Highlights
- The landing at Paro
- Thimphu's Buddha Dordenma and Memorial Chorten
- Dochula pass and Punakha Dzong
- Chele La, Bhutan's highest road pass
- The Haa valley and its White and Black temples
- Tiger's Nest on the last full day
Flying in saves the two border days, which buys you Haa. The route runs in a loop from Paro, and Tiger’s Nest is saved for the end, when five days at altitude make the climb much easier. It suits couples and families who have a week of leave and would rather spend it in the valleys than on the road from the plains.
Day-wise itinerary
Day 1: Fly into Paro, drive to Thimphu
The approach into Paro, between the ridges, is the most dramatic landing you’ll make. The entry permit is issued at the airport (or you show the one issued online). Your guide meets you outside, and it’s about an hour’s drive to Thimphu. Keep the first evening easy while you get used to the height.
Day 2: Thimphu
Buddha Dordenma, the Memorial Chorten, the takin enclosure at Motithang, the textile museum and the craft bazaar. Tashichho Dzong at the end of the day.
Day 3: Dochula and Punakha
Over Dochula early for the mountain view, then down to Punakha Dzong and the suspension bridge. In the afternoon, a gentle walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang. Night in Punakha, which is noticeably warmer than Thimphu.
Day 4: Punakha to Paro
Back over the pass to Paro. Afternoon at Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum in the old watchtower above it.
Day 5: Day trip to Haa over Chele La
The road climbs through forest to Chele La, at around 3,800 m, the highest road pass in Bhutan, strung with prayer flags. On a clear day you can see Jomolhari. Drop into the Haa valley for the White and Black temples (Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo) and lunch in a village, then return to Paro. It’s a long day in the car; if the weather closes in, we swap it for a farmhouse visit around Paro.
Day 6: Tiger’s Nest
By now you’ve had five days at altitude, which makes the climb to Paro Taktsang far easier. Start early. Ponies are available to the halfway cafeteria. Kyichu Lhakhang on the way back if there’s time.
Day 7: Fly out of Paro
Transfer to Paro airport for your flight to Delhi, Kolkata or Bagdogra and your connection home.
Haa or an extra day in Paro?
Haa is worth it if you like mountain roads and quiet villages. It’s the least visited of the valleys on this route, and the pass is the closest most visitors get to high Himalayan scenery. It’s not the right day for anyone who gets carsick or finds altitude hard, since Chele La is higher than Tiger’s Nest. In that case we keep you in Paro for a slower day: a hot stone bath at a farmhouse, a short walk to Drukgyel Dzong, and time to rest before the climb.
What's included and what isn't
Included
- Hotels for 6 nights (Thimphu 2, Punakha 1, Paro 3) with breakfast and dinner
- Private vehicle with driver from Paro airport to Paro airport
- Licensed Bhutanese guide throughout (Hindi-speaking where available)
- Day trip to Haa over Chele La
- Help with the online entry permit and any onward permits
Not included
- Sustainable Development Fee of ₹1,200 per person per night (shown separately on the quote)
- Flights to and from Paro (quoted on request)
- Monument and museum entry fees
- Pony hire at Tiger's Nest, farmhouse hot stone bath
- Lunches, tips and personal expenses
Visa, costs, best time and travel tips: Bhutan Tour Packages from India.
