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

5 Days Round trip from aiport Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the charming capital city of Thimphu, nestled in the Himalayas
02 Visit the majestic fortress-monastery Tashichho Dzong, home to the throne room and offices of the King
03 Marvel at the architectural beauty of Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness," at the confluence of two rivers
04 Hike to Bhutan's most iconic and sacred cliffside monastery, Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), and enjoy its awe-inspiring views
05 Browse traditional handcrafted Bhutanese arts and crafts for unique and meaningful souvenirs
06 Discover the ruins of the historic Drukgyel Dzong (Victory Fortress), built to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders

Discover Bhutan's cultural heartland on this 5-day journey through Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, with comfortable overnights in government-approved 3-star hotels. Travel through changing Himalayan landscapes and valleys as you experience Bhutan's traditional way of life. A signature moment of the tour is the excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), reached by a scenic hike to one of Bhutan's most iconic and sacred spiritual sites. The journey also includes time in Thimphu and Punakha before your final departure from Paro.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Thimphu, Paro, Punakha

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu

Arrival at Paro, followed by a transfer to Thimphu (2,330 m/7,644 ft), a drive of about 1 hour. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 02

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,200 m/3,937 ft), which takes about 3 to 4 hours. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 03

Drive from Punakha to Paro

Drive from Punakha to Paro (2,250 m/7,382 ft), which takes about 3 hours. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 04

Excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)

Enjoy an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) at 3,120 m (10,232 ft), with a 20-minute drive followed by a 5 to 6-hour hike. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 05

Departure Transfer to the International Airport

Transfer to the international airport for your final departure.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from aiport 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation
All international and domestic airport transfers on a tourist vehicle.
All group transportation in a private tourist vehicle.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing standard government-approved 3-star accommodation for the duration of the tour (total 4 nights).
Meals and Drinking Water
Full-board meals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners), plus tea and snacks for the duration of the stay.
Packaged drinking water for the duration of the tour.
Guide and Staff
Government-licensed, first-aid-trained, English-speaking, experienced Bhutanese tour guides.
Guided city tour in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha by private tourist vehicle.
Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff.
Permits and Fees
Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance.
All route access and monument entry permits and fees.
Monument and museum entrance fees for all sightseeing locations as per the itinerary.
Government-mandated Sustainable Development Fee of US$100 per person per night.

What's Not Included

All international airfare, including Druk Air flights and airport departure tax.
Travel insurance.
Alcoholic drinks and beverages.
Tips for tour guides, porters, and drivers (tipping is expected).
All items of a personal nature, such as laundry, gear, shopping, etc.
Any expenses other than those listed in the Price Include section.

What to bring

The most important factor to consider while choosing the type of equipment and your backpack is the time of year you are travelling. During the tour, the vehicle transfers all heavy items and equipment. However, personal belongings that may be required at any time, such as money, a water bottle, camera, sunscreen, and toilet paper, should be carried by yourself.

Know before you go

About visa requirements as per the travel rules of the Bhutan Government.
Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?

Yes, travelers need a visa to visit Bhutan. The Bhutan visa is arranged before your trip through your tour operator. Moreover, Haven Holidays helps with the entire visa process, making it hassle-free.

In conclusion, you do not need to worry about paperwork. Therefore, working with Haven Holidays ensures that your Bhutan entry is smooth and stress-free.

Logistics