Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2,280 m) – Drive to Thimphu (2,330 m)

Elevation: Paro 2,280 m / 7,480 ft; Thimphu approximately 2,330 m / 7,644 ft
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Driving time: Approximately 1–1.5 hours
Approximate elevation gain: 50 m
Approximate elevation loss: Minor ups and downs along the road
Overnight: Thimphu

Flight Distance: Approximately 402 km (250 miles).

1. Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
2. Airlines Operating: Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines.
3. Highlights: This route offers scenic, close-up views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga (be sure to request a left-side window seat when flying from Kathmandu to Paro).

Your 5 Nights 6 Days Bhutan Tour begins with your arrival at Paro International Airport, situated at approximately 2,280 meters above sea level. Paro Airport is surrounded by spectacular Himalayan landscapes, and the approach to the airport is considered one of the most scenic aviation experiences in the world. After completing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will meet your Bhutanese guide and private driver before beginning the scenic journey from Paro to Thimphu.

The drive from Paro to Thimphu is approximately 50 kilometers and normally takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions and sightseeing stops. Although the overall elevation gain from Paro to Thimphu is only around 50 meters, the mountain road follows river valleys and contains numerous smaller ascents and descents. The journey therefore provides a beautiful introduction to Bhutan's mountainous geography.

The road follows the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu river valleys, passing through forested hillsides, traditional Bhutanese houses, agricultural fields and small settlements. The surrounding forests contain Himalayan pine, fir, rhododendron, bamboo and broad-leaved vegetation.

On the way, depending on your arrival time, you may stop at Tamchog Lhakhang, a historic temple associated with the famous Tibetan Buddhist master Thangtong Gyalpo, traditionally known for his religious accomplishments and iron bridges.

After reaching Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, check into your hotel and relax. If your flight arrives early enough, you can enjoy an introductory sightseeing tour around Thimphu.

You may visit the Memorial Chorten, where Bhutanese people regularly come to pray and circumambulate the monument, or visit local handicraft shops and markets to see traditional Bhutanese products.

Thimphu is surrounded by forest-covered Himalayan mountains. The valley provides a fascinating combination of traditional Bhutanese culture and modern national life.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing – Dochula Pass (3,100 m) – Punakha

Thimphu elevation: Approximately 2,330 m / 7,644 ft
Dochula Pass: Approximately 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
Punakha: Approximately 1,200–1,300 m / 3,940–4,265 ft
Distance: Approximately 75 km
Driving time: Approximately 3–4 hours excluding sightseeing
Major ascent: Approximately 770 m from Thimphu to Dochula
Major descent: Approximately 1,800 m from Dochula toward Punakha
Overnight: Punakha

After breakfast, begin your sightseeing around Thimphu before continuing toward the historic Punakha Valley.

Thimphu is home to some of Bhutan's most important cultural and political landmarks. Visit Buddha Dordenma, the enormous golden Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu Valley. From the viewpoint, you can enjoy panoramic views of the capital and surrounding forested Himalayan ridges.

Continue to Tashichho Dzong, one of Bhutan's most important fortress-monasteries. The dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's religious and political history and remains associated with the country's government and monastic institutions.

You may also visit the National Folk Heritage Museum and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, where visitors can learn about Bhutan's traditional arts and crafts.

After sightseeing in Thimphu, drive toward Dochula Pass. The road gradually climbs through Himalayan forests, making this the major ascent of the day. From approximately 2,330 meters in Thimphu, the road rises to around 3,100 meters at Dochula, an elevation gain of approximately 770 meters.

Dochula Pass

Dochula is one of Bhutan's most famous mountain viewpoints. The pass is known for the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, which form a beautiful spiritual landmark among the Himalayan landscape.

On clear days, the pass provides magnificent views toward the snow-covered peaks of the Bhutan Himalayas. The exact mountains visible depend heavily on weather and visibility.

The forest around Dochula contains Himalayan fir, pine, rhododendron, moss, ferns and other high-elevation vegetation. During spring, rhododendron flowers add color to the landscape.

After Dochula, the road begins a dramatic descent toward Punakha, dropping approximately 1,800 meters from the pass to the lower valley. The vegetation becomes progressively greener and warmer as you descend through different ecological zones.

Punakha Dzong

Upon reaching Punakha, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Built in the 17th century, Punakha Dzong is one of Bhutan's most historically significant fortress-monasteries. It served as the seat of Bhutan's government before the capital moved to Thimphu and remains an important religious center.

