Bumthang by Air
The spiritual heartland without the two-day drive — fly Paro to Bumthang and keep the days for the valleys themselves.
Bumthang holds the oldest temples in Bhutan, and the usual way in is two long days over the Pele La and the Yotong La. The domestic flight from Paro takes thirty-five minutes and gives you those two days back. You spend them instead in the Chokhor and Tang valleys, at Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey, at the Burning Lake, and in the buckwheat-and-apple country that produces the only decent beer and cheese in the Himalaya. Seats are limited and have to be booked early.
- Duration
- 7N / 8D
- Valleys
- 4
- Grade
- Easy to moderate — one climb, no trekking
- Best season
- March to May, September to November
Day by day
- The approach into Paro is one of the great commercial landings anywhere; the aircraft turns between the ridges.
- Met at the airport, then Rinpung Dzong and the Nyamai Zam cantilever bridge.
- Overnight in Paro (2,200 m).
- Tamchog Lhakhang’s iron chain bridge on the way up the Wang Chhu.
- Afternoon in the capital: National Memorial Chorten and the Craft Bazaar.
- Overnight in Thimphu (2,320 m).
- Kuensel Phodrang — the 51 m Buddha Dordenma looking out over the whole valley.
- National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang and the National Library of Bhutan.
- Institute of Zorig Chusum, where students still learn the thirteen traditional arts by hand.
- Takin Preserve (Bhutan’s improbable national animal), the Folk Heritage Museum and the Craft Bazaar.
- Late afternoon at Tashichho Dzong as the flag comes down.
- Overnight in Thimphu.
- Cross Dochula Pass (3,100 m) and its 108 Druk Wangyal chortens — on a clear morning the eastern Himalaya lines the horizon.
- Descend to the warm Punakha valley and walk the terraced fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple of the Divine Madman.
- Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu — arguably the most beautiful fortress in the country.
- Overnight in Punakha (1,250 m).
- Return over Dochula to Paro for the afternoon flight.
- Thirty-five minutes to Bathpalathang airstrip in the Chokhor valley.
- Overnight in Bumthang / Jakar (2,600 m).
- Jambay Lhakhang (7th century) and Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left his body print in rock.
- Tamshing Lhakhang across the suspension bridge over the Chamkhar Chhu.
- Jakar Dzong on the ridge above the valley at the end of the day.
- Overnight in Bumthang.
- Drive up the Tang valley to Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake.
- Ogyen Choling manor museum, a restored noble house above the valley.
- Overnight in Bumthang.
- Morning flight back west along the Himalayan front.
- Connect to your onward flight from Paro International Airport.
What is included
Included
- Private vehicle and driver for the entire route
- Hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis
- All sightseeing listed in the itinerary
- Airport and railway transfers
- Bhutan immigration permit processing
- Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide
- Daily breakfast
- All applicable taxes
Not included
- Entry fees at monasteries, dzongs and museums
- Lunch and dinner
- Sustainable Development Fee — ₹1,200 per adult per night, ₹600 per child
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, tips and anything not listed above
Questions travellers actually ask
How many days is the Bumthang by Air tour?
The Bumthang by Air runs 8 days and 7 nights, covering Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang. That is enough time to see Paro, Thimphu, Punakha without spending the trip in the car. We can lengthen or shorten it before you book, at no charge.
Which places does the Bumthang by Air cover?
The route runs Paro to Thimphu to Punakha to Bumthang. The spiritual heartland without the two-day drive — fly Paro to Bumthang and keep the days for the valleys themselves. Each stop gets at least one full day rather than a photo stop, and the driving between them is broken up with the sights that sit on the road anyway.
When is the best time to do this 8-day Bhutan trip?
March to May, September to November Bhutan's clearest skies come either side of the monsoon, and the valleys on this route sit high enough that winter mornings are cold but bright. Tell us your dates and we will say honestly whether they suit this itinerary.
How fit do I need to be for the Bumthang by Air?
We grade this route as easy to moderate — one climb, no trekking. Nothing on it is technical, and the walking is optional almost everywhere. Where a climb is involved we will say so up front, and your guide can adjust any day on the ground.
Do Indian nationals need a visa for Bhutan?
No visa is required. Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals travel on a permit issued at Phuentsholing or Paro, and we handle the paperwork for you. Bring a valid passport or a Voter ID card, plus passport photographs.
What is the Sustainable Development Fee?
The SDF is a nightly levy the Bhutanese government charges every visitor; it funds free healthcare, education and forest conservation. For Indian nationals it is currently ₹1,200 per adult per night and ₹600 per child. It is billed separately from the tour cost.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Spring (March to May) for rhododendron and clear valleys, and autumn (September to November) for the sharpest mountain views and the biggest tsechu festivals. Winter is cold but very clear, and it is the only season for the black-necked cranes in Phobjikha. Monsoon runs June to August.
How hard is the walk to the Tiger’s Nest?
It is a 900 m ascent over roughly 4 km each way, on a well-made path with a cafeteria at the halfway point. Most reasonably fit people manage it in four to five hours return. Ponies are available for the first half of the climb.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every route on this site is a starting point. Tell us how long you have, what you care about, and who is travelling, and we will rebuild it around that.
Valleys on this route
Want this route changed?
Add a valley, drop a drive, travel in winter. Every itinerary here is rebuilt for free before you book.
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