6-day Bhutan tour: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro with Tiger's Nest

Several nights moving through multiple valleys to reach the monastery on the cliff.

A 6-day private tour of Bhutan's Golden Triangle covering Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro with an English-speaking guide, private transportation, all meals, and entrance fees included. The itinerary centers on the three main valleys, moving from the capital through the former seat of government to the Paro Valley, where the hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (perched 3,000 feet above the valley) forms the centerpiece. Hotel pickup is included. Children from age 2 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Thimphu sightseeing

• Arrive at Paro International Airport
• Drive to Thimphu
• Visit Buddha Dordenma statue
• Visit Memorial Chorten

Day 2: Thimphu cultural exploration

• Visit Dochula Pass and chortens
• Explore Takin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Tour Simply Bhutan Museum
• Visit Institute of Zorig Chusum
• Explore National Folk Heritage Museum
• Visit Tashichho Dzong fortress
• Visit Simtokha Dzong fortress

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha sightseeing

• Drive via Dochula Pass
• Visit Punakha Dzong fortress
• Walk Punakha Suspension Bridge

Day 4: Punakha to Paro sightseeing

• Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong fortress
• View Paro Airport from viewpoint
• Tour National Museum of Bhutan
• Visit Drukgyel Dzong ruins

Day 5: Paro cultural and spiritual sites

• Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
• Visit Kyichu Lhakhang temple

Day 6: Departure from Paro

• Depart from Paro International Airport

The experience

Six days means you move through Bhutan without rushing. The route starts in Thimphu, where you see the 51-meter Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the valley, the Tashichho Dzong fortress-monastery that serves as the seat of government, and the National Folk Heritage Museum in a restored farmhouse over a century old. You also visit the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies at Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629. The Simply Bhutan Museum lets you try archery and traditional dress, and taste butter tea and ara (rice spirit). Each stop is chosen to show how Bhutanese people live and what they value, not just what tourists photograph.

The drive to Punakha crosses Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters, where 108 memorial chortens honor soldiers and prayer flags frame views of the eastern Himalayas on clear days. Punakha Dzong sits at the confluence of two rivers and was the former capital. It's whitewashed walls and golden roofs make it one of Bhutan's most photographed buildings. You walk the 160-meter Punakha Suspension Bridge draped in prayer flags, with the river rushing below. From Punakha, the route continues to Paro, passing through more of the landscape that shapes the journey.

Paro is where Tiger's Nest Monastery dominates the itinerary. The hike climbs through forest with prayer flags and reaches a monastery built in 1692 on a sheer cliff. The place where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated. You also see Paro Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang (one of Bhutan's oldest temples, possibly from the 7th century), Drukgyel Dzong ruins with views of Mount Jomolhari, and the Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point for photographs of the valley and the runway. The National Museum of Bhutan, housed in a historic watchtower above Paro Dzong, holds rare artifacts and thangka paintings. Private transportation, an English-speaking guide, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), entrance fees, and parking are included throughout.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout the 6 days.
• English-speaking guide.
• all entrance fees to monasteries, dzongs, and museums.
• breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
• water and soft drinks.
• parking fees.
• hotel pickup at the start.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 20 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kingdom Tour & Trek

Is this one for you?This tour suits travelers who want a structured itinerary with a guide and all logistics handled, moving through Bhutan's three main valleys without the need to plan transport or book sites independently. The private format means your group sets the pace and the guide can adapt to your interests, whether that's longer time at a monastery or more photography stops along the way.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years).

What is Tiger's Nest Monastery and why is it so significant?

Tiger's Nest Monastery, or Taktsang, is Bhutan's most iconic spiritual landmark, built in 1692 on a cliff 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. It marks the meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have flown there on the back of a tigress to subdue negative forces. The hike to reach it passes through forest with prayer flags and leads to a monastery that feels suspended between heaven and earth: the centerpiece of the Paro portion of this tour.

How much walking and climbing is involved in this tour?

The most demanding part is the hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, which involves a steep climb to the clifftop monastery. Other days include walking through dzongs, temples, and cultural sites at a moderate pace. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

What meals are included, and will I eat local Bhutanese food?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included every day, along with water and soft drinks. The Simply Bhutan Museum includes tastings of butter tea and ara (rice spirit), giving you a direct experience of Bhutanese flavors. The meals reflect local cuisine and traditions throughout the journey.

What is Dochula Pass, and why does the route go there?

Dochula Pass sits at 3,100 meters on the road between Thimphu and Punakha. It features 108 memorial chortens (stupas) built to honor Bhutanese soldiers, prayer flags, and the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple. On clear days, it offers panoramic views of the snow-capped eastern Himalayas. It's a spiritual and scenic stop that marks the transition between the capital and the former seat of government.

What is included in the price, and what do I need to arrange separately?

Private transportation, an English-speaking guide, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), entrance fees to all sites, parking fees, and hotel pickup are included. You do not need to arrange transport or book entry tickets separately. WiFi on board is not included.