800-200-3887
FIND A TOUR
FIND A TOUR
All Tours
Himalayan Villages & Monasteries

Bhutan Cultural Walking Tour

7 DaysStarting at $11,550
Download itinerary

Overview

In all of Bhutan, there is not a single stoplight. Gross National Happiness is an official measure of the country’s well-being. And the number of foreign visitors is strictly limited to protect the culture and environment. This is a destination on a higher plane in so many ways! Of course, there’s the Himalayan factor, tucked as it is into a niche in the soaring chain. Bhutan is also one of the world’s most Buddhist countries, and its historic dzongs (monasteries) perch serenely over sweeping expanses of terrain. Lush valleys are carpeted with rice and mustard fields and criss-crossed by footpaths. For an insider’s look at this heavenly land, you'll meet the Bhutanese farmers, wood carvers, yak-herders and mask dancers.

Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Itinerary Highlights

Download Full Daily Itinerary
  • Explore the capital of Thimphu, walking among the terraced rice fields and lush river valleys
  • On a forest path, pass pilgrims and pack ponies en route to 12th-century Tango Goemba
  • At an arts and crafts school, learn about how embroidery and woodcarving are taught to preserve the country’s heritage
  • On a valley walk through rice paddies, you’ll meet the rural villagers of Pana and visit the scenic Temple of the Divine Madman
  • Explore the impressive monastery that sits at the juncture of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers
  • In Paro, take the trail to the spectacular (and spectacularly-sited) Takstang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, perched on a cliff at the valley’s edge
  • Meet locals at a traditional farmhouse and then enjoy a mask dance performance
  • Cheer at an archery match, the country’s passionate national sport
  • Get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the lighting of 108 butter lamps in an ancient blessing ceremony
Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    Paro – 7:45 am – Paro Airport (PBH)

  • Ending Point:

    Paro – 7:00 am – Paro Airport (PBH)
Itinerary Map

Click map to enlarge

Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-8 miles

  • Route Notes:

    The terrain on this trip includes a mix of paved and cobblestone streets in Thimphu, Paro and other villages, as well as well-maintained mountain, countryside and riverside trails, terraced farmland and shepherds’ paths of compressed dirt and stone. There is also the included option to participate in a one-day hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Altitude will exaggerate the general elevation gain and loss on the walks.
To See Mileage Daily, Download Full Itinerary

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

Talk to an expert
Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Internal Airfare

$1195: This tour includes flights to Paro from Bangkok or Delhi for a supplemental cost. (subject to change)

Hotels

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Le Meridien Paro Riverfront

With a compelling location close to Paro International Airport and the riverfront, Le Meridien Paro is the ideal place to stay and explore Bhutan. Unlock this holistic destination with attractions including sacred fortresses and monasteries.

Dhensa Boutique Resort

Perched above the Punakha Valley, this hotel is gorgeous modern interpretation of traditional Himalayan design. Suites are set in six cottages, each with a private balcony. The views of the Punakha river and stairstep paddies are truly spectacular.

Taj Tashi

Set in Thimphu, this hotel is a blend of gold-hued dzong architecture with a serene, contemporary interior. It offers striking views of the mountains and great proximity to the bustling local markets.

What’s Included

  • Meals: Six breakfasts, six lunches, and six dinners.
  • Airport Transfers: Seamless airport transfers in Paro on Day One and Day Seven.
  • Visa: Bhutan Visa (issued 3-5 days prior to trip departure).
  • Hotels: Award-winning boutique properties, thoughtfully selected for their exceptional location, design, history, and regional character.
  • Tour Leader(s): Expert guides who are your well-connected local friends and provide you access to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own.
  • Supplemental Experts: Additional regional guides and specialists on select tours.
  • Transportation: All land transportation as listed in the daily itinerary, including fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel.
  • Privileged Access Events: One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places, and experiences arranged just for you, as noted in the daily itinerary.
  • Admissions & Entry Fees: Entry to tastings, historic sites, and other scheduled activities listed in the daily itinerary.
  • Baggage Transfers: Upon arrival, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.
  • Gratuities: All gratuities at hotels, restaurants, and for baggage handling.
  • Dedicated Guest Services Coordinator: Your pre-trip concierge and tour expert, available to answer questions and ensure you’re fully ready to get the most out of your tour.
Not Included: Tour Leader gratuities, travel to and from your trip’s start and end points, and any meals or activities taken independently.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.

  • Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

 

Guest Reviews

Trustpilot

Similar Tours

See All Tours

From the Blog

All Posts

FAQs

Why is Classic Journeys the best tour company for Bhutan tours?

If you want to walk deep into the heart of Bhutan, Classic Journeys is the way to go. With expert local guides—your well-connected friends—you’ll join a small group, hike to Tiger’s Nest, discover hidden valleys, share archery games with locals, and experience monastery blessings you simply wouldn’t access on your own. Along the way, you’ll meet friendly villagers, explore monasteries, and discover the heritage of this fascinating country, on foot at eye level.

Which locations does the Classic Journeys Bhutan itinerary include?

On your Classic Journeys Bhutan adventure, you’ll explore Paro and hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest, stroll Thimphu’s weekend market, and explore the impressive monastery that sits at the juncture of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. You’ll journey along mountain passes, river valleys and by lush fields to visit with locals that few travelers reach.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

The best time to visit Bhutan is in the spring, when wild rhododendrons bloom (April), or during autumn (October) when skies are at their clearest for mountain views. These times are ideal for the weather and to avoid crowds during your daily walks. Classic Journeys offers departures during these prime times so you can experience Bhtuan at the best time of year for optimal explorations on foot.

How challenging is the Tiger’s Nest hike?

The hike to Tiger’s Nest is about 4 miles round trip with an approximate elevation gain of 1,700-2,000 feet. Your Classic Journeys expert local guides will set a gentle, flexible pace, so you can take your time with plenty of breaks to refuel, drink water, and take photos on this memorable trek.

How many travelers are in each small group on your Bhutan cultural walking tour?

Classic Journeys keeps groups small—usually fewer than 10 guests and never more than 18—giving you access, flexibility, and genuine connections on tour. This ensures personalized attention from your expert local guides as well as genuine camaraderie from your travel companions while exploring the best of Bhutan.

How are flights and logistics handled?

You’ll fly into and out of Paro for this walking adventure in Bhutan. And along the way, you’ll walk each day and have a van transfer for further points. Your luggage will be handled seamlessly for you during your travels, so you can focus on exploring, not the logistics.

What cultural and culinary experiences are included?

Classic Journeys immerses you in Bhutanese life: watching the art of archery with the locals, receiving a monastery blessing and visiting an arts and crafts schoo to about embroidery and woodcarving. You’ll also share a farmhouse lunch and taste traditional dishes at your meals alongside your expert local guide, who will translate and share insight along the way.