• Overall

  Discover the magic and mystery of Bhutan with Koryo Tours when the skies are bright blue and tourism numbers are the lowest. Your Himalayan journey will be like no other! 

  Join Koryo Tours this December as we head for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas. Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

  This is not your average holiday. 

  Bhutan offers a one-of-a-kind adventure through a kingdom truly unlike any other. Ancient traditions thrive, and natural beauty will truly astound you. 

  Over the course of 8 days, this trip will take you on a cultural deep dive through Bhutan’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cities. All whilst keeping things fun, engaging and immersive. 

  From the nail-biting landing into Paro Airport (famously one of the world’s most thrilling runways) to the serene spiritual heights of the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery. An absolute must for anyone visiting Bhutan! 

  This tour is perfect for those who enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Himalayas, traditional hot stone baths, 7th-century Buddhist temples, and spicy chillis at the local market. Plus, we’ll even get the chance to experience a homestay, where you’ll cook, eat, and share drinks with your local hosts. 

  You’ll walk across mountain passes hoisting prayer flags for good karma, learn archery (Bhutan’s national sport!) and dance your way through a colourful cultural show in Haa Valley. We’ll even help you design and send your own Bhutanese stamp! 

  Return flight from Bangkok, all meals, accommodation, entrance fees and guiding by both a local guide and a Koryo Tours tour leader are all included. Along with, of course, the warmth and expertise that Koryo Tours is known for. Our small group tours are curated with curiosity, cultural respect, and a genuine sense of adventure. 

  More than just a sightseeing trip, this will be a journey that gets you under the skin of Bhutan and leaves you with memories (and friendships!) to last a lifetime. 

  Spaces are limited - so don’t miss out!

  ---

  ---

  Don't want the journey to be over so soon?
  How about joining this with our Bangladesh trip for a real sense of adventure - and contrasts.
  
  Check out our Bhutan & Bangladesh Combo Tour here. 

  Highlights

  • Chelela Pass at 3,988 metres, the highest motorable point in Bhutan.
  • Hike to Tiger's Nest, the most iconic building in Bhutan.
  • Bhutanese hospitality and a unique insight into life, mixed with a great sense of humour.

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 7

  1. December 1 | Tuesday

     Flight to Bhutan

     Arrival in the Himalayan Kingdom with an adrenaline-fueled approach to Paro Airport

     • Independent travel to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK).
        
     • 05:00 | Group meeting at the Drukair check-in counter at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
        
     • Flight departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport on Drukair flight KB131 at 07:30. A ca. 4-hour flight with an intermediate stop in Bagdogra. A full meal service is provided on the flight.
        
     • Flight arrival at Paro International Airport (PBH) at 10:40. Paro is one of the World's scariest airports. Paro Airport is situated in a valley lying at an altitude of over 2,200 meters, surrounded by the high peaks of the Himalayas. Only specially certified pilots can land here.
        
     • Transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan since 1955 (ca. 1.5-hour drive).
        
     • Check-in and refreshments at the hotel, followed by lunch.

     First Impressions of Bhutan

     • Gongzur (Memorial) Chorten | A stupa erected in the memory of the 3^rd King of Bhutan, Jigmi Dorji Wangchuk (reign: 1952-1972). It was built in 1974 by the Royal Grandmother Ashi for her son. There are no mortal remains of the King here, only a photograph draped in ceremonial scarves.
        
     • Dinner at hotel.

      

     Accommodation | Thimphu Central Hotel, Thimphu

     Included Meals | In-flight meal, Lunch, Dinner

  2. December 2 | Wednesday

     Thimphu

     Sightseeing in Thimphu, the largest city and capital of Bhutan (Alt.: 2,300 m)

     • Buddha Dordenma | Also known as the Buddha Point, this 51 metre high grand statue of Buddha was erected in 2015 to celebrate the 60^th birth anniversary of the 4th King, Jigme Singye Wangchuk (reign: 1972-2006).  
        
     • Royal Takin Preserve | At this wildlife preserve, which reopened in 2024, we can see the national animal of Bhutan, the takin (Dong Gyem Tse), which, according to legend, was assembled from the skull of a goat and the skeleton of a cow by prechear Drukp Kunley in the 15^th century.
        
