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Premium Bhutan

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Fully Guided Adventure Small Group

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US$5,248

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Trip Length

9 Days

Trip Starts

Thimphu

Trip Finishes

Paro

9 Day Premium Bhutan Itinerary (Intrepid)

Countries Explored: Bhutan

Trip Operator

Intrepid Travel

166 Reviews

Trip Style

Premium

Departures

Mar 2026 to Nov 2027

Accommodation

4 Star

Max. Group Size

Pace

Moderate

Guide Level

Fully Guided

Trip Code

HNPB

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 9 Day Premium Bhutan. Discover a land of mysticism and proud tradition on this nine-day Premium adventure through the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. This country has a story tell and an experienced local leader will help you uncover Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage as you wind through forested valleys, fortified monasteries and sacred mountains.

Discover the compelling history of Thimphu, hike the valleys of Punakha, learn about black-necked cranes in Phobjikha and climb to the legendary Tiger’s Nest in Paro. A journey through the astonishing read more

Itinerary

Jen Pa Leg Sho! Welcome to Bhutan. When you arrive at the Paro airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to Thimphu (2400 m) – Bhutan’s capital city. After settling in, meet your small group and local leader for a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Join your leader for an orientation walk to get acquainted with Thimphu’s main street and visit the National Memorial Chorten – a stupa built in honour of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. After the meeting, join your group and leader for a welcome dinner at a restaurant that’s a common favourite with the locals. Learn about the rich history of Bhutanese cuisine as you tuck into a traditional feast, including seasonal vegetables and the country’s signature dish – red rice with tasty chilli cheese. You may like to try some Bhutanese peach wine or some Ara, the national spirit, served neat and hot. (D)

After breakfast, you’ll explore Thimphu. Stop off at Buddha point, named after its giant gilded Buddha statue, and take in panoramic views of the city. Take a short hike through pine trees where your leader will help you spot takin (a goat-antelope type creature) – the national animal of Bhutan. Pass by the fortress and monastery of Tashichho Dzong, sitting on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu River. After lunch, your leader will weave together the cultural heritage of Bhutan during visits to the National Textile Museum, Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum (where you can try your hand at the national sport of archery), and the Voluntary Artists School in Thimphu – an institution where young people receive formal education in the art of traditional painting, sculpture and woodcarving. Thimphu has an excellent range of handicrafts, most notably woven cloth, wooden masks, thangkas, silverware, jewellery and bamboo crafts from all over Bhutan. (B/L/D)

This morning, visit Desho Paper Factory to see a traditional method of making paper by hand. Next, travel to the castle-monastery of Simtokha Dzong, built to guard against a demon that’s said to have escaped into the nearby rock. Then, drive the winding Dochula pass (3100 m), marked by more than a hundred chortens built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers killed fighting Indian insurgents in 2003. Continue through lush forests and vegetation as you make the scenic drive to Phobjikha. Here, you’ll find a valley rich with wildlife – keep an eye out for serows (a goat-like animal), and muntjacs, also known as barking deer. Make an afternoon visit to Gangte Goemba – an expansive monastery with magnificent views of the valley. This hilltop complex is one of Bhutan’s two main centres of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Your guide will provide a local perspective on the subjects of Buddhism and happiness – the two most important pillars of Bhutanese culture. With happiness at front-of-mind, the Bhutanese government employ a Gross National Happiness index to measure the wellbeing of its people and to convey the importance of non-economic factors such as sustainability, culture and community vitality. (B/L/D)

Start the day with a visit to the centre of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) where you’ll learn about the vulnerable, black-necked cranes that fly to Bhutan each winter. The Phobjika Valley receives more of these visitors than any other part of the country, and the RSPN has taken special measures to protect them, as well as 13 other vulnerable species. Read informative displays on the cranes’ habitat and behaviour and use the centre’s spotting scopes to search for cranes in the valley. Wild cranes will only be visible during the winter months, but if you visit outside this period, you may still have the chance to see black-necked cranes that are being rehabilitated in the centre. In the afternoon, join your leader on a gentle 2-hour hike around the valley and learn about the flora and fauna that call this preserve home. (B/L/D)

This morning journey to Punakha, stopping at a local village along the way where you’ll take a short walk to the Chimi Lhakhang – The Temple of Fertility. Your leader will explain how people from all corners of the country visit the Lhakhang to seek a blessing from Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the ‘Divine Madman’. A revered womaniser and drinker, this wandering preacher taught that sexual freedom was at the centre of Truth. On the walk through the village of Sopsokha to the temple, you’ll notice the phallic symbols painted on walls – a symbol of fertility and protection from evil. Arrive at your resort in Punakha, which features great views of the valley. (B/L/D)

Begin the day with a short drive to the base of a hill where a ridge-top monastery sits. In this almost sub-tropical valley, you’ll head out on a hike at a suspension bridge that crosses the Mo Chu River and pass through paddy fields before the climb to a moderately inclined trail to the Kahmsum Yulley temple. Built by the Queen Mother, the temple is a classic example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions. From the top you can take in sweeping views across the valley. After lunch, you’ll visit the white-walled, red-roofed Punakha Dzong, the administrative and religious centre and winter retreat of His Holiness, Je Khenpo – the chief abbot of Bhutan. The Dzong boasts intricately carved woodwork, prayer halls and beautiful religious paintings on walls and doorways. End the day at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Temple and nunnery, where you’ll arrive in time for evening prayers. (B/L/D)

This morning, begin the journey to Paro. When you arrive, enjoy some free time to wander Paro town before making your way to your Feature Stay accommodation – a hotel conveniently located in the heart of Paro Town that blends classical Bhutanese architecture and modern comforts, offering views of the surrounding valley. In the afternoon, visit Kaja Throm – a local farmers market – before enjoying dinner with your group. (B/L/D)

