Skip to content
+975 17 76 37 44 info@globalsafaritoursandtrek.com Licensed Bhutan Tour Operator
WhatsApp Us
Global Safari Tours and Treks
Plan My Trip
  1. Home
  2. Cultural Tour
  3. Iconic Bhutan Tour

Iconic Bhutan Tour

5 Days / 4 Nights Thimphu, Punakha & Paro Breakfast & Dinner (MAP) Licensed guide
Starting from ₹1,050 per person
Iconic Bhutan Tour — photo 1 Iconic Bhutan Tour — photo 2
Duration5 Days / 4 Nights
Tour typeCultural Tour
MealsBreakfast & Dinner (MAP)

Overview

Discover the essential highlights of the Thunder Dragon Kingdom on this perfectly crafted 5-day cultural journey. Designed for travelers seeking a profound introduction to Bhutan, this itinerary seamlessly connects the vibrant capital of Thimphu, the sub-tropical valleys of Punakha, and the historic landscape of Paro. You will explore towering cliffside monasteries, witness majestic fortress-architectures (Dzongs), cross dramatic mountain passes, and immerse yourself in timeless Buddhist traditions. From the colossal Buddha Dordenma to the legendary Tiger's Nest, prepare for an unforgettable encounter with heritage, history, and natural grandeur of Bhutan.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery): Stand before Bhutan’s most iconic cliffside sacred site.
  • Explore Punakha Dzong: Marvel at the majestic "Palace of Great Happiness" situated at the confluence of two rivers.
  • Cross Dochula Pass: Take in panoramic views of the snow-capped Eastern Himalayas amidst 108 chortens.
  • Stand by the Buddha Dordenma: Gaze over Thimphu valley from the base of one of the world's largest sitting Buddha statues.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day1
Arrival in Paro & Drive tp Thimphu
  •  Morning / Afternoon: Arrive at Paro International Airport. Meet your guide and embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive following the river valley to Thimphu, the capital city.
  • Evening: Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a focus of daily worship for locals, followed by a stroll through the Thimphu Kaja Throm (local market) to experience regional flavors and crafts.
  • Overnight in Thimphu.
Day2
Thimphu Cultural sights & Drive to Punakha
  • Morning: Head up to the colossal Buddha Dordenma for sweeping valley views. Next, explore the National Library or the Institute for Zorig Chusum (Thimphu Painting School) to watch students training in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts.
  • Afternoon: Drive toward Punakha (2hours). Stop at the dramatic Dochula Pass (3,100m) to admire the 108 memorial chortens and catch a glimpse of the Himalayan peaks on a clear day. Descend into the warm, sub-tropical valley of Punakha.
  • Take a gentle walk through rice paddies to visit Chimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple of the "Divine Madman."
  • Overnight in Punakha.
Day3
Punakha Exploration & Return to Paro
  • Morning: Visit the breathtaking Punakha Dzong, the historic winter capital of Bhutan. Walk across the nearby Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest of its kind in the country.
  • Afternoon: Drive back toward Paro.
  • Upon arrival in Paro, explore Rinpung Dzong & Ta Dzong (National Museum)
  • Overnight in Paro.
Day4
The Legendary Tiger's Nest Hike
  • Morning: Paro Taktsang Hike. Embark on a memorable hike to Bhutan's iconic cliffside monastery, taking approximately 4–6 hours round trip.
  • Afternoon: On the way back down, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the kingdom, built in the 7th century.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional farmhouse, featuring local delicacies like Ema Datshi, and try a relaxing hot stone bath to unwind after the hike.
  • Overnight in Paro.
Day5
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, taking home wonderful memories of Bhutan’s culture, landscapes and warm hospitality.

What's included

Inclusion

  • Flexible itinerary: Customizable according to your interest and needs.
  • SDF & Entry Fee
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Government approved hotels (minimum 3-star category)
  • Unlimited mineral water
  • Hot-stone bath 
  • English speaking guide 
  • Comfortable SUV car

    • Exclusion

  • Airfare
  • 4-star & 5-star hotels
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities for guide & driver

    • Good to know

    Can this itinerary be customised?

    Yes. Every tour is private and tailor-made. We can change the number of days, hotel category, pace and activities, or start from Siliguri, NJP, Bagdogra or Paro.

    What documents do I need?

    Indian nationals need a valid passport or original Voter ID (birth certificate for children). International guests need a passport valid for 6+ months and a visa approval, which we arrange. See all travel requirements.

    Is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) included?

    Your quotation clearly shows whether the SDF is included. It is currently ₹1,200 per night for Indian nationals and USD 100 per night for international visitors. Read about the SDF.

    What is the cancellation policy?

    Cancellation charges depend on how close to the travel date you cancel. See our Cancellation & Refund Policy.

    You may also like

    More Bhutan journeys

    Bhutan Cultural Highlight Tour 7 Days / 6 Nights
    Cultural Tour

    Bhutan Cultural Highlight Tour

    Explore the timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage of Bhutan on our Bhutan Cultural Highlights Tour. Journey through the enchanting valleys of Paro, Thimphu and…

    Hotels Transfers Meals Guide
    Starting from ₹1,450 per person
    View Tour
    Guest stories

    What our travellers say

    Read all reviews Write a review

    Demo review: As a first-time visitor to Bhutan I appreciated how much our guide shared about local culture, food and Buddhism. Ema datshi at a farmhouse lunch in Paro and the Dochula pass in the morning mist were special moments.

    DG Demo Guest 6 London, United Kingdom

    Demo review: Booking was simple over WhatsApp and every question got a quick reply. The road trip from Phuentsholing to Thimphu was comfortable, and the SDF and entry permit process was explained clearly before we left.

    DG Demo Guest 5 Siliguri, India

    Demo review: We timed our honeymoon with the Paro Tshechu festival. Watching the masked dances inside the dzong courtyard was unforgettable. The hotel in Paro had a beautiful valley view and the team added a small surprise dinner for us.

    DG Demo Guest 4 Delhi, India

    Demo review: The Druk Path trek was well organised. Tents, meals and ponies were all arranged, and the trek crew looked after us at every camp. Clear skies on the third day gave us amazing views of the Himalayan peaks.

    DG Demo Guest 3 Bangalore, India

    Demo review: We travelled as a family of four with two young children. The team planned an easy pace with short drives, and our driver was patient and careful on the mountain roads. Punakha Dzong and the suspension bridge were the kids' favourite stops.

    DG Demo Guest 2 Mumbai, India

    Demo review: Our 6-day trip covering Thimphu, Punakha and Paro was smooth from start to finish. The permits were ready on arrival, the hotels were clean and comfortable, and our guide explained the history of every dzong we visited. The Tiger's Nest hike was the highlight.

    DG Demo Guest 1 Kolkata, India
    From₹1,050 per person
    Enquire Now
    Tailor-made Bhutan holidays

    Ready to discover the Land of the Thunder Dragon?

    Tell us your dates and interests. A local Bhutan travel expert will build your itinerary, arrange your permits and send a free quote within 24 hours.

    Get a Free Quote Chat on WhatsApp
    Chat with us
    Get a Quote