About This Tour
Overview
Step into the Dragon Kingdom on this classic 6-night circuit of western Bhutan. Arrive at Paro International Airport on one of the world's most spectacular mountain flights — from the aircraft's left window, a series of the world's highest peaks unfolds before you descend into the alpine valley of Paro. Transfer to Thimphu, the world's only capital without a traffic light, where a white-gloved traffic policeman directs with elaborate gestures. Discover the National Memorial Chorten, the national animal at the Takin Zoo, a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong, the National Library and the Folk Heritage Museum. Cross the Dochula Pass (10,000 ft) past the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens draped in prayer flags, with views of Gangkar Punsum, the world's highest unclimbed peak. Descend to the lowlands of Punakha, walking the village trails to the phallic-symbol shrine of Chimmi Lhakhang and standing before the majestic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. A day excursion crosses Wangdiphodrang to the beautiful Gangtey Valley — winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet each November. Continue to Paro for the Ta Dzong National Museum, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and the base of the legendary Tiger's Nest monastery, before departure.
Duration
6 Nights / 7 Days
Tour Type
Culture · Monasteries · Private
Region
Western Bhutan · Thimphu · Paro Valleys
High Point
Dochula Pass · 10,000 ft
Key Attractions
Dochula · Punakha Dzong · Tiger's Nest
Languages
Dzongkha, Hindi, English
Top Experiences
Highlights
Thimphu — Living Capital
The world's only capital without traffic lights — the National Memorial Chorten, Takin Zoo's national animal, Trashichho Dzong's glimpse, Folk Heritage Museum and the handicraft bazaar
Dochula Pass
10,000 ft above the western valleys — 108 Druk Wangyal chortens in a sea of prayer flags, and views of Gangkar Punsum, the world's highest unclimbed peak
Chimmi Lhakhang
Walk the paddy-field trails to the temple of the Divine Madman Drukpa Kinley — the fertility shrine where childless couples from across the world come to be blessed
Gangtey Valley Cranes
The wide, glacial Phobjikha valley — winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes that fly from Tibet each November, below the yellow-roofed Gangtey monastery
Punakha Dzong
The most majestic dzong in Bhutan, built in 1637 where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu meet — birthplace of the dual system of government and coronation site of the first king
Paro — Museums & Tigers
The round Ta Dzong museum's famous stamp collection, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, Drukgyel Dzong's ruins — and the base of the cliff-hugging Tiger's Nest
Visual Journey
Bhutan at a Glance
What's Covered
Includes / Excludes
✓ Included
- Accommodation in twin sharing at 3★ or 4★ Bhutanese-standard hotels as per the package
- Meals as per the chosen plan
- All airport transfers & private sightseeing transport within Bhutan (non-AC, as per group size)
- One English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), internal permits & internal taxes
- Complimentary 1 litre mineral water per person per day
✕ Excluded
- International / domestic airfare to Paro
- Personal travel insurance
- Entry fees to museums & monuments; laundry, tipping, personal shopping, telephone calls
- Expenses of a personal nature — medical, beverages, extra meals, etc.
- Anything not specified under 'Included'
Day by Day
Itinerary
Day01
Arrive Paro → Transfer to Thimphu
55 km · 1.5 hrs · Mountain flight
Arrival · Overnight Thimphu
- Fly in from New Delhi / Kolkata — one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with the highest peaks visible from the left-hand window
- Descend over the alpine forests, monasteries and farmhouses of the fertile Paro valley, glimpsing the Paro Dzong and Paro Chhu before touchdown
- Meet & greet by our representative at the airport and transfer to the capital, Thimphu — 55 kms / 1.5 hours
- Rest of the day at leisure; overnight at the hotel
Day02
Thimphu — Capital City
Memorial Chorten · Takin · Folk Museum
Sightseeing · Overnight Thimphu
- The world's only capital without a traffic light — a white-gloved policeman directs with elaborate, theatrical hand gestures
- National Memorial Chorten — the stupa dedicated to the third king, with a large statue of the Buddha
- Takin Zoo to meet the national animal of Bhutan, then a downhill stop for a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong
- National Library and the Folk Heritage Museum — a vivid window on the farmers' livelihood
- Afternoon walk through the Handicraft Bazaar, Centenary Park, and a leisure stroll from Clock Tower Square for shopping
Day03
Thimphu → Punakha via Dochula Pass
77 km · 2 hrs 45 min · 10,000 ft pass
Drive & Sightseeing · Overnight Punakha
