4x4 Expedition
Traverse the breadth of Bhutan in your own 4×4 vehicle as part of a guided convoy
Bhutan 4×4 Self-Drive Adventure
Uncrowded routes with remarkable views, accessible exclusively through Steppes.
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/27/27 | 03/11/27 | 14 days | $7,235 pp | $3,130 | Local Guides | 8 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
| 03/12/27 | 03/25/27 | 14 days | $7,235 pp | $3,130 | Local Guides | 8 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Experience Bhutan on a 4×4 self-drive adventure, travelling through remote valleys and over mountain passes. Uncover a land where tradition, spirituality and nature remain beautifully intertwined.
By day you will drive a spectacular series of winding mountain roads, navigating hairpin bends and striking elevation changes. There will be ample time to stop, visit temples, walk through forests and meet the people of Bhutan. At the end of a day’s driving and exploring, you will stay at small, locally run hotels where the beds are comfortable, the food is tasty and the hosts are amenable.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Eastern Bhutan
Explore Bhutan’s remote eastern region, still largely untouched by tourism
Folklore & Traditions
Discover less visited parts of Bumthang, the heartland of Bhutan’s Buddhist traditions and storytelling
Spectacular Roads
Drive through bucolic valleys and over high passes for spectacular Himalayan views
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Day 1
Assam
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Day 2
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Day 3
Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang
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Day 4
Trashigang
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Day 5
Trashigang to Mongar
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Day 6
Mongar to Bumthang
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Day 7
Bumthang
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Day 8
Bumthang to Gangtey
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Day 9
Gangtey
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Day 10
Gangtey to Punakha Valley
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Day 11
Punakha Valley to Thimphu
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Day 12
Thimphu to Paro
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Day 13
Takstang Monastery
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Day 14
Paro
Day 1
Assam
Arrive into Gauwahati Airport in India where you will stay the night before heading across the border to Bhutan.
Day 2
Today you will be privately transferred across the border. Complete immigration formalities in India and Bhutan, before you arrive at your hotel for the night in Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan’s oldest trading town. Tomorrow will be the start of your 4×4 self-drive adventure.
Day 3
Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang
Drive 180kms and 120 hairpin bends to Trashigang, a challenging but spectacular route that takes you through some of Bhutan’s most unpopulated landscapes, transitioning from the temperate highlands to subtropical lowlands.
Day 4
Trashigang
Visit Trashigang Dzong, a 17th century fortress, and explore the remote regions of Merak and Sakteng, home to the semi-nomadic Brokpa people, where tales of the yeti are woven into the fabric of the community.
Day 5
Trashigang to Mongar
Drive from Trashigang to Mongar today, around 91km. You’ll follow the Yadi Loops, a series of hairpin bends before reaching the Kori La Pass at 2,450m. The pass is adorned with fluttering prayer flags and offers spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas.
Day 6
Mongar to Bumthang
The journey from Mongar to Bumthang crossing Bhutan’s highest motorable pass and offering spectacular scenery. You’ll also visit the picturesque Ura village and Ura Lhakhang temple.
Day 7
Bumthang
Enjoy today in Bumthang where you will visit Jakar Dzong, a 17th century fortress and Kurjeu Lhakang, a sacred temple complex.
Day 8
Bumthang to Gangtey
Today’s 188km drive will take you from Bumthang to Gangtey through more passes offering sweeping views. You will also visit Bhutan’s largest fortress and the Royal Heritage Museum providing deep insights into the Wangchuck dynasty.
Day 9
Gangtey
A day in the Phobjikha Valley, known as Nature’s sanctuary in Bhutan. Visit Gangtey monastery and take a hike across the valley.
Day 10
Gangtey to Punakha Valley
Drive from Gangtey to Punakha Valley where you will find warmer climate and terraced rice fields. A short hike will take you to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th century fertility temple.
Day 11
Punakha Valley to Thimphu
A shorter drive to Thimphu today, Bhutan’s vibrant capital where the self-drive element of the tour comes to an end. Visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, take a trip to the College for Astrology and explore the capital’s market.
Day 12
Thimphu to Paro
Visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) with spectacular views of the valley and explore Paro, a small, charming town with traditional shops, handicrafts, and cosy cafes.
Day 13
Takstang Monastery
Your final day is Bhutan’s most iconic experience – a hike to Takstang Monastery, known as ‘Tiger’s nest’. Perched on a cliff at 3,120m, this sacred monastery is well worth the 4-5 hour round trip. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group over traditional Bhutanese cuisine this evening.
Day 14
Paro
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Self Drive
Expedition Vehicles
Drive your own Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, commonly referred to as the Prado 120 Series. Manufactured in approximately 2005, the vehicle is more SUV in design, rather than an off-road super-jeep. All vehicles have four wheel drive facility and are manual transmission. They are robust, comfortable over long distances, and entirely at ease on narrow, rough mountain roads. Your vehicle will be provided with a radio walkie talkie to stay in touch with the convoy.
