Bhutan Total Immersion Tour - 10 Days

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Trip Overview
  • Duration: 10 Days
  • Trip Grade: Leisurely Plus
  • Trip Start and End: Paro to Paro
  • Trip Area: Paro, Punakha, Bumthang, Gantey
  • Trip Style: Active/ Cultural Tour
  • Age Group: 10 or Above
  • Trip Type: Private and Group
  • Trip Method: Guided
  • Booking Type: Instant Booking
  • Best Season: All Season
  • Foot Print:Carbon Neutralleaf

Step beyond the surface and into the soul of Bhutan with our 10-day Total Immersion Tour — the longest and most comprehensive experience we offer.

9 Nights 10 Days Bhutan Tour Highlights

  • A scenic flight covered with mountains towards the Paro airport
  • Check out Motithang Takin Preserve and observe the national animal of Bhutan
  • Reach Kunselcholing Viewpoint with a large statue of Buddha and views of the Thimphu Valley
  • See Tashichho Dzong, Centenary Farmers Market, and Memorial Chorten, built in memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
  • Visit the National Folk Heritage Museum, National Textile Museum, and Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
  • Reach Dochula Pass at 3,080 meters for views of Masagang, Tsendagang, Gangkar Puensum (the highest peak in Bhutan), etc.
  • Visit Punakha Dzong and explore the beauty of Khamsum Yuley Temple
  • Visit Bumthang valley and explore Tamzhing Goemba, Kurjey Lhakhang with Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint, Jambay Lhakhang, which is one of the 108 temples built on the same day, and Jakar Dzong and Thangbi Lhakhang, located in a beautiful valley
  • Get to Trongsa Dzong with its historical importance and the Tower of Trongsa, a Royal Heritage Museum
  • Explore Gangtey Goemba, sitting atop a hill, an excellent example of Tibetan architecture
  • Get to Paro Dzong, built with stones, and the government center of Paro, and explore Ta Dzong, a watchtower serving as a National Museum of Bhutan, holding several artifacts and art pieces
  • Hike up to Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest
  • Get to Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, the oldest temple in Bhutan, and Dumtse Lhakhang
  • Enjoy the amazing natural beauty and picturesque landscapes throughout the tour

This thoughtfully curated Bhutan Total Immersion Tour is designed for travelers who seek not just to see, but to truly understand Bhutan — its spiritual heartbeat, cultural richness, and pristine Himalayan beauty.

Spanning ten unforgettable days, this journey offers an In-Depth Bhutan Itinerary that slows the pace, deepens the experience, and broadens your connection to this extraordinary kingdom.

Over the course of the trip, you'll explore Bhutan's cultural capitals and spiritual heartlands — from Paro and Thimphu to Punakha, Bumthang, Trongsa, and the peaceful Gangtey Valley.

This is more than a vacation. It’s a transformative adventure that invites you to travel not just across Bhutan, but into it — its stories, its people, and its timeless spirit.

What to Expect in Your Bhutan Long Stay Tour

As our longest and most immersive package, the 10-Day Bhutan Tour offers a comprehensive journey through Bhutan’s key regions — from western cultural centers to the sacred heartlands of the east.

You will begin in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, where you’ll visit cultural landmarks like the National Folk Heritage Museum, National Textile Museum, and the hilltop Buddha Dordenma statue, along with the historic Simtokha and Tashichho Dzongs.

Then, you will ascend the scenic Dochula Pass on your way to Punakha, where Bhutan’s architectural masterpiece, Punakha Dzong, awaits. You’ll also walk the iconic suspension bridge over the Pho Chu River and hike to the beautiful Khamsum Yuley Temple.

On Day 4, you will journey deeper into the spiritual heart of Bhutan with a road or domestic flight to Bumthang Valley. This region is home to some of Bhutan’s most sacred and historic temples, including Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Tamzhing Goemba, and Jakar Dzong.

Day 6 involves overland travel to Trongsa for a visit to the impressive Trongsa Dzong before continuing to Gangtey Valley, home of the Phobjikha Wildlife Preserve. Here you’ll explore Gangtey Goemba and visit a local family to experience rural Bhutanese life firsthand.

Finally, on Day 8, you will return to Paro, where the journey culminates with Bhutan’s most iconic hike — the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) — along with visits to the National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang, and the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong.

With time to pause, engage, and reflect at each destination, the Extended Bhutan Experience ensures that every moment feels purposeful and connected — whether you're admiring intricate temple murals or enjoying a quiet walk through alpine forests.

Who Is This Trip For?

Our Bhutan Slow Travel Package isn’t just about covering ground — it’s about going deeper. With ten full days in Bhutan, you’re given the rare opportunity to not only visit the country’s most iconic sites but also absorb the rhythm of daily life, connect with its spiritual essence, and experience its traditions in a way that shorter tours simply can’t provide.

