6 days/ 5 nights · Private tour
Tour highlights
About this tour
This Gelephu Mindfulness City tour takes you to the newest and most talked-about place in Bhutan. On 1 November 2026, the nation raised 108 stupas in a single day along the Mau Chhu river in Gelephu. Now you can walk that line of prayer yourself, then return north for Thimphu, Paro and the hike to Tiger’s Nest.
Gelephu sits in the warm southern foothills, close to the Indian border. It feels very different from the high valleys, with tropical forest, wide rivers and a young city rising around ancient values. As a result, this trip shows you both the old and the new Bhutan.
His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck created Gelephu Mindfulness City by royal charter in 2024. It is a special zone designed to bring jobs, green industry and learning to southern Bhutan, guided by Gross National Happiness. Its spiritual heart is the line of 108 Jangchub Chortens, each 15 metres tall.
Want the full story? Read our blog post on the 108 stupas. Prefer the classic sights only? Our 7-day Bhutan itinerary covers Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.
October to March is best, when the south is dry and comfortable. By contrast, the monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and heat. For visas and packing, read our Bhutan travel information guide.
Your Gelephu Mindfulness City tour starts from US$1,800 per person, and group discounts are available. The price covers the Sustainable Development Fee, hotels and all meals. It also includes a private vehicle and driver, a licensed guide, taxes and entry fees. Flights, insurance and drinks are extra.
The Sustainable Development Fee is USD 100 per night right now. That is half the standard rate set by Bhutan’s official tourism site. However, this lower rate is confirmed only until 31 August 2027. We have been licensed since 2012 and have welcomed more than 2,000 travellers.
About seven hours from Thimphu, with stops on the way. When domestic flights are scheduled, we can fly one way to save time.
Gelephu is a land border with Assam in India. Tell us your plan, and we will advise on the current rules for your passport.
Yes. It works well as an extension to a cultural or festival tour in autumn or winter.
Day by day
This itinerary shows one way to enjoy this trip. We can change any day, add or remove places, change the pace or the hotels, and add a festival. Every journey we run is curated around you.
Paro to Thimphu · 55 km · about 1.5 hours · 2,300 m Your flight drops into the Paro Valley, and your guide greets you with a white scarf. You follow the river to Thimphu, stopping at Chuzom, where three small stupas mark the meeting of two rivers. In the afternoon, you visit the Memorial Chorten, where elders turn prayer wheels. In the evening, you walk the main street of the capital. Overnight: Thimphu
Thimphu to Gelephu · about 240 km · around 7 hours with stops You cross Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens stand against the Himalaya, then follow the river past Wangdue. Next, the road winds south through the orange groves and forests of Tsirang. By late afternoon, the air turns warm and humid as you reach Gelephu. Overnight: Gelephu
Gelephu · Mau Chhu riverside · easy walking In the morning, you walk part of the line of 108 stupas, each standing 108 metres from the next along the river. Your guide explains the meaning of each part of a Jangchub Chorten. You can light butter lamps and walk clockwise around the chortens with local pilgrims. In the afternoon, you visit Gelephu town and its market. Overnight: Gelephu
Gelephu to Paro · a short domestic flight when scheduled, or a long drive of about 9 hours You leave the warm south behind and return north. When a flight is scheduled, you are in Paro by lunchtime. Otherwise, it is a long but beautiful day on the road over the passes. In the evening, you rest in Paro for tomorrow's hike. Overnight: Paro
Tiger's Nest hike · about 500 m climb · 4 to 6 hours return · 3,100 m You set off early through pine forest hung with prayer flags, climbing about 500 metres to the viewpoint opposite the monastery. From there, steps lead past a waterfall to Taktsang itself, clinging to the cliff above the valley. Your guide tells the story of Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have flown here on a tigress. In the afternoon, your legs can rest with an optional hot stone bath in a farmhouse. Overnight: Paro
Paro airport · short transfer After breakfast, your guide and driver take you to Paro airport and see you off with a farewell scarf. We hope to welcome you back soon, perhaps for a festival in another season.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country or any insurance company of your choice.
Tell us your dates, and we will shape this trip around you.
