5 Nights / 6 Days
Bhutan 5N/6D: Thimphu & Paro
Phuentsholing · Thimphu · Punakha · Paro · Tiger's Nest
Ideal for: First-timers who want a relaxed pace
Price on request · free quote
Bhutan
Bhutan Tour: Thimphu & Paro – 4 Nights / 5 Days
- 4 Nights / 5 Days
- Starts & ends: Bagdogra / NJP / Siliguri
- Private tour
Tour overview
Bhutan's essentials in five days: two nights in Thimphu and two in Paro, including the hike to the cliffside Tiger's Nest monastery.
Thimphu and Paro are the heart of most first trips to Bhutan. You'll see the capital's monuments, then move to the broad Paro valley for its fortress, museum and the unforgettable Tiger's Nest.
The first and last days are long road transfers via Phuentsholing, so we plan early starts.
Ideal for: First-time visitors who want Bhutan's two essential valleys. Places covered: Thimphu, Paro, Tiger's Nest, Rinpung Dzong.
Highlights
- Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) Monastery hike
- Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum
- Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples
- Tashichho Dzong and the Memorial Chorten
- Valley views from Sangaygang
- Paro's handicraft market
Day-by-day itinerary
Distances, drive times and altitudes are approximate and vary with road and weather conditions. Points marked optional are extra.
Day1
Siliguri (IXB/NJP) to Thimphu
Long travel day via Phuentsholing
Pickup at Bagdogra or NJP, immigration at Phuentsholing, then the climb to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day2
Thimphu sightseeing
Local · full day
A full day in the capital, with your guide.
- Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point)
- National Memorial Chorten
- Tashichho Dzong
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Takin Preserve (national animal)
- National Library
- Sangaygang (BBS Tower) viewpoint
- Handicrafts market
Day3
Thimphu to Paro, with Paro sightseeing
≈ 55–65 km · 1.5–2 hrs
A short drive to the Paro valley, then an afternoon exploring its fortress and museum.
- Ta Dzong (National Museum)
- Rinpung Dzong
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Drukgyel Dzong
Day4
Paro: hike to Tiger's Nest (Taktsang)
Hike ≈ 2–3 hrs up · monastery ≈ 3,100 m
Bhutan's most famous sight clings to a cliff about 900 m above the valley. The hike is steady and rewarding; ponies can be hired for part of the way up. Evening at Paro market.
- Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery
- Paro handicraft market
Day5
Paro to Siliguri (IXB/NJP)
≈ 370 km · long travel day
An early start for the drive via Phuentsholing back to Bagdogra or NJP. Book late-evening trains or next-day flights.
What's included
- Private SUV/MUV with driver for the full itinerary, including pickup and drop at Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or NJP station
- Hotel accommodation in your chosen category (2★ or 3★ certified hotels)
- Meals as per the meal plan agreed in your quote
- Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide
- Processing of entry and route permits
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- A local SIM card for the trip (returnable)
- Support before, during and after your trip
Not included
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) – paid by the guest (see note below)
- Flights and train tickets
- Monument, museum and dzong entry fees
- Horse or pony hire for the Tiger's Nest hike
- Traditional hot-stone bath
- Tips, bar bills, phone calls, laundry and personal expenses
Inclusions are our standard format. Your final quote lists exactly what is and isn't included.
Entry rules & important notes
- Indian nationals enter Bhutan with an original valid passport or voter ID card. Children under 18 can use a passport or birth certificate. Carry 2 passport-size photos per person.
- Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). For Indian nationals it has been INR 1,200 per person per night, paid by the guest. The rate can change, so we confirm it with your quote.
- Entry permits are issued at the Phuentsholing immigration office (or on arrival at Paro airport). Permits for travel beyond Thimphu and Paro, such as Punakha, are processed in Thimphu – your guide handles this.
- Travel insurance of about INR 800 per person may apply for non-Indian guests under the insurance package; Indian nationals don't need it. Other nationalities need a Bhutan visa and pay the international SDF – ask us.
Best time for this tour
March–May (spring flowers, Paro festival season) and September–November (clear skies, Thimphu festival season) are the best times. December–February is cold but clear, with black-necked cranes in the Phobjikha valley. June–August is the monsoon.
Read before you go
Request a quote for this tour
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Thimphu & Paro: FAQs
What documents do Indians need for Bhutan?
An original valid passport or voter ID card, plus 2 passport-size photos. Children under 18 can use a passport or birth certificate. Other IDs are not accepted, so please check before you travel.
How hard is the Tiger's Nest hike?
It's a steady uphill walk of about 2–3 hours each way on a good trail. Most reasonably fit people manage it at their own pace; ponies can be hired for part of the climb.
Is the SDF included in the package?
No. The Sustainable Development Fee is paid by the guest. For Indian nationals it has been INR 1,200 per person per night; we confirm the current rate with your quote.
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Tell us your dates. We'll plan the rest.
Share your travel dates, group size and where you are arriving. We'll suggest a route, the right vehicle and a clear quote — no obligation.