Bhutan — 7 Days
The complete Bhutan journey: two days in Thimphu, the Punakha valley, and Tiger's Nest.
Price
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Kathmandu-direct pricing — no middleman markup.
Bhutan — the last Himalayan Buddhist kingdom — measures its progress in Gross National Happiness, and a journey here feels unlike anywhere else. This seven-day tour, our most popular Bhutan length, begins in the Paro valley and settles into the capital Thimphu for two unhurried days among dzongs, the giant Buddha Dordenma, and the weekend market. You cross the prayer-flag-draped Dochula Pass into the sub-tropical Punakha valley to its riverside dzong, then return to Paro for the journey's crown — the hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery, clinging to a cliff some 900 metres above the valley floor. Throughout, you travel with a licensed Bhutanese guide and private driver as national policy requires, and TempleFront arranges your visa and the Sustainable Development Fee in advance. Every departure is private to your group, in the unhurried style TempleFront has kept since 1996.
Group Trips
Upcoming Group Departures
Reserve your spot — no payment upfront
Itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive Paro
Paro valley at leisure — Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum.
Overnight: Paro
Drive to Thimphu; sightseeing
An easy drive over the hills to Thimphu — said to be the world's only capital without a single traffic light. Afternoon sightseeing at the Tashichho Dzong and the National Memorial Chorten, and a first taste of Bhutanese life.
Overnight: Thimphu
Thimphu sightseeing
Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, and the weekend market.
Overnight: Thimphu
Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass; Punakha Dzong
▲ ≈3,100 m (Dochula Pass)
Climb to the Dochula Pass (≈3,100 m), where 108 chortens and, on a clear day, a wall of eastern Himalayan peaks greet you, then descend into the warm Punakha valley to the magnificent Punakha Dzong at the river confluence.
Overnight: Punakha
Drive to Paro
Return over the hills to the Paro valley, with time to rest and prepare for tomorrow's Tiger's Nest hike. An optional visit to the ruined Drukgyel Dzong or a traditional farmhouse can be added.
Overnight: Paro
Hike to Tiger's Nest (Taktsang)
▲ ≈3,120 m
The journey's crown: a roughly 4-hour return hike (about 900 m of ascent) to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery, clinging to a sheer cliff above the valley. A horse is available as far as the halfway café. Afternoon at leisure in Paro.
Overnight: Paro
Depart Paro
Gallery
Moments from the route
Route
Route Map
Route and durations are approximate and can be customised to your schedule.
Included
What's Included
Exclusions
Not Included
Before You Go
Important Notes
- Best season: October–November (crystal-clear views) and March–May (rhododendrons). Avoid June–August (heavy monsoon). December–February is cold but quiet.
- Fitness: Moderate. The Tiger's Nest hike is ~4 hours return with ~900 m ascent. A horse ride to the halfway cafe is available.
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): USD 100/person/night charged by the Bhutanese government, not included in the TempleFront price. Indian nationals pay a concessionary rate set by the government — we confirm the current figure with your quote.
- Bhutan visa is arranged by TempleFront prior to travel — we handle all paperwork.
- Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended.
- Permits: Bhutan visa + Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) — arranged by TempleFront.
- Altitude: Bhutan's highlights sit at comfortable elevations — Thimphu ~2,330 m, Dochula Pass ~3,100 m, the Tiger's Nest viewpoint ~3,120 m. Effects are usually mild; take the Taktsang climb slowly, keep hydrated, and use the halfway horse if you prefer.
- Dress & etiquette: Bhutan asks visitors to dress respectfully at dzongs and temples (long trousers or skirts, covered shoulders, shoes removed inside shrines). Pack layers and a warm jacket for cool evenings and the Dochula Pass, plus sturdy shoes for the Taktsang climb.
Frequently Asked
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private tour?
Yes — every TempleFront itinerary is run exclusively for your group. We never combine you with other travellers.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Duration, hotel tier, and activities can all be adjusted. The 7-day format is our most popular Bhutan length — unhurried without overstaying.
What is the Bhutan SDF?
The Bhutan government charges USD 100 per person per night as a Sustainable Development Fee — not included in the TempleFront price. It funds free healthcare, education, and Bhutan's award-winning environmental policies.
What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
October–November offers crystal-clear mountain views and comfortable weather. March–May brings rhododendrons in bloom. December–February is cold but less crowded. Avoid June–August (heavy monsoon). Confirm the latest SDF schedule with us when booking.
Do I need a Bhutan visa?
Yes — all visitors require a Bhutan visa, which TempleFront arranges on your behalf before travel.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner are included at your hotels. Lunch is on your own account at local restaurants.
Is travel insurance required?
Not mandatory but strongly recommended. Comprehensive cover including emergency helicopter evacuation is best practice.
How do I confirm a booking?
Send us a WhatsApp or email enquiry. We respond same day with a detailed quote. A deposit secures your dates.
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Ready?
Ready to plan your trip?
Every tour is private and fully customisable. Drop us a message and we'll build the perfect itinerary for your group.