You’ll have more time in each location — more time to explore, to reflect, to engage. From quiet temple courtyards in Bumthang to conversations with local families in Gangtey, this itinerary is designed to give you presence, not just passage.

The Total Immersion Tour is ideal for mindful travelers, culture lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Bhutan beyond surface-level sightseeing. 

Whether it's your first time in the Himalayas or a return journey, this experience is for those who value meaning over momentum.

A Tour Package that Dives Deep into Culture, Spirituality & Nature: Bhutan’s Living Heritage

This 10-Day Bhutan Tour is a thoughtfully designed journey that takes you far beyond the typical sightseeing experience.

It guides you through the heart of Bhutan’s living heritage, where culture, spirituality, and nature intertwine seamlessly to shape daily life and the nation’s enduring identity.

From your first moments in Paro and Thimphu, you’ll encounter the majestic presence of Bhutanese dzongs—ancient fortress-monasteries that are as much centers of spiritual practice as administrative hubs. Museums like the National Folk Heritage and Textile Museum provide rich context to Bhutan’s vibrant traditions, showcasing centuries-old crafts and customs that remain alive today.

As you cross the scenic Dochula Pass, the landscape shifts, and so does the energy—ushering you into fertile valleys like Punakha, where architectural marvels such as the Punakha Dzong stand sentinel beside sacred rivers. Here, ancient temples and suspension bridges invite quiet reflection on Bhutan’s harmonious relationship with nature and faith.

Your journey continues into the spiritual heartland of Bumthang, often called Bhutan’s “cultural soul.” This valley is dotted with centuries-old lhakhangs and monasteries—each a living repository of Bhutanese Buddhism and art. Traveling onward through Trongsa and the tranquil Gangtey Valley, you experience rural Bhutanese life firsthand, from serene wildlife preserves to heartfelt interactions with local families, revealing the simplicity and depth of daily existence here.

Finally, the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery crowns the adventure, perched dramatically on a cliffside, offering not just a physical challenge but a moment of profound spiritual connection that embodies the essence of Bhutan.

Throughout this extended itinerary, you’ll witness how Bhutan’s cultural resilience and spiritual devotion have been nurtured alongside its pristine natural environment. This is a slow, immersive exploration inviting you to connect deeply—not only with the stunning sights but with the timeless stories, rituals, and rhythms that define the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Bhutan Total Immersion Tour - 10 Days Itinerary

  • Day 1:Arrival in Paro, Bhutan
  • Day 2:Sightseeing in Thimphu
  • Day 3:Thimphu to Punakha
  • Day 4:Punakha to Bumthang
  • Day 5:A day at Bumthang
  • Day 6:Bumthang to Gangtey
  • Day 7:A Day at Gangtey
  • Day 8:Gangtey to Paro
  • Day 9:Sightseeing in Paro
  • Day 10:Departure

Day 1:Arrival in Paro, Bhutan

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsLunch and Dinner

After the flight, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle and you will take a ride towards the city of Thimphu as a part of acclimatization. After reaching, you can rest for a while and your tour starts as you drive to Motithang Takin Preserve. Takin is a national animal of Bhutan and they were released from the former zoo to live there. After that, you will get to the top of a hill given different names like Kuenselcholing View Point, Buddha Viewpoint and Buddha Dordenma. Overall view of the Thimphu City can be caught from there. The sitting statue of Buddha is one of the biggest statues of Buddha in the world.

Day 2:Sightseeing in Thimphu

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

Today, you will learn about the art and craft of Bhutan by visiting the National Folk Heritage Museum where paintings and statues and other art pieces can be found. A visit to the National Textile Museum where amazing weaving and textile designs can be seen. After that, you will go to the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in the late king’s memory. Here also, you will witness several more than life-sized images of tantric deities. Later that day, you will visit Simtokha Dzong and Tashichho Dzong.

Day 3:Thimphu to Punakha

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

Leaving Thimphu, you will head towards Punakha. Along the path, you will get to Dochula Pass from where one can get the stunning view of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscape.

After that, you will move towards Punakha Dzong situated at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The suspension bridge over the Pho Chu river is the longest suspension bridge and offers beautiful views of the city. Then, you will visit Khamsum Yuley Temple which can only be reached after one hour of walking.

Day 4:Punakha to Bumthang

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

On the fourth day of your Bhutan Tour, you will take a really long drive and get to Bumthang. You also have an option to take a domestic flight to reach Bumthang. The road to Punakha to Bumthang gets tough sometimes and you should be careful and be updated about the current road conditions.

Day 5:A day at Bumthang

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

Today, you will hike to Tamzhing Goemba in the morning. This monastery holds a lot of importance due to its connection with saint Pema Lingpa. Another place to go today is Kurjey Lhakhang which holds yet another legend related to Rinpoche and rock is believed to have preserved his imprint. There are numerous ancient temples and sacred sites in this city.

