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.
USD 1,800 per person, 10% off for groups of more than 8
Overview
This is the journey most first-time visitors choose, and for good reason. In seven days you see the three valleys of western Bhutan that hold its best-known monasteries and fortresses, without long days on the road.
You begin in Thimphu, the capital, then cross the Dochula pass to the warmer Punakha valley, where the dzong stands between two rivers. The last days are in Paro, ending with the climb to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest, which clings to a cliff above the valley.
Trip highlights
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) above the Paro valley
- Punakha Dzong, at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers
- The 108 memorial chortens at Dochula Pass
- Buddha Dordenma, overlooking Thimphu
- Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum in Paro
- Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu
Your guide meets you at Paro International Airport. The road to Thimphu follows the Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers, with a stop at Tachog Lhakhang and its iron-chain bridge. In the evening, a first walk through the centre of the capital.
- Day 2
Thimphu
Start at Buddha Dordenma, the giant seated Buddha above the city, then visit the National Memorial Chorten, where residents walk their daily circuits, and the Folk Heritage Museum. After lunch, see the takin, the national animal, at the Motithang preserve. End the day at Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government.
- Day 3
Over Dochula Pass to Punakha
Climb to Dochula Pass and its 108 memorial chortens; on a clear day the high Himalaya lines the northern horizon. Descend into the Punakha valley and walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley.
- Day 4
Punakha Dzong, drive to Paro
Morning at Punakha Dzong, the former capital and one of the most beautiful fortresses in the country, then cross the long suspension bridge over the Pho Chhu. Afternoon drive back west to Paro.
- Day 5
Paro valley
Visit Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum in the watchtower above it, then Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In the afternoon, visit a farmhouse for butter tea and a look at rural family life. A traditional hot stone bath can be arranged on request.
- Day 6
Hike to Tiger's Nest
The trail to Taktsang Monastery climbs through blue pine forest, past prayer flags and a halfway viewpoint, to the temples built into the cliff. Take your time: the reward is one of the most remarkable sights in the Himalaya.
- Day 7
Depart from Paro
Your guide takes you 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
First-time visitors who want Bhutan's best-known sites at a comfortable pace. The Tiger's Nest hike is the one demanding day; if you would rather not make the climb, your guide will plan a gentler walk instead.
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
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
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.
USD 3,600
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.