Forest
Living Landscapes
While Nepal is defined by its 8,000-metre Himalayan giants, Bhutan’s appeal lies in something more modest but no less impressive: the sheer extent of its intact forests. Around 70% of the country is forested, making Bhutan one of the few nations in the world that absorbs more carbon than it emits. Ancient cloud forests of hemlock, blue pine and rhododendron cling to the mountainsides, interspersed with small villages where life remains deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition.
Culture
Eastern Bhutan
Sparsely populated and ignored by most visitors to the country, Eastern Bhutan is wild, remote and spiritual. Visit Trashigang Dzong, where sweeping views over the Drangme Chhu valley are matched by striking interior courtyards. Drive the remote road to Merak for a homestay lunch and explore Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, home to red pandas and Himalayan black bears. This region is home to the semi-nomadic Brokpa people, who move with their yaks between seasonal pastures, and whose culture includes enduring tales of the yeti, or migoi.
What type of vehicle will I be driving?
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, commonly referred to as the Prado 120 Series. Manufactured in approximately 2005, the vehicle is more SUV in design, rather than an off-road super-jeep. All vehicles have four wheel drive facility and are manual transmission.
Do I need to be personally insured to drive in Bhutan, or is the vehicle itself insured?
Up to USD200 of damage to the vehicle is automatically covered and the rental includes Third Party insurance coverage. This does not cover damage caused by negligence, reckless driving, or any violation of local traffic laws.
Will vehicles be automatic or manual?
All vehicles will be manual.
What is the plan in the event of a breakdown or an accident?
In the event of a breakdown, we will ensure that another vehicle is arranged immediately. We usually keep a crew backup vehicle as support, which also serves as a spare. If needed, the crew vehicle will be switched without delay.
Are there two-way radios provided in the vehicles so I can stay in communication with the leader and other group members?
Yes, two-way will be radios will be arranged in all vehicles.
Is fuel included?
Yes, fuel is included in the price of the package. During the journey, necessary stops are made for refuelling.
Do you provide water?
Yes, there will be a large water dispenser available and you will be provided with reusable water bottles.
Are lunches a combination of local restaurants and picnics? What sort of food can I expect? Are all meals taken as a group?
Yes, most lunches are served at small local restaurants, allowing you to experience a variety of authentic regional dishes. Picnics are provided on remote segments where local eateries are not available. These are usually prepared by the hotels we use who provide, freshly made picnics suitable for a 4×4 adventure route.
Is there a minimum or maximum age for the trip?
This tour has no minimum or maximum age requirement. However, please note that this is an adventure tour where some routes might take significantly longer than scheduled due to the dynamic nature of the itinerary. There will be some long days behind the wheel so you’ll need to be fit, healthy and happy to drive on mountain roads.
When do we sign the contracts for the vehicles?
All contracts and paperwork will be signed in advance, prior to your arrival in Bhutan, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free start to the tour.
Do I need an international drivers license?
A UK driver’s license is accepted in Bhutan, however it will need to be physically endorsed in person, at the Ministry of Transport in either Samdrup Jongkhar or Paro. Time will be set aside to do this and you will of course be assisted by our team on the ground.
What is the highest altitude we sleep at and do you provide support with altitude sickness?
The highest overnight altitude is typically in Bumthang (Ura Valley) at approximately 3,100 metres, followed by Thimphu, where the altitude is around 2,300–2,400 metres. Our guides are trained to monitor symptoms, encourage proper hydration and gradual ascent, and make necessary adjustments to the itinerary if required. In case of any concern, we promptly arrange medical assistance to ensure our guests’ safety and comfort throughout the journey.
How challenging does the driving become?
Driving in Bhutan can be moderately challenging due to narrow, winding mountain roads, steep slopes, and occasional fog or rain. However, traffic is generally light, and local drivers are more considerate than in neighbouring countries. You need to enjoy driving as there will be some long days behind the wheel. You should be comfortable with driving a manual vehicle. You will not drive in Thimpu and Paro as the traffic is busier here. For these sections of the tour, you will transfer as a group to a MPV and be chauffeured.
Will catering for dietary requirements be a problem?
Catering to dietary requirements, such as vegan or gluten-free, is generally manageable in Bhutan. Most hotels and restaurants in major towns can accommodate these diets if notified in advance. In more remote areas, options may be limited, so it is advisable to inform us in advance and, if necessary, carry some personal snacks.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Includes / Excludes
Important Information
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Single Supplement
Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
Flexibility
To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
What is included
- Accompanied by English speaking guides in a guide lead vehicle throughout
- Expedition vehicle hire, fuel and maintenance
- Vehicle repair costs in case of any damage or accidents: USD 200 per vehicle
- Bhutan visa and permits
- All airport transfers
- Meals from dinner on the first night to breakfast on the day of departure
- Sustainable Development Fee and entrance fees
What is excluded
- International flights
- Travel Insurance (mandatory)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
- Indian Visa
- Early check in
Other available dates
For further information about any of these tours please call 1(800)272-4163
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/27/27 | 03/11/27 | 14 days | $7,235 pp | Local Guides | 8 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
| 03/12/27 | 03/25/27 | 14 days | $7,235 pp | Local Guides | 8 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Reserve your place on this group tour
Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.
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