Glimpse of Bhutan Tour featuring Punakha Dzong, Tiger's Nest Monastery and Dochula Pass, 5 Day Bhutan tourGlimpse of Bhutan Tour featuring Punakha Dzong, Tiger's Nest Monastery and Dochula Pass, 5 Day Bhutan tour

Glimpse of Bhutan Tour - 5 Days

  • Duration5 Days
  • Route Grade Comfort Travel
  • Trip Style Cultural Sightseeing Tour
  • Starting City Paro
  • Ending City Paro
Price fromUS$1085US$1175
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Glimpse of Bhutan Tour - 5 Days map

Trip Overview

This 5 day glimpse of Bhutan tour is one of the best short introductions to Bhutan. It covers the capital Thimpu, Punakha, and Paro towns at a comfortable pace. The itinerary suits first time visitors, travelers on a short holiday and those combining Bhutan with a trip to Nepal or India.

The journey moves from Paro Airport to Thimphu, then on to Punakha across the scenic Dochula Pass. It ends with the Tiger's Nest hike in Paro, a visit to Drukgyel Dzong and a traditional cultural experience. The package includes 3 star hotel accommodation, all meals, a experienced guide, transfers, heritage site entrance fees and the Bhutan visa fee.

Trip Detail

Information
Detail

Trip Code

BOT101N

Starting Point / End Point

Paro to Paro

Accommodations

3 star hotels in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro

Max Altitude

Approximately 3,120 m at Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)

Duration

5 Days, 4 Nights

Country

Bhutan

Trip Grade

Easy to Moderate, suitable for most travelers with a normal level of fitness

Trip Style

Private short holiday with a dedicated guide and vehicle

Activities

Tiger's Nest hiking, dzong and monastery sightseeing, valley drives and cultural experiences in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha

Season

Spring and autumn are generally the most favorable seasons for clear mountain views

Transportation

Private vehicle for all road transfers between Paro, Thimphu and Punakha

Meals

All meals included throughout the trip

Itinerary Overview

This 5 day, 4 night trip covers Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, three of the most important destinations in western Bhutan. You begin in Paro and travel to Thimphu on the first day, visiting important cultural landmarks in the capital. The following day takes you from Thimphu to Punakha over the scenic Dochula Pass, where you can see the famous 108 chortens and Himalayan scenery when weather conditions are clear. After exploring Punakha, you return to Paro on Day 3 and visit Kyichu Lhakhang before spending the evening exploring Paro town. Day 4 is dedicated to the famous Tiger's Nest hike, followed by visits to Drukgyel Dzong and a traditional farmhouse or local cultural experience. On Day 5, you transfer to Paro International Airport for departure.

Here is a quick look at how your five day tour unfolds.

  • Day 1: Arrive in Paro, then drive to Thimphu for sightseeing. Overnight Thimphu.

  • Day 2: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha over the Dochula Pass, visit Punakha Dzong and    the suspension bridge. Overnight Punakha.

  • Day 3: Drive from Punakha to Paro over the Dochula Pass, visit Kyichu Lhakhang and Paro town. Overnight Paro.

  • Day 4: Hike to the Tiger's Nest, then visit Drukgyel Dzong and a local farmhouse. Overnight Paro.

  • Day 5: Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure.
     

Glimpse of Bhutan Tour Highlight

  • Thimphu Highlights: Explore Bhutan's capital with visits to the National Memorial Chorten, the Buddha Dordenma viewpoint above Kuensel Phodrang and Tashichho Dzong, which houses government offices and the throne room of the King. These landmarks offer an introduction to Bhutan's religious traditions, architecture and modern capital city.

  • The Dochula Pass: The journey between Thimphu and Punakha crosses the Dochula Pass at about 3,100 m, marked by the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. On clear days, the pass provides sweeping views toward the eastern Himalayan peaks, a natural place to stop and take photographs.

  • Punakha Dzong and the Suspension Bridge: Visit Punakha Dzong, widely considered Bhutan's most beautiful dzong, set at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It served as the country's capital until 1955 and remains the winter home of Bhutan's central monastic body. Nearby, walk across one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges, strung with prayer flags over the river.

  • Paro Valley: Return to Paro through Bhutan's changing mountain landscape and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, before spending time exploring Paro town at your own pace.

