Bhutan HighlightsBhutan in 5 nights

The classic first trip: Thimphu, a night in the warm Punakha valley over Dochula, and two nights in Paro with the Tiger's Nest hike.

Day 1

Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu

65 km · 1.5 to 2 hours

Welcome to Bhutan. After the entry permit formalities at Paro airport, our Bhutan representative meets you and drives you to Thimphu, the capital, at 2,320 m. If time allows, stop at Tamchog Lhakhang with its old iron bridge, and at Chuzom, where the Thimphu and Paro rivers meet. Check in at your hotel in Thimphu.

Dinner Overnight: Thimphu

Day 2

Thimphu sightseeing

A full day in the capital. Start at Sangaygang viewpoint (2,865 m) for the view over Thimphu, then the giant Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang. Visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, the school of Bhutan's thirteen traditional arts, the Textile Museum and the handicraft shops, Zangthopelri Lhakhang, Simply Bhutan, and the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's national animal.

Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Thimphu

Day 3

Thimphu to Punakha over Dochula

70 km · 2.5 to 3 hours

Check out and drive over Dochula Pass (3,080 m), with its 108 chortens and, on a clear day, a view of the high Himalaya. Down in the warm Punakha valley (1,273 m), visit Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers, the suspension bridge if time allows, and walk about 30 minutes each way to Chimi Lhakhang. Check in at your hotel in Punakha or Wangdue.

Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Punakha

Day 4

Punakha to Paro via Lamperi

148 km · 4 to 5 hours

Check out and drive back over Dochula to Paro (2,200 m), stopping at Lamperi for the Royal Botanical Park. Check in at your hotel in Paro.

Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Paro

Day 5

Paro sightseeing, or the Tiger's Nest hike

Choose one for today. Paro sightseeing covers Dungtse Lhakhang, the viewpoint over the valley and its tiny airport (best between 10 and 11 am), Ta Dzong, the National Museum (closed on national holidays), Rinpung Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples. Or start early for the hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery, at 3,120 m: about 2.5 to 3 hours uphill each way through pine forest, depending on your fitness. If the full climb is too much, the cafeteria viewpoint is about 1 to 1.5 hours up and has a fine view of the monastery. Your car waits at the base.

Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Paro

Day 6

Leave from Paro

6 km · 20 to 30 minutes

Breakfast, check out and transfer to Paro airport for your flight home.

Breakfast

Tour details

Accommodation

Choose the hotel category. The same route and sightseeing in every category.

Hotels are as listed or similar, subject to availability. Breakfast and dinner are included (MAP).

Package cost

Price per adult on twin sharing, by the number of adults travelling together. Land only.

Price with surcharge, by hotel level

Choose a hotel level above to see its prices. The surcharge applies to travel from 1 September to 30 November 2026 and is added per person.

Private vehicle with driver: a car for 2, a Hiace van for 4 or 6, and a coaster bus for 8 (non-AC). Point to point as per the itinerary, not at disposal.

Rates in INR per person on twin sharing. GST 5% and TCS extra as per Government of India rules. Bhutan's SDF is extra. The single room supplement is added to the 2-adult price for a guest in a room alone.

Optional add-ons

Not in the package price. Add them when you book.

Tour information

Read this to prepare for your holiday.

Good to know

• Prices are for Indian passport holders, per person on twin sharing, valid for travel up to 28 Feb 2027. They do not apply from 23 Dec 2026 to 2 Jan 2027 (Christmas and New Year); ask us for those dates.
• Travel from 1 September to 30 November 2026 carries a surcharge per person, shown separately in the price tables. From 1 December 2026 to 28 February 2027 there is no surcharge.
• Bhutan's SDF is paid by you at the immigration office in Paro or Phuentsholing when your permit is made (15 to 60 minutes, depending on the queue). For this trip that is ₹6,000 per adult (5 nights in Bhutan). If you prefer, we can pay it in advance so the permit is ready; GST and TCS then apply to the fee.
• Indian passport holders need a passport or voter ID card for the entry permit; an Aadhaar card alone is not accepted. Children can use a birth certificate.
• On the Paro day you choose either Paro sightseeing or the Tiger's Nest hike. The hike needs reasonable fitness; the cafeteria viewpoint halfway up is a good place to stop.
• In Thimphu, the Institute for Zorig Chusum and the handicraft shops close on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays, and the Takin Preserve closes on Mondays. Dzongs and temples ask for long sleeves and full-length trousers or skirts.
• White-water rafting on the rivers at Punakha can be added and paid locally. Carry a change of clothes.
• Child rates: children over 10 pay the extra-adult rate. Children from 5 to 10 (3 to 10 at Deluxe hotels and above) pay the child rate, and younger children sharing their parents' room stay free. Hotels check ages, so carry proof.
• Bhutan's hotels are simpler than those in bigger destinations, and the best in remote places such as Phuentsholing and Gangtey may be 1- to 3-star. The hotel levels give you a similar standard at every stop.

When to go

March to May, and September to November. Clear mountain views and pleasant days; spring brings rhododendrons, autumn brings festivals. Winter is cold but clear, and black-necked cranes winter at Gangtey from about November to February.

Our favourite months

Cancellation policy & payment terms

• Flights, trains and houseboats are paid in full at the time of ticketing or confirmation.
• Payments by bank transfer (NEFT / RTGS / IMPS), UPI or cheque in favour of TripRoutes. Card payments may carry a convenience fee.
• GST 5% is charged on the package cost as per government rules. On international holidays, TCS also applies as per government rules.
• Cancellation charges are per person, counted from the date of departure.
• Cancellations must be sent in writing by email or WhatsApp; the date we receive it is the cancellation date.
• Air and train tickets are refunded as per the airline / railway rules, plus our service charge.
• Visa fees, insurance premiums and non-refundable hotel or houseboat bookings (peak dates, special events) are not refundable.
• Refunds are processed within 15 working days of receiving supplier refunds.
• There is no refund for services not used during the holiday.
• Hotels may ask for a refundable security deposit at check-in, paid directly to the hotel.
• Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• TripRoutes is not liable for changes caused by weather, strikes, roadblocks, flight delays or government orders; extra costs arising are payable by the guest.

Questions about this holiday