Classic Bhutan — 5 nights

Overview

The most common first trip to Bhutan. Covers the three western valleys most travelers want to see — Paro, Thimphu and Punakha — and includes the iconic Tiger's Nest hike. Moderate pace with enough time to breathe between sites.

• Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) hike
• Punakha Dzong at river confluence
• Dochula Pass (108 chortens)
• Memorial Chorten + Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu
• 1 cultural experience (weaving or cooking class)

Day-by-day breakdown

1. 1
   Day 1 — Arrive Paro, transfer to Thimphu

   Paro → Thimphu

   Land at Paro International. Meet your guide, have lunch in Paro town, then 1-hour drive to Thimphu. Afternoon visit to the Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma (51m statue). Evening free in Thimphu.

   Memorial ChortenBuddha DordenmaEvening in Thimphu
2. 2
   Day 2 — Thimphu sightseeing

   Thimphu

   Visit the Tashichho Dzong, Folk Heritage Museum, the National Textile Museum, and (if it's a weekend) the Centenary Farmers Market. Optional afternoon visit to the Motithang Takin Preserve.

   Tashichho DzongFolk Heritage MuseumCentenary Farmers MarketTakin Preserve
3. 3
   Day 3 — Thimphu → Punakha over Dochula Pass

   Thimphu → Punakha

   Morning drive over Dochula Pass (3,100m) with 108 chortens and Himalaya views on clear days. Descend into warm Punakha valley. Afternoon at Punakha Dzong, then a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang.

   Dochula Pass (108 chortens)Punakha Dzong (river confluence)Chimi Lhakhang walk
4. 4
   Day 4 — Punakha → Paro

   Punakha → Paro

   Morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (2 hours round trip with river crossing). Afternoon drive back to Paro via Thimphu (3-4 hours). Evening in Paro town.

   Khamsum Yulley Chorten hikeSuspension bridge crossingParo old town in the evening
5. 5
   Day 5 — Tiger's Nest hike

   Paro

   The defining day of the trip. Early start for the 4-5 hour round-trip hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) at 3,120m. Horses available to the first viewpoint. Traditional lunch at the cafeteria. Afternoon free — optional hot stone bath.

   Tiger's Nest monasteryTraditional farmhouse lunchOptional hot stone bath
6. 6
   Day 6 — Departure

   Paro airport

   Transfer to Paro airport for your departure flight. Most Drukair flights leave in the morning.

   Airport transfer

Planning notes

• Flight to/from Paro not included in the price estimate
• Includes SDF ($100/night × 5 = $500 per person)
• Accommodation based on 3-star hotels in twin share
• Single supplement adds ~25%