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Tiger's Nest Monastery built into the cliffs above Paro Valley
Photo: Marcus Westberg

6 DAYS · Private journey

Magical Bhutan Highlights

Paro → Thimphu → Punakha

Culture · Nature · SpiritualityEasy–Moderate
Plan This Journey

Custom quotation

Duration
6 days
Route
3 valleys
Guiding
Private guide
Activity
Easy–Moderate
Best season
Mar–May
Stays
3–4 star stays

The shape of the journey

Follow the route.

A compact western loop through three valleys, with time for the places that matter most.

  1. 01

    Stop 1

    Paro

  2. 02

    Stop 2

    Thimphu

  3. 03

    Stop 3

    Punakha

  4. 04

    Stop 4

    Paro

Four moments to remember

The highlights are in the details.

Tiger's Nest Monastery built into the cliffs above Paro ValleyPhoto: Marcus Westberg

Moment 01

Tiger's Nest

Climb through pine forest to Taktsang, Bhutan's most sacred mountain monastery and the emotional high point of the route.

The 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula Pass beneath a cloudy Himalayan sky

Moment 02

Dochula Pass

Pause among the 108 chortens on the high pass before the road descends into the warmer Punakha Valley.

Punakha Dzong standing beside the river in its green valleyPhoto: Agnieszka Wieczorek · Amazing Aerial Agency

Moment 03

Punakha Dzong

Walk through one of Bhutan's most graceful dzongs at the meeting point of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers.

Buddha Dordenma overlooking the forested hills above ThimphuPhoto: Michael Chlebek · Amazing Aerial Agency

Moment 04

Thimphu culture

Make space for crafts, markets, local food, and the everyday rhythm of Bhutan's small, living capital.

The days between

A route with room to breathe.

The outline gives you a sense of pace. Your guide will adjust the order, stops, and walking rhythm around the weather and how the day feels.

Day 1

1 hour drive

Paro to Thimphu

Arrive in Paro and drive to Thimphu, beginning your magical Bhutan experience with cultural landmarks and scenic viewpoints.

Highlights

  • Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge
  • Sangaygang View Point
  • Takin Preserve
  • National Memorial Chorten

OvernightThimphu

A sense of place

Where you’ll stay.

We choose stays for location, warmth, and a good night’s rest after a day in the valleys. Exact properties are confirmed in your quotation and depend on availability.

The circular National Museum building standing above Paro ValleyPhoto: Kezang Choden

Paro · 2 nights

A comfortable valley hotel

A calm 3–4 star stay close to Paro's town and airport, with the route's final night positioned for an easy departure.

A Bhutanese shop displaying handcrafted objects and local products

Thimphu · 2 nights

A well-placed city stay

A confirmed hotel in the 3–4 star category, selected for access to the capital's cultural sites and local restaurants.

Terraced paddy fields forming patterns across a Bhutanese valleyPhoto: Kevin Pagès · Amazing Aerial Agency

Punakha · 1 night

A slower valley retreat

A restful Punakha stay, chosen around the route and current availability. Your confirmed quote names the property before payment.

Before you book

What’s included.

The final confirmed itinerary and quotation always take priority. This is the standard starting point for this journey.

Included

  • +A qualified and licensed English-speaking guide
  • +Private vehicle and experienced driver
  • +Accommodation at the confirmed hotel category
  • +Meals listed in the confirmed itinerary
  • +Monument and entry fees listed in the confirmed itinerary
  • +Mineral water during the journey

Not included

  • International and domestic flights unless specifically listed
  • Bhutan visa or permit application fee
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation outside Bhutan
  • Tips, alcohol, spa treatments, and personal expenses

The SDF, taxes, surcharges, and any special permits are stated clearly in each confirmed quote because they can depend on the route, nationality, and travel dates.

Know before you go

The route in practical terms.

Activity level
Easy–Moderate
Longest walk
4–5 hours
Highest point
3,120m
Highest sleeping altitude
2,350m

The Tiger's Nest hike is the most sustained effort. Your guide can adjust the pace and add rest stops.