04 · Places
Where to go,
valley by valley.
Bhutan is small enough to drive across in two days, but layered enough to return to for a lifetime. These are the valleys we put in almost every itinerary.
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01Paro 2,200 m
Home to Bhutan's only international airport and to Paro Taktsang — the Tiger's Nest monastery, 900 metres above the valley floor.
Recommended stay · 2 nights · ideally split across arrival and departure
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02Thimphu 2,320 m
The capital — the only one in the world without traffic lights. Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, the 51m Buddha Dordenma, the weekend craft market.
Recommended stay · 2 nights
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03Punakha 1,200 m
The old winter capital, sub-tropical, warm year-round. Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers; rice paddy walks; river rafting on the Mo Chhu.
Recommended stay · 2 nights
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04Phobjikha · Gangtey 3,000 m
A wide glacial valley two hours past Punakha. Hosts black-necked cranes Nov–Feb. No commercial traffic. Worth a deliberate diversion.
Recommended stay · 1–2 nights
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05
Bumthang 2,800 m
Central Bhutan's spiritual heartland — four valleys. Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Mebar Tsho. Slower pace, brilliant cycling.
Recommended stay · 2–3 nights
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06Eastern Bhutan Mongar · Trashigang · Lhuentse
The Bhutan most tourists don't see. Two days of driving past Bumthang. Different language, different weavings, very few foreign visitors.
Recommended stay · For travellers with 18+ days
Plan Your Trip
Not sure where to start?
First-time trips usually combine Paro, Thimphu and Punakha across 7–10 days. We extend to Phobjikha and Bumthang at 10+, and east at 18+.
- Free itinerary design · You pay only when you confirm
- Real Bhutanese guides · Licensed by the Department of Tourism
- Private trips only · No groups, no shared transfers