5 Days Thimphu Punakha & Paro Tour

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Overview

4 Nights 5 Days Bhutan Tour Package

Discover the mystical Western valleys of Bhutan with our 4 Nights 5 Days Tour Package. Explore Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.

This compact loop covers Bhutan’s three best-known western valleys. You’ll see a highland capital, a pine-forested pass with 108 chortens, a warm subtropical valley with the country’s most beautiful dzong, and a monastery built into a cliff. It’s a lot of Bhutan’s variety in just five days.

In Thimphu you’ll visit Tashichho Dzong and the giant Buddha Dordenma. Crossing Dochula Pass (3,100 m), you may see the eastern Himalaya on clear days, before dropping more than 1,000 m to Punakha. There you’ll see Punakha Dzong, where two rivers meet and where Bhutan’s kings are crowned, and walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple. The trip ends in Paro with the National Museum, Rinpung Dzong and the hike to Tiger’s Nest.

It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want more than just Paro and Thimphu, for photographers and for culture lovers.

Why This Tour Is Special

Three valleys, two great dzongs, a Himalayan pass and Tiger’s Nest: a well-rounded first visit to Bhutan in under a week.

Who This Tour Is For

First-time visitors who want more than just Paro and Thimphu, photographers, and culture lovers. You’ll need moderate fitness for the Tiger’s Nest hike.

This tour is especially suitable for:

Mountain lovers and photographers looking for sunrise and sunset views over the Himalaya
Culture and history lovers who want to explore UNESCO heritage sites, temples and old royal cities
Buddhist pilgrims and spiritual travelers following the footsteps of the Buddha and great masters
Honeymooners and couples looking for romantic lakeside and hilltop settings
Adventure seekers and trekkers who want to earn their views on foot
Anyone visiting for the first time who wants a well-paced, well-rounded experience

Places You’ll Visit

Tashichho Dzong: Tashichho Dzong, on the banks of the Wang Chhu in Thimphu, is Bhutan’s seat of government.
Dochula Pass: Dochula (3,100 m), on the road from Thimphu to Punakha, is famous for its 108 memorial chortens (Druk Wangyal Chortens), built in 2004 to honour Bhutanese soldiers.
Buddha Dordenma (Kuensel Phodrang): Buddha Dordenma is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world: a 51.5 m gilded bronze figure of Shakyamuni on a hilltop at Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the southern end of Thimphu valley.
Institute of Zorig Chusum: The Institute of Zorig Chusum in Thimphu teaches Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, including thangka painting, wood carving, embroidery, statue-making and calligraphy, to young Bhutanese students.
Punakha Dzong: Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness,” was built in 1637–38 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal where the Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers meet.
Chimi Lhakhang: Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple, was built in 1499 on a small hill near Lobesa.
National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong): The National Museum is housed in Ta Dzong, a round 17th-century watchtower built to guard Rinpung Dzong.
Paro Valley & Rinpung Dzong: Paro (2,200 m) is a wide, fertile valley of rice fields and traditional farmhouses, and home to Bhutan’s only international airport.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): Paro Taktsang is Bhutan’s most famous landmark, a monastery built into a sheer granite cliff about 900 m above the Paro Valley, at 3,120 m.
Kyichu Lhakhang: Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built in 659 AD by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo as one of 108 temples to pin down a demoness who was blocking the spread of Buddhism.
Chele La Pass: Chele La (3,988 m) is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, on the road between Paro and Haa.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF WITH LOCATION MAP

Trip Facts

Tour Code: PTT-BT-TR-03
Duration: 5 Days
Program Type: Sightseeing Tour
Maximum Altitude: 3120m
Minimum Pax: 1
Mode of Travel: Drive
Start Trip: Paro Airport
End Trip: Paro Airport
Program Grading: Easy

Trip at a Glance

Day 01: Fly to Paro and drive to Thimphu and sightseeing
Day 02: Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha
Day 03: Punakha- Paro sightseeing
Day 04: Paro (Day Excurssion to Taktsang Monastery)
Day 05: Paro-home flight

