- Small-group classic route
- 7 days
- Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Taktsang
Bhutan Discovery
A week on Bhutan's classic western route with a small group. The trip starts in Thimphu, crosses Dochula to Punakha, and saves Tiger's Nest for the end, once everyone has had a few days at altitude.
About this trip
Spring and autumn departures usually bring the clearest views from Dochula.
Good for: First-time visitors who'd like company and a set plan.
- Rhythm
- 2 nights each in Thimphu and Punakha, 2 in Paro
- Walking
- Tiger's Nest: 4–6 hours, moderate
- Longest drive
- About 4 hours from Punakha to Paro
- Group
- Same plan for everyone, with free time most afternoons
Highlights
- Tiger's Nest hike, late in the trip
- Dochula pass and Punakha Dzong
- Thimphu's weekend market and Buddha Dordenma
- A gentle walk through Punakha's rice fields
Dates and seats
No dates published yet
We publish each departure here with its price, group size and places left. Tell us when you'd like to travel and we'll let you know when suitable dates open.
Your route
Thimphu Days 1–22 nights
Drive about 2.5 hours
Punakha Days 3–42 nights
Drive about 4 hours
Paro Days 5–72 nights
Fly home on day 7
Day by day
Day1ThimphuArrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu
Meet your guide and the group at Paro airport, then drive around 2 hours to Thimphu. Keep the evening easy after the flight.
Day2ThimphuThimphu
Visit the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong and the Buddha Dordenma, with time in the textile market or a craft workshop in the afternoon.
Day3PunakhaOver Dochula to Punakha
Cross the Dochula pass, stopping for the Himalayan view if the sky is clear, then continue down to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong beside the river.
Day4PunakhaPunakha Valley
A gentle walk through the rice fields and along the river, with a visit to a local temple or farmhouse. The afternoon is free.
Day5ParoPunakha to Paro
Drive back over Dochula to Paro, around 4 hours. Visit Paro Dzong in the late afternoon and settle in for two nights.
Day6ParoTiger's Nest
Hike to Tiger's Nest at a steady pace, usually 4–6 hours return with a tea stop.
Day7ParoDepart
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
In the price
- Twin-share hotels at the Comfortable tier
- All meals
- A licensed Bhutanese guide with the group throughout
- Group vehicle and driver
- Visa, permits and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Entry fees for every site on the itinerary
Not in the price
- International flights to Bhutan
- Travel insurance
- Single-room supplement, if you want or need a room to yourself
- Tips and personal spending
Rooms and solo travellers
Rooms
Two travellers share a twin room at the per-adult price. We don't pair travellers from different parties, so an odd number in your party means one single room, at the supplement shown on each departure.
Travelling solo
You get a room of your own, and the price we show for one adult already includes it.
Travelling solo in BhutanQuestions about this trip
When does the Bhutan Discovery run?
Departures run on set dates that we publish on this page, each with its price, maximum group size and the places left.
How active is the trip?
Tiger's Nest: 4–6 hours, moderate. The whole group follows the same plan, set before you book.
I'm travelling solo. What will I pay?
Rooms are shared in pairs, and we don't pair travellers from different parties, so a solo traveller takes a single room. The price we show for one adult already includes the single-room supplement.
What if the departure doesn't reach its minimum group size?
We offer a comparable alternative or a full refund of payments made to us, as set out in our cancellation terms.
When do I pay, and can I change my booking?
You pay the deposit shown on the departure when you book, and the balance 60 days before departure. You can move to another departure once with no Guided Bhutan Tours administration fee when you ask at least 45 days before departure, and cancel with no administration fee at least 45 days before; any price difference applies.
Can I do this route on my own dates?
Yes. Take the similar private tour, which runs on the dates you choose with a guide just for your group.
Where you'll stay
These are examples of hotels we often use on this tour. We may book a different hotel of the same standard, depending on availability.
- Thimphu · 2 nightsAriya HotelA modern hotel in the capital with a spa, restaurant and gym.4-star
Punakha · 2 nightsDhensa Boutique ResortValley views and a pool, ten minutes from the dzong.4-star
Paro · 2 nightsHotel Kaachi GrandIn Paro town, with rain showers, floor heating and balconies facing the mountains.4-star
