Clouds drifting over Thimphu valley and the city below

Discover Drukyul

Four days in Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan’s two gateway valleys, ending with the climb to Tiger’s Nest.

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Route
Paro · Thimphu
Accommodation
3-star hotels as standard; 4-star, boutique, luxury or homestays on request
Best season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Group size
Private tour, 1 traveller or more

Overview

A short introduction to Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan’s two gateway valleys, for travellers with limited time. It ends with the hike to Tiger’s Nest.

Trip highlights

  • Tashichho Dzong and Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu
  • Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley
  • The hike to Tiger’s Nest
  • A traditional hot stone bath

Sample itinerary

Paro · Thimphu · 3 nights

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu

    Your guide meets you at the airport for the drive to the capital. Overnight in Thimphu.

  2. Day 2

    Thimphu to Paro

    The capital’s monuments, then over to the Paro valley. Overnight in Paro.

  3. Day 3

    Tiger’s Nest

    The hike to Paro Taktsang, then a relaxed afternoon. Overnight in Paro.

  4. Day 4

    Departure

    Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.

This is a sample itinerary. We share the full day-by-day plan, with hotels and experiences, once we start planning your trip.

What’s included

Included

  • Accommodation in 3-star hotels approved by the Department of Tourism, twin or double sharing. Prefer something different? Choose 4-star, boutique or luxury hotels, or village homestays and farmhouse stays, priced on request
  • All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Bottled drinking water throughout your trip
  • Licensed English-speaking guide
  • Private vehicle with an experienced driver, sized to your group
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • Daily sightseeing and activities as listed in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to all sites on your itinerary
  • Bhutan visa fee (US$40) and processing: we apply for your visa on your behalf
  • Sustainable Development Fee (US$100 per person per night), government taxes and surcharges
  • Help from our team before, during and after your trip

Not included

  • Flights to and from Bhutan (we are happy to book these for you)
  • Single room supplement when two travellers would like separate rooms
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks other than water, including alcohol
  • Meals at 4–5 star restaurants outside the itinerary
  • Tips for your guide and driver
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs

Prices are per person in US dollars and include the visa fee and the Sustainable Development Fee, with 3-star accommodation as standard. The 2-traveller price is per person, sharing a twin or double room. Quotes are valid for 30 days; see our Booking Terms.

Enquire about this journey

Start planning

Make it your own

Like this journey but want to change a few days? Tell us and we will adapt it for you.