5-Day Bhutan Short Tour
The essentials of western Bhutan in five days: Thimphu, Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, and the hike to Tiger's Nest in Paro.
USD 1,200 per person, 10% off for groups of more than 8
Overview
A compact journey for travellers with limited time. You still cross the Dochula pass, see Punakha Dzong and walk to Chimi Lhakhang, and finish with the hike to Tiger’s Nest, so the highlights of the classic western route fit into four nights.
Trip highlights
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)
- Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang
- Dochula Pass and its 108 chortens
- Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu
Your guide meets you at Paro International Airport. Drive to Thimphu and, in the afternoon, visit Buddha Dordenma and the National Memorial Chorten.
- Day 2
Thimphu to Punakha
Cross Dochula Pass to the Punakha valley. Visit Punakha Dzong at the meeting of the rivers, then walk through the fields to Chimi Lhakhang.
- Day 3
Punakha to Paro
Drive back west to Paro. In the afternoon, visit Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.
- Day 4
Hike to Tiger's Nest
Climb through pine forest to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger's Nest, and return to Paro for a final evening.
- Day 5
Depart from Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation, meals and transport
Accommodation
Hotels approved by Bhutan's Department of Tourism, chosen for their location and comfort. If you would like a particular hotel or a different category, tell us and we will quote the difference.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, mostly at your hotel and at local restaurants along the route. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Transportation
All airport transfers and sightseeing drives within Bhutan, with a driver.
Your guide
A licensed Bhutanese guide travels with you throughout, explaining the history and customs behind each place you visit.
Price and inclusions
What’s included
- Hotel accommodation
- All meals
- Transportation within Bhutan
- Licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- Bhutan visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
What’s not included
- Entrance fees for monuments and sacred sites
- International and domestic airfare
- International travel insurance
- Personal and entertainment expenses
Price per person, including the Bhutan visa fee and the Sustainable Development Fee. Groups of more than 8 travellers receive 10% off.
Best time to travel
March to May, September to November
- Autumn (Sep to Nov)
- Spring (Mar to May)
Who this trip is for
Travellers adding Bhutan to a wider Asia trip, or anyone short on time who wants the country's best-known sights.
Important information
Visa
Sustainable Development Fee
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes. Any itinerary can be adjusted: add or remove days, change the pace, or combine it with a festival or a trek. Use Customize This Trip to tell us what you would like, and we will send you a revised plan and price.
What does the price include?
The regular price includes hotel accommodation, all meals, transportation within Bhutan, a licensed Bhutanese tour guide, the Bhutan visa fee and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
It does not include entrance fees for monuments and sacred sites, international or domestic airfare, international travel insurance, or personal and entertainment expenses.
Is there a discount for groups?
Yes. Groups of more than 8 travellers receive 10% off the regular price.
Is the Sustainable Development Fee included?
Yes. The Sustainable Development Fee charged by the Royal Government of Bhutan is included in our regular price.
Is the Bhutan visa fee included?
Yes. The Bhutan visa fee is included in our regular price.
Places on this journey
Similar journeys
7-Day Bhutan Cultural Tour
Paro, Thimphu and Punakha in one week: the capital's dzongs, the Dochula pass, Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers, and the hike to Tiger's Nest.
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10-Day Central Bhutan Tour: Punakha, Phobjikha and Bumthang
Beyond the western valleys to Phobjikha's glacial valley and the temples of Bumthang, Bhutan's spiritual heartland, with Tiger's Nest to finish.
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13-Day Bhutan West to East Tour: Paro to Samdrup Jongkhar
The whole country in one journey: from Paro and Tiger's Nest through Punakha, Phobjikha and Bumthang to the dzongs, temples and weaving villages of eastern Bhutan, leaving by road into India.
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Before you travel
Make this trip your own
Book it as it is, or change it: travel on your own dates, slow the pace, choose different hotels, or add a festival or a trek. Tell us what you have in mind and we will send you a revised itinerary and price.