6-Days Bhutan Itinerary: Thimphu, Punakha & Tiger's Nest

Six days covers the same celebrated triangle as our five-day trip - Paro, Thimphu, Punakha - but changes one thing that changes everything: you sleep in Punakha. At 1,200 metres, the old winter capital is Bhutan's subtropical escape, and an overnight there means you see Punakha Dzong in the soft morning light before the day-trippers arrive, walk to the Temple of Fertility through rice fields at your own pace, and cross Dochula Pass twice - two chances at the great Himalayan panorama. The extra day removes the one compromise short itineraries make: hurry. Tiger's Nest still crowns the trip on your final full day. This is the length we recommend most often to first-time visitors who ask us, honestly, how long is enough.

This carefully curated tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue. Our experienced local guides will share their deep knowledge of Bhutanese culture, history, and traditions, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience. Every detail has been thoughtfully planned to give you the most memorable adventure in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Tour Highlights

Buddha Dordenma — the 51m statue above Thimphu
Takin Preserve Centre — Bhutan's national animal
School of Traditional Arts
Dochula Pass — 108 chortens at 3,100m
Chimi Lhakhang — the Temple of Fertility
Punakha Dzong — between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu
Thimphu weekend market and traditional archery
Tashichho Dzong
National Museum at Ta Dzong, Paro
Paro Rinpung Dzong
Tiger's Nest Monastery hike
Kyichu Lhakhang — one of Bhutan's oldest temples
Complimentary hot stone bath in a farmhouse

Duration 6 Days

Total Tour Cost

Solo Traveler

$1,675

2 Travelers

$1,425 per person

3-6 Travelers

$1,375 per person

7-10 Travelers

$1,365 per person

11+ Travelers

$1,350 per person

Free & no obligation — we'll reply within 24 hours.

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 30 days before arrival for a full refund minus processing fees

Journey at a Glance

Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Drive to Thimphu

Thimphu (2,320m) · 54 km · 1 hr 20 mins
Day 2: Thimphu – Punakha

Punakha (1,242m) · 77 km · approx. 3 hrs
Day 3: Punakha – Thimphu

Thimphu (2,320m) · 77 km · approx. 3 hrs
Day 4: Thimphu – Paro

Paro (2,250m) · 54 km · 1 hr 20 mins
Day 5: Paro – Tiger's Nest Hike

Tiger's Nest (3,120m) · 7.4 km round trip · approx. 5 hours
Day 6: Departure from Paro

Paro Airport (2,235m)

	Distance	Duration	Altitude
Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Drive to Thimphu	54 km	1 hr 20 mins	Thimphu (2,320m)
Day 2: Thimphu – Punakha	77 km	approx. 3 hrs	Punakha (1,242m)
Day 3: Punakha – Thimphu	77 km	approx. 3 hrs	Thimphu (2,320m)
Day 4: Thimphu – Paro	54 km	1 hr 20 mins	Paro (2,250m)
Day 5: Paro – Tiger's Nest Hike	7.4 km round trip	approx. 5 hours	Tiger's Nest (3,120m)
Day 6: Departure from Paro	—	—	Paro Airport (2,235m)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paro – Drive to Thimphu

Paro (2,250m) – Thimphu (2,320m) · 1 hr 20 mins

A warm welcome at Paro Airport from a representative of Byways Tours and Travels, then the drive to Thimphu – 54 km, about an hour and twenty minutes including a stop along the way.

After lunch, visit the 51-metre Buddha Dordenma statue, see Bhutan's national animal at the Takin Preserve Centre, explore a nunnery and the School of Traditional Arts, and shop at the local craft market. Overnight in Thimphu.

54 km · Lunch, Dinner · Hotel in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu – Punakha

Thimphu (2,320m) – Punakha (1,242m) · approx. 3 hrs

Drive to Punakha over the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100m), which opens onto the Himalaya on a clear day.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, and the magnificent Punakha Dzong, set between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Overnight in Punakha.

77 km · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Hotel in Punakha

Day 3: Punakha – Thimphu

Punakha (1,242m) – Thimphu (2,320m) · approx. 3 hrs

Return to Thimphu after breakfast.

Visit the weekend market, enjoy an optional traditional archery match if one is being played, and see Tashichho Dzong, Bhutan's principal administrative and religious fortress. Overnight in Thimphu.

77 km · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Hotel in Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu – Paro

Thimphu (2,320m) – Paro (2,250m) · 1 hr 20 mins

In the morning, visit the National Library and the Folk Heritage Museum before driving to Paro. Lunch will be served in Paro.

Explore Ta Dzong, now the National Museum, and the historic Paro Rinpung Dzong. Overnight in Paro.

54 km · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Hotel in Paro

Day 5: Paro – Tiger's Nest Hike

Paro (2,250m) – Tiger's Nest (3,120m) · approx. 5 hours

Early in the morning, hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang), dramatically perched on a cliffside. The round trip is about 7.4 km and takes around five hours. Enjoy a tea break at the Taktsang Cafeteria and learn about Guru Rinpoche's sacred meditation site.

Later, visit the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang and stroll through Paro town for some final shopping.

In the evening, enjoy a complimentary hot stone bath at a farmhouse. Overnight in Paro.

If you would like to try our Bhutanese dishes, we can serve your last lunch at a farmhouse.

7.4 km round trip · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner · Hotel in Paro

Day 6: Departure from Paro

Paro Airport (2,235m)

An early morning transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of Bhutan.

Breakfast

What's Included & Excluded

Accommodation in 3* Hotels (1 Single room just for you).
All Three Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). Lunch will be served in a local Tourist Restaurant.
Daily Tariff.
Visa Fee.
Royalty and Government Taxes.
SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) of USD 100 per night per person, which directly goes towards free education, Free Healthcare and infrastructure development.
Transportation from receive till drop.
Museum and Monument fee.
Bottle Water in Car.
Sightseeing.
English Speaking Guide.
Driver.

Refund Terms and Conditions

More than 30 days before arrival: Full refund minus processing fees
15-30 days before arrival: 50% refund minus processing fees
7-14 days before arrival: 25% refund minus processing fees
Less than 7 days before arrival: No refund
No-shows: No refund
All cancellations must be made in writing via email

Note: We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances.

Send Inquiry

Tell us your travel dates and we take care of the rest — visa, SDF, hotels, guide, transportation and permits.

Duration 6 Days

Total Tour Cost

Solo Traveler

$1,675

2 Travelers

$1,425 per person

3-6 Travelers

$1,375 per person

7-10 Travelers

$1,365 per person

11+ Travelers

$1,350 per person

Free & no obligation — we'll reply within 24 hours.

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 30 days before arrival for a full refund minus processing fees

Send Inquiry

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 30 days before arrival for a full refund minus processing fees

What's Included & Excluded

Accommodation in 3* Hotels (1 Single room just for you).
All Three Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). Lunch will be served in a local Tourist Restaurant.
Daily Tariff.
Visa Fee.
Royalty and Government Taxes.
SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) of USD 100 per night per person, which directly goes towards free education, Free Healthcare and infrastructure development.
Transportation from receive till drop.
Museum and Monument fee.
Bottle Water in Car.
Sightseeing.
English Speaking Guide.
Driver.