Its massive white walls, golden roofs, intricate wooden architecture, courtyards and Buddhist paintings demonstrate the exceptional craftsmanship of traditional Bhutanese architecture.

Depending on time, you can also visit Chimi Lhakhang, the famous temple associated with Drukpa Kunley, traditionally known as the Divine Madman. The walk to the temple passes through traditional farming villages and agricultural fields, providing an opportunity to see rural Bhutanese life.

Overnight in Punakha.

Day 3: Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley – Return to Punakha

Maximum elevation: Approximately 2,900 m in Gangtey/Phobjikha area
Driving: Approximately 6–7 hours round trip depending on stops
Optional walking: 4–5 km Gangtey Nature Trail
Overnight: Punakha
Activity: Mountain valley excursion, monastery and nature

Day 3 is dedicated to one of the most beautiful natural areas in western Bhutan: Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley.

From Punakha, drive toward Wangdue Phodrang, historically an important district and gateway to central Bhutan. The road then climbs toward the high and peaceful Phobjikha Valley, also known as the Gangtey Valley.

Gangtey / Phobjikha Valley

Phobjikha is a broad glacial valley surrounded by mountains and forests. It is particularly famous as the winter habitat of the endangered black-necked crane.

The cranes normally arrive from the Tibetan Plateau around mid-November and remain through late February, although exact timing varies.

During winter, visitors may see these beautiful birds feeding and flying over the valley. Because wildlife is wild and seasonal, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Gangtey Monastery

Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangteng Monastery, is the spiritual heart of the valley. The monastery is associated with the Pema Lingpa tradition of Nyingma Buddhism.

The surrounding landscape combines sacred architecture, traditional villages, pastureland, forests and mountains. This makes Gangtey particularly attractive for travelers interested in Bhutanese Buddhism, history, village culture and nature.

Gangtey Nature Trail

If time and weather permit, Nepal Voyage Treks can include the Gangtey Nature Trail, a gentle approximately 4–5 km walk through pine forests, meadows and traditional settlements. Bhutan's official tourism information describes this as a scenic walk through pine forests and traditional Bhutanese landscapes.

Flora and fauna

The Phobjikha area is rich in Himalayan biodiversity. Depending on the season, you may encounter:

• Himalayan blue pine
• Fir
• Rhododendron
• Bamboo
• Juniper
• Himalayan wildflowers
• Black-necked cranes
• Himalayan magpies
• Eagles and other birds of prey
• Laughingthrushes
• Nuthatches

Bhutan has exceptionally high forest coverage and extensive protected areas, which provide habitat for species including red panda, takin, Himalayan black bear and many Himalayan birds.

After exploring Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley, drive back toward Punakha.

Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha Sightseeing – Drive to Paro

Punakha elevation: Approximately 1,200–1,300 m
Dochula Pass: Approximately 3,100 m
Paro: Approximately 2,280 m / 7,480 ft
Distance: Approximately 150 km, depending on route
Driving time: Approximately 5–6 hours excluding sightseeing
Major ascent: Approximately 1,800 m toward Dochula
Major descent: Approximately 800 m from Dochula toward Paro
Overnight: Paro

After breakfast, enjoy additional sightseeing around Punakha before beginning the scenic drive toward Paro.

If you did not have sufficient time on Day 2, this morning can include further exploration of Punakha Dzong, the river valley and the traditional villages surrounding the fortress.

You can also visit the famous Punakha Suspension Bridge, which crosses the Pho Chhu River and offers beautiful views of the river, valley and surrounding mountains. Prayer flags along the bridge create a particularly memorable Bhutanese atmosphere.

After leaving Punakha, the road gradually climbs back toward Dochula Pass. This is the principal ascent of the day, rising approximately 1,800 meters from the Punakha Valley to the pass.

At Dochula, stop again to enjoy the mountain scenery and 108 chortens. If the weather is clear, the surrounding Himalayan peaks can be seen from the viewpoint.

From Dochula, the road descends approximately 800 meters toward Paro. Along the way, the landscape changes from high mountain forest to lower valleys and cultivated agricultural areas.

As you approach Paro, you enter one of Bhutan's most beautiful cultural valleys, surrounded by forested mountains and traditional Bhutanese settlements.

Depending on your arrival time, visit Rinpung Dzong, the historic fortress overlooking Paro Valley. You may also visit Ta Dzong, the former watchtower that now houses the National Museum, or Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's important ancient temples.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 5: Tiger's Nest Monastery Hike – Pa