Classic Western Bhutan
Bhutan's essential first journey: cliffside monasteries, the capital's living culture and the great dzong of Punakha, at an unhurried pace.
The perfect introduction to the kingdom. In six days you'll see the icons (the Tiger's Nest, Thimphu's dzong and markets, the 108 chortens of Dochula and majestic Punakha Dzong) with enough space in every day to linger, talk and simply look.
Ideal for first-time visitors and anyone short on time. It is easy to extend with a farmhouse night, or a festival when the dates align.
Highlights
- The hike to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest
- Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers
- The 108 chortens of Dochula pass
- Thimphu's Memorial Chorten and Tashichho Dzong
- Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Divine Madman
Day by day
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Day 1
Arrive in Paro
Fly into Paro on one of the world's most spectacular approaches, where your guide is waiting. Visit Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum in its old watchtower, then settle in.
Rinpung Dzong · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 2
Paro to Thimphu
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, then drive an hour to the capital. Spend the afternoon at the Memorial Chorten, the Institute of Zorig Chusum (the thirteen traditional arts) and Tashichho Dzong at dusk.
Kyichu Lhakhang · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 3
Thimphu to Punakha
Cross Dochula pass (3,100 m) with its 108 chortens and, on clear days, views to the high Himalaya. Descend into the warm Punakha valley and walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang.
Dochula · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 4
Punakha to Paro
Explore Punakha Dzong, set where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet and once the capital of Bhutan, and cross the long suspension bridge. Drive back to Paro in the afternoon.
Punakha Dzong · Photo: Christopher J. Fynn, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 5
The Tiger's Nest
Hike to Paro Taktsang, clinging to a cliff some 900 m above the valley floor: around five hours round trip, with a tea house halfway. End the day with an optional hot stone bath.
Paro Taktsang · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 6
Depart
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight. Tashi delek!
Paro International Airport · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
Included on this journey
More journeys
The Happiness Tour
A deeper journey into the heart of the kingdom: from the western valleys to glacial Phobjikha and the spiritual heartland of Bumthang.
Hidden Haa & the Western Valleys
A quieter West: over one of Bhutan's highest road passes into Haa, a valley that only opened to visitors in 2002.
Grand Bhutan: West to East
The whole kingdom, end to end: from Paro's cliffs to the rarely visited east, exiting overland to India.
Make it yours.
Tell us your dates and wishes, and we'll tailor this journey around you.
- Private & tailor-made
- Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
- Every enquiry answered personally