Cultural7 DaysCultural Bhutan Tour
A relaxed trip through Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, full of temples, crafts and everyday life in western Bhutan.
Easy — light walking, one longer walk up to a monasteryMarch – May, September – November
Cultural · 5 Days
Punakha & Paro Highlights
A short first trip into Bhutan, taking in Tiger's Nest and our home valley of Punakha, without rushing.
The trip
About this trip
Five days is enough for Bhutan if you pick the right route. This trip stays in two valleys, so you spend more time seeing places, not driving between them.
Great for short breaks, add-on trips from India or Nepal, and honeymoon couples with limited time off.
Highlights
- Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Punakha Dzong and suspension bridge
- Dochula pass and its 108 chortens
- Farmhouse lunch and hot stone bath
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Style
- Cultural
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Best season
- Year-round
Price depends on the season, room type and group size, and includes the government fee set for all visitors. We send you a written price for your dates.
Day by day
Day by day
This is a guide only. We can change, add or remove any day.
Day 01
Arrival in Paro
ParoBoutique hotel, Paro
- Airport welcome
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Walk around the valley
Day 02
Tiger's Nest
Paro Taktsang4–5 hr hikeBoutique hotel, Paro
- Early morning walk up to the monastery
- Free afternoon
Day 03
Dochula to Punakha
Punakha3 hr driveRiverside lodge, Punakha
- Dochula pass
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Arrival by the river
Day 04
Punakha Valley
PunakhaRiverside lodge, Punakha
- Punakha Dzong
- Suspension bridge
- Walk to the chorten
Day 05
Departure
Paro4 hr drive
- Drive to Paro
- Departure
Accommodation
- Boutique hotel in Paro valley
- Riverside lodge in Punakha
- Upgrades available on request
Inclusions
- Private licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide
- Private vehicle with an experienced driver, every day
- Rooms as listed in the day-by-day plan
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day
- All monument and museum entrance fees
- Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee, all handled for you
- Bottled water, tea and coffee on the road
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Bhutan
- Travel insurance (required)
- Personal spending, laundry and drinks
- Spa treatments and extra activities
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Sustainability
Short trips can still be low-impact. We keep driving to a minimum, use local kitchens, and keep every group private.
Important information
- Every visitor to Bhutan travels with a licensed operator. We handle your permits, visa and daily government fee paperwork.
- Tiger's Nest and other high walks mean a steady climb. We build in slow, easy pacing so you can adjust to the altitude.
- Festival and trek dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and change each year. We check the exact dates before you book.
- This day-by-day plan is a starting point. We can change it around your interests, pace and travel dates.
Gallery
Photos from this trip
Questions
Before you send a message
Is this day-by-day plan fixed?
No. Every trip we publish is just a starting point. We can change the days, stays and pace to match your interests.
What kind of rooms are included?
Each trip lists its usual standard. You can ask to upgrade to one of Bhutan's top luxury lodges, if space allows.
How big is the group?
Trips are private by default: your own guide, driver and vehicle, travelling only with your own group.
What happens after I send a message?
A Beetle Travels team member will ask about your dates and preferences, then send a written day-by-day plan and price.
Get in touch
Ask about Punakha & Paro Highlights
Share your dates and preferences and a Beetle Travels team member will reply with a written plan made for you.
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