Trip Highlights

Tashichho Dzong and the 51 m Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu
Dochula Pass (3,100 m): 108 memorial chortens with Himalayan views
Punakha Dzong, often called Bhutan's most beautiful fortress, where two rivers meet
Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple, reached on foot through rice fields
Paro's National Museum (Ta Dzong) and Rinpung Dzong
The hike to Tiger's Nest (3,120 m)

Itinerary in Details

Day 01Fly to Paro and drive to Thimphu and sightseeing
Travel: Paro to Thimphu, 55 km (about 1.5 hrs) | Altitude: Thimphu 2,320 m | Overnight: Thimphu

Fly into Paro and drive to Thimphu along the river, stopping at the iron chain bridge of Tachog Lhakhang. In the late afternoon, visit Tashichho Dzong.

Main experience: Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government and the King's throne room. On weekdays it opens to visitors after office hours.
Lighter moment: Tachog Lhakhang's iron chain bridge, a short stop on the drive from Paro.
Local meal: Ema datshi and red rice, Bhutan's national dish.
Insider tip: Sit on the left side of the plane flying in for Himalayan views.

About Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong, on the banks of the Wang Chhu in Thimphu, is Bhutan's seat of government. It houses the throne room and offices of the King and the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot). It was rebuilt in its present form in the 1960s in traditional style, without nails or written plans.

What to see:

The grand whitewashed courtyards and golden roofs
The central utse tower
Evening flag-lowering ceremony
Views of the dzong lit up at night
- OvernightThimphu
- CountryBhutan
- Highest PointThimphu
- Altitude2,390m / 7,841ft
- MealsLunch, Dinner
Day 02Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha
Travel: Thimphu to Punakha, 75 km (about 3 hrs) | Altitude: Dochula 3,100 m, Punakha 1,250 m | Overnight: Punakha

Visit Buddha Dordenma and the Institute of Zorig Chusum in the morning, then drive over Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens and down into the Punakha valley. In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the two rivers.

Main experience: Punakha Dzong (built in 1637), set where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet. It was Bhutan's capital until 1955.
Lighter moment: Buddha Dordenma in the morning, then tea at Dochula Pass, where on clear days you can see snow peaks behind the 108 chortens.
Local meal: Lunch at Dochula or at Lobesa: try red rice and kewa datshi (potato and cheese).
Insider tip: The Institute of Zorig Chusum is open on weekdays and makes a good 45-minute stop before you leave Thimphu.

About Dochula Pass

Dochula (3,100 m), on the road from Thimphu to Punakha, is famous for its 108 memorial chortens (Druk Wangyal Chortens), built in 2004 to honour Bhutanese soldiers. On clear days, especially from October to February, there is a panorama of the eastern Himalaya, including Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m), the world's highest unclimbed mountain.

What to see:

The 108 Druk Wangyal chortens
Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple
A panorama of the eastern Himalaya on clear days
Tea at the pass café

About Buddha Dordenma (Kuensel Phodrang)

Buddha Dordenma is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world: a 51.5 m gilded bronze figure of Shakyamuni on a hilltop at Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the southern end of Thimphu valley. Inside are 125,000 smaller gilded Buddha statues.

What to see:

The giant gilded Buddha
The meditation hall filled with small Buddhas
A panoramic view over Thimphu valley

About Institute of Zorig Chusum

The Institute of Zorig Chusum in Thimphu teaches Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts, including thangka painting, wood carving, embroidery, statue-making and calligraphy, to young Bhutanese students.

What to see:

Students painting thangkas and carving wood
Embroidery and weaving classes
A shop selling student work

About Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness," was built in 1637–38 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal where the Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers meet. It was Bhutan's capital until 1955, is where Bhutan's kings are crowned and married, and is the winter home of the monk body. Many people consider it the most beautiful dzong in the country.

