Bhutan Cultural Tour trekking in Bhutan – AME Treks
Easy Bhutan Himalayas 7 Days Signature Journey

Bhutan Cultural Tour

Paro-Thimpu-Punkha-Paro

4.9/5 (156 reviews)
5000 trekkers hosted
Duration
7 Days
Max Altitude
2900
Difficulty
Easy
Best Season
March-May September -December
Group Size
2–12 People
Accommodation
Tea Houses

Product Description

A fuller introduction to the route, pace, terrain, and overall trip style.

The land of the Thunder Dragon, also known as Shangri-La,  is a land-locked country which lies between Tibet to the north and India to the south, east and west.  Bhutan's landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan heights in the north, with some mountain peaks exceeding 7,000 meters (23,000 ft). The state population is 691,141, the majority being Buddhist with the second largestgroup being Hindu. Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan. The climate of Bhutan varies with altitude, from subtropical in the south to all-over snow in the north. Bhutan has five different seasons: summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring. Western Bhutan has the heavier monsoon rains; southern Bhutan has hot humid summers and cool winters; central and eastern Bhutan is temperate and drier than the west.
 

Our journey, the Bhutan Cultural Tour, begins in the Paro Valley, Thimphu, an unique capital city that has a mix of traditional and modern lifestyles. We drive across the picturesque Dochu La Pass into the subtropical valleys of Punakha and Gangtey. Punakha valley offers great views of Himalayan ranges during clear weather. We also take you to Fertility temple, the Dzong, and to the chorten, which is located on the top of a hill. This tour ends in Paro for your departure to your next destination.

Trip Includes

  • All meals, TeaCoffee and snacks
  • Government approved A category hotels on twin sharing basis
  • Airport transfer (Pick up and drop)
  • Land transportation with comfortable vehicle
  • An experienced English speaking guide and other staff if required
  • Monument entrance fees and museum entrance fees
  • Visa and all government taxes.

Trip Excludes

  • Airfare (to Paro and return)
  • Personal nature expenses ( personal equipments, phone calls, internet, laundry, hard drinks etc)
  • Insurance (Trip cancellation, medical and rescue evacuation)
  • Tips

Useful Information

Important Trip Notes & Activities
We are very pleased to acknowledge that you are joining us for an adventure trip in remote Himalayan region, where weather conditions, health and fitness of the member or unexpected natural disaster can compel us to change the itinerary and if so you have to understand it but we would try our level best to keep the suggested itinerary as per the original schedule. Your safety and satisfaction of the trip is our prime concern while travelling with Adventure Mountain Explore Treks & Expedition P. Ltd and we ensure you our best team, logistics, professional services to make sure that you would have an amazing trip of lifetime with us. Also note that Guide deserved the final decision if the trip has to amend, change the route or cancel due to the extreme conditions for the safety precaution. However, we will try our best to ensure that the trip runs as according to the stated plan but be prepared for flexibility if necessary.

Our Guides, trip and safety
This trip takes you to the remote Himalayan region, it is very essential that you are accompanied with the very experienced and qualified leader for the safe and successful trip. We have local guide working with us who is trained and qualified on the trip. At this trip, there would be one Bhutan Guide. Also we would have helpers to upload bags.
Accommodation
All hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified from the Government. These hotels are equivalent to 34 star basis. So as per availability at the time of booking, we will provide you a grade hotel in Paro and Thimpu. In Paro, hotel TASHI NAMGAY RESORT or similar and in Thimpu hotel MIGMAR or similar and Meri Puensum Resort or similar in Punakha. Note that, accommodation which we provide you is on twin sharing basis but if you prefer having single room, single supplement is chargeable.
Meals
All meals are included during your trip. There are variety of foods are available which you can pick up from the menu as per you interest. Our advice is to ask hotel or restaurant that they can suggest fresh food.
Pack list
You can carry maximum of 20kg while you fly to Paro by Druk Air. You can carry aprox 56 kg on your hand. Your carry-on bags are restricted to one piece, and the size should not exceed 17" x 13" x 8". The packing items are divided in to two different items. One if Trek items and another is non trek items. Your trek items will be locked at our office if you carry them.
Here under tour list items
A pair of lightweight long pants
Pair of dress pants / dresses for evening
pairs shorts
short-sleeved shirts/blouses
long-sleeved shirt for sun protection (also while visiting dzongs, temples & monasteries).
Underwear
Socks
Sleepers
Warm jackets (if trip falls in Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan & Feb)
sweater or light weight jacket
windbreaker
pair comfortable walking shoes
pair of sandals
pair of dress shoes
Personal toiletries
Insect repellent
Spare nylon duffel for purchases
Sunscreen rated 20 SPF or higher
Lip Balm
Sunglasses
Prescription glasses
visor/sun hat
Flashlight
Daypack/Hip pack for day trips
Beach Towel
First-Aid kit with pain medications, antiseptic/anesthetic for sunburn, prescription medications