  • The Tiger's Nest Hike: The hike to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, is the main adventure of the tour. The monastery clings to a cliff about 900 m above Paro Valley, at a height of around 3,120 m. The hike up and back takes about 4 to 6 hours, with a rest at the halfway cafeteria and time to explore the monastery once you arrive.

  • Beyond the Tiger's Nest in Paro: Your final day in Paro is not only about the hike. You also visit Drukgyel Dzong in the upper Paro valley and take part in a traditional farmhouse or local cultural experience, adding a more personal layer to the trip before you fly home.

  • A Well Rounded First Visit: In just five days, this trip takes you through Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, the three valleys most travelers want to see on their first visit to Bhutan, a great fit if your time is limited or you are combining Bhutan with a trip to Nepal or India.
     

Altitude & Activities

This Glimpse of Bhutan itinerary travels between Paro (about 2,200 m), Thimphu (about 2,320 m) and Punakha (about 1,200 m), with noticeable changes in elevation along the route. The highest point of the trip is reached during the Tiger's Nest hike on Day 4, at around 3,120 m.

Day
Location
Approximate Altitude
Activities
Travel Time

Day 1

Thimphu

Approximately 2,200 m in Paro, ascending to approximately 2,320 m in Thimphu

Arrival in Paro, then drive to Thimphu and city sightseeing

Approximately 65 km, 1 to 1.5 hours by road

Day 2

Punakha

Approximately 3,100 m at Dochula Pass, descending to approximately 1,200 m in Punakha

Drive to Punakha over the Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong and suspension bridge

Approximately 77 km, 2.5 to 3 hours by road

Day 3

Paro

Approximately 3,100 m at Dochula Pass, ascending to approximately 2,200 m in Paro

Drive back to Paro over the Dochula Pass, Kyichu Lhakhang and Paro town

Approximately 130 km, 4 to 5 hours by road

Day 4

Paro

Approximately 3,120 m at the Tiger's Nest, overnight at 2,200 m

Tiger's Nest hike, Drukgyel Dzong and local cultural experience

Hike approximately 4 to 6 hours round trip

Day 5

Paro

Approximately 2,200 m

Departure

Airport transfer

Accommodation and Meals

You will stay in 3 star hotels in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, with one night in Thimphu, one night in Punakha and two nights in Paro. All meals are included throughout the tour, providing breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout journey.

Day
Location
Accommodation
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 1

Thimphu

3 star hotel

N/A

Included

Included

Day 2

Punakha

3 star hotel

Included

Included

Included

Day 3

Paro

3 star hotel

Included

Included

Included

Day 4

Paro

3 star hotel

Included

Included

Included

Day 5

Departure

N/A

Included

N/A

N/A

Cost Includes

Cost & Inclusions

This 5 day Glimpse of Bhutan Tour includes accommodation at 3 star hotels in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, all meals throughout the trip, a experienced guide, all ground transfers, entrance fees at heritage sites visited on the itinerary and the Bhutan tourist visa fee. The table below clearly outlines everything included in your package, along with the items you will need to arrange separately, giving you complete transparency before you travel.

Cost Includes
Cost Excludes

Accommodation at 3 star hotels in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro

International airfare to and from Bhutan

All meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the tour

Any costs arising from flight delays or itinerary changes due to weather

Experienced guide throughout the trip

Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, shopping and phone calls

All private ground transfers between Paro, Thimphu and Punakha

Tips for guide and driver

Entrance fees at all heritage sites visited on the itinerary

Travel insurance

Bhutan tourist visa fee

 

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), the mandatory nightly government fee

 
Itinerary

Welcome to Bhutan. Our representative will meet you outside the arrival terminal at Paro International Airport, holding a board with our company name, and transfer you to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, a drive of around 65 km taking about 1 to 1.5 hours. In the afternoon, begin your Thimphu sightseeing at the National Memorial Chorten, one of the most visited religious sites in the city, followed by the viewpoint at the Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the valley and Tashichho Dzong, home to government offices and the King's throne room. After sightseeing, check in to your 3 star hotel in Thimphu and enjoy the evening at leisure.

