Complete Bhutan Expedition: From Paro to Laya & Gasa Hot Springs | 8 Nights and 9 Days Bhutan Package
- Transfer Included
- Stay Included
- Meals Included
- Sightseeing Included
Overview
Itinerary
Arrival in Paro — Welcome to Bhutan
Arrive at Paro International Airport. Meet your guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and short rest. In the afternoon, visit Paro Town and the National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong) for an introduction to Bhutanese art and history. Evening briefing about the expedition and permit formalities.
Tip: Flights into Paro offer spectacular views; window seats on the right side are recommended for best mountain vistas.
Paro — Taktsang Hike and Local Sights
Early morning hike to the iconic Taktshang (Paro Taktsang) — the Tiger's Nest Monastery perched on the cliff. Enjoy panoramic views of the Paro Valley and spiritual ambience. After descending, visit Kyichu Lhakhang and stroll through Paro's craft shops.
Important: The Taktsang hike involves steep steps and can take 3–4 hours round-trip. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water.
Paro to Thimphu — Capital City Exploration
Drive to Thimphu (about 1.5–2 hours). En route, stop at scenic viewpoints. In Thimphu, visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, Tashichho Dzong, and the Folk Heritage Museum. Explore the vibrant Thimphu Market and the craftsmanship of local artisans.
Note: Thimphu is Bhutan's administrative and cultural heart — expect lively markets and friendly locals.
Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Drive from Thimphu to Punakha with a stop at the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 m) to view the Himalayan panorama and 108 chortens. Descend to the fertile Punakha Valley and visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers. Afternoon at leisure or optional short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple).
Tip: Weather at Dochula can be cold and windy—carry a warm layer.
Punakha — Valley Activities and Cultural Immersion
Spend the day exploring the Punakha Valley: a riverside walk, visit local farms, and optional white-water rafting on the Pho Chu for the adventurous. Learn about Bhutanese agriculture and rural life. Prepare for the upcoming highland drive and ensure you have acclimatized sufficiently.
Important: Rafting is seasonal and requires prior arrangement. Consult your guide for fitness requirements.
Punakha to Gasa — Hot Springs Retreat
Drive northwards to Gasa through scenic mountain roads, entering the remote highland region. Check into your lodge and relax in the natural Gasa Hot Springs — believed to have therapeutic properties. Evening free for rest and cultural exchange with local villagers.
Note: Roads to Gasa are rugged and travel time may vary. This stop is essential for relaxation before heading to Laya.
Gasa to Laya — Entering the High Plateaus
Today's journey moves deeper into Bhutan's highlands toward Laya. Depending on road conditions and group fitness, this may include off-road driving and short hikes. Upon arrival, explore Laya Village, meet the Layap people, and witness traditional alpine architecture and yak herding culture.
Important: Laya is at high altitude (over 3,800 m). Allow time to acclimatize, limit strenuous activity, and stay hydrated.
Laya — Cultural Immersion and Highland Exploration
Full day in Laya for cultural immersion: visit local homes, observe yak herding, and enjoy short walks around the alpine meadows for spectacular mountain views. Learn about traditional dress, music, and crafts. Evening cultural exchange and farewell dinner in the village.
Tip: Nights are cold — pack warm layers and a good sleeping bag if indicated by your operator.
Return to Paro and Departure
Begin your return journey to Paro with scenic stops along the way. Arrive in Paro and, time permitting, visit any missed sights or shop for souvenirs. Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Note: Schedule depends on flight timing. Confirm departure transfer with your guide the evening prior.
Inclusions
- Accommodation as per the itinerary (hotels/lodges/guesthouses)
- All transfers, sightseeing, and road permits
- Licensed Bhutanese guide and driver
- Meals as specified (breakfast/lunch/dinner where indicated)
- Gasa Hot Springs entry and local guide fees
- Domestic road permits and Laya region permits
- All government taxes and service charges
Exclusions
- International airfare to/from Paro
- Bhutan visa fee and the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for applicable travelers
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Tips/gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional activities (white-water rafting, special cultural performances) unless specified
- Emergency evacuation and medical expenses beyond basic first aid
Starting from
Get in touch with a travel advisor
We process your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy
Planning Your Bhutan Trip?
