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5 Nights 6 Days
Daily Tour
18 people
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Discover the essence of the Land of Gross National Happiness with this immersive 5 Nights 6 Days Bhutan Tour Package covering the cultural and scenic highlights of Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Journey through the Himalayan kingdom’s most iconic destinations — from the capital’s living traditions and the breathtaking Dochula Pass to the majestic Punakha Dzong and the world-famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This carefully paced itinerary offers the perfect balance of culture, spirituality, nature, and authentic Bhutanese experiences, making it one of the most popular short Bhutan tour packages for first-time visitors.
Quick Facts
Duration: 5 Nights / 6 Days
Destinations: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
Tour Type: Cultural, Scenic & Spiritual
Best For: First-time visitors, couples, families, culture lovers
Starting / Ending Point: Paro International Airport
Altitude Range: 1,300 m – 3,080 m
Group Size: 1 – 17 Pax
Best Time to Travel: March–May & September–November
Important Information
Visa & SDF: A Bhutan visa is mandatory for most nationalities and must be arranged in advance through a licensed operator. The Sustainable Development Fee is currently USD 100 per person per night (valid until 31 August 2027). Indian nationals require only an entry permit.
Tiger’s Nest: Closed every Tuesday. The hike is of moderate difficulty; ponies are available up to the cafeteria point at extra cost.
Dochula Pass: Best views are available on clear days, especially in autumn and spring.
Closing Days: Some museums and attractions are closed on Sundays or government holidays.
Altitude: The highest point is Dochula Pass (3,080 m). Stay hydrated and take it easy on the first day.
Customisation: This itinerary can be upgraded to luxury hotels or extended with additional nights in Bumthang or Phobjikha upon request.
Welcome to Bhutan! Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, enjoy one of the most spectacular landings in the Himalayas. You will be received with a traditional Tashi Khaddar (auspicious white scarf). Drive to Thimphu, stopping en-route at Tamchog Lhakhang, a 13th-century temple dedicated to the iron-bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. Cross the historic iron chain bridge to reach the temple. On arrival in Thimphu (2,400 m), check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) – home to the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan – offering sweeping views of the Thimphu Valley. Optional meditation and an expert lecture on Gross National Happiness or Buddhism are available.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Begin with an optional early morning Tshewang ceremony (prayer for peace and prosperity) at the 12th-century Changangkha Lhakhang. Visit the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s unique national animal. After breakfast, explore the Textile Museum to learn about Bhutan’s living art of weaving, followed by Simply Bhutan Museum, which showcases traditional architecture and lifestyle. Continue to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa continuously circumambulated by locals, and end the day at Tashichho Dzong, the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion” – the seat of government and the Chief Abbot.
Overnight in Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha across the spectacular Dochula Pass (3,080 m). On a clear day, enjoy panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan peaks. The pass is marked by 108 memorial chortens and colourful prayer flags. Upon arrival in Punakha, check into your hotel and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, a massive fortress built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and remains the winter residence of the central monastic body. Later, take a scenic walk through paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous Temple of Fertility founded by the Divine Madman.
Overnight in Punakha.
After breakfast, drive to Paro via the scenic highway, stopping at Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan (built in 1627), now a centre for Buddhist studies. On arrival in Paro, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum), originally a watchtower, housing an outstanding collection of thangkas, textiles, and artefacts. Walk down to Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels,” renowned for its exquisite wall paintings and rich history. In the evening, enjoy an optional traditional hot stone bath at a local farmhouse.
Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, embark on the highlight of the tour – the hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). This sacred site, dramatically perched on a cliff 900 metres above the Paro Valley, is where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated after arriving on a tigress. The approximately 5-hour round-trip hike is one of the most rewarding experiences in Bhutan. In the afternoon, visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, from where the sacred Mount Jomolhari can be seen on clear days. Later, explore the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and a key site in the introduction of Buddhism to the kingdom.
Overnight in Paro.
After an early breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our representative will assist with exit formalities and bid you a warm farewell from the Land of Happiness.
Yes. Most international travellers require a Bhutan visa, which is arranged in advance through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. A one-time visa fee of USD 40 applies, along with the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night (current rate valid until 31 August 2027). Citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives have different entry requirements and do not need a standard visa.
The hike to Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang) takes about 4–5 hours round trip and is of moderate difficulty. It involves steady uphill walking with some steep sections. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Ponies can be hired up to the cafeteria viewpoint for those who prefer assistance. Please note that the monastery is closed every Tuesday.
The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer clear skies, pleasant temperatures, excellent views from Dochula Pass, and ideal conditions for the Tiger’s Nest hike. Winter is colder but quieter, while the summer monsoon season (June–August) brings rain and occasional road delays.
Daily breakfast is included at the hotels. Lunch and dinner are not part of the standard package but can be added as an optional extra. This gives travellers the flexibility to enjoy local restaurants or hotel dining according to their preference.
Yes. This well-paced 5 Nights 6 Days itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors, couples, and families. It covers the three most important destinations — Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro — without feeling rushed. The altitudes are manageable (highest point is Dochula Pass at 3,080 m), and optional activities such as the hot stone bath or cultural ceremonies can be added based on interest and fitness level
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