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  • Dochu La Pass
  • Dochu La Pass
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  • Kuenselphodrang Nature Park
  • Paro
Bhutan5 days

Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro & Tiger's Nest — 5 Days

Five days connecting Bhutan's capital and Paro Valley, including the Tiger's Nest trek and festival season options in March, April, September, or October.

This five-day itinerary moves between Thimphu and Paro, the two population centers most travellers reach on a short Bhutan trip. The route includes the country's largest Buddha statue, the National Museum, a traditional farmhouse visit, and the trek to Tiger's Nest monastery, which clings to a cliff face above Paro. The itinerary is designed to align with one of Bhutan's three major festival seasons—Paro Tshechu (March/April), Thimphu Tshechu (September/October), or Punakha Festival (February)—when monasteries hold multi-day celebrations featuring masked dances and processions. Outside festival dates, the same sites remain accessible; festival timing is optional.

Best time to go: Mar /Apr /sept/ oct

Highlights

  • Kuenselphodrang: walk around the largest Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu
  • Simtokha Dzong: a fortress among Bhutan's religious structures
  • Paro Tshechu or Thimphu Tshechu: multi-day masked dance festival (seasonal)
  • Tiger's Nest Monastery trek: a hike to the temple perched above Paro Valley
  • Bhutanese farmhouse visit: afternoon spent in a traditional timber-frame home in the Paro agricultural belt
  • National Museum of Bhutan: housed in a former watchtower, displaying art, textiles, and Buddhist sculpture

Day by day

1Paro to ThimphuParo to Thimphu · Paro International Airport
Arrive at Paro International Airport. Transfer to Thimphu, a 50-kilometre drive through the valley.
2Thimphu's Buddha, Crafts & PalaceKuenselphodrang · Traditional Arts and Craft School · National Library · Craft Bazaar · Textile Museum · Tashichhodzong
Visit Kuenselphodrang's massive Buddha statue, the Traditional Arts and Craft School, and National Library. Browse the Craft Bazaar and Textile Museum. End at Tashichhodzong's grounds before sunset.
3Dochula Pass, Simtokha Dzong & Paro ValleyDochula Pass · Simtokha Dzong · Paro · National Museum · traditional farmhouse
Drive to Dochula Pass, then visit Simtokha Dzong. Continue to Paro. Afternoon: National Museum, traditional farmhouse visit, and a stroll through town.
4Paro: Tiger's Nest Monastery TrekTiger's Nest Monastery
Hike to the cliff-perched Tiger's Nest Monastery.
5Departure from ParoParo
Hotel checkout and departure for the airport.

Where you go

Map: Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro & Tiger's Nest — 5 Days route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1Paro International Airport
  2. 2Kuenselphodrang
  3. 3National Library
  4. 4Textile Museum
  5. 5Tashichhodzong
  6. 6Dochula Pass
  7. 7Paro
  8. 8Tiger's Nest Monastery
  9. 9Paro

Included

  • Accommodation at 3*/3* Superior Hotels
  • Half board meals
  • English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Private vehicle transfers
  • Entrance Fees to attractions

Not included

  • Meals & Drinks (at restaurants unless otherwise stated)
  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions
  • SDF payable to the government
  • Visa fee $40 per person
  • Disclaimer:
  • For Indian Nationals, SDF fees are INR.1200/person/night. Please contact us for applicable price.
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