Classic Bhutan · Cultural Tours · Easy
Bhutan in Brief
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Paro
Four nights, three valleys and the Tiger's Nest — a focused introduction for travellers short on time.
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Classic Bhutan · Cultural Tours
The Western Valleys
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and the glacial valley of Phobjikha — the classic first journey through Bhutan, paced with room to breathe.
- Duration
- 7 days · 6 nights
- Route
- Paro → Thimphu → Dochula → Punakha …
- Activity level
- Easy · up to 3,120 m (Tiger's Nest)
- Best time
- Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
- From
- Price on requestQuoted for your dates and style
Overview
Most first visits to Bhutan focus on the western valleys, and for good reason. In a single week you can walk to the Tiger’s Nest, wander the courtyards of Punakha Dzong, cross a 3,000-metre pass hung with prayer flags and spend a night in a glacial valley where cranes come to winter.
This itinerary moves at an easy rhythm. Drives are broken with walks and stops, and we save the Tiger’s Nest for your last full day — by then you will be acclimatised, and it makes a fitting finale.
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Dochula
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
- Paro
Highlights
- The hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, saved for the end of the trip
- Sunset flag-lowering at Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu
- The 108 chortens of Dochula and, on clear days, the eastern Himalaya
- Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers
- A night in the wide, quiet valley of Phobjikha
- Village walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang
Day by day
- Day01
Arrival in Paro, drive to Thimphu Paro → Thimphu
Your guide meets you as you step out of the arrivals hall. After a short stop at Tamchog Lhakhang and its iron-chain bridge, follow the river to Thimphu. Settle in, then visit the National Memorial Chorten as local residents make their evening circuits.
- Airport welcome
- Tamchog iron bridge
- National Memorial Chorten
- Day02
Thimphu, the small capital Thimphu
Begin at Buddha Dordenma above the valley, then visit the school of traditional arts, the Royal Textile Academy and the weekend market if your dates allow. In the late afternoon, watch the flag lowered at Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government.
- Buddha Dordenma
- Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Royal Textile Academy
- Tashichho Dzong
- Day03
Over Dochula to Punakha Thimphu → Dochula → Punakha
Climb to Dochula pass for tea among the 108 chortens and — weather permitting — a view of the Himalaya. Descend into the warm Punakha valley and walk across the rice terraces to Chimi Lhakhang. Visit Punakha Dzong in the late afternoon light.
- Dochula chortens
- Chimi Lhakhang village walk
- Punakha Dzong
- Day04
To the glacial valley of Phobjikha Punakha → Phobjikha
Morning walk across the Punakha suspension bridge, then drive south via Wangdue Phodrang and up over the Lawa La pass to Phobjikha. Visit Gangtey Goemba and walk the Gangtey Nature Trail down through pine forest to the valley floor.
- Punakha suspension bridge
- Gangtey Goemba
- Gangtey Nature Trail
- Day05
Phobjikha to Paro Phobjikha → Paro
An early walk in the valley, with the chance of seeing black-necked cranes in winter. Drive back west over Dochula to Paro, arriving in time for Rinpung Dzong and an evening stroll through town.
- Morning valley walk
- Rinpung Dzong
- Paro town
- Day06
The Tiger's Nest Paro
Set off early for the hike to Taktsang, through blue pine forest to the cafeteria viewpoint and on to the monastery itself. In the afternoon, visit the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang. Your final evening can include a farmhouse dinner and traditional hot stone bath.
- Tiger's Nest hike (5–6 hrs return)
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Optional hot stone bath
- Day07
Departure Paro
Your guide and driver accompany you to the airport for your onward flight. Kadrinchey la — thank you.
- Airport transfer
Staying, eating, travelling
- Accommodation
- Comfortable, government-approved 3-star hotels with private bathrooms, chosen for character and location. Upgrades to 4-star and luxury lodges are available throughout.
- Meals
- All meals in Bhutan are included — breakfast at your hotel, lunch at local restaurants or as a picnic, dinner at your hotel or in town. We adapt to vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs.
- Transport
- Private vehicle with a professional driver throughout — an SUV for one or two guests, a larger van for families and groups.
- Your guide
- A licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide accompanies you from arrival to departure. Guides speaking other languages can be arranged on request.
What is included
Included
- Bhutan visa processing and visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- Accommodation as listed, twin or double sharing
- All meals in Bhutan
- Private licensed guide and driver
- Private vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
- Entrance fees to sites in the itinerary
- Drinking water during drives
Not included
- International flights (we can book Drukair or Bhutan Airlines on request)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Drinks, laundry and personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Single room supplement
When to go & what you need
Best time to travel
March to May and September to November for clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Winter (December–February) is quieter, with crisp, clear days and cranes in Phobjikha.
- January
- February
- March — recommended
- April — recommended
- May — recommended
- June
- July
- August
- September — recommended
- October — recommended
- November — recommended
- December
Before you travel
- Passport valid for at least six months from your date of arrival
- Travel insurance covering medical care and evacuation
- A reasonable level of fitness for the Tiger's Nest hike (ponies are available for the ascent)
Along the way
Questions about this journey
Can this itinerary be shortened or extended?
Yes. Every itinerary is a starting point. We can remove Phobjikha for a five-day version, or add Haa, Bumthang or a festival for a longer journey.
Is the Tiger's Nest hike difficult?
It is a steady climb of around 500 metres on a good trail, taking most people 2–3 hours up and 1.5–2 hours down. Ponies can carry you as far as the cafeteria viewpoint.
Can we choose our hotels?
Of course. Tell us your preferred style and budget and we will suggest options, from family-run lodges to Bhutan's finest resorts.
Places on this route
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