Paro
The hike to the Tiger’s Nest
The ascent to Taktsang gradually reveals the monastery suspended on the mountainside. This is the most active day of the journey, with a trail, stairways and time to contemplate the valley.
Bhutan: The Heart of the Himalayas
5 days | 4 nights
Overview
Across the valleys of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, this itinerary of 5 days and 4 nights brings you closer to Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual life. Fortresses housing monastic communities, traditional arts workshops and temples surrounded by mountains shape an introduction to the west of the country.
The journey starts and ends in Paro, with one night in Thimphu, one in Punakha and two in Paro. The proposal combines 4-star accommodation, full board, ground transport and an accompanying English-speaking guide. Its highlight is the hike to Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest, which requires readiness for uphill walking and stairs.
Route overview
Journey route
A circuit through western Bhutan, crossing Dochula Pass and returning to Paro to explore the valley and the Tiger’s Nest.
Route: Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Paro. Excursion to Taktsang Monastery from Paro.
- Overland journeys between cities
- Access hike to the Tiger’s Nest
- Schematic route; it does not represent the roads
Cartographic base: NordNordWest / Wikimedia Commons. Crop and route by Memphis Turismo, under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Memorable experiences
Journey highlights
Three encounters with the kingdom’s landscapes and traditions.
Thimphu
Art and spirituality in the capital
Buddha Point, the Memorial Chorten and the Zorig Chusum school of traditional arts introduce different expressions of Bhutanese culture.
Punakha
Fortresses and valley landscapes
After crossing Dochula Pass, the visit to Punakha Dzong combines traditional architecture, rivers and the history of the country’s former political centre.
Photographs of Taktsang (also on the cover), Buddha Dordenma and Punakha Dzong: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP by Memphis Turismo, under the same licence. Sources: Taktsang, Buddha Dordenma and Punakha Dzong.
Travel profile
Who we recommend it for
An introduction to Bhutan for travellers wishing to combine heritage, scenery and contact with local traditions.
- Travellers interested in Buddhist culture, temples and traditional architecture.
- Those with limited time seeking an accompanied circuit through the main western valleys.
- People comfortable with mountain roads, walking and one more physically demanding day.
Important: The Taktsang hike is expected to take about five hours return, with uphill sections and steps. Tell our team about your mobility needs before booking so that the programme’s suitability can be assessed.
Included
- Four nights’ accommodation in the booked category.
- Full board during the Bhutan programme.
- Scheduled transfers, visits and excursions in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Reception and assistance on arrival in and departure from Paro.
- An accompanying English-speaking guide throughout the circuit.
- Admission to the monuments mentioned, for one visit to each site.
- The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) specified in the proposal.
- The Bhutan visa fee and government taxes specified in the package.
Not included
- International flights, including flights into and out of Paro.
- Travel insurance and medical expenses.
- Alcoholic drinks, laundry, telephone calls and personal expenses.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Camera or filming charges, where applicable, and any airport departure taxes.
- Additional meals and services not described under inclusions.
- Travel over Christmas and New Year, excluded from this quotation.
- A Spanish-speaking guide or another language, available on request and at a supplement.
Before travelling
Frequently asked questions about this trip
Practical information for planning your experience in Bhutan.
Is the Tiger’s Nest hike demanding?
Yes. The programme allows about five hours for the return hike, with climbs and stairways. Timing varies with the group’s pace and local conditions. Speak to Memphis before booking if you need to consider alternatives; any adaptation requires confirmation.
Are flights included?
No. This is a land package starting and ending in Paro. The team can quote international flights and connections into and out of Bhutan separately, according to your departure city and chosen dates.
What language does the guide speak?
The displayed price includes an accompanying English-speaking guide. A Spanish-speaking guide may be requested subject to availability and a supplement, to be confirmed in the quotation.
Are full board, the SDF and the visa included?
Yes. The proposal includes full board in Bhutan, the SDF and the visa fee. Visa issuance depends on documentation and approval by the authorities; the team will explain the procedures needed for booking.
Are hotels and times guaranteed?
The listed hotels and rooms are planned and subject to availability. Usual check-in is from 14:00 and check-out by 12:00. Early arrival and late departure must be requested and may incur additional charges.
Memphis selection
We have selected a compact route through three valleys, with local accompaniment and two final nights in Paro to include the Taktsang hike. Before booking, we tailor the quotation to your dates, hotel availability and travellers’ profiles.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Paro – Thimphu
Arrival at Paro Airport, reception and transfer to Thimphu. En route, stop at Chuzom, at the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers, and view Tschogang Lhakhang along the way.
After check-in, visit Trashichhoedzong, one of the capital’s main religious and administrative complexes. This first day introduces Bhutan’s traditional architecture and valley setting.
Overnight: Thimphu. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha
After breakfast, visit Buddha Point, overlooking the Thimphu Valley. The programme includes the National Library, the Zorig Chusum Institute dedicated to traditional arts, and the King’s Memorial Chorten.
Travel to Punakha, stopping at Dochula Pass and its group of 108 chortens. On clear days, Himalayan mountain views are possible. The journey is expected to cover about 70 km in three hours, subject to road conditions and stops.
On arrival, check in and visit Punakha Dzong beside the valley’s rivers.
Overnight: Punakha. Full board as scheduled.
Day 3
Punakha – Paro
In the morning, walk to Chimi Lhakhang through fields and the village of Pana. The visit introduces the valley’s rural scenery and religious traditions.
Continue to Paro, a journey of approximately 140 km and four hours, depending on local conditions. After check-in, visit Rinpung Dzong, accessed over the traditional Nemi Zam bridge, and the National Museum, housed in Ta Dzong.
At the end of the day, time to stroll through Paro’s shopping area.
Overnight: Paro. Full board as scheduled.
Day 4
Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s Nest
Set out on the hike to Taktsang Monastery, known as the Tiger’s Nest. The trail climbs the mountainside and includes stairways; the programme allows approximately five hours return, with duration varying according to participants’ pace.
The route offers different views of the monastery and valley. Lunch at the cafeteria is planned during the excursion. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang and return to the hotel.
Pace of the day: The itinerary’s most physically demanding activity. Participation and any adaptations should be assessed before booking.
Overnight: Paro. Full board as scheduled.
Day 5
Departure from Paro
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Paro Airport according to your departing flight time. End of ground services.
Flights out of Bhutan and international connections are quoted separately.
Prices and Hotels
4-star category
Prices per person
Final reference prices in US dollars (USD), for two people travelling together. A 5-day, 4-night land programme with full board and an English-speaking guide.
| Category | Accommodation | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 4★ | Double room | US$ 2.116,67 |
Request a quotation via WhatsApp
Single accommodation, travel for one person and larger groups: request specific prices. Flights and travel insurance are not included. Spanish-speaking guide subject to availability and a supplement.
Quotation reference period: August 2026 to May 2027. Tariff valid until 31 May 2027, subject to confirmation for your desired date. Christmas and New Year periods are excluded from this quotation. Validity does not guarantee availability on every date within the period.
Prices are subject to availability and confirmation at booking. Changes in taxes, fuel or exchange conditions may require an updated quotation.
Planned accommodation
Programme category as stated in the approved proposal. The hotels and room types below are subject to confirmation.
| Category | Thimphu · 1 night | Punakha · 1 night | Paro · 2 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4★ | Hotel Druk · Deluxe ↗ | Zhingkham Resort · Deluxe ↗ | Himalayan Keys Forest Resort · Deluxe Cottage |
If unavailable, accommodation alternatives and any price differences will be presented in the quotation. Usual check-in is from 14:00 and check-out by 12:00; special times are subject to availability and possible supplements.