What to see:

The six-storey central tower and three courtyards
The river confluence and the covered cantilever bridge
Jacaranda trees blooming purple in spring
Murals of the life of the Buddha
- OvernightPunakha
- CountryBhutan
- Highest PointDochula Pass
- Altitude3,100m / 10,171ft
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03Punakha- Paro sightseeing
Travel: Punakha to Paro, 125 km (about 4.5 hrs) | Altitude: Paro 2,200 m | Overnight: Paro

Walk through rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, then drive back over the pass to Paro. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum in the old Ta Dzong watchtower and walk down to Rinpung Dzong.

Main experience: Rinpung Dzong, reached on foot down the old stone path from the National Museum (Ta Dzong), crossing the covered cantilever bridge.
Lighter moment: A 20-minute walk through rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple, before leaving Punakha.
Local meal: A farmhouse dinner in Paro with ara (local rice wine) and buckwheat pancakes.
Insider tip: The afternoon is free: rest before tomorrow's hike.

About Chimi Lhakhang

Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple, was built in 1499 on a small hill near Lobesa. It is dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, "The Divine Madman," a much-loved 15th-century saint known for his unconventional teachings. Couples come here to be blessed with children.

What to see:

The walk through rice paddies and Sopsokha village
The fertility blessing inside the temple
The colourful painted houses of Sopsokha

About National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)

The National Museum is housed in Ta Dzong, a round 17th-century watchtower built to guard Rinpung Dzong. Since 1968 it has displayed Bhutan's finest thangka paintings, bronze statues, masks, textiles, weapons and the country's famous postage stamps.

What to see:

Ancient thangkas and religious statues
Masks used in tshechu dances
Bhutan's collectable postage stamps
The view over Paro Valley and Rinpung Dzong

About Paro Valley & Rinpung Dzong

Paro (2,200 m) is a wide, fertile valley of rice fields and traditional farmhouses, and home to Bhutan's only international airport. Rinpung Dzong, the "Fortress on a Heap of Jewels," was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan. It still serves as the district's administrative and monastic centre. The dzong is reached by the covered wooden Nyamai Zam cantilever bridge, and it hosts the famous Paro Tshechu festival each spring.

What to see:

The courtyards, towers and painted woodwork of Rinpung Dzong
The traditional Nyamai Zam cantilever bridge
Paro town's painted wooden shopfronts and craft shops
Views of the valley and the airport runway from the road above
- OvernightParo
- CountryBhutan
- Highest PointParo
- Altitude2,200m / 7,218ft
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04Paro (Day Excurssion to Taktsang Monastery)
Hike: About 5–6 hrs round trip | Altitude: 3,120 m | Overnight: Paro

Hike to Tiger's Nest through pine forest and prayer flags, and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, on the way back.

Main experience: The climb through pine forest and prayer flags to Paro Taktsang, a monastery built into the cliff. Alternatives: walk only to the cafeteria viewpoint (about 1 hr up) or drive to Chele La Pass (3,988 m).
Lighter moment: Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples (7th century), on the way back.
Local meal: Lunch with a view at the Taktsang cafeteria.
Insider tip: Start early, carry water and a light jacket, and wear good walking shoes.

About Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

Paro Taktsang is Bhutan's most famous landmark, a monastery built into a sheer granite cliff about 900 m above the Paro Valley, at 3,120 m. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave for three years, three months, three days and three hours. The present monastery was built in 1692 and carefully restored after a fire in 1998.

What to see:

The hike through blue pine forest and prayer flags (about 5–6 hrs round trip)
The cafeteria viewpoint halfway up, with a classic view of the monastery
The temples and Guru Rinpoche's meditation cave inside
The waterfall and bridge just below the monastery

About Kyichu Lhakhang

Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built in 659 AD by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo as one of 108 temples to pin down a demoness who was blocking the spread of Buddhism. Its orange trees are said to bear fruit all year round.

What to see:

The 7th-century inner temple
The statue of Jowo Sakyamuni
Prayer wheels and elderly pilgrims walking the kora

Or

If you do not want to hike to Taktsang monastery then we will take you to Chele la pass, the highest motor able point in Bhutan at 3,988 meters above sea level between Paro and Haa valley. It is approximately 40 km one way from the hotel. Have a good view of snow- capped mountain and tourist indulge in birdwatching.

