Bhutan: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro
Dzongs, the Dochula pass and the hike to Tiger’s Nest
Overview
A classic western-Bhutan loop with a licensed Bhutanese guide, as the kingdom requires. See the giant Buddha Dordenma above Thimphu, cross the 3,100 m Dochula pass with its 108 chortens, visit Punakha Dzong where two rivers meet, and finish with the climb to Paro Taktsang — the Tiger’s Nest monastery on a cliff.
Highlights
- Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) hike — about 4–5 hours return
- Punakha Dzong at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers
- 108 chortens at Dochula pass with Himalayan views on clear days
- Tashichho Dzong and Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu
- Licensed Bhutanese guide throughout
Itinerary
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Day1
Meet your guide at Paro airport (or at Phuentsholing if you come by road) and drive along the Paro Chhu to Thimphu, the capital. Evening walk on Norzin Lam.
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Day2
Buddha Dordenma, the Memorial Chorten, the takin preserve at Motithang, the folk heritage museum and Tashichho Dzong at closing ceremony time.
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Day3
Cross the Dochula pass (3,100 m) with its 108 memorial chortens. In Punakha visit the dzong and walk to Chimi Lhakhang through the rice fields.
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Day4
Drive back over Dochula to Paro. Visit Rinpung Dzong and the national museum at Ta Dzong; evening in Paro town.
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Day5
An early start for the hike to Paro Taktsang, clinging to a cliff 900 m above the valley — about 4–5 hours return, with a café at the halfway viewpoint. Ponies are available for the first half.
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Day6
Transfer to Paro airport or drive to Phuentsholing for your onward journey.
- Hotels on twin sharing with breakfast and dinner
- Private vehicle with driver for the whole trip
- Licensed Bhutanese guide
- Entry permits and route permits
- Sustainable Development Fee for Indian nationals (₹1,200 per person per night)
- Flights or train to Bagdogra / Paro
- Monument entry fees
- Lunches, tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Special notes
- Indian nationals need a valid passport or voter ID card; children can use a birth certificate.
- Bhutan requires every tourist to travel with a licensed guide.
- Dress modestly with sleeves and long trousers or skirts when visiting dzongs and monasteries.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
30–15 days: 25%.
14–7 days: 50%.
Less than 7 days: no refund.
Frequently asked questions
Customer reviews
Review summary
No hidden extras. We would have liked a little more time in one town, but the itinerary was well balanced.
They decorated the room with flowers and arranged a candle-light dinner without us asking twice. Very professional.
5 reviews · 3 traveller photos
Good value for money
No hidden extras. We would have liked a little more time in one town, but the itinerary was well balanced.
Our honeymoon highlight
They decorated the room with flowers and arranged a candle-light dinner without us asking twice. Very professional.
Better than we imagined
Everything was arranged exactly as promised. The team checked on us every day on WhatsApp and the driver knew all the best photo stops.
Well organised from start to finish
Airport pick-up was on time, every hotel had our booking ready and the guide explained the history really well.
Great trip, one long drive
Loved the stays and food. One travel day was longer than expected because of traffic, but the driver made good stops.
