Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, Bhutan / Tour

Western Bhutan Tour

Spend more time in the western Bhutan valleys, with Paro walks, Thimphu visits and two days around Punakha.

Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery in western Bhutan
Paro Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery in western Bhutan.
Duration
12 daysOutline programme
Western Bhutan valleys
TourParo, Thimphu and Punakha
Season
Spring and autumnAsk for current dates
Experience
Cultural tour with optional hill walksTour

A closer look at the journey.

The Western Bhutan Tour gives Paro, Thimphu and Punakha a more spacious place in the journey. Travel begins in Kathmandu before the flight to Paro, where several days combine cultural visits with the possibility of local walks. The programme then continues toward Thimphu and the road across to Punakha.

Time in the Punakha Valley allows a closer look at its landscape and cultural places before returning to Paro. The final Nepal section includes Patan and Bhaktapur. This twelve-day programme includes the Kathmandu connections as well as the Bhutan visit. Walking choices, site access and the daily order are best agreed around your interests and the conditions during the trip.

  • Several days in and around Paro
  • Thimphu and the western valley road journey
  • Time to explore Punakha

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

Begin the programme with your arrival connection and time to settle in. Meet the local team to review the journey ahead.

Day 2Kathmandu Valley sightseeing

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 3Fly to Paro

Take the planned flight connection, subject to the operating schedule and weather. Coordinate the onward stage with the local team.

Day 4Explore Paro

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 5Paro Valley visits and walks

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 6Continue cultural sightseeing toward Thimphu

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 7Travel to Punakha

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 8Explore the Punakha Valley

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 9Return to Paro

Continue to the next stop on the programme, with local travel and visits coordinated by the team.

Day 10Fly to Kathmandu

Take the planned flight connection, subject to the operating schedule and weather. Coordinate the onward stage with the local team.

Day 11Visit Patan and Bhaktapur

Explore the historic centres of Patan and Bhaktapur, allowing time to walk through their squares and lanes.

Day 12Depart Kathmandu

Complete the programme with the agreed departure transfer and onward travel arrangements.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Local guiding and sightseeing arrangements
  • Accommodation standards and the meal plan
  • Ground travel and any flights shown in the agreed programme
  • Site visits and any local access arrangements

Budget separately

  • International travel and connections outside the agreed programme
  • Personal travel insurance and personal equipment
  • Drinks, personal purchases and optional activities
  • Tips and changes requested beyond the agreed programme

Before you set out.

Comfort with sightseeing walks and steps. Optional hill walks can be discussed separately when arranging the daily programme.

Accommodation: Hotels along the route, with walking-stage accommodation where shown; standards and meal plans to be agreed.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Can the visits be tailored?

Discuss your interests and preferred pace with the team. Site access, opening times and travel connections shape the final daily order.

Does the duration include the Kathmandu connection?

Yes. This programme includes Kathmandu cultural days and the travel connections to and from Bhutan, as shown in the daily outline.

Everest, Lhotse and Makalu catching the last sun, seen from Gokyo Ri

Tell us where you want to stand.

Bhim PaudelExecutive Director

We reply from a real person’s inbox, never a list.

Season

Highest altitude so far, any summits, and when you can travel.