Our Bhutan Discovery package opens with one of the world’s most spectacular flights — the descent into Paro. Over six days you explore the capital Thimphu, cross the Dochula pass to the warm Punakha valley and its riverside dzong, and return to Paro for the Tiger’s Nest. A well-rounded introduction to the Dragon Kingdom.
OVERVIEW & TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Thimphu: The Capital
Bhutan’s capital blends ancient tradition with gentle modernity — the King’s Memorial Chorten, the giant Buddha Dordenma, the National Library, the Craft Bazaar, and the Takin Preservation Centre for Bhutan’s national animal.
Punakha: Valley of Dzongs
Across the 3,080 m Dochula pass lies the warm Punakha valley, home to the riverside Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, and the Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple set among rice fields.
Paro: Tiger’s Nest
The Paro valley holds the Ta Dzong National Museum, the majestic Rinpung Dzong, and Bhutan’s most famous sight — the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, reached by a scenic cliffside hike.
ITINERARY
Day 1 — Arrive Paro & transfer to Thimphu
Arrive on the spectacular flight into Paro. After immigration and baggage, meet our representative and drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Check in, then take an exploratory walk around the Thimphu Craft Bazaar for genuine Bhutanese arts and crafts. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2 — Thimphu Sightseeing
Tour Thimphu — the King’s Memorial Chorten built in memory of the Third King; the 169-foot Buddha Dordenma statue at Buddha Point; the National Library with its vast collection of Bhutanese scripts; Coronation Park; and the Takin Preservation Centre, home to Bhutan’s national animal. In the evening, stroll through Thimphu town. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3 — Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha (approx. 75 km / 3 hrs) across the 3,080 m Dochula pass with its chortens, prayer flags and Himalayan views. Visit the riverside Punakha Dzong (1637) and walk through rice fields to the Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4 — Punakha to Paro
After breakfast, drive to Paro (approx. 125 km / 4 hrs), following the Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu valleys. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, then in Paro visit the Ta Dzong National Museum and the historic Rinpung Dzong. Overnight in Paro.
Day 5 — Paro — Tiger’s Nest or Chele La
Choose between two experiences today. Option 1 — the hike to the Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Monastery, clinging to a cliff high above the valley: around 2½ hours up to the viewpoint cafeteria, with the option to continue closer, and about 1½ hours back down, followed by lunch and time in Paro Bazaar. Option 2 — a drive to the Chele La pass (3,988 m), one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, prized for its prayer-flag ridge, Himalayan flowers and mountain views, returning to Paro in the evening. Overnight in Paro.
Day 6 — Departure from Paro
After an early or packed breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight. Our representative sees you off. Your Bhutan Discovery tour concludes.
Includes :
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels on twin/double sharing (5 nights)
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Hindi-speaking tour guide throughout the tour
- All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle
- Bhutan entry permit processing and approval
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1,200 per person per night
- Pickup and drop at Paro Airport
- All applicable taxes
Excludes :
- Airfare and flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Entry and museum fees at monuments and dzongs
- Lunch
- Single-room supplement
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, etc.)
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
What’s Included
The Bhutan Discovery package suits travellers flying into Paro who want Thimphu, Punakha and Paro without an overland crossing. It covers 5 nights of 3-star half-board accommodation, a Hindi-speaking guide throughout, private transport, permit processing, and the Sustainable Development Fee. Contact us for a personalised quote tailored to your dates, hotel category and group size. Discover why travellers have trusted Cosima Holidays for 27 years, and see our guide to booking domestic flights in India.
Important Notes:
Rooms are on twin/double-sharing basis in indicative 3-star hotels; similar-category properties may be substituted. This package uses the scenic flight into Paro. The final day offers a choice between the Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) hike and the Chele La pass excursion. Rates are valid 01 Jul–30 Sep 2026. This is a price-on-request package — contact us for a personalised quote.