Other optional gears
Camera, memory cards and spare batteries
Electronics/battery charger
Spare contact lenses or glasses
Reading and writing materials
Passport pouch or money pouch
Motion sickness remedies
 

Necessary official documents
Passport with minimum validity of 6 months
Copy of first page of passport
Airline tickets
Visa approval for Bhutan (bring with you)

Some essential issues
Always check that your pack contains essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage. 
Gifts: Please don't bring extra gifts which might be a burden to you. If you wish to show your appreciation to the staff, the best gift would be through conversation or tips where appropriate.
Cultural Sensitivity: It`s better for women to wear pants (or Capri length pants) and/or a skirt (mid-calf or longer. Tights, hiking shorts and sports tops are not advisable. For men, pants are best. Men may wear longer hiking shorts that come near the knees. Never go shirtless.
For women: Women are advised to bring their necessary health supplies with them, as such items might not be available in Bhutan.
Boots: Wear boots that are broken-in. To minimize the risk of blister, wearing thin liner socks under regular hiking socks may help. 
Clothing: Cotton is the most favorable in warm weather. Once wet, cotton also drains body heat. Better to bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax. 
Layers: Always test your layers before a trip. See if the outer layer fits easily over the inside ones. 
Toilet Kit: For trekking & sightseeing, bring your own "toilet kit," and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Always remember to discard the toilet tissue a waste basket and not along a trail or in the toilet. 
Heating: In Bhutan, portable electric heaters are generally provided for heating in rooms. Blankets are also provided. Bring an extra set of long underwear for extra warmth.
 

Trip Snapshot

Route
Himalayas, Bhutan
Trip Style
Tea Houses
Best Months
March-May September -December
Next Start
Private dates on request

Why Book With AME

Well-paced itinerary with acclimatization-friendly flow

Licensed local guides, porter support, and 24/7 operations team

Private customization available for pace, dates, and comfort level

Gallery

Trail gallery

A quick look at the landscapes, lodges, and trail atmosphere before you move into the itinerary.

Bhutan Cultural Tour – trekking scenery
Bhutan Cultural Tour – trekking scenery

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Day-by-day itinerary and pacing

Scroll into the detailed itinerary to review daily movement, overnight stops, elevation, and practical route flow.

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Bhutan Cultural Tour – Day-by-Day Itinerary

Click any day to expand full details, elevation notes, meals, and overnight stops.

  1. Up on arrival at Paro International Airport, we will greet you and assist you to the Hotel. After time to get refreshed, visit to Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646, then visit buildings of government offices and religious institutions including Dzongs (Fort).  Then cross a traditional wooden bridge on the way to the Dzong. Visit Kichu Lhakhang, which is the oldest temple of Bhutan. Visit Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), built in 1646. You will enjoy the views of mountains on a clear day. Stay overnight at Paro.
     

  2. After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Bhutan's most popular monastery. It is said that Guru Rimpoche has flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery exists at present. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro. The hike to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria on the way. At afternoon we drive to Thimphu. In the evening we explore Thimphu which is the capital of Bhutan to explore way of life. Stay overnight at Hotel.
     

  3. After breakfast proceed to visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built for memory of the third King of Bhutan), the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan after that proceed to visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which has ancient manuscripts) and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. After time to get relaxed, lunch and visit the Textile Museum, the Handicraft Emporium, the traditional paper factory and the majestic Tashichhodzong. In the evening kill your time to stroll around Thimphu. Stay overnight at Hotel.

  4. Today is scenic drive to Dochu La which has panoramic views of Himalayas. From the top of the pass, drive downhill through the forest of Rhododendron and Fir. N the way stop at a Temple which is fertility temple dedicated to the Devine Madmam or lama Drukpa. Finally you reach Punakha for overnight.
     

