Thimphu, Punakha & ParoBhutan in 6 nights

Bhutan's classic western circuit: Thimphu, over the Dochula pass to the warm Punakha valley and its great riverside dzong, then Paro and the Tiger's Nest. We leave Tiger's Nest for the last full day, when you are used to the altitude, and Punakha in the middle gives you a lower, warmer break. It suits couples, families and parents who are fine with drives of three to four hours.

Day 1

Arrive Paro – Thimphu (2 Nights)

About 55 km · 1–1.5 hours by road

The landing into Paro, between forested ridges, is one of the most memorable in Asia. Your Bhutanese guide and driver meet you outside the terminal, in national dress, once your entry permit is stamped. You drive along the Paro river to Chuzom, where it meets the Thimphu river, stopping at Tachog Lhakhang and its iron-chain bridge. Check in at Thimphu and rest. In the late afternoon you drive up to the Buddha Dordenma, a giant gilded bronze Buddha above the valley, for the evening light over the capital. Overnight in Thimphu.

• Paro airport landing
• Tachog Lhakhang iron bridge
• Chuzom confluence
• Buddha Dordenma

• Note: Carry the original passport or voter ID you will travel on; it is needed for the entry permit at Paro.

Prafull’s tipTake the first day gently. Thimphu is at about 2,300 metres, and an easy evening helps you adjust.

No meals included today

Day 2

Thimphu

A full day in the capital with your guide. Start at the Memorial Chorten, where older residents walk their prayer rounds from first light, then the Motithang takin reserve to see Bhutan's odd-looking national animal. Next, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn the thirteen traditional arts, from thangka painting to woodcarving, and the Folk Heritage Museum in a restored farmhouse. In the evening, Tashichho Dzong after office hours, as the flag is lowered. Your guide also collects your route permit for Punakha today. Overnight in Thimphu.

• National Memorial Chorten
• Motithang Takin Preserve
• National Institute for Zorig Chusum
• Folk Heritage Museum
• Tashichho Dzong

• Note: The crafts school is closed at weekends and on government holidays; on a Saturday or Sunday we visit the Centenary Farmers' Market instead.
• Note: Tashichho Dzong opens to visitors after office hours on weekdays, and for longer at weekends.

Prafull’s tipKeep the original passport or voter ID you entered with handy today; the route permit for Punakha is issued against it.

Breakfast

Day 3

Thimphu – Punakha via Dochula (2 Nights)

About 75 km · 2.5–3 hours by road

You climb out of Thimphu to the Dochula pass at about 3,100 metres, with its 108 memorial chortens and, on a clear day, a line of eastern Himalayan peaks. Hot tea at the cafe by the pass, then down through rhododendron and oak forest to the Punakha valley, nearly 2,000 metres lower and noticeably warmer. After lunch, a walk of about 20 minutes each way through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the 'Divine Madman'. Check in by the river. Overnight in Punakha.

• Dochula pass
• Druk Wangyal chortens
• Chimi Lhakhang
• Punakha valley

Prafull’s tipThe Himalayan view from Dochula is clearest from October to February. In the monsoon, enjoy the cloud forest instead.

Breakfast

Day 4

Punakha

Punakha Dzong, built where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet, is the most beautiful of Bhutan's dzongs; in spring its courtyard is framed by purple jacaranda. Your guide takes you through the courtyards and the assembly hall, then you cross the long Punakha suspension bridge, strung with prayer flags. In the afternoon, a walk of about 45 minutes up through the fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for the view down the valley, or a slow afternoon at the hotel. Overnight in Punakha.

• Punakha Dzong
• Punakha suspension bridge
• Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
• Mo Chhu river

• Note: Optional: gentle river rafting on the Mo Chhu, on request, from about March to May and October to December.

Prafull’s tipThe suspension bridge sways. Hold the side rails and cross slowly; it is perfectly safe.

