Bhutan – Thimphu, Punakha & Paro Tour
Experience the landscapes, culture and heritage of Bhutan on a 7-day journey covering Phuntsholing, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, with visits to monasteries, viewpoints, cultural attractions and major landmarks.
What Makes This Journey Meaningful
Bhutan is the world's last Himalayan Buddhist kingdom — a land of fortress-monasteries, prayer-flag passes and valleys where tradition still shapes daily life. This 6-night overland journey enters through Phuntsholing, the gateway to Bhutan, and unfolds across the capital Thimphu, the river-valley seat of Punakha and the historic Paro valley. The route balances the kingdom's great landmarks — Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers, the Buddha Dordenma statue and the Tiger's Nest viewpoint — with living culture at Simply Bhutan, the Folk Heritage Museum and the Royal Takin Preserve.
What You Will Experience
Scenic overland entry to Bhutan through Phuntsholing, the border gateway town
Wankha Waterfall, Chukha Dam and Karbandi Monastery en route to Thimphu
Dochula Pass and the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens with Himalayan panoramas
Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers
Punakha Suspension Bridge and Chimi Lhakhang
Buddha Dordenma Statue and the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu
Simply Bhutan living museum, Folk Heritage Museum and Royal Takin Preserve
Simtokha Dzong, Dechen Phodrang and Chagri Dorjeden monasteries
Paro's National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang and the Tiger Nest View Point
Free time at Paro's local market for shopping
Itinerary
- Arrive at Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station and proceed towards Phuntsholing, the gateway to Bhutan
- Enjoy the scenic journey through the surrounding landscapes
- Arrive in Phuntsholing and check in to the hotel
- After breakfast, depart for Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan
- En route, enjoy the Bhutanese landscape
- Waterfall and Wankha Waterfall stops
- Chukha Dam
- Karbandi Monastery
- Continue towards Thimphu and check in to the hotel
- After breakfast, proceed towards Punakha, approximately 73 km from Thimphu
- Dochula Pass and the Druk Wangyal Chortens
- Punakha Suspension Bridge
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Punakha Dzong — located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers
- River rafting may be available as a self-activity
- Return to Thimphu after sightseeing
- National Memorial Chorten
- Buddha Dordenma Statue
- Simtokha Dzong
- Simply Bhutan living museum
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Royal Takin Preserve
- Dechen Phodrang Monastery and Chagri Dorjeden Monastery
- Later, proceed towards Paro and check in to the hotel
- National Museum
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Tiger Nest View Point
- Paro Chu River Point
- Free time at the local market for shopping
- After breakfast, begin the journey from Paro to Phuntsholing
- The journey takes approximately 5–6 hours
- If time permits, jungle safari in Phuntsholing may be available
- After breakfast, depart from Phuntsholing towards Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station for your onward journey
- Tour ends with memorable moments from Bhutan
Travel Details
- Accommodation: 6 nights accommodation — 2 nights in Phuntsholing, 2 nights in Thimphu and 2 nights in Paro, in well-rated hotels.
- Transportation: Pickup and drop at Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station, with a dedicated vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing across Phuntsholing, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.
- Meals: Daily breakfast at the hotel.
- Entry Fees: Included for the sightseeing stops listed under package inclusions.
- Guides: Tour coordination and assistance throughout, with local guide support in Bhutan as required by entry regulations.
- Activities: All listed sightseeing across Phuntsholing, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, including the Dochula Pass and Punakha excursion.
- Flights: Not included
- Other: Bhutan entry permit assistance is provided. River rafting in Punakha and the Phuntsholing jungle safari are optional self-activities, subject to availability.
What’s Excluded
- Airfare / train fare to and from Bagdogra / NJP
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), where applicable
- Lunch and dinner
- River rafting, jungle safari and other optional self-activities
- Entry tickets unless specifically mentioned under inclusions
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Camera charges wherever applicable
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Any services not specifically mentioned under package inclusions
Price on Request
Final pricing depends on group size, dates and permit requirements — enquire for a detailed quote.
This itinerary can be adapted around your dates, pace, group size and areas of interest.
Request a Custom VersionResponsible & Regenerative Approach
Bhutan measures progress through Gross National Happiness, and this journey follows that spirit — using local Bhutanese guides and accommodation partners, respecting monastery and dzong etiquette, and keeping group sizes moderate so that visits to living religious sites remain unintrusive.
Explore Our Tourism ApproachImportant Information
Payment Terms
Advance payment is required to confirm the booking, followed by balance payment before departure; details shared on enquiry.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms are shared at the time of booking confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
6 nights accommodation (2 nights Phuntsholing, 2 nights Thimphu, 2 nights Paro) with daily breakfast, transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary with pickup and drop at Bagdogra Airport / NJP Railway Station, Bhutan entry permit assistance, and tour coordination throughout.
Travel to and from Bagdogra / NJP, the Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) where applicable, lunch and dinner, optional activities such as river rafting and the jungle safari, personal expenses, tips and travel insurance.
A valid passport (minimum six months validity) or a voter ID card is required for the Bhutan entry permit, which is processed at Phuntsholing. Permit assistance is included in the package.
March to May and September to November offer the clearest skies and most comfortable weather. Winter is cold but quiet; monsoon months can affect road conditions.
The itinerary includes the Tiger Nest View Point in Paro. The full trek to Paro Taktsang monastery can be arranged as a customisation with an additional day, on request.
Easy to moderate. Sightseeing involves standard walking at monasteries and dzongs; the main consideration is long mountain drives, particularly the 5–6 hour Paro–Phuntsholing stretch.
Yes — additional nights, the Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) trek, Haa Valley or extended Punakha stays can be arranged on request.
Our team responds within 2 business days to confirm dates, permits and finalise pricing.
Ready to Travel?
Enquire about the Bhutan – Thimphu, Punakha & Paro Tour package, or ask us to design a custom version for your dates.