Our Bhutan Short Escape is the perfect quick introduction to the Dragon Kingdom. Flying into Paro, this five-day itinerary covers the capital Thimphu, the Dochula pass, and the Paro valley with its dzongs and the celebrated Tiger’s Nest. Bhutan’s essentials in a long-weekend-plus escape.
OVERVIEW & TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Thimphu: The Capital
Bhutan’s capital blends 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.
Dochula & Paro
The scenic Dochula pass opens Himalayan views before you reach Paro — a valley of dzongs and monasteries, crowned by the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery high on its cliff.
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. 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 Paro via Dochula
After breakfast, drive to the Dochula pass (3,080 m) for its chortens, prayer flags and Himalayan views, then continue to Paro. Visit the historic Rinpung (Paro) Dzong and the Ta Dzong National Museum. Overnight in Paro.
Day 4 — 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 5 — Departure from Paro
After an early or packed breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight. Our representative sees you off. Your Bhutan Short Escape concludes.
Includes :
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels on twin/double sharing (4 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 Short Escape package is designed for travellers with limited time who still want the essence of Bhutan. It covers 4 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.