Classic Bhutan Tour

Land at Paro airport or arrive by road from India and cross into Bhutan at the border town of Phuentsholing. Meet your Bhutanese guide and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the local bazaar and the sacred Phuentsholing Chorten.

• Arrival and meet your guide
• Cross the Bhutan border at Phuentsholing
• Visit Phuentsholing Chorten
• Explore the local bazaar and town

• Overnight in Phuentsholing

Explore the border town of Phuentsholing more thoroughly today. Visit the Bhutan Gate, the bustling local market, and relax after your arrival. Enjoy the warm, subtropical climate of this gateway town. In the evening, prepare for your journey northward to the capital.

• Bhutan Gate and border area
• Local market and handicrafts
• Bacha La Pass viewpoint
• Evening stroll around town

• Overnight in Phuentsholing

Drive north towards Bhutan's capital Thimphu, a journey of around 6 hours through beautiful valleys. Stop at viewpoints along the way and take in the changing landscape as you ascend into the mountains. Arrive in Thimphu in the evening and settle into your hotel.

• Scenic drive to Thimphu, about 6 hours
• Stops at mountain viewpoints
• Visit Clock Tower Square
• Evening stroll around Thimphu town

• Overnight in Thimphu

Spend a full day in Thimphu, the world's smallest capital. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, the giant Buddha Dordenma statue that watches over the city, and the imposing Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the royal government. Explore the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's national animal.

• National Memorial Chorten
• Giant Buddha Dordenma statue and viewpoint
• Tashichho Dzong, the government fortress
• Takin Preserve and national animal sanctuary

• Overnight in Thimphu

Drive south from Thimphu, ascending to the sublime Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres, where 108 white chortens flutter with prayer flags on either side of the road. On a clear day, the view spans five Himalayan peaks. Descend into the warm Punakha valley and visit the iron chain bridge of Tamchog Lhakhang.

• Dochula Pass with 108 chortens and prayer flags
• Panoramic Himalayan views from the pass
• Tamchog Lhakhang iron chain bridge temple
• Drive to Punakha valley

• Overnight in Punakha

Retrace your path over the Dochula Pass, taking in new views from the descent. Drive across the mountains to the Paro valley, the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family. Arrive in Paro in the afternoon and relax after the long day of travel.

• Scenic drive back over Dochula Pass
• Stop at viewpoints for new perspectives
• Arrive in Paro valley
• Evening at leisure in Paro

• Overnight in Paro

The highlight of the tour. Hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, one of Asia's most iconic destinations. The monastery clings to a sheer cliff 900 metres above the Paro valley. The hike takes 4 to 5 hours round trip with the option to hire a pony for part of the ascent. In the afternoon, visit Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan.

• Hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery
• Explore the sacred monastery perched on the cliff
• Rinpung Dzong fortress and panoramic views
• National Museum of Bhutan

• Overnight in Paro

The Tiger's Nest hike takes approximately 4 to 5 hours round trip. Ponies may be hired for part of the ascent. The hike involves altitude gain and rocky paths; moderate fitness is recommended.

After a final breakfast in Bhutan, you are transferred to Paro airport for your onward flight, leaving the Thunder Dragon Kingdom with memories of monasteries, mountains, and Himalayan calm.

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Departure transfer to Paro airport
• Fly home

• Tour ends