     • National Institute of Zorig Chusum | There are two schools in Bhutan where students can master the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan, one here in Thimphu and one in Trashiyangtse. Here we can visit classrooms where students learn the craftsmanship of, among others, wood carving, weaving, painting, and sculpting. Opposite the institute is an Art Gallery and Art Shop where you can buy Bhutanese art.
        
     • Kajaa Throm Farmers' Market | The central market of Thimpu. The ground floor sells imported products, while on the upper floor you can sample locally grown products such as different types of chillis and honey. There is also a food court here.
        
     • Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory | A small factory where paper is manufactured traditionally. You can see all stages of the paper production from the preparation of the fibre to drying. Next to the factory is a small shop selling paper products.
        
     • Bhutan Postal Museum | This is more like a souvenir shop than a museum, selling stamps and books. Here you can even make your own stamp and use it to send your postcard to your loved ones.
        
     • Dinner at hotel.

      

     Accommodation | Thimphu Central Hotel, Thimphu

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. December 3 | Thursday

     Punakha

     Drive to Punakha, the previous capital of Bhutan

     • This morning we will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan till 1955. During our drive, we will see the Himalayan range peaks such as the world’s highest unclimbed mountain, Gangkar Puensum (7564 metres).
        
     • Druk Wangyel Stupas | Built with the finest wood and stone work, the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo dedicated this as a tribute to the 4^th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck for his selfless sacrifices for the nation.  
        
     • Chimi Lhakhang | A 30-minute walk from the road, it is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the 15th century used humour, songs, and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and hence is also known as the ‘Divine Madman’ (he might be familiar by now from the myth of the takins). It is widely believed that childless couples who pray at this temple are usually blessed with children.

     Punkaha (Alt.: 1,310 m)

     • Punakha Dzong | A tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955. Its significance to the Bhutanese nation is emphasised by the fact that it not only remains the winter residence of the national clergy and the Chief Abbot of Buddhist Bhutan, but in 2010, the 5th King’s royal wedding ceremony took place here.
        
     • Homestay in Punakha | A highlight of the trip. We will spend a night at the homestay of a Bhutanese family, where we will be part of the life of our hosts, cooking and eating together with the family, and also share a few cups (at least three to follow the traditions!) ara, the national liquor of Bhutan.

      

     Accommodation | Homestay, Punakha

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. December 4 | Friday

     Paro

     Drive to Paro

     • Drive from Punakha to Paro (3-4 hours).

     Paro (Alt.: 2,250 m)

     • National Museum of Bhutan | Once the watch tower for the defence of Rinpung Dzong during the inter-valley wars of the 17th century, it was reestablished as the National Museum in 1967. It holds a fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangka paintings, handicrafts, masks, costumes, armour and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The visit will provide an insight into the rich and unique cultural heritage and tradition of Bhutan.
        
     • Rinpung Dzong | The “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels” was built in 1646 for defence against frequent incursions. Historically, it was an important administrative centre and the seat of many feudal lords and Penlop (governor). Today, it is the legislative, executive, judicial and religious centre for the people of Paro. It was also a filming location for Bernardo Bertolucci's 1993 movie, Little Buddha.
        
     • Dinner at hotel.

     Accommodation | Hotel River Valley, Paro

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. December 5 | Saturday

     Haa Valley

     Drive to Haa Velley

     • Our drive to the Haa Valley will take around 3 hours and is the most picturesque drive during our tour on narrow, serpentine mountain roads.
        
     • Chelela Pass | At 3,988 metres, it is the highest motorable point in Bhutan between Paro and Haa Valley. As we reach the highest point of the pass, shout "lyha gyelo" (may good win over evil) along with your Bhutanese guide and driver, a custom to do in Bhutan when reaching a mountain pass.
        
     • Hoisting Prayer Flags | We will hoist prayer flags along the mountain site during our journey to Haa. Prayer flags carry their own significance and blessings. Not only will the person who mounts the flag receive good karma, but all the sentient beings will benefit from the blessings carried by the wind. The reason why prayer flags are hung high above is so that the fluttering will emit positive spiritual vibrations.

     Haa Valley (Alt.: 2,670 m)

     • Haa Valley | One of the least visited parts of Bhutan, opened to foreign tourists only in 2002. It is one of the smallest and least populated districts in Bhutan, renowned for its natural beauty and traditional lifestyle.
        
     • Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo | The White and Black Temples are twin temples built in the 7^th century during the same time as the more often visited temple of Kichu Lhakhang (which we will visit the next day). According to the legend, to determine the location of the temples, the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo released two doves, a white and a black one, and where each of the doves landed, a temple was built; hence the name White and Black Temples.
        
     • Bhutanese Archery | Archery is the national sport of Bhutan, played on both traditional equipment made out of a special bamboo and imported modern fibre equipment. We will try the traditional bows and arrows.
        
     • Cultural show program of mask and folk dances.
        
     • Return to Paro (2-3 hours drive).
        
     • Dinner at hotel.

      

     Accommodation | Hotel River Valley, Paro

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. December 6 | Sunday

     Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)

     Tiger's Nest

     • Taktsang Monastery | Commonly known as the Tiger's Nest, Bhutan's most revered temple is perched on a cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley. According to the legend, Guru Padmasambhava is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuentse, to meditate in a cave where Taktsang now stands, hence the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
        
     • Note: the hike takes about 3 hours up and 2 hours down and requires good stamina. The first part of the hike up to Taktsang Cafeteria is moderately strenuous and can also be done on horseback, while the last bit just before reaching the monastery includes about 700 steps down and 250 steps up (and the reverse on the way back) that can be challenging for those not used to doing some regular exercise or have knee problems.

     Paro River Valley

     • Kichu Lhakhang | One of the oldest temples in Bhutan, which was built in the 7^th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 temples the Emperor built in Bhutan, and the main reason for the construction of the temple was to pin down ‘the left foot of the Ogress’, which was going against the establishment of Buddhism in the Himalayas.
        
     • Bhutanese Farm House | After the successful hike to Tiger's Nest, you can enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath here to regenerate your muscles and joints.
        
     • Dinner at hotel.

      

     Accommodation | Hotel River Valley, Paro

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. December 7 | Monday

     Departure from Bhutan

     Paro to Bangkok on Drukair

     • Free time in Paro town in the morning. You can either rest in the hotel till the airport transfer or spend time in Paro town at your own leisure picking up last-minute souvenirs, stroll, and have a final sample of Bhutanese food.
        
     • Dukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines flight KB130 leave from Paro International Airport to Bangkok at 16:20. Scheduled arrival time at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is at 22:00.

     OR

     Extend your trip to Bangladesh with Koryo Tours!

     • You wish to extend your Koryo adventure? Check out our Bhutan and Bangladesh Tour here for the full itinerary and price. If you join us for Bangladesh, too, you will leave Paro with your Tour Leader Greg at 11:30 for Dhaka – Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

     End of Tour

     Included Meals | Breakfast

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room in Bhutan (December)

    The default rooming option for this tour is a shared hotel room. Each hotel room on tour has two separate beds. If you'd like a room to yourself then you can upgrade for an extra 55 EUR per night.

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • Bangkok–Paro–Bangkok flight ticket with Drukair
  • Sustainable Development Fee
  • Three meals a day and one tea/coffee upon check-in at hotels, unlimited bottled water throughout the day 
  • Accommodation in 3* hotels and 1 night at a homestay in twin rooms
  • All transportation in Bhutan
  • Entry fees, cultural programs, and activities as indicated on the itinerary 
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Koryo Tours Tour Leader

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Bhutan visa fee (40 USD)
  • Flight to/from Bangkok before and after your journey
  • Tips for the local guide and the driver (15 USD per day per traveller, i.e. 105 USD in total)
  • Single room supplement (55 USD per night)
  • Personal expenses and beverages, apart from water
  • Insurance

• Notes

  Visa to Bhutan

  Your tour application counts as your visa application to the Kingdom of Bhutan, which will be arranged by Koryo Tours and its partner in Bhutan. All we need is your passport copy and a visa photo that you supply when signing up for the tour. The visa fee is 40 USD.

  Flights to/from Bhutan

  This tour includes a return flight with Drukair between Bangkok and Paro. If you wish to arrive from another destination, let your tour manager know. The tour price without the Bangkok–Paro–Bangkok flight ticket is 2,295 USD.

Please apply by 15th November, 2026.