Classic Bhutan Explorer
Alongside expert guides discover Bhutan's beautiful valleys, dzongs and temples including its showstopper, Tiger’s Nest. This is the perfect introduction to the country, where you will meet monks, nuns and locals for genuine cultural experiences and explore lush rice paddies that stretch to Himalayan views.
Trip highlights
- Enjoy an exclusive hike to Taktshang monastery, or Tiger’s Nest
- See the impressive Taschichho Dzong
- Discover over three thousand pieces of Bhutanese art in Paro
- Explore Bumthang's national parks to spot tigers and leopards
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–2
One night in the pretty town of Paro
We begin and end this tour in the little town of Paro in the valley of the same name. One of the kingdom’s widest, it is covered in fertile rice fields crisscrossed by a beautiful meandering river.
Settle in and discover the town’s architectural charms with impressive monasteries, ancient ruins and the National Museum. The main street of the town was only built in 1985 but it’s lined with cheerfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants in a classic Bhutanese style.
Where you could stay
Uma Paro
Discovering Paro with stops at the National Museum, Rinpung Dzong and Drugyal Dzong
Your day begins with a drive to the National Museum, which lends itself to spectacular bird’s eye views of the main Paro Valley. The museum houses over three thousand pieces of Bhutanese art, covering more than a thousand years of Bhutan’s cultural heritage.
A short drive from the museum takes you to the Rinpung Dzong, a large Buddhist monastery and fortress regarded as one of Bhutan’s most impressive – from the 17th to the late 19th century, dzongs served as defending fortresses and were built with strong walls, false doors, reservoirs for water and food and hidden armouries. If time permits we will take a tour around the ancient ruins of Drugyal Dzong in the upper part of Paro.
Days 2–4
Two nights in Bhutan’s historic hinterland
Spend your days in Bhutan’s rural and most historic region, Bumthang, exploring the vast number of ancient temples and sacred sites among the farming lands. Comprised of four mountain valleys, Bumthang means ‘beautiful land’ and is home to quaint farming villages, an intricate and imposing dzong and two national parks where you can see the Bengal tiger, snow leopard and Himalayan black bear.
Where you could stay
A private tour of Kurjee and Jambay lhakhang
Visit Kurjee whose name means ‘the temple where the body image has been engraved’. Legend has it that the 8th century Buddhist Master Guru Rimpoche, often referred to as the Second Buddha, meditated here and left his body imprints on the rocks. Next it’s on to Jambay Lhakhang, one of 108 Buddhist temples built in the 8th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo.
We then walk to a rural farmhouse for lunch and visit Tamshing Temple, which houses un-restored paintings from the 15th century by the great master Terton Pema Lingpa.Finally, if time permits we will visit the monastery of Kharchhu where more than 300 monks live and practice.
Exploring Wangdicholing Palace and Tamshing temple
We start the day with a tour of the Old Wangdicholing Palace, once the summer seat of administration for the first two kings, the palace is now being turned into a museum. For those who are interested, we can arrange a very special tea or dinner with some of the courtiers of the Second King who ruled Bhutan from 1926-1952. You’ll be accompanied by a guide who can translate.
Next, we head for Tang to visit the Orgyen Choling Palace, which is an hour’s hike from the suspension bridge in the main Tang village. We’ll stop for lunch in the palace garden and enjoy the views of the Tang Valley, before touring the palace in the afternoon.
Private scenic transfer to Gangtey
Embark on a private scenic transfer to Gangtey, nestled in the heart of Bhutan’s Phobjikha Valley. As we drive through picturesque mountain roads, enjoy stunning views of lush forests, rolling hills and traditional Bhutanese farmhouses. The serene journey offers glimpses of the valley’s vast wetlands and distant snow-capped peaks.
Days 4–6
Two nights in Gangtey
Gangtey, or Gangteng Valley (also known as the Phobjikhii Valley), is a glacial basin populated with an alluring mix of forests. There are numerous nature walks and treks through the valley’s varied terrain to explore, and a visit to the impressive 17th century Gangteng Goempa – Bhutan‘s largest Nyingmapa monastery – and its surrounding quaint village is a must. You’ll have our list of recommended tours, restaurants and attractions to make sure you make the most of your time here.
Where you could stay
A day exploring Gangtey and its monastery
Hike a nature trail, stop for a picnic lunch, visit farmhouses and the famous temple of Gangtey. Perched atop a small hill, Gangtey Goempa, or Monastery, is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery. This is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and is also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.
Private scenic transfer to Punakha
Enjoy a private scenic transfer to Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital, as you journey through breathtaking landscapes. Travel along winding mountain roads, passing lush valleys, traditional villages and serene rivers, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and verdant forests.
Days 6–8
Two days exploring Punakha
The little town of Punakha still enjoys a serene and regal ambience left over from its stately days. Found in a fertile valley at a relatively low 12,000 metres above sea level, visitors come here for warm, sultry days filled with plenty of activities such as mountain biking, trekking and river rafting. Then step into the area’s history with a visit to the town’s show-stopping Punakha Dzong.
Where you could stay
A visit to Punakha with stops at Khamsum Yuelling and Chorten Ningpo temples
Today, we will hike to one of the most beautiful temples of Bhutan, the Khamsum Yuelling Temple. Built on a hillock that commands fantastic views of the upper Punakha Valley, the temple is filled with paintings, statues and frescoes. After lunch, we take a 30 minute drive to Chorten Ningpo and hike a trail through oak, chestnut, dogwood, wild pears and Sycamore, to a temple associated with the Buddhist master Drukpa Kinley, often referred to as the Divine Madman.
Private scenic transfer to Thimphu
Enjoy a private scenic transfer to Thimphu via Lamperi Botanical Garden, Dochhula Pass and Druk Wangyel Temple.
Days 8–9
Overnight in Thimphu
Spend your time in Thimphu exploring the market, Taschichho Dzong and small, chock-a-block shops. A wander around this relaxed and friendly city gives a look at a more urban side of Bhutan which accompanies a wide display of traditional art, architecture and Buddhist sights steeped in ritual. A visit to the Arts and Crafts School, the Textile Museum and the Traditional Medicine Hospital are recommended. Your travel designer can help you to plan your stay here according to your interests.
Where you could stay
Days 9–11
Final nights in Paro and Tiger’s Nest hike
On your return to Paro you’ll visit the awesome 8th-century Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high on the sheer cliff face. While Bhutan is famous for its splendid monuments and monasteries, perhaps this is the most impressive.
Just outside of the town, you will also see the dominating Paro Dzong – a prime example of Bhutanese architecture – and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which was one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country.
Where you could stay
Uma Paro
A private hike to Tiger’s Nest and a hot stone bath
The spectacular Taktshang monastery or ‘Tiger’s Nest’ temple clings to a 1,000 foot high cliff and was built in 1692 by a prominent historical figure named Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye. It’s about a three-hour hike to reach the Tiger’s Nest, climbing steeply uphill from the valley floor with a break at a tea house along the way. The Tiger’s Nest is one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists and it’s said that in the 8th century, Guru Padma meditated here for three months. Guru Padma first initiated Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.
We then hike downhill and treat your weary limbs to an indulgent soak in a hot stone bath.
Jacada organised an excellent trip with everything perfectly tailored to us. Our tour guides Nima and Arjun were outstanding and delivered a fantastic, seamless trip! No complaints at all
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
