Bhutan · 6 Nights / 7 Days

Bhutan: Monasteries, Valleys and Culture: 6 Nights / 7 Days

The classic western circuit through Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, with a quieter night in the Phobjikha valley.

Overview

This itinerary follows the western valleys at a steady pace, with Taktsang near the start, the Dochula Pass crossing and a river valley stay in Punakha. A night in Phobjikha adds a quieter, more rural chapter.

Phobjikha is optional; if you prefer fewer long drives, we can replace it with an extra night in Punakha or Thimphu. Road distances are modest but journeys are slow, so each transfer is planned with stops and rest breaks.

Duration
6 Nights / 7 Days
Route
Paro > Thimphu > Punakha > Phobjikha > Paro
Suits
Culture-focused travellers, couples and families with older children who are comfortable with long drives.
Stay style
Boutique hotels and traditional lodges in each valley, selected for views and a quiet setting, with a rural farmhouse-style stay available in Phobjikha.

Day-by-day itinerary

Sample itinerary. These are sample itineraries, designed as relaxed tour options. For a customised, detailed and personalised itinerary built around your dates, interests and pace, please contact us. Plan your journey or call +91 97755 97771.

Day 1Arrive in Paro

Arrive in Paro and transfer to your hotel. Visit Rinpung Dzong in the afternoon if you feel rested, and walk across the covered bridge.

Day 2Taktsang walk

Start early for the Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) walk, with time for a break at the teahouse. Spend the afternoon at leisure or visit Kyichu Lhakhang.

Day 3Paro to Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu, around an hour and a half, with a stop at a viewpoint or village. In the afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma.

Day 4Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula

Visit Tashichho Dzong in the morning (subject to visiting hours), then cross Dochula Pass, at around 3,100 m, with its 108 chortens and, on clear days, mountain views. Continue to Punakha, a total drive of about three hours plus stops.

Day 5Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang

Visit Punakha Dzong at the river confluence, then walk through fields to Chimi Lhakhang. In the afternoon, cross the suspension bridge or relax by the river.

Day 6Punakha to Phobjikha

Drive into the high Phobjikha valley, around three hours, and visit Gangtey Monastery. Take a short nature walk. Black-necked cranes winter here from late autumn, subject to the season.

Day 7Return to Paro and depart

Make an early start for the long drive back to Paro, around six hours with stops, so flights are best scheduled for the evening or next day. Alternatively, we can adjust the route to end in Thimphu.

Main experiences

  • Taktsang walk
  • Dochula Pass and the 108 chortens
  • Punakha Dzong at the river confluence
  • Walk to Chimi Lhakhang through village fields
  • Gangtey Monastery and Phobjikha nature trail
  • Optional farmhouse meal or archery

Practical considerations

Driving

Transfers between Punakha, Phobjikha and Paro are long and winding. We schedule departures early and keep buffer time.

Entry

Visa, SDF and permit requirements vary by nationality. See Bhutan travel planning.

Seasonal conditions

High passes can be cloudy or snowy in winter, and monsoon rain may cause delays.

Cranes

Black-necked crane sightings depend on the season and cannot be guaranteed.

This is a sample itinerary, not a fixed departure. Sequence, stays and activities are confirmed when we plan your journey, subject to availability, season, permits and local conditions.

Other Bhutan journeys

Helpful reading

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