About This Tour
Overview
Step into the Dragon Kingdom on this compact 5-night culture circuit of western Bhutan. Fly from New Delhi / Kolkata into Paro on one of the world's most spectacular mountain flights — the highest peaks sliding past the left-hand window before you descend into the alpine valley of Paro. Transfer to Thimphu (2,400 m), the centre of government, religion and commerce, where a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity plays out beside the world's only traffic-light-free intersection, its white-gloved policeman directing with elaborate gestures. Discover the National Memorial Chorten, the national animal at Takin Zoo, a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong, the National Library and Folk Heritage Museum. Cross the Dochula Pass (10,000 ft) past the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens with views of Gangkar Punsum, the world's highest unclimbed peak, then walk the village trails of Lobesa to the phallic-symbol shrine of Chimmi Lhakhang — the Divine Madman's temple where childless couples are blessed — before standing before the majestic Punakha Dzong. Continue to Paro via Lamperi's Royal Botanical Park and Semtokha, then explore the Ta Dzong National Museum, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, the fire-destroyed ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and the base of the cliff-hanging Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery — the last stop of the day, and the memory of a lifetime.
Duration
5 Nights / 6 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 village trails to the temple of the Divine Madman Drukpa Kinley — the fertility shrine where couples from Japan and America have been blessed miraculously with children
Punakha Dzong
The majestic dzong built in 1637 at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu — where the dual system of government was born and the first king was enthroned in 1907
Paro — Museums & Tigers
The round Ta Dzong museum's famous stamp collection, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, and the fire-ruined Drukgyel Dzong — Bhutan's fortress against Tibetan invaders
Tiger's Nest Viewpoint
Let your muscles baffle your spirits on the rocky stairs toward the cliff-hanging Taktsang monastery — the day's final stop and the sight that defines Bhutan
Visual Journey
Bhutan at a Glance
What's Covered
Includes / Excludes
✓ Included
- Accommodation in twin sharing at 3★/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 hr · 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 hour
- 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 traffic policeman directs with elaborate, theatrical hand gestures
- National Memorial Chorten — the stupa dedicated to the third king, with its statue of the Buddha
- Takin Zoo to meet the national animal, 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 · 3 hrs · 10,000 ft pass
Drive & Sightseeing · Overnight Punakha
- Drive to the lowlands of Punakha crossing the Dochula Pass (10,000 ft) — the first great mountain 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
- Descend through Thinleygang village; at Lobesa, take a short walk through the villages to Chimmi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman Drukpa Kinley — the famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated, famed for couples from Japan and America being blessed miraculously with children
- Afternoon visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong (1637) at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu — where the dual system of government was introduced and the first king was enthroned in 1907
- Evening at leisure; overnight
Day04
Punakha → Paro
145 km · 4 hrs · Via Lamperi
Drive & Sightseeing · Overnight Paro
- Morning drive to Paro; stop at Lamperi to visit the Royal Botanical Park for 30 minutes
- If you are lucky you could see red pandas and different species of birds — and take photos close to the natural lake; a short documentary about the park is also shown
- Proceed to Paro via Semtokha and check in at the hotel
- Rest of the day at leisure; overnight
Day05
Paro Sightseeing
Paro Dzong · Ta Dzong · 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 a fine collection of natural and historic artefacts
- Kyichu Lhakhang — the 7th-century monastery, one of the oldest and most sacred in Bhutan
- Afternoon visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong — the 17th-century fortress that kept invaders from Tibet, destroyed by fire in 1951
- Your last stop of the day is the base of Tiger's Nest — let your muscles baffle your spirits as you climb the rocky stairs toward the cliff-hanging Taktsang monastery
- Evening visit the town for leisure or shopping; overnight
- Note: If you wish to visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery itself, the itinerary can be amended — speak to your guide for pre-arrangement.
Day06
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 — 1 night
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 across the valleys, while July–August is the monsoon season. This western circuit works beautifully year-round with appropriate clothing.
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 are submitted in advance for the Bhutanese entry permit.
Can we climb to the Tiger's Nest Monastery?
Day 5 drives to the base of Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) for the famous cliff-side view. The full climb to the monastery itself is a steep 2–3 hour hike — if you wish to include it, speak to your guide for pre-arrangement and the itinerary can be amended.
Is the SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) included?
Yes — the Government Sustainable Development Fee, internal permits and internal taxes are included, along with an English-speaking guide, airport transfers and sightseeing transport for the full circuit.
What should we pack for the Dochula Pass and valleys?
Layered clothing — Dochula Pass reaches 10,000 ft and evenings are cool in all seasons. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, light rain gear and warm layers for the winter months.
Can we extend this tour or combine it with other places?
Absolutely — popular extensions include the Gangtey Valley and its black-necked cranes, the Haa Valley, or combining Bhutan with Darjeeling / Sikkim. Share your extra nights and we will tailor the itinerary for you.
Full Route
Tour Map