  • Route: Paro International Airport to Thimphu

  • Altitude: Approximately 2,200 m in Paro, ascending to approximately 2,320 m in Thimphu

  • Accommodation: 3 star hotel

  • Meals: Lunch and dinner

  • Highlights: Airport pickup with company signboard, National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma viewpoint and Tashichho Dzong

    After breakfast, leave Thimphu and drive toward Punakha. The road climbs steadily to the Dochula Pass at around 3,100 m, marked by the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. On a clear day, the pass offers sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas, a great place to stop, stretch your legs and take photos. From the pass, the road winds down into the warmer, lower Punakha valley. The drive from Thimphu to Punakha covers roughly 77 km and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours including stops.

    On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, set where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet and widely regarded as the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. Then walk across one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges nearby, strung with prayer flags over the river. Overnight in Punakha.

    • Route: Thimphu to Dochula Pass to Punakha

    • Altitude: Approximately 3,100 m at Dochula Pass, descending to approximately 1,200 m in Punakha

    • Accommodation: 3 star hotel

    • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    • Highlights: Crossing the Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong at the river confluence and the Punakha suspension bridge

      After breakfast, drive back over the Dochula Pass toward Paro, a good chance for a second look at the chortens and mountain views if you missed them earlier. The full drive from Punakha to Paro covers roughly 130 km and takes about 4 to 5 hours including stops.

      On arrival in Paro, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, then spend some time exploring Paro town at your own pace. Check in to your 3 star hotel in Paro and enjoy the evening at leisure in preparation for the following day's Tiger's Nest hike.

      • Route: Punakha to Dochula Pass to Paro

      • Altitude: Approximately 3,100 m at Dochula Pass, descending to approximately 2,200 m in Paro

      • Accommodation: 3 star hotel

      • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

      • Highlights: Return crossing of the Dochula Pass, Kyichu Lhakhang and Paro town

        This is the true highlight of your Bhutan journey. After breakfast, drive a short distance to the trailhead and begin the hike up to Paro Taktsang, better known as the Tiger's Nest, the cliffside monastery that has become the defining image of Bhutan. The trail climbs through pine forest to a cafeteria roughly halfway up, a good place to rest, before continuing to a viewpoint facing the monastery and then the final climb into the monastery itself, perched at around 3,120 m. The full round trip usually takes about 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace and the weather.

        In the afternoon, visit Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress in the upper Paro valley. Depending on the day's schedule, continue with a visit to a traditional farmhouse or take part in a local cultural experience before returning to your hotel in Paro.

        • Route: Paro to the Tiger's Nest trailhead and back, with Drukgyel Dzong and a local cultural experience

        • Altitude: Approximately 3,120 m at the Tiger's Nest, overnight at 2,200 m

        • Accommodation: 3 star hotel

        • Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

        • Highlights: Hike to Paro Taktsang, Drukgyel Dzong and a traditional farmhouse or cultural experience

          After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Paro International Airport in good time for your onward flight, bringing your five day Glimpse of Bhutan trip to an end with your departure from Bhutan.

          • Route: Hotel in Paro to Paro International Airport

          • Altitude: Approximately 2,200 m

          • Meals: Breakfast

          • Highlights: Airport transfer and departure from Bhutan

            Trip Information

            Know Before You Book

            • Visa Requirements: All international tourists, including those from Nepal, need a Bhutan visa arranged in advance through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, at a fee of USD 40 per person, included in this package. Thamel Travels and Tours arranges this through our partner operator in Bhutan. Indian nationals travel on an entry permit instead of a visa, while Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals can obtain their visa on arrival. Official details: https://www.mfa.gov.bt/visa/

            • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development Fee, separate from the visa fee, as part of the country's High Value, Low Volume tourism policy. The standard rate is USD 100 per person per night for most nationalities, and INR 1,200 per person per night for Indian nationals. This fee is included in this package and processed together with your visa through our Bhutan partner operator.

            • Passport Validity: Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

            • Fitness Level: This trip is graded easy to moderate. The main physical requirement is the Tiger's Nest hike on Day 4, which involves a climb of several hundred meters over roughly 4 to 6 hours. The rest of the trip involves standard sightseeing and short walks.

            • Currency and Payment Methods: Bhutan uses the Ngultrum as its official currency. The Indian Rupee is also widely accepted in Bhutan. Major currencies such as USD, EUR and GBP can generally be exchanged, though it is worth carrying some local currency for small personal expenses.
               

