01Arrival in Paro
The approach into Paro is flown by sight rather than instrument, one of a handful of airports in the world where this is still true. A gentle first afternoon in the valley to let the altitude settle.
OvernightParo
Bhutan · 7 Days · Private
Bhutan at a Glance
Seven days across the three western valleys, the classic introduction to Bhutan, unhurried enough to be worth doing.
Overview
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Route
- Paro · Thimphu · Punakha
- Season
- March – May, September – November
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Group
- Private only
Bhutan at a Glance
Most first journeys to Bhutan cover Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. The difference between a good version and an ordinary one is time, whether you spend two nights in a valley or pass through it in an afternoon.
This route gives each of the three western valleys room, adds the village walks that most itineraries cut, and finishes at Taktsang. If you want to continue east into Bumthang and Gangtey, that is the eleven-day Across the Kingdom.
7 Days
The journey, day by day.
Scroll the itinerary the way you would a lookbook, one day, one image, one idea at a time.
01
02Paro · Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum
Rinpung Dzong, still both monastery and district administration, then the National Museum in the round watchtower above it. Kyichu Lhakhang in the afternoon, seventh century, and among the oldest temples in the Himalaya.
OvernightParo
03Thimphu · The Capital
An hour east to Thimphu. Buddha Dordenma above the valley, Tashichho Dzong, and the Centenary Farmers Market if the day falls right.
OvernightThimphu
04Dochula Pass · Punakha Valley
Cross Dochula at 3,100 metres, where 108 chortens face the Eastern Himalaya. Descend to Chimi Lhakhang, reached on foot through rice paddies, and on to Punakha Dzong.
OvernightPunakha
05Punakha · Villages and River
A slower day. The suspension bridge over the Pho Chhu, the walk up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, and the villages along the valley floor. This is the day most travellers remember.
OvernightPunakha
06Return to Paro · Taktsang
Back west over Dochula, then the climb to Tiger’s Nest, four to five hours return through pine forest and prayer flags to the temples fixed against the cliff.
OvernightParo
07Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport and farewell from your guide.
OvernightDeparture
Practical
Highlights
- Paro Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum
- Dochula Pass and the 108 chortens
- Punakha Dzong at the river confluence
- Chimi Lhakhang village walk
- Punakha suspension bridge and valley villages
- Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest ascent
Included
- Private English-speaking Bhutanese guide
- Private vehicle and driver
- Six nights accommodation
- All meals
- Sustainable Development Fee
- All entrance fees and permits
- Airport transfers
Not included
- International flights
- Bhutan visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Accommodation
Six nights across Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, at whatever standard suits. This route works equally well with characterful mid-range hotels or with Bhutan’s best lodges.
Practical Information
Flights reach Paro from Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok and Singapore. Taktsang is the only demanding walk, four to five hours return. The Sustainable Development Fee is included in your journey cost.
Made Around You
Nothing here is fixed.
This is the most adaptable route we run. Add nights, add the Haa valley over Chele La, add Phobjikha for the cranes, or extend east into Bumthang.
Pace
Add a night where a valley deserves one. Cut a drive that isn’t earning its place.
Interests
Weight the journey toward textiles, birdlife, architecture, food or long walks.
Accommodation
From family-run farmhouses to Bhutan’s finest lodges, or a considered mix.
Length
The route stretches and contracts around the time you have.
The two things we won’t move: festival dates, which follow the lunar calendar, and the altitude a body needs time to meet.
Your Journey
Shall we shape this around you?
Tell us your dates and what matters most. We’ll come back with a considered proposal, not a brochure.
Design This Journey→A boutique travel company creating private journeys through Bhutan, Ladakh and Darjeeling.
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