A weekend in nature's green paradise
Bhutan, officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country in South Asia, located in the Eastern Himalayas. It is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Bhutan is renowned for its dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys, as well as its rich cultural heritage. You will encounter breathtaking mountain scenery, including the iconic Tiger's Nest monastery perched dramatically on a cliff. Festivals like the Paro Tsechu offer insights into Bhutanese traditions, with vibrant masked dances and religious rituals. Thimphu, the capital, showcases a blend of ancient monasteries, traditional architecture, and modern infrastructure.
Tour Highlights
- Walk the 900 Kandi Glass Bridge at Lakkidi Viewpoint
- Explore 6,000-year-old prehistoric carvings at Edakkal Caves
- Visit Banasura Sagar Dam — India's largest earthen dam
- Ride one of South India's longest ziplines at Muddy Boots
- Tea estate walk through Chundale and Meppadi
- Overnight AC transport — no vacation day burnt
- Small group departures with experienced tour captain
Itinerary
The following detailed itinerary provides a day-by-day breakdown of your Bhutan - Land of Dragon tour. From your door step to the moment you arrive back home, we've outlined your activities and experiences to make the most of your trip. Let's dive into the specifics.
Day 1Pick up from Paro airport and travel to Thimphu
Pick up from Paro airport and travel to Thimphu
To check in your hotel, you will be driven to Thimphu. Have a stop at Tachogang Lhakhang, a private bridge located 15km from Paro. It was built in the 16th century by a Tibetan saint [An entry fee of INR 500 will be charged per person].
In the evening, you may take a walk to the main city for shopping at the Clock tower square.. a chance to explore the locals and mingle with them.
Day 2Local sightseeing at Thimphu.
Local sightseeing at Thimphu.
Simply Bhutan is a living museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the way of life in Bhutan. You get to do everything that the indigenous do, including dress up, distil arak, and practise archery. One of the four principles of Gross Happiness Product that the Wangchuks and Bhutan itself have come to represent is the preservation of indigenous culture, and the museum has an inspirational programme that involves Bhutanese youngsters in this endeavor.
Kuensel Phodrang, Buddha Point - A bronze statue, 177ft tall, that was cast in China and transported by sea and road to this spot. It is also a nature park. Kuensel Phodrang marks your entry to Thimphu. It is surrounded by the alpine forests.
The Royal Textile Academy and Museum - Bhutan's outstanding Royal Textile Academy displays rough nettle fibre cloth from Zhemgang with intricately patterned wild silk kiras from Lhuentse. The museum honours the nation's rich and diverse hand weaving heritage and is housed in an imposing modern structure. The museum provides an unrivalled opportunity to learn about and appreciate this distinctive facet of Bhutanese culture, from the imposing appliqué thangka that stares over the entry hall to the opulent clothes on show in the Royal Gallery to mannequins clothed in traditional Laya herders' garb.
Handicrafts Market – An interesting market with local items and bargain price handicraft goods.
The Folk Heritage Museum is housed inside a stunning rammed earth and timber structure from the 19th century, and it is situated outside of Thimphu. Inside, it recreates a traditional Bhutanese family home. The family's most valued belongings are on show here: shimmering wooden bowls adorn the kitchen shelves, vibrantly patterned textiles coexist with worn-out leopard fur purses in the adjacent room, and the family's altar room is adorned with golden thangkas. [entry fees is INR 300 per person]
Later proceed to visit TashichoeDzong (outer view) (Fortress of Glorious Religion) [Entry fee of 500/- per person]
Takin reserve and Mini zoo - A herd of Takin lives in the Motithang Takin Preserve, high above Thimphu, in a fold of the forest-draped hills. The king ordered that the animals in what was formerly a modest zoo be released rather than maintained in captivity. The tame takin, however, chose to roam the streets of Thimphu rather than venture farther into the hills, where they created a traffic hazard while searching for food.
Sangaygyang view point - check out the view point at Sangaygyang and see the whole valley of Thimphu and walk through hundreds of colorful prayer flags.
Return to the hotel for the night and call it a day!
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3Thimphu to Punakha valley via Dochula
Thimphu to Punakha valley via Dochula
After a delicious breakfast, visit places such as;
Visit Dochula, A mountain that leads to the Punakha valley. It offers tranquility and a panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain range. The scenery looks the best on clear winter days with majestic backdrops.
Check out the Punakha Dzong or usually called The palace of great happiness. Located at the confluence of the Pho chuu and Mo chuu rivers. The most gorgeous of all the old fortifications in Bhutan, this Dzong is connected to the mainland by an arched wooden bridge. The bridge is home to numerous priceless artefacts from the eras when the Kingdom was ruled by successive monarchs who once lived in this Punakha valley.
A hidden gem in the Punakha valley is the old suspension bridge. The deck is posted with prayer flags and it is one of the best places to bird watch.
Come back and rest at the hotel in Punakha
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4Punakha valley- sightseeing.
Punakha valley- sightseeing.
After breakfast, go sightseeing in the area.
Trekking to Khamsum Yullay Namgyal Chorten [100/-per person required for entry]: Elevated above the Punakha valley on a strategically located ridge, the temple is imposing. It is a magnificent illustration of Bhutan's exquisite creative and architectural ability. It takes approximately 45 minutes to go uphill to the temple. It provides breathtaking views of the Mochu River and Punakha Valley.
Visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery. Above Wolakha on the route to Drolay Goemba, Sangchen Dorji Lhendrub Choling is a meditation centre and Shedra (Buddhist College), dotted throughout a grassy area that is home to a tiny but amiable group of nuns. [Pay an entrance fee of 200/-per person]
Additionally, you can also do river rafting, which is available for an additional fee.
Return back to Punakha and rest for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5Punakha to Paro Valley.
Punakha to Paro Valley.
Have your breakfast and check out of the hotel. Proceed to visit Chimi Lhakhang.
The Chimi Lhakhang is a shrine dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley and is situated atop a hillside. Lama Drukpa Kuenley, often known as the "Divine Madman," is supposed to spread his teachings through songs, comedy, and outlandish behaviour. The Chimi Lhakhang temple is considered the temple of fertility. It is deeply believed by the Bhutanese that if a childless couple visits the temple and prays for a child, Lama Drukpa Kuenley will bless them. Visitors can reach the temple from the road via a charming rural trail that winds through a rice field. Once you cross the field, you'll come to a small stream, from which Chimi Lhakhang is only a short climb away.
And then drive back to Paro, via the dramatic Wang Chhu, Paro Chuu valleys, and cross the Paro town. Check in to the hotel and relax for the day.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6Tiger Nest Trekking/ Paro sightseeing
Tiger Nest Trekking/ Paro sightseeing
Post-breakfast, set off for a trek to the Tiger Nest Or You may do the below local sightseeing at Paro.
Tiger nest hiking is a World Heritage Sight. A 3 hour hike to the monastery and 2 hours back [INR 1000 entry fee].
View of Paro Airport: The first and only international airport in the nation, this is also one of the most beautiful airports in the world. This airport has become a must-visit location in Paro because of its amazing perspective.
The National Museum of Bhutan is housed in an old watchtower and features hundreds of antique Bhutanese artworks and artefacts, including traditional clothing, armour, weapons, and handcrafted everyday tools. The rich cultural traditions of the nation are reflected in the collections.
Originally constructed as a watchtower, Ta Dzong (entry price of 500/-per person) is now home to the National Museum. Antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weaponry and armour, domestic items, and a wide range of historical and natural artefacts are all part of the vast collection.
Next, proceed along the path to see RinpungDzong, which translates as "fortress of the heap”, which has an intriguing and lengthy past. Beautiful wall paintings depicting Buddhist knowledge, including images from Milarepa's life, Mount Sumeru, the wheel of life, the elderly man of long life, and other cosmic mandalas, line the wooden galleries that border the inner courtyard.
Visit Paro Market afterwards to get mementos for your loved ones. You can pay for your own photo session near the Paro riverbank wearing traditional Bhutanese clothing.
Spend the night in a Paro hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7Back to Paro airport.
Back to Paro airport.
Have an amazing flight back home once you are escorted to the airport. Carry home the memories and share it with your friends and family.
Meals: Breakfast
What to Expect from this Trip
In this trip of 7 Days and 6 nights, you will be visiting major towns such as Paro, Thimphu and Punakha too. You will be Visiting Thimphu, Bhutan's vibrant capital. Discover the impressive Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten, the Dochula Pass, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas and the 108 memorial chortens. This tour encapsulates Bhutan's natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and unique cultural identity. Book with Backpackers United to make the most of your trip!
Accommodations
Experience comfort at our 3-star hotel accommodation for a delightful stay.
Backpackers United
Backpackers experts will accompany the entire trip and guide you through out the tour.
What's in your package
What is Included
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotels mentioned or similar.
- Services of Local English Speaking Guide
- Local 01 SIM Card per family on arrival will be provided on a returnable basis (Recharge / Top Off will have to be done by the client)
- Internal permits for visiting municipal areas
- Transfers and Sightseeing by Non AC Toyota Coaster/Hiace/Similar depending on group Size.
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Six breakfasts to start your day right.
What is Not included
- Any Air or Rail fare.
- Monument entrances & Museum visiting frees.
- Sustainable Development Fee (Royalty Fee) applicable, the entire Indian tourist has to pay the same at the time of booking SDF @ INR 1,200/- per adult per night, INR 600/- per kid (5-11 years) per night. GST and TCS will be extra
- Travel Insurance.
- Any other meal not mentioned in price includes.
- Any other destination not mentioned in itinerary.
- Any other expenses.
- Anything not in inclusions is excluded.
You pick the weekend.
We map the route.
Join a small group of travellers on our next departure. Overnight bus, curated stays, handled logistics — you just show up with a bag.
Transparent cancellation policy
Good to know
- Once a flight is booked, it is non-refundable.
- Minimum 8 travellers required for group departures. If the group falls below 8, you'll be offered an alternative.
- In case of weather, strikes or government restrictions, trips may be modified. Cash refunds aren't issued in such cases.
- For international bookings, 5% GST + 3% booking fee is non-refundable.
| Days before departure | Cancellation charge | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| 15–30 days | 25% | 75% refunded |
| 7–15 days | 50% | 50% refunded |
| 3–7 days | 75% | 25% refunded |
| 0–3 days | 100% | No refund |

