Bhutan · Culture

7-Day Bhutan Cultural Tour with Phobjikha and Tiger's Nest Hike

7 Days Round trip from Paro Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Thimphu's cultural landmarks, including Buddha Dordenma and Tashichho Dzong
  • 02 Discover Punakha Dzong and cross scenic Dochula Pass with its 108 stupas
  • 03 Experience the beauty of Phobjikha Valley and visit Gangtey Monastery
  • 04 Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery and enjoy breathtaking Himalayan views

Discover Bhutan's rich culture and scenic beauty on a 7-day journey through Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley, and Paro. Explore iconic landmarks including Buddha Dordenma, Punakha Dzong, and Gangtey Monastery while experiencing local traditions and breathtaking landscapes. Travel across Dochula Pass, visit ancient temples, and enjoy peaceful valley views. Hike to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery for a memorable experience that combines spirituality, nature, and cultural heritage in one immersive and enriching Bhutan tour.

Hike to Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff, with a round trip of approximately four to five hours.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Thimphu, Wangdue, Paro, Punakha, Phobjikha
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu

  • Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your guide before driving to Thimphu in approximately one and a half hours.
  • Stop at Tachog Lhakhang Bridge, a historic iron chain bridge along the route.
  • Visit Memorial Chorten, a sacred stupa dedicated to Bhutan's third king.
  • Explore Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden Buddha statue offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government and monastic body.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

2
Day 02

Thimphu Heritage and Cultural Sightseeing

  • Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Thimphu.
  • Explore Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's unique national animal, the takin.
  • Visit the Institute of Zorig Chusum to learn about Bhutanese arts and crafts.
  • Discover Bhutan's heritage at the National Library and Folk Heritage Museum.
  • Explore the Weekend Market if visiting between Friday and Sunday.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

3
Day 03

Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

  • Drive to Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres and stop at a stunning viewpoint with 108 stupas.
  • Visit Punakha Dzong, a breathtaking fortress at the confluence of two rivers.
  • Walk across Bhutan's longest suspension bridge.
  • Visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, associated with the Divine Madman.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

4
Day 04

Punakha to Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey

  • Drive to Phobjikha Valley in approximately two and a half hours, a pristine glacial valley known for Black Necked Cranes during the winter months.
  • Visit Gangtey Monastery, a beautiful seventeenth-century monastery overlooking the valley.
  • Enjoy a nature trail hike through the scenic landscapes of Phobjikha.
  • Experience a farmhouse visit and interact with local residents.

Stay overnight in Phobjikha.

5
Day 05

Phobjikha to Paro via Wangdue

  • Drive back to Paro with a stop in Wangdue town along the way.
  • Visit Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress in Paro.
  • Explore the National Museum of Bhutan and learn about the country's history and artefacts.
  • Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples.
  • Enjoy an optional traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath.

Stay overnight in Paro.

6
Day 06

Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

  • Hike to Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff, with a round trip of approximately four to five hours.
  • Enjoy lunch at a cafeteria with scenic views of Tiger's Nest.
  • Visit Drukgyel Dzong ruins, a historic site with stunning mountain views.
  • Take part in an optional farmhouse visit with a traditional Bhutanese meal and cultural experience.

Stay overnight in Paro.

7
Day 07

Departure from Paro

  • Spend the morning at leisure or enjoy last-minute shopping if time permits.
  • Drive to Paro International Airport for your departure with memorable experiences.
Paro Taktsang cliffside, Phobjikha Valley, Dochula Pass, Buddha Dordenma statue

Where this trip takes you

Paro Taktsang cliffside, Phobjikha Valley, Dochula Pass, Buddha Dordenma statue

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Paro 5 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • SDF Sustainable Development Fee
  • 3-star hotel on MAP basis
  • English-speaking guide throughout the tour
  • SUV car from pickup to drop-off

What's Not Included

  • Flight tickets
  • Travel insurance
  • Any alcoholic beverages
  • Upgrade to 4- or 5-star hotels
  • Gratuity tips for the guide and driver
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

What to bring

  • Passport with 6 months' validity
  • Visa approval copy
  • Travel insurance
  • Cash in USD and a bank card
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light clothes and a warm jacket for layering
  • Rain jacket or umbrella for summer
  • Modest clothing for temples
  • Personal medicines
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Phone, camera, and charger
  • Power bank
  • Universal adapter
  • Small day backpack

Know before you go

  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
  • Your visa is arranged in advance, so do not book flights before approval.
  • Travel insurance is recommended.
  • The daily SDF applies as per government rules.
  • Carry USD or a credit or debit card, as cash is useful in remote areas.
  • Weather changes quickly, so bring layered clothing.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and monasteries.
  • Remove hats and shoes inside religious sites.
  • Roads are mountainous and winding, so motion sickness tablets may be helpful.
  • Internet is available but may be slow in rural areas.
  • ATMs are mainly available in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.
  • Photography is not allowed inside temples.
  • Bhutan is a cash-based destination in many areas.
  • Always follow your guide's instructions for safety and cultural respect.
  • Tap water is not recommended, so drink bottled or filtered water.
  • Respect local culture, traditions, and the environment.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Paro, འབྲུག་ཡུལ་
Tour start
Paro, འབྲུག་ཡུལ་
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began, in Paro.

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Starting from

USD 1,400 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,400.00 — $1,800.00
Double Sharing $1,400.00 — $1,800.00

When

Travellers

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