Bhutan Tour – Paro, Thimphu & Punakha – 5 Days

Altitude: Paro – approximately 2,250 m / 7,382 ft; Thimphu – approximately 2,334 m / 7,657 ft Travel profile: approximately 55 km / 1.5–2 hours, excluding stops. Meet your licensed Bhutanese guide at Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu. If the arrival time permits, stop near Tachogang Lhakhang and view the traditional iron-chain bridge from the approved access point. In Thimphu, visit Buddha Dordenma and the National Memorial Chorten. Add Tashichho Dzong, the postal museum, or a short town walk only when opening hours and arrival timing allow. The final sequence is adjusted around the flight rather than rushed. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu Meals: Lunch and dinner when included in the confirmed package

Altitude: Dochula Pass – approximately 3,100 m / 10,171 ft; Punakha – approximately 1,200 m / 3,937 ft Travel profile: approximately 75 km / 2.5–3.5 hours, excluding sightseeing and meal stops.

Begin with selected Thimphu visits such as the Motithang Takin Preserve and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, subject to opening days. Drive across Dochula Pass, where the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens frame possible Himalayan views in clear weather. Descend through changing vegetation to the warmer Punakha Valley. Visit Chimi Lhakhang by a gentle walk through fields and a traditional village, then continue to the hotel. If time is limited, this visit may move to Day 3. Overnight: Hotel in Punakha Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner when included

Altitude: Punakha – approximately 1,200 m / 3,937 ft; Paro – approximately 2,250 m / 7,382 ft Travel profile: approximately 125 km / 4–5 hours, excluding sightseeing and road delays. Visit Punakha Dzong, dramatically positioned between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. When access permits, walk across the nearby suspension bridge and observe the valley’s agricultural landscape. Return to Paro via Dochula and Thimphu. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is not included in this compact standard itinerary because combining its hike with Punakha sightseeing and the full drive to Paro creates an unnecessarily rushed day. It can be added to a six-day version. On reaching Paro, take a short orientation walk or rest before the Tiger’s Nest hike. Overnight: Hotel in Paro Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner when included

Hiking profile: approximately 5–7 hours round trip, including rest, viewpoint, and monastery time; roughly 6–8 km depending on the access route and turnaround point. Start early for the hike to Taktsang Monastery, which clings to the cliff above Paro Valley. The trail climbs steadily through pine forest to the cafeteria viewpoint and continues by stone steps to the monastery complex. Walk at your own safe pace, carry water, and follow the guide’s instructions on temple access, dress, bags, phones, and photography. Travelers unable to complete the full hike may turn around at an agreed point or use an alternative Paro sightseeing program. Ponies, when operating, generally cover only part of the uphill route and do not remove the need for walking or the staircase section. After descending, visit Kyichu Lhakhang or another confirmed Paro site if time and energy permit. Overnight: Hotel in Paro Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner when included

Transfer profile: normally 15–30 minutes from hotels in central Paro, depending on location and traffic.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport at the time required for the confirmed flight. The tour ends after departure assistance. Meals: Breakfast