Breakfast

Day 5

Punakha – Paro (2 Nights)

About 125 km · 4–4.5 hours by road

A longer drive today, back over Dochula and past Thimphu, with a lunch stop on the way, then along the river into the Paro valley. Check in and rest for an hour. In the late afternoon your guide takes you to Rinpung Dzong, the fortress above the town, and across the covered wooden bridge below it. If time allows, the National Museum in the old watchtower of Ta Dzong. Finish with a stroll along Paro's main street of painted wooden shopfronts. Overnight in Paro.

• Dochula pass
• Rinpung Dzong
• National Museum (Ta Dzong)
• Paro town

Prafull’s tipThe road has many bends. If anyone is prone to car sickness, take a tablet before we leave and sit in front.

Breakfast

Day 6

Paro – Tiger's Nest Hike

The big day. You leave at about 7.30 am for the trailhead, 20 minutes away, then climb for two to three hours through pine forest to Paro Taktsang, the monastery built into a cliff some 900 metres above the valley. Ponies can carry you up to the cafeteria at about the halfway mark, which looks straight across at the monastery. Your guide takes you through the shrines, then you walk down, with lunch at the cafeteria on the way. Back in Paro by mid afternoon, with a stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.

• Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
• Taktsang cafeteria viewpoint
• Kyichu Lhakhang

• Note: Ponies go uphill only, as far as the cafeteria, and are paid locally. Walking down is on foot.
• Note: Bags, phones and cameras are left in lockers at the monastery entrance.

Prafull’s tipHire a walking stick at the trailhead and carry a light layer; it is cool in the shade and warm in the sun.

Breakfast

Day 7

Paro – Departure

About 6 km · 15 minutes to the airport

A last breakfast with the view of the Paro valley. Flights out of Paro usually leave in the morning, as the winds pick up later in the day, so check-out is early. Your guide and driver take you to the airport, about 15 minutes away, help with your bags and see you to the terminal. If your flight is later, there is time for a final walk along Paro's main street of painted wooden shopfronts. Tashi delek! Your holiday ends here.

• Paro valley
• Paro International Airport

• Note: Paro flights can be delayed by weather. Don't book a tight onward connection the same day.

Prafull’s tipFlying west to Delhi on a clear morning, sit on the right side for the line of Himalayan peaks.

Breakfast

Tour details

Accommodation

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

Hotels are confirmed when you book. If a hotel is full, we give you one of the same category in the same area, and tell you before you pay.

Optional add-ons

Not in the price. Prafull can book them for you or you can pay locally.

Tour information

Read this to prepare for your holiday.

Good to know

• Indians need no visa, but must carry a passport (six months' validity) or voter ID for the entry permit. Aadhaar alone is not accepted. Children can use a birth certificate.
• Altitudes range from about 1,200 metres in Punakha to 3,100 metres at Dochula. Nights in Thimphu and Paro are cool in every season.
• Dzongs and temples require long sleeves and full-length trousers or skirts, and no caps. Photography is not allowed inside shrines.
• The ngultrum is at par with the rupee and rupees are widely accepted; carry smaller notes. Cards work only in larger hotels and shops. Bhutan is 30 minutes ahead of India.
• Indian SIMs often do not roam well. A local B-Mobile or TashiCell SIM is cheap and easy to buy with your passport.
• Vegetarian food is easy everywhere. Bhutanese dishes are chilli-hot and made with cheese; ask for less chilli. Jain meals need notice.

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

• Cancellations must be sent in writing, on email or WhatsApp; the date we receive it is the cancellation date.
• Flights, trains, visa fees and non-refundable hotel or activity bookings are refunded only as their own rules allow.
• Date changes are free when made 30 days or more before travel, subject to hotel availability and any difference in price.
• Refunds are paid within 14 working days of us receiving them from the hotels and suppliers.
• No refund is possible for services not used during the holiday.
• Hotels may ask for a refundable security deposit at check-in, paid directly to the hotel.

Questions about this holiday