This 7 day itinerary exploring the main highlights of Western Bhutan is ideal for those looking to get a fascinating introduction to this beautiful Himalayan Kingdom. The itinerary starts by visiting the country’s capital Thimphu, before heading on to Punakha where you will visit the impressive Dzong and hike through the stunning countryside. Your final stop will be Paro and hiking up to the incredible Tiger’s Nest Monastery, before leaving this unforgettable country with life-long memories.
Itinerary Highlights
Explore the capital of Thimphu and the impressive golden Buddha Dordenma statue
Visit Punakha Dzong
Hiking the beautiful countryside
Climb up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
Bhutan visa
Sustainable development fee charges
Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
06
Nights
Price Guide
From $4,800 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to paRO
Day 1
Welcome to BHUTAN
Upon arrival at Paro airport, your driver will welcome you to Bhutan and transfer you to your hotel in the capital Thimphu. Spend this evening exploring the main street and market area.
Day 2
Exploring thimphu and buddha point
Visit Buddha point to admire the largest Buddha Statue in Bhutan and enjoy panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley. Hike for two hours on the Buddha Nature trail through beautiful forests to a 12th century temple, Changangkha Lhakhang. One of the oldest and most revered temples in Thimphu, it was built by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who played a significant role in spreading the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism in Bhutan. The temple is perched on a ridge overlooking the Thimphu Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Visit the Bhutanese Post Office to see unique stamp collections, and the Paper Making factory. Visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong fortress.
Day 3
thimphu to punakha
Travel to Punakha via Dochu La Pass (3,080m). Experience the stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas on clear days. Visit Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress at the confluence of two rivers. Continue on to visit the Punakha suspension bridge, a notable landmark that spans the Po Chhu River, connecting the Punakha Dzong to nearby villages. Approximately 160 meters long, it is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. Made of steel cables and wooden planks, the bridge sways slightly with each step. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, especially beautiful in spring.
Day 4
Exploring punakha and surrounds
Hike through fields of chillies and rice to Khamsun Yulley Namgyal chorten, a stunning stupa. Visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery and walk through paddy fields and villages to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility.
Day 5
punakha to paro
Drive to Paro and visit Ta Dzong where you will find the National Museum, which houses over 3,000 artifacts, including bronze statues, paintings, and other works of Bhutanese art that span more than 1,500 years of the country’s cultural heritage. Visit Rinpung Dzong, which is a majestic fortress and monastery and later on enjoy time with a local farming family over a meal at their house.
Day 6
TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY
Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is one of Bhutan’s most iconic and renowned sites. This small cluster of buildings is dramatically perched on a cliff, 900 meters above the ground, making it a must-see highlight for any trip to Bhutan. Constructed in 1692 around the cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated, introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, the monastery comprises four temples and continues to function as a monastery today. Afterwards visit Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress, and Kyichu Lakhang, a 7th century temple, thought to be one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
Day 7
Depart paro
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from $4800 per person
When to travel
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Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom, presents a fascinating array of climatic conditions, primarily due to its dramatic topography ranging from subtropical plains in the south to the high Himalayan peaks in the north. This results in a wide variety of weather patterns across different regions. In the southern plains, temperatures can soar up to 30°C in the summer, creating a warm and humid climate. Conversely, the central valleys, which include popular destinations like Thimphu and Paro, enjoy a temperate climate with cool winters, where temperatures can dip just below freezing, and pleasantly warm summers that peak around 25°C. The northern reaches, home to the majestic Himalayas, experience a much colder climate, with temperatures frequently dropping below -10°C in winter, making it a realm of perpetual snow. Bhutan’s weather, thus, encapsulates the essence of its diverse landscapes, offering everything from warm subtropical comfort to the crisp chill of the high mountains, depending on where and when you visit.
Cold and dry with average high temperatures around 8°C and lows around 0°C. Some snowfall is possible.
Slightly warmer but still cold, with highs around 10°C and lows around 3°C. Occasional snow.
Warming up with highs around 15°C and lows around 5°C. Rainfall starts to increase.
Pleasant spring weather with highs around 20°C and lows around 10°C. More frequent rain showers.
Warmer with highs around 25°C and lows around 15°C. Rainfall becomes more common.
Start of the monsoon season with highs around 30°C and lows around 20°C. Heavy rainfall.
Peak monsoon with highs around 30°C and lows around 20°C. Very heavy rainfall.
Continued monsoon with highs around 30°C and lows around 20°C. Heavy rainfall persists.
Monsoon starts to taper off with highs around 25°C and lows around 15°C. Rainfall decreases.
Cooler and drier with highs around 20°C and lows around 10°C. Clear skies and pleasant weather.
Cold and dry with highs around 15°C and lows around 5°C. Minimal rainfall.
Coldest month with highs around 12°C and lows around -2°C. Some snowfall possible.
Add on’s
A trip to Bhutan can be combined with visiting some of the incredible sites in India such as the Taj Mahal or the tea plantations around Darjeeling. Another option would be to combine Bhutan with Nepal or Thailand.
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