6 Days • 5 Nights
Breathtaking Bhutan
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll stand beneath the giant golden Buddha Dordenma above Thimphu, cross the prayer-flag-strewn Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens, walk to the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang, and admire the majestic Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers. The journey builds to its natural climax on the final full day: the pilgrimage to the Tiger's Nest, clinging impossibly to a cliff nine hundred metres above the valley floor.
It's the perfect introduction to the last Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas — enough to see the icons, and enough to feel the deep calm that makes Bhutan unlike anywhere else.
Trip Highlights
- Five nights of full board with a private guide and driver throughout
- The 51-metre golden Buddha Dordenma watching over Thimphu
- The Dochula Pass and its 108 memorial chortens, with Himalayan views
- Chimi Lhakhang, the beloved fertility temple set among the rice fields
- The magnificent Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Mo and Pho rivers
- The pilgrimage hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
- Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum in Paro
- Sacred Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
The flight into Paro is one of the world's most spectacular, weaving between Himalayan peaks to land in a green valley. Met by your guide, drive an hour to the capital, Thimphu, pausing for the giant Buddha Dordenma and the National Memorial Chorten before settling in.
A full day in the only capital in the world without a single traffic light. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government, the Takin Preserve where Bhutan's curious national animal roams, the Folk Heritage Museum and the bustling weekend market, with a viewpoint over the valley.
Cross the beautiful Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens crown the ridge and, on a clear day, the eastern Himalaya line the horizon. Descend into the warm Punakha valley for a gentle walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, then the grand Punakha Dzong beside the river.
A morning by the Mo Chhu — perhaps the long suspension bridge — before the scenic drive to Paro. Afternoon sightseeing takes in Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum in the old watchtower above it, then a stroll through Paro's charming main street.
The day everyone comes to Bhutan for. Hike up through blue-pine forest hung with prayer flags to the Tiger's Nest, or Taktsang, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. The views are astonishing and the atmosphere unforgettable. Later, visit the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang.
A leisurely breakfast before your private transfer to Paro airport, carrying home the quiet magic of the last Himalayan kingdom.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Bhutan visa and all internal permits arranged for you
- All government royalties and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- 2 nights in Thimphu, 1 night in Punakha and 2 nights in Paro (deluxe hotels)
- Full board throughout — daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- A licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide throughout
- A private vehicle with an experienced driver throughout
- All sightseeing and monument entry fees per the itinerary
- Private airport transfers at Paro
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from the gateway (Paro airport or Bagdogra)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended for a Himalayan trip)
- Drinks — alcoholic, soft or bottled beyond that provided — unless stated
- Pony or horse hire at Tiger's Nest (optional, payable locally)
- Personal expenses, laundry and shopping
- Tips and gratuities for your guide and driver
- Any meal, activity or excursion not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & Permits: International visitors need a Bhutan visa and internal permits, arranged in advance through a licensed operator — we handle all of this for you. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates
- Sustainable Development Fee: Bhutan levies an SDF per person for each night of the stay to fund conservation and free healthcare and education; in this package the current SDF is already included in your price
- Guide & Driver: Every day is accompanied by a licensed Bhutanese guide and a private driver. Bhutan is explored on a set itinerary rather than independently, which makes the whole trip effortless
- Altitude: Paro sits at about 2,200m and Thimphu at 2,300m, with passes above 3,000m. Take the first day gently, walk slowly and drink plenty of water
- Full Board: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included every day, so you never have to think about where to eat
- Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting dzongs, temples and monasteries. Modest, layered clothing is ideal for the changing mountain weather
- Tiger's Nest Hike: The Taktsang pilgrimage is a moderately steep 4-5 hour round trip. A pony can be hired for the uphill stretch to the halfway cafeteria if you prefer
- Currency: The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is pegged to the Indian Rupee. Cards work in Thimphu and Paro, but carry cash for smaller towns, markets and monasteries
- Connectivity: Pick up a local B-Mobile or TashiCell SIM on arrival; hotel wifi is available but can be slow in remote valleys — a good excuse to switch off
- Local Customs: Photography inside temples is often restricted, so always ask first. Bhutan is plastic-conscious and tobacco sales are banned, so pack accordingly
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all meals included?
Yes. This is a full-board holiday — breakfast, lunch and dinner are included every day, at your hotels and at hand-picked local restaurants along the way.
Is a guide included?
Yes, a licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide and a private driver accompany you throughout. It is the standard, and best, way to experience Bhutan.
Do we need a visa for Bhutan?
Yes, and we arrange it for you along with all internal permits. You simply send us your passport details and we handle the paperwork.
Is the Sustainable Development Fee included?
Yes, the current SDF is already built into your package price, so there is nothing extra to pay on that front.
How hard is the Tiger's Nest hike?
It is a moderately steep climb of about four to five hours return. Most reasonably fit travellers manage it comfortably, and ponies can be hired for the uphill stretch.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the loveliest, with clear skies and mild days. Winter is cold but bright; summer brings lush green valleys and monsoon rain.
Are the transfers and sightseeing private?
Yes, you travel in your own private vehicle with your guide throughout — no shared coaches or group departures.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Every day can be tailored to your pace and interests, and you can add festivals, hikes or a hot-stone bath. Just tell us what you have in mind.
Is this trip good for first-timers?
Yes — it is the ideal introduction to Bhutan, covering the three classic western valleys and the Tiger's Nest at a comfortable pace over six days.
How much walking is there each day?
Mostly gentle sightseeing on foot, apart from the Tiger's Nest day, which is a longer uphill hike you can take at your own pace.
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