Bhutan · Religious & Spiritual

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

5 Days Round trip from Paro Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) perched on a cliff in Paro Valley
  • 02 Visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Bhutanese government
  • 03 Gain deeper insight into Bhutanese culture at the Folk Heritage Museum
  • 04 Marvel at Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture
  • 05 Enjoy scenic drives through lush valleys and across Dochula Pass

Explore Bhutan, an Eastern Himalayan hidden gem, from Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha over five memorable days. Visit landmark sites such as Taktsang Monastery perched on a cliff, the majestic Punakha Dzong, Tashichho Dzong, and the Buddha Dordenma Statue, while also discovering Bhutanese culture at the Folk Heritage Museum, local markets, and a weaving center. Enjoy scenic Himalayan views, including the beautiful Dochula Pass, and experience Bhutanese hospitality through local food, a hot stone bath, and archery. Five days may be only a glimpse, but they are enough to leave you enchanted by the charm of Bhutan, a kingdom that measures its success in Gross National Happiness.

Five days may be only a glimpse, but they are enough to leave you enchanted by the charm of Bhutan, a kingdom that measures its success in Gross National Happiness.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Thimphu, Paro, Punakha
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival at Paro - Drive to Thimphu

The early morning flight to Paro reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If weather permits you will be able to see Mt. Everest (8848 m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative (Guide) and then drive to Thimphu (50km) which takes approximately an hour. On the way visit;
Tachogang Iron Chain Bridge, located along Paro-Thimphu highway, before Chhuzom. It is just a 10 minutes walk from the highway. It is a great spot for photography with a stunning view and peaceful ambience.
After arriving in Thimphu,visit; National Memorial Chorten: Probably one of the most popular Thimphu points of interest.
Royal Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin – Bhutan’s national animal.

Lunch at Zombala 2 Restaurant, a popular eatery for both locals and tourists seeking authentic flavors. Try Momos (dumplings), Thukpa: A comforting noodle soup and Ema Datshi: Bhutan’s national dish made with chilies and cheese.

Walk through Bhutan’s capital city exploring Clock Tower Square, a prominent landmark adorned with intricate Bhutanese motifs and stroll towards Thimphu’s iconic traffic junction, famously known as the main traffic circle as it has no traffic lights. Instead, you’ll witness a white-gloved traffic officer gracefully directing vehicles in a choreographed style that has become a tourist attraction in its own right.

The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper. You can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.
The Centenary Farmers Market (Now Kaja Throm) is a vibrant and dynamic space, offering a diverse range of products and experiences.
Lastly Tashichhodzong visit. This magnificent structure stands proudly on the banks of the Wang Chhu River and serves as both a religious and administrative hub of Bhutan. Now it houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King and central monk body.

2
Day 02

Thimphu – Punakha

After breakfast, visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, also known as the “Buddha Point,” is a massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The Folk Heritage Museum a restored 19th-century traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, providing visitors with an authentic glimpse into the rural lifestyle of Bhutan.


Drive to Punakha (2 hrs). On the way, stop at Dochula Pass.
Dochula Pass is a mountain pass located in the Kingdom of Bhutan, a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas. It sits at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. The pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic peaks of the snow-capped Himalayas. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.
After that drive to Punakha.
In Punakha, walk across farmhouses to reach Chimi Lhakhang, A 15th-century fertility temple, blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing.

Overnight in Punakha

3
Day 03

Punakha – Paro

After breakfast, 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. It is a beautiful chorten located on ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha overlooking several villages. It is 30-minute drive from the Khuruthang Town and a 45-minute uphill hike from the base of the hill through suspension bridge and rice fields. Then visit Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Then visit the longest suspension bridge across the dzong, spanning 160m over the Phochu River, and connects the Punakha Dzong (fortress) with the nearby villages and agricultural lands.
Then drive to Paro. In Paro, visit Chencho Weaving Center in Paro Town is locally-run weaving center showcases the intricate art of traditional Bhutanese weaving, offering visitors a chance to witness skilled artisans at work and take some time to explore the charming Paro downtown. Stroll along the main street

lined with colorful traditional Bhutanese architecture.stroll around Paro down town for shopping or cup of coffee.
Namgay Artisanal Brewery: Did you know Bhutan has some of the most reputed and highly enjoyed brews? Well, if you are a beer lover and want to taste some of the finest brews, you must visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro Valley.

Overnight in Paro

4
Day 04

Paro

Taktsang Monastery: The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. From the road, the hike toward Taktsang follows an uphill route and returning back takes approximately 5-6 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.

Later we welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for Hot Stone Bath and dinner with them and experience their hospitality. A Bhutanese hot stone bath is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing and is also believed to have numerous health benefits and practice Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. With our archery lessons, your guide will set up the targets and teach you the rules, as well as how to correctly hold the bow.
 Overnight in Paro

5
Day 05

Departure

In the morning, drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination.

Paro Taktsang cliffside, Dochula Pass ridgeline, Punakha Dzong riverside fortress

Where this trip takes you

Paro Taktsang cliffside, Dochula Pass ridgeline, Punakha Dzong riverside fortress

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Paro 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • A minimum of 3-star accommodation
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Bottled water in the car
  • A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
  • All transport (transfers and sightseeing)
  • Monument fees (dzongs and temples) and museum fees

What's Not Included

  • Air transport/flights
  • Sustainable Development Fee & visa fee
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, etc.
  • Drinks & beverages
  • Bank charges
  • Travel insurance

What to bring

Essential Documents

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Visa approval letter
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Flight tickets and itinerary
  • Copies of passport and visa (digital & printed)

Clothing

  • Comfortable walking shoes / hiking shoes
  • Warm layers (especially for mornings and evenings)
  • Light jacket or windbreaker
  • Casual daywear
  • Modest clothing for visiting monasteries and temples (long sleeves, long pants/skirts)
  • Rain jacket or umbrella (depending on season)
  • Sleepwear and undergarments

Personal Items

  • Medications and basic first-aid kit
  • Toiletries and personal hygiene items
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Sunglasses and hat/cap
  • Insect repellent
  • Reusable water bottle

Electronics & Accessories

  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Travel adapter (Bhutan uses types C, D, and G)

Money

  • Some cash (USD or Bhutanese Ngultrum)
  • Credit/debit cards (usable in major towns, limited in rural areas)

Know before you go

  • The Sustainable Development Fee (USD 100 per person per night) and the visa fee (USD 40 per person) are not included in the package and must be paid separately at the time of visa application.
  • We will assist you with the visa application process.
  • The required documents are a copy of the passport and a passport-size photograph with a white background.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Tour start
Paro, Bhutan
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Paro.

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Starting from

USD 600 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $600.00 — $1,150.00
Double Sharing $600.00 — $890.00

When

Travellers

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