Balanced 900 m above the valley floor sits Taktsang, or the Tiger’s Nest – a beautiful monastery and Bhutan’s most recognised building. After breakfast, begin a hike through pine forests, passing beneath thousands of brightly coloured prayer flags. Your leader will guide you up into the mountains for a closer view of the temple, sharing the legend of its history along the way. Reach a small teahouse and stop for lunch and refreshments while taking in truly unforgettable views. For those interested, it’s possible to get a closer look at the Tiger’s Nest by hiking another hour each way to reach the temple. Anyone not interested in hiking further can relax at the teahouse and soak it all in. Back in Paro, immerse yourself in traditional Bhutanese culture as you visit a farmhouse for a home-cooked final dinner. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. Please check with your leader about the exact departure time from the hotel. Please note that your leader may not be with you as the group may leave on different flights. (B)

Trip Inclusions

See Bhutan through the eyes of a local as you travel with a leader who will bring the country’s unique history, legends and traditions to life.
Get acquainted with rare and fascinating wildlife in the breathtaking Phobjika valley, including a visit to a protection and information centre for black-necked cranes – a Premium Exclusive Experience.
Climb to the teetering monastery of Taktsang (the Tiger's Nest) 900 m above Paro’s valley floor and take in once-in-a-lifetime views.
Visit the important monastery of Gangte Goemba during an Exclusive Experience and learn about two subjects at heart of Bhutanese culture – Buddhism and happiness.
Unwind in your Feature Stay accommodation, with views of the glorious surrounding valley, swimming pool and spa and wellness centre.

Hotel (6 nights)
Paro Feature Stay (2 nights)

8 Breakfasts included
7 Lunches included
8 Dinners included

Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.

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Dates & Pricing USD

Flexible Deposit

Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.

Definite Departures

Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!

Twin Share

Solo Share

Solo (Own Room)

Monday 09 Mar 2026 09 Mar 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 17 Mar 2026 17 Mar 26 Paro

Details

Definite Departure

Exclusive Savings

Was: $7,090

US$6,533

Save $557

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Monday 23 Mar 2026 23 Mar 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 31 Mar 2026 31 Mar 26 Paro

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Definite Departure

Our Price

US$7,120

Twin Share (Per Personpp)

Sold Out

Friday 27 Mar 2026 27 Mar 26 Thimphu

Saturday 04 Apr 2026 04 Apr 26 Paro

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Definite Departure

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Was: $6,760

US$6,229

Save $531

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Monday 30 Mar 2026 30 Mar 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 07 Apr 2026 07 Apr 26 Paro

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Was: $7,120

US$6,561

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Monday 06 Apr 2026 06 Apr 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 14 Apr 2026 14 Apr 26 Paro

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Was: $7,390

US$6,809

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Monday 13 Apr 2026 13 Apr 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 21 Apr 2026 21 Apr 26 Paro

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Was: $7,120

US$6,561

Save $559

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Monday 20 Apr 2026 20 Apr 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 28 Apr 2026 28 Apr 26 Paro

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Definite Departure

Exclusive Savings

Was: $6,735

US$6,206

Save $529

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Monday 27 Apr 2026 27 Apr 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 05 May 2026 05 May 26 Paro

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Exclusive Savings

Was: $6,890

US$6,349

Save $541

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Monday 11 May 2026 11 May 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 19 May 2026 19 May 26 Paro

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Definite Departure

Exclusive Savings

Was: $6,330

US$5,833

Save $497

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Friday 11 Sep 2026 11 Sep 26 Thimphu

Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Paro

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Was: $5,695

US$5,248

Save $447

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Monday 14 Sep 2026 14 Sep 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 22 Sep 2026 22 Sep 26 Paro

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Was: $6,380

US$5,879

Save $501

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Monday 28 Sep 2026 28 Sep 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 06 Oct 2026 06 Oct 26 Paro

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Definite Departure

Exclusive Savings

Was: $6,330

US$5,833

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Monday 05 Oct 2026 05 Oct 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 13 Oct 2026 13 Oct 26 Paro

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Definite Departure

Exclusive Savings

Was: $6,330

US$5,833

Save $497

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Friday 09 Oct 2026 09 Oct 26 Thimphu

Saturday 17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 26 Paro

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Definite Departure

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Was: $6,530

US$6,017

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Monday 12 Oct 2026 12 Oct 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 20 Oct 2026 20 Oct 26 Paro

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Was: $6,380

US$5,879

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Monday 19 Oct 2026 19 Oct 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 27 Oct 2026 27 Oct 26 Paro

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Definite Departure

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Was: $6,695

US$6,169

Save $526

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Friday 23 Oct 2026 23 Oct 26 Thimphu

Saturday 31 Oct 2026 31 Oct 26 Paro

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Was: $6,695

US$6,169

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Monday 26 Oct 2026 26 Oct 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 03 Nov 2026 03 Nov 26 Paro

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Definite Departure

Exclusive Savings

Was: $6,695

US$6,169

Save $526

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Friday 30 Oct 2026 30 Oct 26 Thimphu

Saturday 07 Nov 2026 07 Nov 26 Paro

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Definite Departure

Exclusive Savings

Was: $6,695

US$6,169

Save $526

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Monday 02 Nov 2026 02 Nov 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 10 Nov 2026 10 Nov 26 Paro

Details

Definite Departure

Exclusive Savings

Was: $6,695

US$6,169

Save $526

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Monday 23 Mar 2026 23 Mar 26 Thimphu

Tuesday 31 Mar 2026 31 Mar 26 Paro

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Definite Departure

Our Price

US$7,745

Solo (Own Room)

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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.