- Small-group valleys and villages
- 10 days
- Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Gangtey · Phobjikha
Bhutan's Hidden Valleys
Ten days that go beyond the classic route to the glacial valley of Phobjikha, with village walks, two nights in Punakha and time to slow down before Tiger's Nest. In spring the passes are usually lined with rhododendron in flower, and in winter Phobjikha is home to the black-necked cranes.
About this trip
Good for: Travellers who want more time in quieter valleys, with others.
- Rhythm
- 2 nights each in Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha and Paro
- Walking
- Light valley walks, plus Tiger's Nest
- Longest drive
- Around 5 hours from Phobjikha to Thimphu
- Group
- Same plan for everyone, with an open day in Phobjikha
Highlights
- Two nights in the Phobjikha Valley
- Gangtey Monastery and valley trails
- Punakha Dzong and village walks
- Tiger's Nest hike to finish
Dates and seats
No dates published yet
We publish each departure here with its price, group size and places left. Tell us when you'd like to travel and we'll let you know when suitable dates open.
Your route
Thimphu Days 1–22 nights
Drive about 2.5 hours
Punakha Days 3–42 nights
Drive about 5 hours
Phobjikha Days 5–62 nights
Drive about 5 hours
Thimphu Day 71 night
Drive about 2 hours
Paro Days 8–102 nights
Fly home on day 10
Day by day
Day1ThimphuArrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu
Meet your guide and the group at Paro airport and drive around 2 hours to Thimphu. Keep the evening easy after the flight.
Day2ThimphuThimphu
Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten and a craft workshop, with a neighbourhood lunch and a free afternoon.
Day3PunakhaOver Dochula to Punakha
Cross Dochula to warmer Punakha, stopping for the view if skies are clear, and visit Punakha Dzong beside the river.
Day4PunakhaPunakha villages
Walk through rice fields to a village temple, with a relaxed afternoon by the river.
Day5PhobjikhaTo the Phobjikha Valley
The scenic mountain drive to Phobjikha, a wide glacial valley. Settle in with an easy village walk before dinner.
Day6PhobjikhaPhobjikha
Walk a gentle valley trail or visit Gangtey Monastery with your guide. The day is kept open so the group can choose what suits the weather.
Day7ThimphuPhobjikha to Thimphu
A long scenic drive back over Dochula to Thimphu, around 5 hours, with stops along the way.
Day8ParoThimphu to Paro
Drive to Paro, around 2 hours, and spend the afternoon at Paro Dzong and the valley's farmhouses.
Day9ParoTiger's Nest
Hike to Tiger's Nest, usually 4–6 hours return with a tea stop.
Day10ParoDepart
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
In the price
- Twin-share hotels at the Comfortable tier
- All meals
- A licensed Bhutanese guide with the group throughout
- Group vehicle and driver
- Visa, permits and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Entry fees for every site on the itinerary
Not in the price
- International flights to Bhutan
- Travel insurance
- Single-room supplement, if you want or need a room to yourself
- Tips and personal spending
Rooms and solo travellers
Rooms
Two travellers share a twin room at the per-adult price. We don't pair travellers from different parties, so an odd number in your party means one single room, at the supplement shown on each departure.
Travelling solo
You get a room of your own, and the price we show for one adult already includes it.
Travelling solo in BhutanQuestions about this trip
When does the Bhutan's Hidden Valleys run?
Departures run on set dates that we publish on this page, each with its price, maximum group size and the places left.
How active is the trip?
Light valley walks, plus Tiger's Nest. The whole group follows the same plan, set before you book.
I'm travelling solo. What will I pay?
Rooms are shared in pairs, and we don't pair travellers from different parties, so a solo traveller takes a single room. The price we show for one adult already includes the single-room supplement.
What if the departure doesn't reach its minimum group size?
We offer a comparable alternative or a full refund of payments made to us, as set out in our cancellation terms.
When do I pay, and can I change my booking?
You pay the deposit shown on the departure when you book, and the balance 60 days before departure. You can move to another departure once with no Guided Bhutan Tours administration fee when you ask at least 45 days before departure, and cancel with no administration fee at least 45 days before; any price difference applies.
Can I do this route on my own dates?
Yes. Take the similar private tour, which runs on the dates you choose with a guide just for your group.
Where you'll stay
These are examples of hotels we often use on this tour. We may book a different hotel of the same standard, depending on availability.
- Thimphu · 3 nightsAriya HotelA modern hotel in the capital with a spa, restaurant and gym.4-star
Punakha · 2 nightsDhensa Boutique ResortValley views and a pool, ten minutes from the dzong.4-star- Phobjikha · 2 nightsHotel DewachenWood-stove rooms above the valley, with a traditional hot stone bath.3-star
Paro · 2 nightsHotel Kaachi GrandIn Paro town, with rain showers, floor heating and balconies facing the mountains.4-star
