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The Himalayas Calling
The Himalayas Calling
Paro Taktsang monastery on a sheer cliff above forested slopes
  • Bhutan
  • 7 days
  • Easy

Dzongs, Dochula and the Tiger’s Nest

Overview

A week in western Bhutan: the capital Thimphu, the 108 chortens of Dochula, the riverside dzong at Punakha and the walk up to the Tiger’s Nest above Paro. For Indian travellers the Sustainable Development Fee is included.

  • The walk up to Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest
  • Punakha Dzong, where two rivers meet
  • Dochula pass and its 108 chortens
  • A farmhouse hot-stone bath

Day by day

Where you sleepHighest night 2,320 m
  1. Night 1: Thimphu, 2,320 m
  2. Night 2: Thimphu, 2,320 m
  3. Night 3: Punakha, 1,250 m
  4. Night 4: Paro, 2,200 m
  5. Night 5: Paro, 2,200 m
  6. Night 6: Paro, 2,200 m
  1. 1

    Day 1: Arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu

    Your guide meets you at Paro airport. Evening at Tashichho Dzong.

    • Night in Thimphu, 2,320 m
    • 55 km
  2. 2

    Day 2: Thimphu

    Buddha Dordenma, the Memorial Chorten, the takin preserve and, at weekends, the farmers’ market.

    • Night in Thimphu, 2,320 m
  3. 3

    Day 3: Over Dochula to Punakha

    Cross Dochula with its 108 chortens, then walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang.

    • Night in Punakha, 1,250 m
    • Highest point 3,100 m
    • 75 km, 3 hours
  4. 4

    Day 4: Punakha Dzong, then Paro

    Punakha Dzong and the long suspension bridge in the morning, then the drive back to Paro.

    • Night in Paro, 2,200 m
    • 125 km
  5. 5

    Day 5: The Tiger’s Nest

    The walk up to Paro Taktsang, five to six hours return, with tea at the halfway café.

    • Night in Paro, 2,200 m
    • Highest point 3,120 m
  6. 6

    Day 6: The Paro valley

    Kyichu Lhakhang and Rinpung Dzong, or a drive up to Chele La on request. The day ends with a farmhouse hot-stone bath.

    • Night in Paro, 2,200 m
  7. 7

    Day 7: Fly home

    A transfer to Paro airport.

What the price covers

Included

  • Hotels, twin sharing
  • All meals
  • Licensed Bhutanese guide and a private car with driver throughout
  • Sustainable Development Fee for Indian nationals
  • Entry and route permits
  • Monument entry fees

Not included

  • Flights to and from Paro
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for your guide and driver
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • GST and TCS on overseas packages

Good to know

Permits

Indian citizens need a passport or voter ID and get an entry permit on arrival or online. A licensed guide and a route permit are required beyond Thimphu and Paro, and we arrange both. Other nationalities pay a Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per night instead of ₹1,200.

  • The ngultrum is pegged to the rupee, and Indian rupees are widely accepted.
  • Wear long sleeves and long trousers or skirts in dzongs and temples.
  • The Tiger’s Nest walk climbs about 500 metres. Ponies can take you halfway.
  • Buy a local SIM at the airport, as Indian roaming is expensive.

Questions travellers ask

How much is the Bhutan SDF for Indians?

₹1,200 per adult per night, ₹600 for children aged 6 to 12, and nothing for children under 6. It is included in this journey’s price.

Can Indians visit Bhutan without a passport?

Yes. A voter ID card is accepted, though a passport makes the entry permit quicker.

How hard is the Tiger’s Nest walk?

Moderate. It is 4 to 5 km each way with a climb of about 500 metres. Most people take five to six hours return, including time at the monastery.

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