Overview
A balanced 5-night and 6-day Bhutan journey beginning and ending at Paro International Airport. The tour covers Thimphu's cultural institutions and monuments, Punakha's riverside dzong and rural landscapes, Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens, Paro's heritage sites and the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery hike.
Itinerary
Arrive at Paro International Airport and complete immigration, baggage collection and entry formalities. Subject to clear weather, the flight approach may offer dramatic views of the Himalayan landscape. Meet the local representative outside the terminal and begin the scenic drive to Thimphu. The route follows the Paro and Wang Chhu river valleys and passes traditional settlements, forested slopes and roadside chortens. On arrival in Thimphu, visit Buddha Dordenma, the large seated Buddha statue overlooking the capital. Spend time at the complex and enjoy panoramic city views, subject to weather and visibility. Continue to the National Memorial Chorten, an important place of daily prayer where residents walk clockwise around the stupa and turn prayer wheels. Visitors should follow local customs and maintain respectful behaviour. Later, explore Clock Tower Square and nearby local markets. Guests may browse handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs and cafés before checking in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Bhutan's capital. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which presents traditional Bhutanese rural life, household objects and cultural practices. Continue to the National Textile Museum to learn about Bhutan's weaving traditions, regional patterns and ceremonial textiles. Proceed to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the Arts and Crafts School. When classes are in session, visitors may observe students training in traditional Bhutanese arts such as painting, wood carving, sculpture and embroidery. Access depends on institutional schedules and holidays. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress complex associated with Bhutan's government and monastic administration. Tourist access depends on official events, security restrictions and seasonal visiting hours. Depending on time, weather and group fitness, choose between a short hike towards Cheri Monastery or a visit to Simtokha Dzong. The Cheri route involves walking through a forested area and may be adjusted according to trail conditions. Simtokha Dzong offers a less physically demanding cultural visit. Return to the hotel by evening and stay overnight in Thimphu.
After breakfast, check out from the Thimphu hotel and begin the drive towards Punakha. Ascend to Dochula Pass, one of Bhutan's best-known mountain passes. Visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens arranged across the pass. When the sky is clear, the area may offer wide views of the eastern Himalayan range. Mountain visibility depends on cloud, haze and seasonal weather and cannot be guaranteed. Continue the descent into the warmer Punakha Valley, passing forests, farms and rural settlements. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, dramatically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Explore the permitted courtyards and learn about the dzong's religious and historical importance. Later, proceed towards the starting point for the short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple. The trail passes through rice fields and a traditional village. The walk is generally easy, but conditions may be muddy after rain. After the visit, transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight stay in Punakha.
After breakfast, check out from the Punakha hotel and begin the return journey towards Paro. The route climbs back through mountain valleys and forested roads, with rest and photography stops taken at suitable places according to time and road conditions. Arrive in Paro and proceed to Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong. Explore the permitted areas of the fortress-monastery and enjoy views across the Paro Valley. Continue to the National Museum of Bhutan, where exhibitions cover Bhutanese art, religion, textiles, natural history and cultural heritage. Museum access, opening hours and photography rules are subject to current operations. Later, check in at the hotel and spend the evening exploring Paro Town. Browse local handicrafts, souvenirs and cafés or enjoy a relaxed walk through the market streets. Overnight stay in Paro.
After an early breakfast, drive to the trailhead of Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger's Nest. The monastery is Bhutan's most iconic spiritual landmark and is located on a cliff high above the Paro Valley. Begin the uphill hike through pine forest, prayer flags and mountain viewpoints. The trail involves a steady ascent and is moderate to strenuous depending on fitness, altitude, weather and walking pace. A cafeteria viewpoint provides a common rest point and a panoramic view of the monastery. Continue towards the final stair sections leading to the complex. Visitors must follow the dress code, security procedures and restrictions on photography and electronic devices. Spend time exploring the permitted temples and learning about the sacred association of Guru Padmasambhava with the site. Horse service may be available for part of the uphill route at direct cost, but the final approach and return still require walking. Descend carefully to the trailhead and return to the hotel in Paro. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, shopping or quiet leisure. Overnight stay in Paro.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Paro International Airport according to the confirmed flight schedule. Arrive with sufficient time for airline check-in, baggage screening, immigration and security formalities. Keep passports, permits, tickets and other travel documents readily accessible. The Bhutan journey concludes at Paro International Airport.
Where you sleep
We name every property before you pay.
| Stop | Nights | Hotels at each grade |
|---|---|---|
| Thimphu | 2 | Standard · Deluxe · Luxury · Premium |
| Punakha | 1 | Standard · Deluxe · Luxury · Premium |
| Paro | 2 | Standard · Deluxe · Luxury · Premium |
The named properties for each grade go out with your quotation, so you can look every one of them up before anything is paid. Ask for the hotel list →
What's included
✓ Included
- Five nights' accommodation according to the selected hotel category.
- Two nights in Thimphu, one night in Punakha and two nights in Paro.
- Private airport transfers and intercity transportation.
- Sightseeing according to the itinerary.
- Driver allowance, fuel and parking according to the confirmed package.
- Local assistance during the tour.
- Meals, guide services, permits and monument fees only when specifically confirmed.
✗ Not included
- International airfare to and from Paro.
- Bhutan visa, permit, Sustainable Development Fee and government charges unless included.
- Monument, museum and attraction entry fees unless included.
- Meals and beverages not included in the final package.
- Tiger's Nest horse charges.
- Personal expenses, shopping, laundry and tips.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Medical treatment and emergency evacuation expenses.
- Costs caused by flight delay, road closure, weather or operational changes.
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the confirmed inclusions.