From handpicked experiences and personalized plans to hassle-free bookings and the best deals — we turn your Bhutan travel dreams into reality.
Related Bhutan Packages
Similar Packages from Other Destinations
Why Choose TourGrids?
End-to-end trip planning — customised itineraries, handpicked hotels, cabs, and a dedicated coordinator on WhatsApp from booking to your return home.
Expert-Guided Planning
Dedicated travel experts craft your perfect itinerary, from first call to last day.
Customisable Packages
Tailor every detail — dates, hotels, experiences, add-ons — exactly how you want it.
Hassle-Free Booking
Book over call or WhatsApp — no confusing forms, no hidden steps, no stress.
Best Price Guarantee
Transparent pricing, zero hidden charges. Best value for every rupee you spend.
Recent Bhutan Reviews
Bhutan Took Shape Over Three Phone Calls
We had a rough idea of wanting to do Bhutan for our anniversary but had no clue where to start — permits, which towns to cover, how many days. Got on a call with the TourGrids team and honestly they just took it from there. They asked what kind of trip my husband and I wanted, whether we preferred mountains over sightseeing, slow mornings or packed days. The itinerary they sent back actually reflected all of that. Hotels were proper good, cabs were always on time, and there were no surprise charges at the end. The whole planning process felt like talking to someone who'd already done the trip themselves.
Bhutan Package Left Nothing for Us to Figure
We did the math before booking — flights, hotels, permits, transport, meals — and the TourGrids package came out cheaper than piecing it together ourselves. That alone settled it for my husband and me. The coordinator went through everything on a WhatsApp call before we paid, no vague promises. Once we landed in Bhutan, the cab was already waiting, hotels were proper good quality, and most meals were included so we weren't scrambling every evening. Permits and entry formalities were all pre-arranged. We didn't have to open a single booking app the entire trip. No hidden charges at checkout either, which honestly was the biggest relief.
Our Bhutan Coordinator Never Let Us Guess
We traveled to Bhutan as a couple last month and honestly the whole trip felt easy because of how available our coordinator was. From the moment we booked, he was on WhatsApp constantly — answering questions, sending updates, confirming hotels before we even asked. One evening our cab was running very late and he sorted it on call within minutes, no drama. The properties he had arranged were proper good, way better than what I had seen at similar price points while browsing on my own. No surprise charges at checkout either, everything was exactly as discussed. Planning felt less like coordinating a trip and more like having someone genuinely watching over the whole thing.
Bhutan Booked Blind, Every Single Thing Delivered
I had never handed over an entire trip to a travel company before — always booked everything myself. But my husband convinced me to try TourGrids for our Bhutan trip, and honestly, I stopped second-guessing that decision within the first two days of planning. The coordinator understood exactly what kind of trip we wanted — not rushed, not overpacked. Hotels were proper good, cabs showed up on time, and the itinerary had breathing room built in. We spoke over WhatsApp and one long call before booking, no hidden charges, nothing vague. Whatever I asked, I got a straight answer. Bhutan itself was stunning, and this time I actually got to enjoy it without managing logistics in the background.
Bhutan Felt Personal Because of One Person
My husband and I were a little nervous booking Bhutan through someone we'd only spoken to on WhatsApp and a couple of calls. But our coordinator Priya was just always there — before the trip, during, even when our cab got delayed leaving Paro. She replied within minutes every single time, no matter the hour. Hotels were proper good, exactly what we'd discussed. Nothing felt like a template package — it felt like someone had actually listened to what we wanted. Pricing was transparent, no surprise charges at checkout. Honestly, the trip going well had a lot to do with knowing someone was genuinely tracking things from Delhi.
Bhutan Hotel Full, TourGrids Already Had a Plan
We landed in Paro and found out our Thimphu hotel had overbooked our room — no warning, nothing. I called our coordinator Priya in a slight panic and honestly expected the usual runaround. Instead she was already on it by the time I finished explaining. Within 40 minutes she had us shifted to a different property, same category, no extra charge on our end. My wife was more relaxed about it than I was, honestly. The rest of the Bhutan trip — cabs, monastery visits, everything — went exactly as planned. No hidden charges at checkout, no surprises. This was our first time booking through an agency and it genuinely changed how I think about planning trips.