- Drive to the lowlands of Punakha crossing the Dochula Pass (10,000 ft) — the first great pass of western Bhutan
- The 108 Druk Wangyal chortens crown the pass amid colourful prayer flags; walk three rounds, offer prayers and capture the panorama
- On clear days, Gangkar Punsum — the highest unclimbed peak in the world at 24,000 ft — rises to the north
- Stop at Lamperi's Royal Botanical Park — red pandas, birds and a natural lake
- Walk the village trail at Lobesa to Chimmi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman Drukpa Kinley, famed for childless couples being blessed with children
- Afternoon visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong (1637) at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu — birthplace of the dual system of government and coronation site of the first king
Day04
Punakha → Phobjikha (Gangtey) — Day Excursion
92 km · 3 hrs 20 min · Crane valley
Excursion · Overnight Punakha
- Drive to the beautiful Gangtey valley via the ridge-top Wangdiphodrang Dzong (4,430 ft) — gateway to central and eastern Bhutan
- Legend says the protective deity Mahakala appeared to the Shabdrung with a prophecy, and the dzong was built in 1638 where the ravens flew off in four directions
- The wide open Gangtey valley is the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis), which migrate from Tibet around mid-November and fly back across the Himalaya in spring
- Explore the small Gangtey village dominated by the yellow-roofed Gangtey monastery
- Late afternoon return to Punakha; overnight at the hotel
Day05
Punakha → Paro
145 km · 4 hrs · Via Semtokha & Chuzom
Drive · Overnight Paro
- Morning drive to Paro on the same road via Semtokha, joining the Babesa Express Highway
- Stop at the Chuzom check post to stretch your legs and walk across the bridge over the confluence
- Check in at the hotel in Paro; rest of the day at leisure
Day06
Paro Sightseeing
Ta Dzong Museum · Kyichu · Drukgyel · Tiger's Nest
Sightseeing · Overnight Paro
- Morning visit to Paro Dzong and the National Museum housed in the round fortress of Ta Dzong — one of Asia's best natural-history museums, with the world-famous Bhutanese stamp collection
- Kyichu Lhakhang — the 7th-century temple, one of the oldest and most sacred in Bhutan
- Afternoon: the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and a drive to the base of Tiger's Nest for the iconic cliff-side monastery view
- Evening at leisure — explore the town for shopping; overnight at the hotel
- Note: If you wish to visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery itself, the itinerary can be amended — speak to your guide for pre-arrangement.
Day07
Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport
Departure · End of Services
- Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight to the next destination
- End of services — thank you for travelling with Vedanta Holidays.
Where You'll Stay
Hotels
Thimphu
3★/4★ Bhutanese-standard hotel — 2 nights
Punakha
3★/4★ riverside resort — 2 nights
Paro
3★/4★ valley hotel — 2 nights
Hotels are not fixed — we will arrange and confirm stays according to your trip and budget, in 3★ or 4★ Bhutanese-standard category.
Contact us for details
Good to Know
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
March to May and September to November offer the clearest skies and the best mountain views. Winter (Dec–Feb) brings crisp, clear days — and the black-necked cranes are in the Gangtey valley from mid-November to early spring, making it the prime window for this tour.
What documents do Indian nationals need?
Indian nationals aged 18 and above need a valid Indian passport or Voters ID card. Those below 18 need a valid passport or an original birth certificate. Travel documents must be submitted in advance for the Bhutanese entry permit.
Can we visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery on this tour?
Yes. Day 6 drives to the base of Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) for the famous view. The full climb to the monastery itself is a steep 2–3 hour hike — if you wish to include it, the itinerary can be amended and your guide can arrange it in advance.
Is the SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) included?
Yes — the Government Sustainable Development Fee, internal permits and internal taxes are included in the package, along with an English-speaking guide, airport transfers and sightseeing transport.
What should we pack for the Dochula Pass and valleys?
Layered clothing — the pass reaches 10,000 ft and evenings are cool in all seasons. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and light rain gear, plus warm layers for the winter months.
Can we extend this tour or combine it with other places?
Absolutely — popular extensions include an overnight in Gangtey, the Haa Valley, the Phobjikha crane festival (Nov), or combining Bhutan with Darjeeling / Sikkim / Nepal. Share your extra nights and we will tailor the itinerary for you.
Full Route
Tour Map