  5. After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Gangtey through dense forest of Oak trees and Rhododendrons. This is beautiful valley surrounding by snow covered mountains. After exploring around, drive back to Punakha for overnight.
     

  6. Breakfast at the lodge and drive to Paro via pass at Dochula. Today we drive through Thimpu to get in to Paro for overnight.
     

  7. After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to airport for final departure. Flights from Paro especially Druk Air departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after taking breakfast, we transfer you to the airport in the morning to catch your onward flight.
     

Itinerary PDF

Take the full plan offline with day-by-day details, trip facts, inclusions, and planning notes.

Want this paced differently? We can shorten, extend, or make it private.

Bhutan Cultural Tour – Dates & Pricing

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Trip Includes & Excludes

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Included

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Not Included

Personal extras and excluded services can be reviewed with our team before you confirm your booking.

Before you book

Travel insurance, personal mountain gear, and international flights are usually arranged separately. If you want help reviewing gear or insurance before you book, our team is happy to guide you.

Bhutan Cultural Tour – Frequently Asked Questions

Practical planning questions generated from this route, itinerary, and trip setup.

The Bhutan Cultural Tour is generally planned as a Moderate tour in Bhutan, with route pacing, altitude gain, and overnight stops shaped around the published itinerary. If you want a lighter or more private pace, our team can usually customize the plan.

You should plan around 7 days for the full tour, including the published route flow, acclimatization needs, and arrival-to-departure logistics. If you need extra buffer days for weather or private extensions, we can map that out before booking.

This journey reaches around 2900 and is usually best enjoyed in March-May September -December. Trail conditions in Bhutan can change quickly with weather, so we recommend preparing for cool mornings, layered clothing, and flexible mountain timing.

The advertised rate starts from $3,880.00 and typically covers the main trip services such as guide support, accommodation, and the core logistics listed in the itinerary. Items commonly handled separately include international flights, insurance, and personal spending, unless your custom quote says otherwise.

The Bhutan Cultural Tour is a strong fit for travelers looking for small, flexible groups, local lodges and trek accommodation, and a guided Himalayan experience in Bhutan. If you are unsure about fitness, private departures, or the right route style, send us your preferred dates and we will guide you to the best option.

Useful Information

Extra planning notes, route expectations, and pre-trip guidance for this journey.

Travel insurance, personal mountain gear, and international flights are usually arranged separately. If you want help reviewing gear or insurance before you book, our team is happy to guide you.

Recent guest reviews

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Fresh route feedback

These are recent approved reviews from comparable journeys in the same destination or trip style.

Great people who arranged my trip with in my budget

"Several months ago, a friend of mine came back from world-round-trip and said, “A.B.C trekking is what you cannot see in any other places but Nepal”, and excitingly showed me a lot of incredibly beautiful pictures from t..."

"Several months ago, a friend of mine came back from world-round-trip and said, “A.B.C trekking is what you cannot see in any other places but Nepal”, and excitingly showed me a lot of incredibly beautiful pictures from the mountain and the country, Nepal. The story he shared caught my heart and strongly made me want to visit this country. And now, I also strongly recommend this adventure into wild nature. This is the reason why I am here, coming back from 10days Annapurna base camp(A.B.C) to write a review for one of the best agency (Adventure Mountain Explore Treks & Expedition P. Ltd) in Kathmandu and for you. What I have found during this trip is that this trip is therapeutic, educational, and exciting. First of all, in the mountain area, there are no such things as mobile, familiar TV show, disturbing noise, and annoying friends. You are literally surrounded by nature and all you can trust is your guide and your heart. You also have much free time in the mountain, which makes you think a lot about your future. Second, trekking is educational. You may see a various people from around the world as well as local people. This, I believe, is the best way of getting to know each other, as you will see them again and again during the trail. Exchanging their personal story and back ground helps you grow your personality as well. Third, it is exciting. There is no question about it. When I saw the panorama view from A.B.C, I got so excited that I could not take my camera away (I am sure I took more than 100 pictures and video there). That was defiantly worth it. Now, I am going to share a bit about my trekking partner, my guide, Lok Bhatta. He is friendly guy. He is not only experienced guide, but he knows how he can entertain us during the whole trip. His caring and his humor take up my good memory of trip. Since Lok and I spent 11days together, it is no wonder we became a best friends. Also he persistently looks after me. When I wanted him to take pictures, he always s..."

A Fantastic Experience!

