Unique Nepal Treks & Expedition
Plan My Trip
Bhutan Cultural Tour – 5 Days

Bhutan Cultural Tour – 5 Days

Thimphu, Punakha Dzong and the hike to Tiger’s Nest

5.0/5 · 6 reviews From $2,350 per person
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Region
Bhutan
Max altitude
3,120 m (Tiger’s Nest)
Difficulty
Easy
Best season
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Group size
Up to 12

Overview

A journey through the Himalayas

A short introduction to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan: fortress-monasteries, prayer-flag passes and the cliff-side Tiger’s Nest monastery. The flight from Kathmandu passes Everest and Kanchenjunga.

Fly to Paro and drive to the capital, Thimphu. Cross the Dochula pass (3,100 m) to Punakha and its riverside dzong, then return to Paro for the hike to Tiger’s Nest before flying back to Kathmandu.

Anyone with a few days to add to a Nepal trip. The only real walk is the 5–6 hour Tiger’s Nest hike, which can be shortened by horse.

Why book with us: We combine Bhutan with your Nepal trek, handle the visa and SDF, and arrange a licensed Bhutanese guide, with Spanish on request.

Difficulty & fitness Easy

Well-made trails and 4 to 5 hours of walking a day. Great for first-timers.

Day By Day

Your itinerary

Altitude profile Highest point: 3,120 m
2,000 3,000 4,000 Day 1: 2,320 m 1 Day 2: 3,100 m 2 Day 3: 2,200 m 3 Day 4: 3,120 m 4 Day 5: 2,200 m 5 3,120 m

Highest point reached each day, taken from the itinerary. Gradual gains give your body time to acclimatize.

Mountain flight from Kathmandu to Paro, then drive to Thimphu to see the Buddha Dordenma statue and Tashichho Dzong. 1.5 hours by road.

  • 2,320 m
  • Hotel in Thimphu
  • L, D

Cross the Dochula pass (3,100 m) with its 108 chortens, visit Punakha Dzong and walk to Chimi Lhakhang through rice fields. 3 hours by road.

  • 3,100 m
  • Hotel in Punakha
  • B, L, D

Return over the Dochula to Paro and visit Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. 4 hours by road.

  • 2,200 m
  • Hotel in Paro
  • B, L, D

Climb through pine forest to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest monastery on a 900 m cliff, and back. 5–6 hours.

  • 3,120 m
  • Hotel in Paro
  • B, L, D

Transfer to Paro airport and fly back to Kathmandu.

  • 2,200 m
  • B

Good To Know

What's included

Included

  • Flights Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu
  • Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • 4 nights in 3-star hotels, twin sharing
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner in Bhutan
  • Licensed Bhutanese guide (English; Spanish on request)
  • Private vehicle with driver
  • Entrance fees to dzongs, temples and museums in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers in Kathmandu and Paro

Not included

  • International flights to Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Single room supplement
  • Horse for the Tiger’s Nest hike

Best Time To Go

When to trek

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
  • Best
  • Possible
  • Monsoon, not ideal

Recommended: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov. We run this trek on the dates you choose. Tell us when you would like to go and we will check conditions for you.

Make It Yours

Tailor this trek to you

This itinerary is a starting point. Tell us what matters to you and we will shape the trip around it.

  • Private departure on the dates you choose
  • Extra rest or acclimatization days
  • Your choice of hotel level in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • A guide who speaks Spanish or English
Customize this trek

Questions

Before you go

Bhutan charges every visitor a daily fee that funds health, education and conservation. It is included in our price.
You can now book without a fixed tour, but you still need the visa, the daily fee and a licensed guide for most sites. We arrange all of it.
On the flight from Kathmandu to Paro, sit on the left for Everest and Kanchenjunga.
Yes. We can add the Phobjikha valley or Bumthang, or a festival day, for 7–10 days in total.

Reviews

What our travellers say

Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 6 travellers

My trekking experience in Nepal was absolutely incredible. From arriving in Kathmandu to the mountains of the Himalaya, everything was perfectly organised. The guides were professional, attentive and very knowledgeable about the region. I felt safe at all times, even travelling alone. Without a doubt, I recommend this...
C Carlos Martínez Spain
I went on a solo trekking adventure to the Everest region with Unique Nepal Treks and Expedition, and it was life-changing! The itinerary was perfectly planned, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. From arranging flights and hotels to transportation and trekking support, everything was seamless. I felt safe...
R Rohan Sharma Delhi, India · Everest Region
From the moment I landed in Nepal, everything was taken care of with professionalism and warmth. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and supported throughout the trek. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the experience was life-changing. I highly recommend this agency — they are truly the best in Nepal...
Sophie Laurent Sophie Laurent France
Read all reviews →

Questions & Comments

Ask a question or leave a note

0 comments

Be the first to share your thoughts about this trip.

Share this trek

Every Journey Is Different

Talk to a travel specialist

Tell us what you have in mind and our local team will help you create the right trip.

From $2,350 Check dates & price