About Chele La Pass

Chele La (3,988 m) is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, on the road between Paro and Haa. It is hung with thousands of prayer flags, and on clear days there are views of Mt Jomolhari (7,326 m) and Jichu Drake.

What to see:

Views of Jomolhari and the Haa Valley
Fields of colourful prayer flags
Short ridge walks among rhododendrons

Evening visit Paro town. Overnight at the same hotel in Paro.
- OvernightParo
- CountryBhutan
- Highest PointTaksang Monastry
- Altitude2,250m / 7,382ft
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05Paro-home flight
After breakfast departs from hotel to Paro Airport for flight to onward destination.
- CountryBhutan
- MealsBreakfast

Altitude Chart of 5 Days Thimphu Punakha & Paro Tour

Highest point: 10,171 ft / 3,100 m — Day 02 · Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha

Services Included

Private Transport within Bhutan as per itinerary.
Sustainable development fee USD100 per person per night.
Museum, Monuments entrance fee, Sightseeing & all applicable taxes.
Based on 3 Star Hotels in twin sharing.
Daily breakfast in the hotel.
Lunch at Local Restaurant and Dinner at Hotel of stay or in the local Restaurant.
Experienced English Speaking licensed Tour Guide.
Bhutan Visa Fee USD 40.
Mineral water during the sightseeing
Current Taxes
Our personal care and attention

Services Excluded

Air Tickets to/from Paro[IATA Airport Code -PBH](flight connects from Delhi/Kolkata, Nepal, Thailand,Singapore,Bangladish,Myanmar)
Your Travel Insurance.
Tipping, Bar, Telephone Bills, Personal Expenses and Laundry.
Pony Charges for Tiger Nest(optional)
Bhutanese Traditional hot stone bath or Archery (optional)

Trip Notes

We need scanned color passport copy to make e-visa.
Passport must have minimum validity of six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
Recent passport size studio taken color photo with white background
Valid travel insurance policy copy
Flight ticket is not included in our price. So please book flight ticket before you book this trip. Or mail us for flight booking request.
Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu flight cost approx Usd 480
The above rates are for 3 star hotels, please send us email for 4 and 5 star hotel so that we can work out and provide you the best rates.

FAQ

5 days. It starts in Paro Airport and ends there. Overnight stops: Thimphu, Punakha, Paro. The day-by-day itinerary above shows travel times, places visited and meals for each day.

The best seasons are spring (March to May), when rhododendrons bloom and festivals such as the Paro Tshechu are held, and autumn (late September to November), with clear skies and Himalayan views and the Thimphu Tshechu. Winter (December to February) is dry and sunny but cold at night, and the monsoon (June to August) is green and quiet, with some rain and cloud.

The grade is easy, with a maximum altitude of about 3,120 m. Most healthy travellers manage well, but please take care at high altitude and consult your doctor if you have heart or breathing problems. Children and seniors are welcome with sensible precautions.

Yes. All visitors except Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals need a Bhutan visa, which we arrange online before you travel once we receive a clear passport copy (valid for at least six months) and a photo. Visitors also pay Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in the country, set by the Government of Bhutan; please check the inclusions above to see whether it is included in this package. Indian nationals need an entry permit (we arrange it) and pay a lower SDF.

Most visitors fly into Paro International Airport on Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines, with direct flights from Kathmandu, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bangkok, Singapore and Dhaka. The Kathmandu–Paro flight gives superb views of Everest and Kanchenjunga on clear days (sit on the left side). Flights are not included unless stated, but we can book them for you. Overland entry is also possible via Phuentsholing or Gelephu.

Bhutan's rules require international visitors to travel with a licensed Bhutanese guide, so an English-speaking guide and a private vehicle with driver are with you throughout the tour. You can still enjoy free time in towns such as Thimphu and Paro in the evenings.

