Bhutan Cultural & Horse Riding Tour
14 days · Tang Valley Ranch · from US$2,780 per person
Western and central Bhutan by road, then three days in the saddle from our Tang Valley ranch, riding and camping between Pema Lingpa's cliff hermitage and Padselling Monastery, before flying back to Paro for Tiger's Nest.
Day by day
Day 1Arrive Paro, drive to Thimphu
Meet at the airport and drive to the capital; a first look around as time allows.
Day 2Thimphu
Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, the takin preserve, painting school, folk and textile museums and more.
Day 3Over Dochula to Punakha
Mountain views from Dochula, a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the hike to Khamsum Yuelley Chorten and Punakha Dzong at the river confluence.
Day 4Across Pelela to Trongsa
Trongsa Dzong and the Ta Dzong tower museum, then an evening stroll in town.
Day 5To Jakar, Bumthang
Yathra weavers at Chumey, Wangdicholing Palace, Jakar Dzong and evening debate at Kharchu Gonpa.
Day 6Tang Valley and the ranch · riding
Drive to Tang Valley, tour Ugen Choling Manor and take a first ride to a nearby village to get to know your horse.
Day 7Ride to Kunzangdrak · riding
Five to six hours through villages, fields and forest to camp below Pema Lingpa’s 1488 cliff hermitage.
Day 8Kunzangdrak to Padselling · riding
Balance exercises in the saddle, then a long forest ride to the hilltop monastery and village. Monastery stay possible.
Day 9Down through Dorjibi to Jakar · riding
Four to five hours on village trails; experienced riders can trot with the trail leader.
Day 10Bumthang temples
Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Gonpa and Chakhar Lhakhang.
Day 11Fly to Paro
Morning flight (selected days only), then Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum.
Day 12Paro valley
Dzongdrakha cave temples, village homes and 7th-century Kichu Lhakhang.
Day 13Tiger’s Nest
Hike, or ride a local pony uphill, to Taktsang; then the ruins of Drugyel Dzong.
Day 14Depart
Transfer to Paro airport.
Included
- Accommodation in listed hotels; tents while camping
- All meals, sightseeing and entrance fees
- Bhutan visa, tourist fees and taxes
- Private vehicle and English-speaking guide throughout
- On the ride: riding and pack horses, horse guide, cook, assistants and all camping gear
Not included
- International flights; the Bumthang–Paro flight is priced separately
- Travel medical insurance
- Personal gear, clothing and boots
- Drinks, gifts, tips, laundry and other personal expenses