            Accommodations, Meals and Transportation

            • Typical Accommodation Used: You will stay in 3 star hotels in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, offering comfortable rooms suited to international travelers.

            • Meals: All meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, are included throughout this 5 days Glimpse of Bhutan Tour.

            • Guide Support: A experienced guide accompanies you throughout the trip, including the hike to the Tiger's Nest and all sightseeing stops in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.

            • Transportation: This package includes all ground transfers by private vehicle between Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, along with airport transfers in Paro. International flights to and from Bhutan are not included.
               

            Seasonal and Weather Updates

            • Autumn (September to November): Generally one of the clearest seasons in Bhutan, with good visibility for mountain views from points such as the Dochula Pass.

            • Spring (March to May): Another favorable season, with milder temperatures and blooming rhododendrons in many parts of the country.

            • Winter and Summer: Winter can bring cold mornings in Paro and Thimphu, while Punakha stays comparatively mild year round due to its lower elevation. The summer monsoon season can bring rain and reduced mountain visibility.
               

            Health and Safety

            • General Wellbeing: The highest point of this trip is the Tiger's Nest at around 3,120 m, reached only during the Day 4 hike, with all overnight stays at lower elevations. Travelers should stay hydrated, walk at a comfortable pace and follow their guide's advice during the hike.

            • Healthcare Facilities: Basic medical facilities are available in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, with more comprehensive hospital facilities in Thimphu, the capital.

            • Weather Awareness: Mountain weather, particularly at the Dochula Pass and on the Tiger's Nest trail, can change quickly. Follow your guide's instructions closely in changing conditions.

            • Road Travel: Bhutan's mountain roads can be winding and travel times may vary according to weather, road conditions and traffic. 
               

            Packing Checklist

            • Essential Clothing: Comfortable layered clothing suitable for both cooler mountain mornings and milder valley afternoons, along with a warm jacket for Thimphu and Paro evenings.

            • Footwear: Comfortable walking or light trekking shoes for the Tiger's Nest hike and general sightseeing.

            • Trail Gear: A sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a light rain jacket for changing weather, especially on the hike.

            • Personal Items: A small daypack, reusable water bottle, personal toiletries, camera and any personal medications you need.

            • Cultural Note: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected when visiting dzongs and temples such as Punakha Dzong, Tashichho Dzong and the Tiger's Nest.
               

            Important Notices

            • Travel Advisories: Before you travel, we recommend checking the latest travel advice issued by your home country. Our team is happy to provide local updates before your trip.

            • Flight Considerations: Paro International Airport is located in a mountainous area, and flight operations can occasionally be affected by weather conditions. Please plan your onward journey with some extra time in hand.

            • Responsible Travel: We encourage you to respect local customs at religious sites such as Punakha Dzong, Tashichho Dzong and the Tiger's Nest, dress modestly, and follow your guide's advice on appropriate behavior inside dzongs and temples.

            Trip Preparations

            • What is included in the Glimpse of Bhutan 5 day tour?

              This package includes 3 star hotel accommodation in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, all meals, a experienced guide, all ground transfers, entrance fees at heritage sites on the itinerary, the Bhutan visa fee and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).

            • You spend Day 1 in Thimphu, Day 2 in Punakha, and Day 3 and Day 4 in Paro, all in 3 star hotels.

            • The Tiger's Nest hike takes place on Day 4, your last full day in Bhutan, after visiting Thimphu, Punakha and Paro town on the earlier days.

            • Yes. Paro town is included on Day 3, on your way back from Punakha, giving you time to explore at your own pace before the Tiger's Nest hike the next day.

            • Drukgyel Dzong is a historic fortress in the upper Paro valley, visited on Day 4 in the afternoon, after the Tiger's Nest hike.

            • The longest drive is between Punakha and Paro on Day 3, covering about 130 km and taking 4 to 5 hours. Other drives, including Paro to Thimphu and Thimphu to Punakha, are shorter, generally under 3 hours.

            • Yes. On Day 4 afternoon, after visiting Drukgyel Dzong, you take part in a traditional farmhouse visit or local cultural experience before returning to your hotel in Paro.

            • Yes. This 5 day Bhutan itinerary is designed to work well as a short add on for travelers already visiting Nepal or India, and can be arranged together with our other tour packages.

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