Classic Bhutan · Cultural Tours · Easy
The Western Valleys
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Dochula
- Punakha
- …
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and the glacial valley of Phobjikha — the classic first journey through Bhutan, paced with room to breathe.
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Classic Bhutan · Cultural Tours
Bhutan in Brief
Four nights, three valleys and the Tiger's Nest — a focused introduction for travellers short on time.
- Duration
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Route
- Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Paro
- Activity level
- Easy · up to 3,120 m
- Best time
- Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec
- From
- Price on requestQuoted for your dates and style
Overview
Five days is short for Bhutan, but it is enough to fall under its spell. This itinerary concentrates on the three western valleys closest to Paro airport, with no long drives and time at each stop to look around properly.
If you can add even one more night, we recommend it — Phobjikha or Haa make a lovely extension.
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Paro
Highlights
- Thimphu's dzong, Buddha Dordenma and craft schools
- Dochula pass and its 108 chortens
- Punakha Dzong and the walk to Chimi Lhakhang
- The hike to the Tiger's Nest
Day by day
- Day01
Arrival in Paro, on to Thimphu Paro → Thimphu
Meet your guide at Paro airport and drive along the river to Thimphu. Afternoon visits to the National Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma, then the evening flag ceremony at Tashichho Dzong.
- National Memorial Chorten
- Buddha Dordenma
- Tashichho Dzong
- Day02
Thimphu to Punakha Thimphu → Dochula → Punakha
Morning at the Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn the traditional arts. Cross Dochula to Punakha and walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang before visiting Punakha Dzong.
- Zorig Chusum
- Dochula
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Punakha Dzong
- Day03
Punakha to Paro Punakha → Paro
Walk across the suspension bridge in the morning, then drive back to Paro. Visit the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong, and stroll the main street in the evening.
- Punakha suspension bridge
- National Museum
- Rinpung Dzong
- Day04
The Tiger's Nest Paro
Hike to Taktsang, the monastery on the cliff, returning for a late lunch. Afternoon at Kyichu Lhakhang, with an optional hot stone bath to finish.
- Tiger's Nest hike
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Day05
Departure Paro
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
- Airport transfer
Staying, eating, travelling
- Accommodation
- Government-approved 3-star hotels as standard; 4-star and luxury upgrades available.
- Meals
- All meals in Bhutan, with vegetarian and other dietary preferences catered for.
- Transport
- Private vehicle and driver throughout.
- Your guide
- Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide from arrival to departure.
What is included
Included
- Bhutan visa processing and visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- Accommodation, twin or double sharing
- All meals in Bhutan
- Private guide, driver and vehicle
- Entrance fees to sites in the itinerary
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (required)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
- Single room supplement
When to go & what you need
Best time to travel
Year-round, with the clearest weather from October to April and the warmest from May to September.
- January
- February
- March — recommended
- April — recommended
- May — recommended
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October — recommended
- November — recommended
- December — recommended
Before you travel
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
- Travel insurance
- Moderate fitness for the Tiger's Nest hike
Along the way
Places on this route
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- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
- …
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- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
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