The hike to Tiger's Nest is about 4–5 hours return, climbing roughly 500 m from the car park (about 2,600 m) to the viewpoint and monastery at around 3,100 m. The trail is wide but steep in places, with a cafeteria halfway. Go at your own pace; ponies can be hired for the uphill part (at extra cost). Photography is not allowed inside the temples.

Dress smartly and modestly: long sleeves and long trousers or skirts, with shoulders and knees covered – no shorts, sleeveless tops, caps or flip-flops inside dzongs and temples. Remove your hat and shoes where asked, walk clockwise around chortens and prayer wheels, and do not point at or touch religious objects. Photography is not permitted inside most temples.

Private Transport within Bhutan as per itinerary; Sustainable development fee USD100 per person per night; Museum, Monuments entrance fee, Sightseeing & all applicable taxes; Based on 3 Star Hotels in twin sharing; Daily breakfast in the hotel; Lunch at Local Restaurant and Dinner at Hotel of stay or in the local Restaurant; Experienced English Speaking licensed Tour Guide; Bhutan Visa Fee USD 40; and more – see the full Includes list.

Air Tickets to/from Paro[IATA Airport Code -PBH](flight connects from Delhi/Kolkata, Nepal, Thailand,Singapore,Bangladish,Myanmar); Your Travel Insurance; Tipping, Bar, Telephone Bills, Personal Expenses and Laundry; Pony Charges for Tiger Nest(optional); Bhutanese Traditional hot stone bath or Archery (optional).

This package includes 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, as marked on each day of the itinerary. Other meals are at your own cost; your guide will recommend good local restaurants, and vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs can be catered for.

Yes. We run this tour privately for your group on the dates you choose, and we can tailor it – add extra nights, change or upgrade hotels, add activities, flights or a guide in your language (Russian, German, French, Spanish, Chinese or Hindi on request). Just send us your wishes.

Once visa is processed & tour program booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to the following charges. a) Before 30 days of start of program – no charge. b) Before 21 days – 10% of the rate. c) Before 14 days – 15% of the rate. d) Before 7 days – 30% of the rate. e) Less than 7 days – 50% of the rate. f) 24 hours prior to the trip – 100% of the rate. Please see the Cancellation Policy section for full details.

Cancellation Policy

Once visa is processed & tour program booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to the following charges:

a) Before 30 days of start of program – no charge
b) Before 21 days – 10% of the rate
c) Before 14 days – 15% of the rate
d) Before 7 days – 30% of the rate
e) Less than 7 days – 50% of the rate
f) 24 hours prior to the trip – 100% of the rate.

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We spent 4 days in Nepal, visiting different places with the Pingeon Travel Agency, Mr. Min Khatri was very friendly, helpful and was attentive to us at all times, with 24-hour service. for anything we needed and was attentive to us via WhatsApp every day. We booked everything from Spain, they picked us up at the airport and at the end they took us, including a driver, guide in Spanish, visits and hotels, and we had no problem, they complied with everything agreed and we were able to visit everything. The driver (Mr. Pawan) is a very good driver, friendly and kind, and the guide (Mr. Giri) is friendly and helpful. Punctual, helpful and attentive. We were in 2 different hotels, and both were very good, highlighting the one in Kathmandu, Hotel Hyatt Place Kathmandu, a new hotel, excellent service and very friendly. The Pingeon Travel agency is highly recommended and they have everything from tours to complete packages. We were happy with the services.

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Pigeon Travel has been an exceptional ressource for me in both travel support to and from Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Min Katri is simply always there onnecway or another, checking fright and other arrangements, hotel schedules and in Bhutan excellent ( required) tour guides. As well, he and Pigeon Travel are exceptional in meeting last minute changes to my plans and really are “there” 24/7. I thinking now about next trips and highly recommend Min and Pigeon travel for your trips— as in planning my next trip to India and Nepal and am using Pigeon Travel the whole way. Highly recommend!

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5 Days Thimphu Punakha & Paro Tour