Bhutan · Culture

6-Day Bhutan Cultural Tour with Tiger's Nest Hike and Punakha

6 Days Round trip from Thimphu Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Thimphu's cultural landmarks, including Buddha Dordenma and Memorial Chorten
  • 02 Visit Punakha Dzong and walk across Bhutan's longest suspension bridge
  • 03 Discover Paro Valley with Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum, and Kyichu Lhakhang
  • 04 Hike to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery perched on a cliff

Discover the best of Bhutan on this six-day cultural tour through Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Visit iconic landmarks such as Buddha Dordenma, Punakha Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang, and walk across Bhutan's longest suspension bridge. Experience a full-day hike to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery perched on a cliff, with the option to visit Chele La Pass for panoramic Himalayan views. Immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture, cuisine, and warm hospitality on a seamless journey rich in history, spirituality, and scenic beauty.

Set out on a moderate full-day hike (4-6 hours round trip) to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Thimphu, Paro, Punakha
Languages English, French, German, Mandarin

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Paro and Scenic Transfer to Thimphu

  • Arrive at Paro International Airport and receive a warm welcome from your guide.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu along the Paro Chu and Thimphu Chu rivers.
  • Stop at Tamchog Lhakhang (Iron Bridge) if time permits.
  • Begin sightseeing in Thimphu with visits to Buddha Dordenma, the giant Buddha statue, Memorial Chorten, and Tashichho Dzong, with an outside view if visiting after 5 PM.

Overnight stay in Thimphu.

2
Day 02

Thimphu Cultural Visits and Drive to Punakha

  • Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, an old monastery.
  • Explore the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School).
  • Visit the Folk Heritage Museum.
  • Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, stopping at 3,100 m to view the 108 chortens and Himalayan peaks on clear days.
  • In the evening, visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple) via a short hike through rice fields.

Overnight stay in Punakha.

3
Day 03

Punakha Dzong Visit and Return to Paro

  • Visit Punakha Dzong in the morning, a fortress set at the river confluence.
  • Walk across Bhutan's longest suspension bridge if you wish, as this activity is optional.
  • Drive back to Paro in the afternoon.
  • Spend the evening at leisure in Paro, with time to stroll through town, try local food, or shop for handicrafts.

Overnight stay in Paro.

4
Day 04

Paro Heritage Tour with Optional Chele La Pass

  • Visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong).
  • Explore Paro Rinpung Dzong.
  • Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples.
  • Take an optional drive to Chele La Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, for panoramic views.

Overnight stay in Paro.

5
Day 05

Tiger's Nest Hike and Evening Relaxation

  • Set out on a moderate full-day hike (4-6 hours round trip) to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff.
  • Choose to ride a pony halfway if needed.
  • Enjoy lunch at the cafeteria viewpoint.
  • In the evening, opt for a traditional hot stone bath for relaxation.

Overnight stay in Paro.

6
Day 06

Departure from Paro

  • After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport.

  • Farewell by your guide and departure.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Thimphu 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Comfortable private transport
  • All entrance fees and government permits

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Visa fee
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Beverages and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Medical costs
  • Extra nights beyond official tour dates

What to bring

  • Light shirts for daytime and warm jackets or sweaters for mornings and evenings
  • Comfortable trousers for sightseeing and temple visits
  • Warm outerwear from October to mid-May
  • Rain jacket or umbrella for summer months (June-September)
  • Hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses for sun protection
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, and sturdy hiking shoes for Tiger's Nest hike
  • Personal medications and a small first-aid kit
  • Power adaptor (Bhutan uses type D, F & G sockets, 230V, 50Hz)
  • Trekking poles for Tiger's Nest hike and other nature walks

Know before you go

  • Bhutan Visa and Travel Permit are required for international tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals).
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD $100 per person per night applies for international travellers.
  • Flights to Bhutan are available via Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, and Singapore.
  • Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip delays, or cancellations is mandatory.
  • Inform the operator in advance about dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, allergies).
  • Accommodation in 3*/4* hotels is customisable.
  • Guide service can be customised for other languages.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Thimphu, Punakha and Paro valley
Tour start
Thimphu, Punakha and Paro valley
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Thimphu.

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