Later, you will get to Jambay Lhakhang which according to legend was built by King Sontsen Gampo along with other 107 temples to win over a demoness. Then, you will visit Jakar Dzong also known as the Castle of the White Bird built on top of the hill. Later in the evening, you will hike up to Thangbi Lhakhang in Thangbi Valley across a suspension bridge.

Day 6:Bumthang to Gangtey

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

After having your breakfast in Bumthang, you will drive towards Gangtey through Trongsa. Trongsa is where the first temple was built and where the Wangchuk family’s ancestral home Trongsa Dzong lies. Then, you will visit Taa Dzong, initially built as a watchtower and now serving as a Royal Heritage Museum. This museum houses a lot of Buddhist art and craft as well as several royal artifacts including a copy of the handwritten biography of Guru Rinpoche.

Day 7:A Day at Gangtey

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

Today, you get to spend a day at the Gangtey Valley which is also a wildlife preserve and home to several species like black-necked cranes, sambar, yak, serow, etc. Spend some time in this beautiful place and move towards Gangtey Goemba. This Goemba showcases some beautiful architecture as it sits on a hill from where you can get a view of the Gangtey Valley. Later, you can also visit a local family and spend some time with them learning about their traditions and lifestyle.

Day 8:Gangtey to Paro

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

Paro is a beautiful valley where you landed on the first day of your tour. Returning to the place lets you visit its monasteries and temples. Firstly, you will visit Paro Dzong, built with stones and showcasing unique Bhutanese architecture. This city is also home to Bhutan’s third-highest mountain, Chomolhari. After that, you will head towards Ta Dzong, located on a hill just above. This was also built as a watchtower but now serves as a National Museum consisting of ancient weapons, art pieces, and artifacts.

Day 9:Sightseeing in Paro

  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBLD

You will spend another day in the city of Paro to visit the most popular spot in Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This monastery hangs on a cliff and you can reach there only by foot. After a pretty strenuous hike for a few hours, you will reach there. You also can hire a horse to get up to the cafe and walk from there. This is an amazing viewpoint and the monastery showcases some amazing ancient art. Returning from there, you will go to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, a weirdly beautiful place that also lets you view mountains. Later, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the temple in Bhutan built by King Sontsen Gambo on the same day as Jambay Lhakhang.

Day 10:Departure

  • MealsBreakfast

Your Explore Bhutan Tour ends here and our representative will drop you to the airport as you return home or move towards your next destination. We wish you farewell and all the best.

Love doing it your way?

Cost Details

Included

  • Meals: 
    9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • Accommodation: 
    3-Star accommodation in Kathmandu for 9 nights
  • Transportation:   
    All land transportation with pickups and drops
    An experienced driver and a private vehicle
  • Guides and Porters:
    A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
  • Entry Fees and Permits:
    Visas for Bhutan
    All entry fees and permits
    Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
  • Miscellaneous: 
    Mineral bottled water
    Set of traditional costume (to be returned at the end of your stay)

Excluded

  • Flight to/from Bhutan (assistance can be provided)
  • Travel Insurance (assistance can be provided)
  • Meals at any other restaurants than the designated ones
  • Any upgrade in accommodation and services
  • Items of a personal nature (drinks, chocolates, desserts, etc.)
  • Tips for the guide and driver

Trip Essential Information

Altitude, Silence & Stillness

While this Bhutan Total Immersion Tour does not include strenuous high-altitude trekking, you will still experience significant changes in elevation throughout the journey — ranging roughly from 2,200 meters (Thimphu) up to the highest point at the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched at about 3,120 meters (10,240 feet).

The iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) is the highest elevation on this itinerary. The moderate but steep ascent to this cliffside monastery offers both a physical challenge and a profound spiritual experience. The silence along the trail and the stillness within the monastery grounds deepen the sense of reverence and reflection.

Dochula Pass (3,100 meters / 10,170 feet) is another high point where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping Himalayan vistas and the peaceful presence of 108 memorial chortens. The crisp mountain air and panoramic views mark a beautiful transition from the valleys below.

Bumthang Valley, often called Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, lies at approximately 2,600 meters (8,530 feet). Paro (about 2,200 meters / 7,200 feet) and Thimphu (roughly 2,300 meters / 7,500 feet) are comfortable elevations where you’ll visit dzongs, museums, and cultural sites.

Throughout the tour, silence is a living part of Bhutanese culture. In monasteries, dzongs, and remote valleys like Gangtey (around 2,900 meters / 9,500 feet),  quiet moments invite travelers to slow down, connect inwardly, and appreciate the subtle sounds of nature.

