Bhutan7 days
Bhutan: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro — 7 Days
Central Bhutan by road and foot: Thimphu to Paro via Punakha Valley, with hikes, temples, and river activities
This seven-day itinerary moves through Bhutan's three major population centers—Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro—by vehicle and on foot. The route visits temples and cultural sites, includes a hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, river rafting in Punakha, and time at Dochula Pass. You'll move between accommodation in each region, with meals provided at hotels and local restaurants, guided throughout by an English-speaking guide.
Best time to go: mar / sept
Highlights
- Kuenselphodrang Buddha statue and National Library, Thimphu
- Dochula Pass with views of the Himalayan range
- Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple, Punakha Valley
- Khamsum Yulley Chorten hike in Punakha District
- River rafting on the Mo Chhu (Punakha River)
- Tiger's Nest Monastery hike, Paro
- Paro Dzong and National Museum
Day by day
1Arrive Paro, Transfer to ThimphuParo International Airport · your hotel · Paro to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer 50 kilometers to Thimphu. Afternoon at leisure; spa available at your hotel.
2Thimphu: Buddha, Crafts, and Evening OutThimphu · Kuenselphodrang · Traditional Arts and Craft School · National Library · Craft Bazaar · Textile Museum
Morning visits to Kuenselphodrang's giant Buddha statue, the Traditional Arts and Craft School, and National Library. Afternoon visits the Craft Bazaar and Textile Museum. Evening in town for dinner.
3Punakha: Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang & DzongDochula Pass · Chimi Lhakhang temple · Punakha Dzong · suspension bridge · hotel
Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, visiting Chimi Lhakhang temple. Visit Punakha Dzong and suspension bridge. Check in and settle into your hotel.
4Punakha Valley: Khamsum Yulley Chorten and River RaftingKhamsum Yulley Chorten · Mo Chhu
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten in the morning. Afternoon river rafting on the Mo Chhu, with picnic lunch by the water.
5Punakha to Paro: National Museum and TownPunakha to Paro · National Museum · local farmhouse · Paro town
Drive to Paro (115km, three hours). Visit the National Museum, tour a local farmhouse, then walk through Paro town.
6Tiger's Nest Monastery Hike and Herbal Bath, ParoTiger's Nest Monastery
Hike two hours uphill to Tiger's Nest Monastery clinging to the cliff. Soak in a herbal hot stone bath after.
7Departure from Your HotelYour Hotel · airport
Check out and depart for airport.
Where you go
- 1Paro International Airport
- 2Thimphu
- 3Kuenselphodrang
- 4National Library
- 5Textile Museum
- 6Dochula Pass
- 7Punakha Dzong
- 8Paro town
- 9Tiger's Nest Monastery
Included
- Accommodation at 5* rated hotels
- All meals (Breakfast & Dinner at hotels, Lunch at restaurants)
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Private vehicle transfers
- Entrance Fees to attractions
- Activities as per itinerary
Not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- 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 if you are of Indian nationality.
- Please contact us for specific requests on luxury accommodation as prices may vary.