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5 Nights / 6 Days
Glimpse of Bhutan
Experience the essence of three significant valleys
Duration
5 Nights / 6 Days
Difficulty
Easy-Moderate
Destinations
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
Best Time
March-May, September-November
Overview
Experience the essence of Bhutan through its three most significant valleys: Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. This journey weaves together iconic landmarks including the Tiger's Nest Monastery, the majestic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers, and the 108 memorial chortens at Dochula Pass with panoramic Himalayan views. A comprehensive introduction to Bhutanese culture, architecture, and natural beauty.
Journey Highlights
Tiger's Nest Monastery hike
Punakha Dzong - the most beautiful dzong
Dochula Pass with 108 chortens
Traditional hot stone bath experience
Tailored Itinerary
1
Day 1: Arrival in Paro & Transfer to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro with Himalayan views. Drive to Thimphu via Tachog Lhakhang & Iron Bridge. Visit Buddha Dordenma, optional hike to Changangkha Lhakhang, and Memorial Chorten. Evening stroll through Clock Tower Square.
Experience Highlights
- Scenic Himalayan arrival with views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan's sacred peaks
- Visit Buddha Dordenma, the giant golden Buddha overlooking the entire Thimphu Valley
- Evening walk at Clock Tower Square to experience Thimphu's modern-local city rhythm
- Historic stop at Tachog Lhakhang and the legendary iron chain bridge
Hotel in Thimphu
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
2
Day 2: Thimphu Cultural Exploration
Hike to Wangditse Goemba for valley views. Visit Takin Preserve, Zorig Chusum (School of 13 Traditional Arts), Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, and Bhutan Post Office. Explore Kaja Throm Market and Thimphu town streets.
Experience Highlights
- Explore Thimphu's main streets, local cafés, and artisan stores where tradition meets contemporary life
- Forest hike to Wangditse Goemba for serene monastery surroundings and sweeping Thimphu Valley views
- Visit Zorig Chusum to watch students practice thangka painting, woodcarving, sculpture, and embroidery
- Visit the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's unique national animal in a forested setting
Hotel in Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3
Day 3: Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Scenic drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,100m) with 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and Himalayan views. Optional Trans Bhutan Trail walk. Visit magnificent Punakha Dzong and walk across Punakha Suspension Bridge. Optional Lala Homestay experience.
Experience Highlights
- Optional 1-2 hour walk on the Trans Bhutan Trail following old monastic and trade routes
- Guided visit to Punakha Dzong, Bhutan's riverfront masterpiece at the confluence of two rivers
- Walk across Punakha Suspension Bridge for river views, fluttering prayer flags, and valley scenes
- Scenic stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m) among 108 chortens and Himalayan panoramas
Hotel in Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
Day 4: Punakha to Paro
Walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple). Drive to Paro via Dochula Pass. Visit Rinpung Dzong and Ta Dzong (National Museum). Evening Buddhist sand mandala activity.
Experience Highlights
- Explore Paro town's traditional architecture, local craft stores, and cozy cafés
- Photo stop at Dochula Pass for mountain vistas and prayer-flag-lined ridges
- Gentle village walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the revered Fertility Temple
- Visit Rinpung Dzong to admire its grand fortress architecture and sacred courtyards
Hotel in Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
Day 5: Tiger's Nest Hike & Farmhouse Experience
Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), perched 900m above the valley floor. Stop at viewpoint café. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples. Evening farmhouse experience with archery and optional hot stone bath.
Experience Highlights
- Traditional archery session with local-style technique, friendly competition, and cultural banter
- Iconic 5-7 hour Tiger's Nest hike through pine forest trails to the cliffside monastery
- Tea stop at Taktsang Viewpoint Café with postcard views of Tiger's Nest
- Visit 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples
Hotel in Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
Day 6: Departure from Paro
Relaxed morning with optional final stroll through Paro town before airport transfer and departure.
Experience Highlights
- Slow morning to rest, pack, or enjoy the mountain air at your own pace
- Optional final stroll through Paro's cafés, handicraft shops, and traditional streets
- Comfortable transfer to the airport with support for smooth check-in and departure
- Departure with lasting memories of Bhutan's culture, landscapes, and warm hospitality
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
- Sustainable Tourism Fee (USD $100 per night)
- All monument and entrance fees
- All transfers and sightseeing
- All meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Unlimited drinking mineral water
- Accommodation (3-star standard, upgrades available)
- Flexible itinerary customizable to your interests
- English-speaking licensed tour guide and driver
- Transportation in comfortable SUV
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, spa, telephone, shopping)
- Bank or transaction charges
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
Booking Protocol
Contact us to book this tour. We recommend booking at least 2 months in advance for visa processing.
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Executive Summary
- Duration
- 5 Nights / 6 Days
- Difficulty
- Easy-Moderate
- Destinations
- Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
- Best Season
- March-May, September-November
Living Traditions
Festivals of Bhutan
Experience vibrant Tshechu festivals featuring sacred mask dances, ancient rituals, and colorful celebrations that have been passed down through centuries.
Download 2026 Festival Dates (PDF)
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