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A Bhutanese dzong on a forested hillside beneath the Himalaya

Cultural Journey · Bhutan

Five Days in Bhutan

Paro, Thimphu and the Tiger’s Nest — an unhurried first journey into the last Himalayan Buddhist kingdom.

Duration
4 Nights / 5 Days
From
US $1,040
Group size
Max 12
Best time
May

The journey

A short journey into a country that kept its own time

Join an exclusive journey into the heart of Bhutan, where ancient traditions and Vajrayana Buddhism shape daily life. This carefully curated tour offers a balance of culture, nature and comfort.

From the sacred valleys of Paro to the capital at Thimphu, you will travel through Himalayan landscapes and stand before the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on its cliffside above the valley.

Investment
US $1,040 pp
Best time
May
Duration
4 Nights / 5 Days
Expert guide
Sonam Tshering
Max group
12 Travellers
Pace
Moderate & scenic
Comfort
3★+ handpicked hotels
Photography
World-class views

Day by day

The itinerary

  1. 1

    Arrival

    Fly in to Paro, transfer to Thimphu

    Arrival at Paro via Delhi, Calcutta, Bangkok or Kathmandu — one of the most spectacular approaches in commercial aviation. Transfer to Thimphu for your first evening in Bhutan.

  2. 2

    Thimphu

    Sunrise at Dochu La, then the craft schools

    An early start for sunrise at Dochu La (3,050m), where 108 chortens stand against the eastern Himalaya. In the afternoon, visit Zorig Chusum — the school of the thirteen traditional arts — and the traditional silk weavers.

    A Bhutanese dzong above the river, seen from the valley floor
  3. 3

    Thimphu to Paro

    The weekend market, then back over the pass

    Visit the Thimphu Weekend Market, where growers come down from the valleys with chillies, ferns and datse. Return to Paro to see the National Museum in the old watchtower (Ta Dzong), and Paro Dzong below it.

  4. 4

    Paro

    The climb to Tiger’s Nest

    Hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, clinging to the cliff 900m above the valley floor. Later, visit Kyichu Temple — one of the oldest in Bhutan — and the ruins of Drugyel Dzong.

    A monk crossing the courtyard of a Bhutanese monastery
  5. 5

    Departure

    Morning flight out of Paro

    Morning departure from Paro airport for your onward flight to Delhi, Calcutta, Bangkok or Kathmandu.

Cost

Tour cost & flights

Twin room occupancy
US $1,040 pp
Single supplement
US $250
Indicative return flights to Paro
RouteReturn fare
Delhi – Paro – DelhiUS $803
Calcutta – Paro – CalcuttaUS $450
Kathmandu – Paro – KathmanduUS $445
Bangkok – Paro – BangkokUS $900

This itinerary is also available as a private tour for 1–2 travellers. For details, write to [email protected].

The fine print

What’s included

Included in the Bhutan land cost

  • Bhutan visa and tax
  • An expert tour guide
  • All activities listed in the itinerary
  • All accommodation, twin share
  • All meals
  • Tea, coffee and snacks
  • Bottled water throughout
  • Ground transportation
  • Some non-alcoholic drinks
  • All park entrance fees

Not included

  • Travel insurance (essential)
  • Laundry, phone calls and alcoholic drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Costs arising from circumstances beyond our control
  • International flights
  • Tips for guide, driver and porters

Before you go

Trip essentials

Walking and terrain
Easy to moderate. Some long drives and short walks at altitude. The Tiger’s Nest hike is the one demanding day: uneven forest trails with a 740m ascent.
Climate
Cold mornings and warm days, roughly 0°C to 30°C. Occasional rain, and snow is possible on the higher passes.
Accommodation
Good quality hotels with fine views and good food. No camping on this itinerary.
Transport
An 18-seater minibus for the group, or SUVs for private journeys.
Food
Hot breakfasts, and lunches served picnic-style. Dinners are buffet-style at the hotels, with continental, Indian and Bhutanese dishes.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations. Please consult your GP for the latest recommendations before travelling.
Insurance
Ensure your travel insurance covers medical assistance and helicopter evacuation. We cannot be held responsible for medical expenses incurred.
Passports
Valid for at least six months beyond your stay in Bhutan, with at least three blank pages.
Visa requirements
Both Bhutan and Indian visas are required. The Bhutan visa (US $40) is included in your tour cost. Apply for an Indian multi-entry visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in.

Travel with people who live here

Every Langur Eco Travels journey is led by Bhutanese guides. Tell us when you would like to come, and we will build the trip around it.

[email protected]