Himalayas · Most booked

Bhutan Classic — Paro, Thimphu & Punakha

The route we run most often. Tiger's Nest, the Punakha Dzong at the river confluence, and Dochula Pass on a clear morning, at a pace that leaves room to breathe at altitude.

Bhutan destination guide · Best places to visit in Bhutan

Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, Bhutan

Trip at a glance

Route
Phuentsholing → Thimphu → Punakha → Paro
Duration
6 nights · 7 days
Best season
March–May, September–November
Maximum altitude
Up to 3,100m at Dochula Pass
Permits
Bhutan entry permit + Sustainable Development Fee
Pace
Moderate — two long driving days

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 1Day

    Jaigaon to Thimphu

    Meet our team at the Bhutan Gate in Jaigaon. Permits are processed at Phuentsholing immigration, then a 5–6 hour drive through the hills to Thimphu at 2,320m. Evening free on Norzin Lam.

  2. 2Day

    Thimphu sightseeing

    Buddha Dordenma above the valley, the Memorial Chorten early while local worshippers are circling it, the Takin Preserve, and Tashichho Dzong in the late afternoon once government offices close.

  3. 3Day

    Thimphu to Punakha over Dochula

    An early start to cross Dochula Pass at 3,100m before the cloud comes up, with the 108 chortens and the eastern Himalaya behind them. Down to Punakha at 1,200m, noticeably warmer. Chimi Lhakhang walk through the rice fields in the afternoon.

  4. 4Day

    Punakha to Paro

    Punakha Dzong in the morning light, then the suspension bridge across the Po Chhu. Drive to Paro in the afternoon, recrossing Dochula. Evening at leisure in Paro town.

  5. 5Day

    Tiger's Nest

    Leave by 8am for Paro Taktsang. A 4–5 hour return walk with a cafeteria at the halfway point. Afternoon at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country.

  6. 6Day

    Paro at your own pace

    Rinpung Dzong and the traditional cantilever bridge below it, the National Museum in the old watchtower, and time in Paro town. Optional drive to Chele La at 3,988m for the Haa valley view.

  7. 7Day

    Paro to Phuentsholing and the border

    Drive back down to Phuentsholing and cross to Jaigaon, where the trip ends. Onward transfers to Bagdogra, Hasimara or New Jalpaiguri arranged on request.

What is included, and what is not

Included in the price

  • Bhutan entry permits processed by our staff at Phuentsholing
  • Sustainable Development Fee for the full stay
  • All accommodation on twin sharing in government-approved hotels
  • Daily breakfast and dinner
  • Private vehicle with driver for the whole circuit
  • Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide
  • All monument and museum entry fees listed in the itinerary

Not included

  • Travel to and from Jaigaon
  • Lunches, and any meals outside the hotel
  • Tiger's Nest pony hire
  • Personal expenses, tips and telephone charges
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything not listed under what is included

Bhutan package questions

This 6-night 7-day Bhutan package starts at ₹24,999 per person on twin sharing. The final quote depends on your travel dates, group size and hotel category. Send us your dates and we will send back a written quote with everything itemised.
This itinerary runs 6 nights and 7 days, which covers Phuentsholing → Thimphu → Punakha → Paro without rushing. We can lengthen or shorten it, though cutting below this usually means dropping a location rather than spending less time at each.
March–May, September–November. Full month-by-month detail is in our Bhutan travel guide.
Yes. Every itinerary here is a starting point. We routinely adjust the number of nights, hotel category, vehicle type and pace for families, senior travellers, honeymooners and corporate groups.
Send your dates and group size on WhatsApp or through the enquiry form. We share a day-by-day itinerary and quote, refine it with you, and confirm with an advance payment. Permits, hotels and transport are handled by our team after that.