Overview
- Journey style
- Cultural Tours
- Route
- Paro · Punakha · Thimphu
- Flexibility
- Private and fully customisable
This itinerary is a perfect introduction to Bhutan, also known as the last Shangri La. Starting in Thimphu, you’ll experience a blend of modernity and traditional culture before moving on to Punakha via the Dochula Pass (3,140m). The trip concludes with a hike to one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites: Taktsang Monastery (also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”) in Paro.
While on the journey, be prepared to gain new experiences by:
Visiting the oldest, and most striking fortress
Observing the local Farmhouse’s traditions
Participating in the Bhutanese National Archery Game
Hiking towards the Tigers’ Nest
Highlights
- Seasons: Throughout the year
Price includes
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
- All meals / Tea & snacks
- All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- An experienced English speaking tour leader
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), government fees & visa fee
Price excludes
- Flights
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.
The Sustainable Development Fee, visa and permits are all included — see how the Bhutan visa & permits process works.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival: Paro - Thimphu
Driving Duration: 1.5 hrs/ 65km
Elevation: 2200m/ 7218ft
Drive to Thimphu, Thimphu sightseeing
Attractions:
- Buddha Point
- Memorial Chorten
- Explore Thimphu Town
Overnight in Thimphu
Day 02 Thimphu - Culture Sightseeing
Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft
After breakfast, Thimphu cultural sightseeing
Attractions:
- Takin Preservation Center
- Centenary Farmers Markets
- Zilukha Nunnery
- Tashichhodzong
- 13 Traditional Art Forms (Closed on weekends & during government holidays)
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 03 Thimphu - Punakha
Driving duration: 2.5 hrs/77 km
Elevation: 1310m / 4300ft
Drive to Punakha, Punakha sightseeing
Attractions:
- Dochula Pass
- Chimmi Lhakhang
- Punakha Dzong
- Punakha Suspension Bridge
Overnight in Punakha
Day 04 Punakha - Paro
Driving Duration: 4 hrs/142 km
Elevation: 2250m / 7382ft
Drive to Paro after breakfast, Paro sightseeing
Attractions:
- Rinpung/Paro Dzong
- Ta Dzong (National Museum)
- Explore Paro Town
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 05 Paro - Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Hiking Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs roundtrip
Elevation: 3120m / 10236ft
Hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery (5-6hrs/ 6.5 km), Paro town sightseeing
Attractions:
- Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang)
- Kyichu lhakhang
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 06 Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and then you will be escorted to the airport where your companion will help you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.
Like the look of this itinerary? Every departure is customisable.
Enquire about this tourWhere you'll go
In pictures