"My mother and I arrived in Kathmandu with just 2 days to prepare for a trek around Annapurna Circuit. We feel very lucky to have met Mr. Tika Regmi and through Adventure Mountain Explore treks we were able to hire a port..."

"My mother and I arrived in Kathmandu with just 2 days to prepare for a trek around Annapurna Circuit. We feel very lucky to have met Mr. Tika Regmi and through Adventure Mountain Explore treks we were able to hire a porter-guide to facilitate exactly the kind of trek we wanted, a self-directed trek with Nepali assistance. Our porter-guide Sujan was a trusted and integral part of our little trekking party. He was very knowledgeable about the route, its hotels and side trips, and he even introduced us to local people and gave us interactions with local Nepalese that we could not have experienced on our own, like a tea in the home of a local family! We couldn’t be any more pleased with our trek. Shanna Simmons 1152 Crescent Avenue Klamath Falls, OR 97601 USA shannasimmons@hotmail.com"

Eine Erfahrung, die wir nie vergessen werden!

"Urspruenglich hatten meine Freundin und ich geplant, das Annapurna Base Camp in Angriff zu nehmen, doch Tika Regmi, Direktor von Adventure Mountain Explore hat uns den Langtang Trek empfohlen. Es war definitive eine gute..."

"Urspruenglich hatten meine Freundin und ich geplant, das Annapurna Base Camp in Angriff zu nehmen, doch Tika Regmi, Direktor von Adventure Mountain Explore hat uns den Langtang Trek empfohlen. Es war definitive eine gute Entscheidung, in eine der weniger frequentierten Gegenden Nepals zu gehen, wo sich die Anzahl der Touristen in Grenzen haelt. Das Langtang Tal bietet sowohl eine beeindruckende Bergwelt als auch urspruengliche Doerfer und somit einen Einblick in die Lebensweise der Tamang. Der Hoehepunkt unserer 8 taegigen Tour war der Aufstieg auf den 4984 Meter hohen Tsergo Ri, der eine atemberaubende Panoramasicht auf weisse Bergriesen bietet. Auf Empfehlung der Company haben wir einen Guide und einen Traeger gebucht. Beide waren ausserst zuvorkommend und freundlich, stets hilfsbereit und ortskundig. Durch sie bekamen wir nicht nur tatkraeftige Unterstuetzung beim Tragen und Pfadfinden sondern auch Kontakt zu den Einheimischen sowie Einsicht in Kultur und Braeuche. Rico Grass & Tiziana Margelist 8050 Zuerich, Switzerlanda rchico7@hotmail.com"

Lifetime experienced with Adventure Mountain Explore Treks.

"Thanks Tika We arrived in Kathmandu on November 4, 2011 with hopes to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek to Muktinah. We had no firm guide or porters arranged as yet but were lucky to stay at the Blue Horizon Hotel in Thamel..."

"Thanks Tika We arrived in Kathmandu on November 4, 2011 with hopes to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek to Muktinah. We had no firm guide or porters arranged as yet but were lucky to stay at the Blue Horizon Hotel in Thamel where we met Tika Regmi at the Hotel Blue Horizon. Tika is the director of Adventure Mountain Explore which wa located across the street. With Tika's expert help, our trek was arranged with an extraordinary guide, Sittal "Hom" Simkhada and two equally adept porters, Santosh Uperkoti and Sanjeep. Sittal knew the trail very well having done it more than 25 times. He provided information and insights about each peak and landmark along the way. He guided us up and down with care and confidence, setting a good pace that worked for each of us, our ages being 69, 67, and 30 years old. Sittal also got us to our teahouse rooms promptly and made sure we got our meals on time. We never had to ask for service; it was always provided with a smile. We enjoyed the camaraderie or our guide and porters and spent time playing cards together and exchanging stories. Clearly Sittal loved what he was doing and was experienced with every aspect of being a guide. When our daughter became ill along the way in Manang, Sittal conferred with Tika and we took an extra day to make sure all was well before continuing. There was no pressure to move on before we felt ready. When we reached the summit at Thorang la Pass we all celebrated together. It was a group achievement as well as a personal one for each of us. We are pleased to recommend Tika Regni as trek organizer and Sittal Simkhada as guide with our highest esteem and respect. Sincerely, Bob, Linda and Laura Bekes Robert Bekes Dept. of Mathematics and C.S. Santa Clara University Phone: (408) 554-4883 Fax: (408) 554-2370 rbekes@scu.edu"

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