The most-sold Bhutan circuit, balancing the kingdom's three signature valleys with its single most iconic hike.
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The most-sold Bhutan circuit, balancing the kingdom's three signature valleys with its single most iconic hike. From an overland start at Phuentsholing you climb to Thimphu for the capital's sights, cross the prayer-flag-draped Dochula Pass to the sub-tropical Punakha valley, and finish in Paro for the cliffside climb to Tiger's Nest. Expect dramatic mountain driving, riverside dzongs, suspension-bridge crossings, and a real sense of Himalayan Buddhist culture under the guidance of a local. The pacing works well for couples, families with older children, and first-time visitors who want everything that defines Bhutan in one trip. Meals on the American Plan and the Sustainable Development Fee are included throughout. starting at INR 27,000 per person. Covers Phuentsholing 1N, Thimphu 2N, Punakha 1N, Paro 1N (with Tiger's Nest).
Reach the border town of Phuentsholing, where Bhutan meets the Indian plains, and complete permit formalities with your guide. Settle into your hotel and spend the evening at the ornate Zangto Pelri Lhakhang temple and the bustling border market before an early night ahead of the mountain drive.
A scenic six-hour climb from the plains into the high Himalaya, gaining altitude through misty forest and switchbacks to reach the capital. Stop for tea and photographs along the way. On arrival in Thimphu, check in and take a gentle evening stroll to acclimatise.
Explore the capital in full: the Memorial Chorten, the towering Buddha Dordenma statue with valley views, and the grand Tashichho Dzong. Add the takin preserve, a viewpoint, or the weekend market depending on timing. Your guide weaves in Bhutan's history and Buddhist traditions throughout the day.
Drive east over the 3,100-metre Dochula Pass, crowned with 108 chortens and, on clear mornings, sweeping Himalayan peaks (weather permitting). Descend into the warmer Punakha valley to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong at the river confluence, then walk the long suspension bridge over the Po Chhu.
After a relaxed morning, perhaps a short walk to the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang through paddy fields, drive back over Dochula towards Paro. Arrive in the afternoon and rest up for tomorrow's hike, with an early evening to prepare and acclimatise.
The trip's highlight: the climb to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery clinging to a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. The hike takes two to three hours up with a cafeteria rest point; ponies can be arranged partway (optional). After descending, transfer for your onward departure.
4-5 hour round trip, 900m vertical climb to 3,120m. Moderate fitness needed. Ponies available to the cafeteria midpoint.
Yes - viewpoint photo stop at the base is iconic. Skipping the climb misses the monastery interior.
March-May for rhododendrons; September-November for clear mountain views. April + October are peak.
All 3 meals (breakfast + lunch + dinner) included. Bhutanese cuisine plus Indian/Chinese options at all hotels.
Yes if you want crane-watching (Nov-Feb) or quieter Bhutan. Adds 1 night and ~5,000 rupees.
Request a callback above and a FlightGPT travel expert will confirm exact dates, hotel category and final per-person price by email. We can customise the Bhutan Classic - Paro + Thimphu + Punakha itinerary for honeymoon, family, friends or group bookings.