This gradual change in altitude, combined with moments of stillness and silence, creates a unique rhythm that invites you to slow down both physically and spiritually, enriching your immersive Bhutan experience.

Travel Logistics & Road Conditions in Bhutan

Bhutan’s rugged Himalayan terrain means travel between destinations is scenic but can be slow and occasionally bumpy. 

Distances might seem short on the map, but winding mountain roads and variable conditions mean daily drives can take several hours. For example, the journey from Thimphu to Punakha crosses the 3,100-meter Dochula Pass and typically takes around 3 to 4 hours.

Some legs, such as Bumthang to Gangtey via Trongsa, cover long distances over mountainous terrain and may last up to 6–7 hours with stops. Domestic flights, like Paro to Bumthang, will shorten travel time but are weather-dependent and require flexibility.

Our itinerary balances road travel with ample rest and sightseeing breaks, so you experience Bhutan’s landscapes without rush or fatigue. 

Furthermore, comfortable vehicles with experienced drivers ensure your journey is safe and as smooth as possible, while you enjoy the changing scenery and occasional roadside stops.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Considerations for a 10-Day Bhutan Trip

Bhutan’s climate varies significantly with altitude and season. The ideal travel windows are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). At these times, the weather is generally clear, temperatures are mild, and valleys bloom with flowers or vibrant fall foliage.

During spring, Bumthang and Gangtey showcase rhododendrons and other alpine blooms, while autumn offers crisp skies perfect for photography and trekking. 

Meanwhile, winter months (December to February) bring colder temperatures, especially in higher valleys like Bumthang and Gangtey, with occasional snowfall at passes such as Dochula.

Similarly, monsoon season (June to August) can bring heavy rains, causing landslides and road delays — travel during this time requires extra patience and flexibility. Temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) in higher valleys during winter nights to 25°C (77°F) in lower valleys during daytime.

Packing layered clothing and being prepared for sudden weather changes will ensure comfort throughout your journey.

FAQs

  • Yes. All travelers except for nationals of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives require a Bhutanese visa. After you book with us, our company, Sublime Trails, will handle the visa application process.

  • The hike to Paro Taktsang is moderately challenging. It takes about 2 to 3 hours each way on a steep but well-maintained trail. Good fitness is recommended, but guides and rest stops make it manageable for most travelers.

  • Accommodations range from charming 3-star hotels to boutique lodges with traditional Bhutanese architecture. All are comfortable with hot water and heating, suitable for relaxing after full days of exploration.

  • Altitude ranges from about 2,200 meters in Paro and Thimphu to 3,120 meters at Tiger’s Nest. Most travelers acclimatize well, but we recommend staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and pacing yourself. Our guides monitor health closely.

  • Yes, we offer flexible options to extend your stay or modify activities based on your interests. Contact us to discuss personalized arrangements.

  • Pack layers suitable for cool mountain weather, including waterproof jackets, sturdy walking shoes, hats, and sunscreen. Don’t forget any personal medications and a reusable water bottle.

  • Internet access is available in most hotels and towns, but can be slow or unreliable in remote areas like Bumthang and Gangtey. Mobile phone coverage is patchy outside urban centers.

  • We work closely with local communities, employ Bhutanese guides, respect cultural norms, and follow government regulations to minimize environmental impact and maximize positive benefits for locals.

  • Our guides speak fluent English. Dzongkha is Bhutan’s official language, and you may also hear regional dialects. English is widely used in tourism and government.

Bhutan Total Immersion Tour - 10 Days Reviews

5.0based on 5 reviews
  • Sophia Gagon
    Sophia GagonAugust 11, 2019
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    Best Company for Bhutan Tour

    I have always been fascinated by mountains and often wondered how people in countries far away lived their life. After my friend said she was going for a Bhutan Tour, I would not let her go without me. We together did our research about lots of things, especially tour companies because you can go by yourself. Thank God! we found Sublime Trails. We contacted many tour companies but, I couldn't trust them but Ram was friendly, trustable and proved that they were the best. We had lots of fun during these 10 days. By the end of the tour, my love for Bhutan and mountains increased even more and I would definitely travel there once again. If you want to have the best time in Bhutan, go with Sublime Trails. Don't think further and book your trip to Bhutan this holiday and have fun.

  • Andrew Smith
    Andrew SmithAugust 08, 2019
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    A Short and Sweet Tour in Bhutan

    I had just finished my tour in Nepal and I had heard about Bhutan from so many people. Because I had only few days left, I didn't think I could go to Bhutan Tour this time but Ram said that it was possible even if I had just 3 days left.  He managed to plan my short trip to Bhutan the same day and prepared everything for us. That way I flew to Bhutan unexpectedly. I had the best time during this holiday spending it in two beautiful Himalayan countries. If you want to spend your holidays in Nepal or Bhutan, I recommend Sublime Trails.

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