Bhutan · Religious & Spiritual

5-Day Bhutan Tour of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro with Tiger's Nest

5 Days Round trip from Airport Road Paro Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the colossal Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking Thimphu Valley
  • 02 Explore the Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong, rich in religious and political significance
  • 03 Drive through the picturesque Dochula Pass and admire 108 stupas and Himalayan views
  • 04 Pay homage at Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility dedicated to the Divine Madman
  • 05 Discover the architectural beauty of Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers
  • 06 Trek to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for panoramic views of Punakha Valley

Experience the serene landscapes and spiritual essence of Bhutan on this immersive 5-day journey through Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Explore iconic landmarks such as Buddha Dordenma, Punakha Dzong, and the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery, while enjoying scenic mountain drives via Dochula Pass. Peaceful hikes through lush valleys and time to unwind in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath add to the richness of the experience. This itinerary blends Bhutan's cultural heart, historical grandeur, and sacred sites into one memorable trip.

Begin an early morning hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley.

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 No
Cities Thimphu, Paro, Punakha
Languages English, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish, Thai

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu

  • Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your guide and driver.
  • Begin the scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
  • Observe the Bhutanese countryside and river landscapes along the way.
  • Visit Buddha Dordenma, a giant golden statue overlooking the Thimphu Valley.
  • Explore the Memorial Chorten, a significant site for daily worship among locals.
  • Tour the Tashichho Dzong, which houses the royal offices and the central monastic body.
  • Stroll through the local craft bazaar or city market to experience Thimphu's culture.

Overnight in Thimphu.

2
Day 02

Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

  • Eat breakfast at your hotel.
  • Visit any remaining attractions in Thimphu that were not covered on Day 1.
  • Drive toward Punakha via Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters.
  • Stop at the pass to admire the 108 memorial stupas and Himalayan views, weather permitting.
  • Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley.
  • Arrive in Punakha and explore the iconic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
  • Walk across Bhutan's longest suspension bridge.
  • Conclude the day with a stroll through Khuruthang town or the Kaja Throm vegetable market.

Overnight in Punakha.

3
Day 03

Punakha to Paro with Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

  • Eat breakfast and prepare for the return journey to Paro.
  • Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a hilltop temple promoting peace and harmony.
  • Ascend through rice fields, pine forests, and villages for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Admire panoramic views of Punakha Valley and explore the temple's detailed architecture.
  • Drive to Paro, passing scenic valleys and traditional Bhutanese settlements.
  • Visit Rinpung Dzong, also known as the "Fortress of the Heap of Jewels."
  • Explore the National Museum located in an ancient watchtower.
  • Discover Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most revered temples.
  • Walk through Paro town and browse its traditional shops and serene streets.

Overnight in Paro.

4
Day 04

Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

  • Begin an early morning hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley.
  • Trek for approximately 2 to 3 hours along a moderate trail offering breathtaking views.
  • Reach the monastery and experience its spiritual ambiance and dramatic setting.
  • Enjoy lunch at the mid-way cafeteria or after completing the descent.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring local cafes and handicraft stores in Paro.
  • Relax in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, believed to provide various health benefits.

Overnight in Paro.

5
Day 05

Departure from Paro

  • Eat breakfast at your hotel.
  • Transfer to Paro International Airport with assistance from your guide.
  • Depart with cherished memories of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking Thimphu Valley, Dochula Pass and 108 memorial stupas, Paro Taktsang cliffside, Punakha Dzong at river confluence

Where this trip takes you

Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking Thimphu Valley, Dochula Pass and 108 memorial stupas, Paro Taktsang cliffside, Punakha Dzong at river confluence

The route

Where you'll travel

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): USD 100 per adult per night, which supports free health and education in Bhutan
  • Visa fee: USD 40 per person
  • Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) certified 3-star hotel or resort accommodations in Double, Twin, or Single Deluxe rooms, depending on group size
  • Comfortable private SUV vehicle for the entire tour, including pickup, sightseeing, and drop-off (not at disposal)
  • Experienced driver
  • Toll and parking fees
  • TCB certified experienced English-speaking personal guide
  • Entry fees to all sightseeing places listed in the itinerary
  • Three meals a day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Complimentary bottled mineral water (500 ml) per person per day in the vehicle
  • All local taxes included

What's Not Included

  • Flight fares (domestic and international)
  • Additional or extra room supplements and room upgrades
  • Bank charges for payment transfers and card payment fees, which are higher than wire transfer fees
  • Additional entrance fees, camera fees, and activity costs
  • Alcoholic beverages, personal shopping, and tips for the guide and driver
  • Additional sightseeing or extra use of the vehicle beyond what is mentioned in the itinerary
  • Any cost arising due to natural calamities such as landslides, road blockages, or political disturbances (to be borne by the client and payable on the spot)
  • Anything not mentioned under the inclusions is not included in the cost
  • Cancellation charges as per Tourism Council of Bhutan and hotel policies

What to bring

  • Your visa
  • Passport
  • Your travel accessories as per your tour itinerary
  • Additional money for your personal shopping

Know before you go

  • Pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) as applicable.
  • USD 100 per night per person for guests other than Indian and Bangladeshi citizens.
  • USD 15 per night per person for Bangladeshi citizens.
  • INR 1,200 per night per person for Indian citizens.
  • Pay the visa fee of USD 40 per person (not applicable for Indian and Bangladeshi citizens).

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 5 days finish where they began, in Airport Road Paro.

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Starting from

USD 799 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $799.00 — $1,399.00
Double Sharing $799.00 — $985.00

When

Travellers

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