Bhutan: Thimphu, Punakha and Paro
Mountain monasteries, hilltop dzongs and the hike to Tiger’s Nest.
- Duration: 6 days, 5 nights
- Route: Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
- Best time: March to May, September to November
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Price: From ₹46,000 per person
Overview
A quiet, mountainous country of monasteries and fortress-monasteries called dzongs. You’ll cross the Dochula Pass, visit Punakha’s river dzong and hike up to the Tiger’s Nest monastery near Paro.
- Dochula Pass and its memorial chortens
- Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers
- Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) monastery
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro airport and drive about 1.5 hours to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Rest and take an evening walk.
Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing
See the Buddha Dordenma statue, the National Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong. On weekends, visit the weekend market.
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
Drive about 3 hours over Dochula Pass to Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong and walk to Chimi Lhakhang temple.
Day 4: Punakha to Paro
Drive about 4 hours to Paro. Visit Rinpung Dzong and walk to the old wooden bridge nearby.
Day 5: Tiger’s Nest hike
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, about 5 hours round trip on a steady uphill trail. Go at your own pace.
Day 6: Departure
Transfer to Paro airport.
What’s included
Included
- 5 nights in hotels, twin sharing
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Licensed Bhutanese guide and driver
- Bhutan entry permit
- Daily Sustainable Development Fee at the current rate
- Sightseeing entry fees
Not included
- Flights to and from Paro
- Lunch
- Tips
- Personal expenses and shopping
Hotels
- Thimphu: 2 nights, Hotel
- Punakha: 1 night, Hotel
- Paro: 2 nights, Hotel
Stays are twin sharing.
Dates and price
Private trips can start on any date. Spring and autumn are the best seasons and the busiest, so book at least a month ahead.
The price of ₹46,000 is per person, based on two people sharing a room. It changes with the season, hotel category and group size. Send an enquiry and we’ll give you an exact quote.
Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Bhutan?
Indian citizens do not need a visa, but they do need an entry permit, which we arrange. Carry a valid passport or voter ID. Rules can change, so we confirm before you travel.
What is the Sustainable Development Fee?
Bhutan charges visitors a daily fee. The amount for Indian citizens is set by the Bhutanese government and can change, so we include the current rate in your quote.
Is the Tiger’s Nest hike difficult?
It is a steady uphill walk at altitude and takes about 5 hours round trip. Take it slowly, and turn back at a viewpoint if you need to.
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Destinations
Travel guides
- Visit India: a guide for your first trip
- Festival calendar
- Where to go in January
- Where to go in February
- Where to go in March
- Where to go in April
- Where to go in May
- Where to go in June
- Where to go in July
- Where to go in August
- Where to go in September
- Where to go in October
- Where to go in November
- Where to go in December
Zen Vibe Holidays
Contact us
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