About this trip
Six days is the sweet spot for a first cultural visit to Bhutan. Adds Punakha to the Paro and Thimphu basics — and crucially, the spectacular drive over Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres with its 108 white chortens. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 at the meeting of two rivers, is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country.
What you'll see
- Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) on its 3,000 m cliff
- Tashichho Dzong and the giant Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu
- Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens and the eastern Himalayan view
- Punakha Dzong at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers
- Chimi Lhakhang, the small fertility temple in the rice paddies
The right choice for a first-time visit when you have a week. Best months: March–May and September–November.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 01 Arrive Paro
Met at Paro International Airport with khadars and transferred the short distance to the hotel for check-in. After lunch, a relaxed introduction to the valley: visit Rinpung Dzong (the imposing 17th-century fortress-monastery on the riverbank) and the circular National Museum housed in the old watchtower above. Early dinner and an early night to settle from the journey. Tomorrow's Tiger's Nest hike is a long one.
- Stay:
- Hotel Olathang, Paro
- Meals:
- D
Day 02 Tiger's Nest hike
The signature day. A steady 5- to 6-hour return hike up to Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger's Nest) on its sheer 3,000-metre cliff face. The trail switchbacks through blue pine and prayer-flag-strung rest stops, with a tea break at the halfway cafeteria where the iconic view of the monastery first opens up. Inside the monastery, several small lhakhangs are open for visit; remove shoes, leave cameras at the door. Hot-stone bath at a traditional farmhouse in the late afternoon for tired legs.
- Stay:
- Hotel Olathang, Paro
- Meals:
- B/L/D
- Distance:
- 7 km
- Altitude:
- 3120 m
Day 03 Drive to Thimphu
Easy 90-minute drive to the capital. In Thimphu, visit Tashichho Dzong (seat of government and the central monastic body), the National Memorial Chorten where elderly Bhutanese circumambulate from morning to evening, and the giant gilded Buddha Dordenma watching over the valley from a hilltop. Afternoon at the Crafts Bazaar and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students train for years in Bhutan's thirteen traditional arts. Evening free to wander Norzin Lam, the main shopping street.
- Stay:
- Hotel Druk, Thimphu
- Meals:
- B/L/D
Day 04 Drive Thimphu to Punakha · Dochula
Cross Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres — the saddle marked by 108 white chortens (the Druk Wangyal Chortens), with the eastern Himalaya from Jomolhari to Gangkar Puensum laid out across the northern horizon on a clear morning. Coffee and apple pie at the pass-side cafe is a tradition. The road then drops 1,800 metres through subtropical forest into the warm Punakha valley. Visit Punakha Dzong — arguably the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan — built in 1637 at the meeting of the Pho Chhu (father river) and Mo Chhu (mother river), the site of every royal wedding and coronation. Afternoon walk across rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, the small fertility temple where the surrounding houses are adorned with painted phallic motifs.
- Stay:
- Dhensa Boutique, Punakha
- Meals:
- B/L/D
- Altitude:
- 3100 m
Day 05 Drive Punakha to Paro
Recross Dochula Pass with one last view of the eastern Himalaya, if the morning is clear. Lunch in Thimphu, with time for last-minute craft shopping along Norzin Lam if the group wishes. Continue west to Paro for hot showers and a celebratory farewell dinner at a traditional Bhutanese restaurant — a long, slow meal of red rice, ema datshi, momos, and ara, with toasts from your guide.
- Stay:
- Hotel Olathang, Paro
- Meals:
- B/L/D
- Altitude:
- 3100 m
Day 06 Departure
Final breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Paro International Airport. Final khadars at the security gate and a last 'tashi delek' before you board. Most onward flights connect through Delhi, Kolkata, Bangkok or Singapore.
- Stay:
- —
- Meals:
- B
