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Private, on your own dates · Bhutan

Kingdom of Happiness: Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

Discover Bhutan in 5 nights and 6 days with Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, a Tiger’s Nest hike, scenic Dochula Pass, and guided cultural sightseeing.

The route3 cities.
Loading map…
6 days, 5 nightsDuration
3 citiesWhere you sleep
Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, Daily breakfast, lunch and dinnerMeals

Why this journey

Travel through Bhutan over 5 nights and 6 days, with a route that connects Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and back to Paro at an unhurried pace. The journey begins on arrival in Paro, with a scenic drive to Thimphu and an introduction to Bhutan’s capital through its most recognisable landmarks, local streets and monastery views.

From Thimphu, the itinerary moves deeper into Bhutanese daily life and heritage with visits to the National Library, Folk Heritage Museum, School of Arts and Crafts, Changangkha Lhakhang and the Motithang Takin Preserve. Time is also built in for local markets and cafés, giving the trip a balance of sightseeing and a more relaxed city experience before crossing into Punakha.

The road to Punakha via Dochula Pass is one of the trip’s strongest scenic stretches, with mountain views and the Druk Wangyal Chortens adding a memorable pause along the way. In Punakha, the focus turns to the valley’s historic core, including the powerful setting of Punakha Dzong where two rivers meet, before the route returns to Paro for the final part of the trip.

Paro brings the tour’s most active day, the full hike to Taktsang Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The climb is a true highlight of Bhutan travel, combining forest paths, hillside viewpoints and the monastery’s dramatic cliffside position. A stop at the viewpoint café adds a welcome break, and the optional hot stone bath offers a local wellness experience for travellers who want to end the day gently before departure from Paro the following morning.

Trip highlights

  • 01Stay in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha with a logical route that limits backtracking
  • 02Tackle the famous Tiger’s Nest hike with time for a viewpoint tea stop
  • 03Cross Dochula Pass for one of Bhutan’s most scenic mountain drives
  • 04See Thimphu’s main cultural landmarks in a relaxed city programme
  • 05Visit Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most important riverside monasteries
  • 06Includes English-speaking Bhutanese guide and private vehicle transfers throughout
  • 07Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner are covered for easy trip planning
  • 08Bhutan visa processing and fee are included in the package

Day-by-day itinerary

What's included

Included in your trip7 items covered in this fare
Hotels1
  • 5 nights accommodation in 3-star hotels on twin sharing basis
Transfers1
  • Private vehicle transport within Bhutan
Entrances1
  • Entrance fees to monuments and monasteries mentioned in the itinerary
Guides1
  • English-speaking licensed Bhutanese guide
Meals1
  • Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
Visa1
  • Bhutan visa processing and fee
Experiences1
  • Bottled water during transfers
Plan and pay separately6 items not covered by this fare
Flights1
  • International airfare to and from Paro
Insurance1
  • Travel insurance and medical insurance
Personal Expenses2
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls
  • Camera or video charges at sites
Tips1
  • Tips for guide and driver
Meals1
  • Any extra meals or beverages not mentioned in the itinerary

Your hotels

Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.

Meeting & drop-off
You're met atParo International AirportParo International Airport, Paro, BhutanReport by On arrival
You're dropped atParo International AirportBy about On departure

Airport pickup for the start of the tour.

13 go inside0 walk through4 exterior only
Paro10 places
ThimphuEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Memorial ChortenEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Buddha DordenmaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
National LibraryEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Folk Heritage MuseumEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
School of Arts and CraftsEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Changangkha LhakhangEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Taktsang Tiger’s Nest MonasteryEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Tamchog Lhakhang Iron BridgeSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Tashichho DzongSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Thimphu5 places
Motithang Takin PreserveEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Punakha DzongEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
PunakhaEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
Dochula PassSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Druk Wangyal ChortensSeen from outside — no entry
Exterior view
Punakha2 places
Rinpung DzongEntrance included in the fare
Goes inside
National Museum (Ta Dzong)Entrance included in the fare
Goes inside

Bhutan

IdealGoodFairAvoid
OctIdeal

Spring (Mar–May) for rhododendrons, autumn (Sep–Nov) for clear Himalayan views.

Thimphu
Average High
21°C
Rainfall
38mm
Paro
Average High
20°C
Rainfall
34mm
Essential

Passport and visa requirements

  • Guests must carry a valid passport.
  • Bhutan visa processing is included, but valid travel documents must still be provided on time.
  • Any additional entry requirements or vaccinations are the traveller’s responsibility.
Essential

Fitness for the Tiger’s Nest hike

  • The hike to Taktsang involves uphill walking and can be tiring at altitude.
  • Guests should pace themselves and carry any personal medication they may need.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Essential

Travel insurance is mandatory

  • Travel and medical insurance must be arranged before departure.
  • Insurance helps cover unexpected disruptions or medical issues.
  • Guests should carry policy details while travelling.

Pack for mountain conditions

  • Bhutan weather can change quickly, especially at higher viewpoints.
  • Carry layered clothing, sun protection and a light rain jacket.
  • A refillable water bottle is useful for sightseeing days and the hike.

Private road transport throughout Bhutan

  • All intercity travel is by private vehicle.
  • Journey times may vary depending on road conditions and mountain traffic.
  • The route includes scenic stops on the way to and from Punakha.

Hotel standard and check-in

  • The package is based on 3-star hotels on twin sharing.
  • Hotel substitution of similar standard may be necessary if required.
  • Standard hotel check-in and check-out rules apply.

Included meals

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily.
  • Special dietary requests are subject to availability and should be advised in advance.
  • Any extra beverages or meals outside the itinerary are not included.

Extra costs to plan for

  • International flights are not included.
  • Personal expenses, tips and camera or video fees are additional.
  • Optional experiences, such as the hot stone bath, are payable separately if chosen.

Respect temple and monastery etiquette

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Follow local guidance on photography and footwear where applicable.
  • Keep noise levels low inside monasteries and temple areas.

Itinerary and service changes

  • The order of sightseeing may change due to weather or local conditions.
  • Unused services are non-refundable.
  • The operator may make reasonable substitutions to maintain the trip standard.

Common questions

Is the Tiger’s Nest hike difficult?

The hike is steady and requires a reasonable level of fitness, but it can be done at a comfortable pace with time for rest stops.

Are meals included on this Bhutan tour?

Yes. The package includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the trip.

Does the tour include Bhutan visa arrangements?

Yes. Bhutan visa processing and fee are included in the package.

What kind of transport is used during the trip?

All transport within Bhutan is arranged in a private vehicle.

Is there time to explore local markets?

Yes. The Thimphu programme includes leisure time for local markets and cafés.

Policies & booking terms
Booking terms
  1. Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
  2. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
  3. Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
  4. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
  5. Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
  6. Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
  7. The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
  8. All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
  9. No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
  10. The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
  11. All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  12. Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
  13. Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
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