Bhutan · Culture

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

6 Days Round trip from Airport Road Paro Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the iconic Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff
  • 02 Drive through scenic Dochula Pass and see the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens
  • 03 Explore Punakha Dzong, set at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers
  • 04 Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the 15th-century fertility temple blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley
  • 05 Relax with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and dinner in a local home

This 6-day Bhutan journey blends culture, nature, and spirituality across Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. Explore Thimphu's major landmarks, including the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, the Folk Heritage Museum, and Tashichhodzong, then travel through scenic Dochula Pass to Punakha to see the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, Chimi Lhakhang, and Punakha Dzong. In Paro, discover sacred temples, local weaving traditions, and the charming downtown before hiking to the iconic Taktsang Monastery. The experience is rounded out with a traditional hot stone bath, archery, and a visit to a Bhutanese home for dinner.

This 6-day Bhutan journey blends culture, nature, and spirituality across Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 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 in Paro - 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.
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.

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. 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.

Overnight in Thimphu

2
Day 02

Thimphu

After breakfast, Hike to the Wangdi Tse Lhakhang, a short yet rewarding trek in Thimphu, Bhutan, offering stunning views of the valley and a chance to visit an ancient monastery. This easy hike is perfect for those looking to enjoy nature while immersing themselves in Bhutanese culture. Royal Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin - Bhutan’s national animal. And visit Buddha Dordenma Statue, also known as the “Buddha Point,” a massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the Kingdom of Bhutan.


Lunch at the Folk Heritage Restaurant in Thimphu offers a delightful opportunity to savor authentic Bhutanese cuisine in a traditional setting. Located next to the Folk Heritage Museum, the restaurant complements the cultural experience with its unique ambiance and carefully curated menu.

The Folk Heritage Museum is a restored 19th-century traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, providing visitors with an authentic glimpse into the rural lifestyle of Bhutan.

The Post Office in Thimphu, offers a unique experience where you can create your own custom stamps with your photos.

Visit Pangri Zampa – Astrology College and seek and find out your astrology birth chart. Learn your Bhutanese name and your fortune in a fascinating sitting with a Buddhist monk.

The Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar in Thimphu offers a unique shopping experience, showcasing traditional Bhutanese handicrafts and artisanal products.

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.

Overnight in Thimphu

3
Day 03

Punakha Valley

After breakfast, Drive to Punakha (2 and half 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.

On rrival, 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. 

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 connect the Punakha Dzong (fortress) with the nearby villages and agricultural lands.

Overnight in Punakha

4
Day 04

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 a ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha overlooking several villages. It is a 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 drive to Paro (3 and half hrs). After lunch visit Paro Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan, steeped in history and spiritual significance and visit Chencho Weaving Center in Paro Town, a locally-run weaving center showcases the intricate art of traditional Bhutanese weaving, offering visitors a chance to witness skilled artisans at work.

Later, take some time to explore the charming Paro downtown. Stroll along the main street lined with colorful traditional Bhutanese architecture.


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

5
Day 05

Paro Taktsang

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

6
Day 06

Departure

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

cliffside Paro Taktsang, Dochula Pass and 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, Punakha Dzong at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu

Where this trip takes you

cliffside Paro Taktsang, Dochula Pass and 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, Punakha Dzong at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Airport Road Paro 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • A minimum of 3-star accommodation

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Bottle of 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/flight

  • Sustainable Development Fee and visa fee

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, etc.

  • Drinks and beverages

Know before you go

  • Sustainable Development Fee and visa fee are payable when applying for a visa.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Paro International Airport, Paro, Bhutan
Tour start
Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Airport Road Paro.

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Starting from

USD 760 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $760.00 — $1,350.00
Double Sharing $760.00 — $880.00

When

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