airport.

Included / Not Included

Wandering Earl Tours leader throughout

Small group (maximum 12 participants)

Accommodation (10 nights – 3* and 4* hotels)

Transportation within Nepal and Bhutan (round trip from Nepal to Bhutan and private air-conditioned vehicles)

Local guides in each destination

All mentioned activities and entrance fees

Breakfast every day, 8 lunches and 8 dinners

Water throughout the trip

Gratuities at hotels/included meals

All airport transfers

Bhutan's visa fees

Flights to/from Kathmandu

Passport/Nepal's visa fees

Meals and activities not mentioned

Travel insurance (mandatory)

Other gratuities

Map

Essentials

Physical Level: Medium

While the tour is not particularly strenuous, please be aware that it may involve long days, walking for up to three hours at a time, exposure to potentially cold temperatures, drives of maximum 6 hours on curvy roads (with multiple stops), optional hikes, early morning wake-ups, and altitudes reaching up to 10,200 feet (3,100 meters) above sea level, among other similar scenarios. Additionally, Western-style toilets can be difficult to find while driving between certain destinations.

Accommodation

On this trip, accommodations range from comfortable 3-star to 4-star hotels. You can always expect comfortable accommodation on this trip. Prices are based on twin-share rooms. There are 6 single rooms available at an extra charge. For twin share, solo travelers of the same sex will be placed together in a room with two beds. (*Please note: If you book a shared room and we cannot find another traveler to share that room, there will be an extra surcharge for having a single room.)

Transport

During the trip, we'll travel in comfort with our private vans. Our vans offer plenty of space for each guest while giving us access to areas that larger vehicles simply can't go. We'll also have a round flight from Nepal to Bhutan and back.

Meals

Breakfast every day, 8 lunches and 8 dinners are included. With included meals, some will be served family style and other times you will be able to order anything you wish from the menu. All dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice although there may be limited options for some requirements.

Sustainability

As with all of our trips, we aim to offer as sustainable an experience as we can. Trash is recycled where possible and we avoid mass tourism activities that cause harm to the environment and/or do not benefit local communities.

Small Groups

This tour requires a minimum of 8 participants and has a maximum of 12 participants in order to ensure the best small group tour experience. With such a small group, you'll be able to enjoy unique, rewarding activities that would not be accessible with more people. That's the kind of trip we love to offer!