Thimphu & ParoBhutan in 4 nights

A short, unhurried first look at Bhutan: two nights in the capital Thimphu, then two in the Paro valley with the hike to Tiger's Nest. We drive to Thimphu on arrival and save Paro for the end, so you have three days at altitude before the big climb, and the airport is fifteen minutes away on the last morning. It suits first-timers, families and parents; the hike is optional.

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 tipThimphu is at about 2,300 metres. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and skip alcohol on the first evening.

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, the seat of government and the central monk body, as the flag is lowered at the end of the working day. 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 tipThimphu's crafts shops are the best place in Bhutan for textiles. Ask your guide to show you how to tell handwoven from machine-made.

Breakfast

Day 3

Thimphu – Paro (2 Nights)

About 55 km · 1–1.5 hours by road

A morning visit to Changangkha Lhakhang, one of Thimphu's oldest temples, where families bring newborns to be blessed; on a weekend we add the Centenary Farmers' Market. Then the drive back down the river to Paro. In the afternoon you see the National Museum in Ta Dzong, the old watchtower above the valley, and walk down to Rinpung Dzong and across the covered wooden bridge below it. In the evening, a stroll along Paro's main street of painted wooden shopfronts. Overnight in Paro.

• Changangkha Lhakhang
• Centenary Farmers' Market (weekends)
• National Museum (Ta Dzong)
• Rinpung Dzong
• Paro town

Prafull’s tipGo to bed early tonight. We start for Tiger's Nest at about 7.30 am, before the sun is on the trail.

Breakfast

Day 4

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 at the trailhead by early or mid afternoon. On the way to the hotel we stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples. 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 tipParents who prefer not to do the full climb can stop at the cafeteria, which faces the monastery directly. It is the best photograph of the day anyway.

Breakfast

Day 5

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, ask for a seat 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.
• Parent-friendly: drives of about 1.5 hours, and the Tiger's Nest climb can stop at the cafeteria viewpoint or be skipped altogether.
• Thimphu and Paro are at 2,200–2,300 metres. Take the first day easy; nights are cool in every season, so carry a warm layer.
• 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.

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