Bhutan Tour, 5 DaysFive Days in the Land of the Thunder Dragon
Bhutan is the last Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom in the Himalaya, and five days is enough to see its heart. From Paro over the Dochula Pass to Punakha Dzong, through the capital at Thimphu, and up to the Tiger’s Nest on its cliff above the Paro valley.
Journey at a Glance
- Max Altitude
- 3,120 mTiger’s Nest
- Duration
- 5 Days4 nights
- Group Size
- 2 to 50
- Difficulty
- EasyModerate hike to Tiger’s Nest
- Best Season
- Mar to May, Sep to Dec
- Start and End
- Paro
Package Cost
USD1,400
per person
(Group of 6 or more)
- 2 to 5 travellers
- $1,600
- 6 and above
- $1,400
Last updated
Overview
Bhutan in Five Days
Bhutan sits in the eastern Himalaya between Tibet and India, and it is the last kingdom where Vajrayana Buddhism is the state religion. Its dzongs, the great fortress monasteries, still house both the monks and the district government, and its forests cover most of the country.
This tour flies into Paro, the only international airport in Bhutan, and drives to Thimphu, the capital. From there it crosses the Dochula Pass, where 108 memorial chortens stand on the ridge, and descends to Punakha, whose dzong sits where two rivers meet, and on to the market at Wangduephodrang.
The last full day belongs to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest, a monastery built into a cliff 900 metres above the Paro valley at 3,120 metres. Most of the tour is by car and easy for any age; the hike to the Tiger’s Nest is moderate and takes most of a day there and back.
“Dzongs, prayer flags, and a monastery on a cliff.”
Journey Highlights
- Dochula Pass
- Punakha Dzong
- Tiger’s Nest hike
- Visa and daily fee included
Detailed Itinerary
5 DaysParo, Thimphu, Punakha
| Day | Route | Overnight | Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu | Thimphu | About 2 hours by road from Paro |
| Day 02 | Thimphu to Punakha over the Dochula Pass | Punakha | By road over the Dochula Pass |
| Day 03 | Punakha to Wangduephodrang | Wangduephodrang | By road |
| Day 04 | Paro and the Tiger’s Nest | Paro | Hike to the Tiger’s Nest (3,120 m) |
| Day 05 | Depart from Paro | Departure | Transfer to Paro airport |
Day 01Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu
You land at Paro International Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan, and your guide handles the visa and permit checks. The drive to Thimphu takes about two hours through the Paro valley past traditional farmhouses.
Day 02Thimphu to Punakha over the Dochula Pass
Over the Dochula Pass and its 108 chortens, with the Himalaya on a clear day, and down to Punakha.
Day 03Punakha to Wangduephodrang
Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers, then on to the market town of Wangduephodrang.
Day 04Paro and the Tiger’s Nest
The hike to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest monastery at 3,120 metres, and the dzongs and museum of Paro.
Day 05Depart from Paro
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
- Private transport throughout
- Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per the itinerary
- All travel permits within Bhutan
- Bhutan visa fee (USD 40)
- Bhutan’s daily Sustainable Development Fee, USD 100 per person per night
- English-speaking local guide
- Accommodation in single or twin rooms
- Full-board meals
What's Not Included
- Flights to and from Paro
- Insurance of any kind
- Costs arising from natural calamities or other unforeseen circumstances
- Personal expenses such as drinks and tips
Before you book
Questions Travellers Ask
Is five days enough for Bhutan?
Five days is enough to see Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and the Tiger’s Nest, which are the places most first visits are built around. Longer tours add the Phobjikha valley and more time in each place.
How difficult is the hike to the Tiger’s Nest?
The hike to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest, is moderate. The monastery stands at 3,120 metres, 900 metres above the Paro valley, and the walk up and back takes most of a day at an easy pace. The rest of the tour is by car.
Are flights to Bhutan included?
No. Flights to and from Paro are not included in the 5-day Bhutan Tour, which starts and ends in Bhutan. The visa, the daily fee, transport, guide, permits, entrance fees, hotels and full-board meals are.
Is Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee included in the 5-day tour?
Yes. Bhutan’s daily Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per person per night is included for all four nights, along with the USD 40 Bhutan visa fee.
How much does the 5-day Bhutan Tour cost?
The 5-day Bhutan Tour costs USD 1,600 per person for 2 to 5 travellers and USD 1,400 for 6 or more. A single traveller is quoted on request.
Where does the 5-day Bhutan Tour start and end?
The 5-day Bhutan Tour starts and ends at Paro International Airport, the only international airport in Bhutan. Flights to and from Paro are not included.
What is the itinerary of the 5-day Bhutan Tour?
The 5-day Bhutan Tour drives from Paro to Thimphu on day 1, crosses the Dochula Pass to Punakha on day 2, visits Punakha Dzong and the market town of Wangduephodrang on day 3, and spends day 4 on the Tiger’s Nest hike and the dzongs and museum of Paro.
Do I need a visa for the 5-day Bhutan Tour?
The 5-day Bhutan Tour includes the Bhutan visa fee of USD 40 and all travel permits within Bhutan, and your guide handles the visa and permit checks when you land at Paro.
When is the best time for the 5-day Bhutan Tour?
The best seasons for the 5-day Bhutan Tour are March to May and September to December.
What accommodation and meals does the 5-day Bhutan Tour include?
The 5-day Bhutan Tour stays in 3-star hotels in single or twin rooms, on full board.
What is the booking and cancellation policy for the Bhutan Tour, 5 Days?
Sama Yatra takes a 30% deposit to confirm a booking for the Bhutan Tour, 5 Days. Bookings cannot be cancelled, but the journey can be postponed for up to two years at the same cost.
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