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Bhutan Classic Tour – 5 Days
5/5 based on 37 reviews
Trip Duration
5 Days
Group Sizes
2 to 25 People
Difficulty
Easy
Max. Altitude
3120m
Activities
Meals
Accommodation
Traveling through Bhutan is a chance to experience peaceful landscapes, centuries-old monasteries, traditional villages and a way of life that has remained deeply connected to its culture. This Classic Tour of Bhutan is tailored for individuals interested in exploring the major cultural and historical sites of Bhutan within a comfortable time frame. The scenic drive into the beautiful valleys of Punakha, Thimphu and Paro will take place over five days, which will include local traditions and warm Bhutanese hospitality. Each place offers a different facet of Bhutan and the trip is relaxing and rewarding.
The trip starts in Paro and then leads to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. During the journey, you will also make stops at renowned sites including Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten and at beautiful Dochu La Pass (3,100 m / 10,171 ft). It also passes through Punakha Dzong, suspension bridges, serene temples and neighbourhood markets, offering a glimpse into the daily life of Bhutan. This 5 Days Bhutan Tour is designed to combine the enjoyment of Bhutan’s sightseeing while enjoying the beauty of the mountains, without having to deal with the difficult days of long travelling and a lot of trekking.
One of the highlights of the trip is the tour to the renowned Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is one of Bhutan’s most revered religious sites. The monastery is located on a cliff at (3,120 m / 10,236 ft) and offers impressive views and a unique spiritual experience. The walk is easy to moderate for most people with average fitness. This Bhutan Cultural Tour offers a great way to learn about the history, religion and way of life in Bhutan, in addition to visiting museums, monasteries, traditional architecture and peaceful valleys and maintains a comfortable pace throughout the trip.
The itinerary is suitable for couples, families, solo travelers and first-time visitors to Bhutan. Accommodation, local transport, local guides and good pre-arranged plans make it possible to make the most of your time on the road. The tour is a perfect blend of photography, culture, history and a sedate exploration of a tranquil Himalayan kingdom. From the moment you arrive until you depart, Mega Treks arranges all the details of the Bhutan Classic Tour in such a way that you have a smooth, enjoyable and memorable holiday.
Your Bhutan Classic Tour begins as soon as you arrive in Bhutan. Most visitors come from abroad by air to the Paro International Airport, where our representative will meet you and transfer you in your private vehicle. You will get a picturesque drive to the capital city of Thimphu from Paro, passing through tranquil rivers, green hills and traditional villages.
If you are entering Bhutan by land from India, the tour starts at the Phuntsholing border crossing. Once you’ve crossed the border, you will travel to Thimphu, taking in the scenic mountain views and forested roads. It will take an approximate five-hour drive.
The first day will feature visits to Tachog Lhakhang, the Postal Museum, Khaja Throm Market and Tashichho Dzong, depending on the time of arrival. Once you’re checked in to your hotel, you can take some time to unwind before you start the rest of the trip and immerse yourself in the culture.
It all starts from the moment you reach Paro Airport in Bhutan. Following a meeting with our team, we will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Those crossing the border by land will pass through Phuntsholing, then take a pleasant 5-hour drive to Thimphu through the mountain roads and river valleys.
Along the way, we will visit Tachog Lhakhang, a small temple with a traditional iron chain bridge designed by the renowned engineer and saint Thangtong Gyalpo. This historic bridge still serves as an integral part of the culture and is a great introduction to Bhutan’s history.
Depending on the time, we may visit the Postal Museum, where you will get an insight into the unique postal history of Bhutan. You can even make your own personalised stamp with your own picture and send postcards home. We will also visit Khaja Throm Market to observe the market transactions of the local people for fresh food and various other items of daily use and to taste local snacks.
The government’s administrative headquarters and the office of the King are housed in the impressive Tashichho Dzong that will be visited later. In the evening, unwind or celebrate your first night in Bhutan at a rooftop café or another popular attraction found in the country.
After breakfast, we will get started to explore the principal attractions of Thimphu. The first place we stop is the gigantic golden Buddha statue, Buddha Dordenma, which dominates the valley. Here you can take a short stroll to a vantage point with panoramic views of the capital and of the surrounding hills.
Now we will visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to observe Bhutan’s National animal, the Takin. We will also visit the important religious monument that is called the Memorial Chorten, where it is believed that locals pray every day. A walk along Norzin Lam will give us a taste of the bustling streets of Thimphu, including the much-celebrated traffic police who run intersections without traffic lights.
Next, we will head for the local handicraft market to shop for the traditional Bhutanese products. On one day, we will visit the Folk Heritage Museum and on another day, the Simply Bhutan Museum, where we will learn about traditional village life. We will also visit Dechen Phodrang Monastery before we head out of the city, which overlooks the Thimphu Valley.
Afternoon drive towards Punakha via Dochu La Pass (3,100 m / 10,171 ft), which is a beautiful pass. Here we will take a short break to enjoy the 108 memorial chortens and to appreciate mountain views on clear days before heading back down into the warmer Punakha Valley.
This morning is a nice walk up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The path is through farmland and provides great scenery of rice terraces, forests and the Punakha Valley. The temple is located on a hill and is famous for its intricately crafted Bhutanese art.
Once homeward, they will find the possibility of rafting on the Mo Chhu or Pho Chhu river (optional). We will also cross Bhutan’s second-longest suspension bridge, which is about 160m high above the Pho Chhu River, with a great view of the valley.
We continue our sightseeing in the Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s beautiful Dzongs. It is situated at the confluence of two rivers and is renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance. A short walk through fields will also take us to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple which is linked to the well-known Drukpa Kunley. It is also possible to visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, which overlooks the surrounding valleys, if time permits.
Afternoon drive back to Paro via beautiful mountain roads. You can come and chillax or stroll around town this evening.
Today is the most important day on the tour. After breakfast, we will drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a beautifully restored fortress. It is also possible to enjoy a view of one of the sacred mountains of Bhutan, Mount Jomolhari, on clear days.
From here is the hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is on a cliff at (3,120 m / 10,236 ft) and is the most well-known religious site in the country. The walk up is steep but rewarding, with great views along the way. Those who want to hike a little further can go to Zangtopelri Temple for still better vistas, but those who prefer to take a shorter walk can simply stop at the cafeteria on the hillside.
On completion of the hike, we will head to Paro Dzong (also called Rinpung Dzong), an important fortress monastery, which has fine traditional architecture. Next, we will cross the old wooden cantilever bridge over the Pa Chhu River, which is an ideal spot for many to take photographs in traditional Bhutanese attire.
Before our last night in Bhutan, we may view a traditional archery match, if time allows. A selection of cultural dinners can also be arranged with the option of traditional performances.
After breakfast, we will prepare for our return journey to Bhutan. If you have enough time, you can still go and visit some interesting sites around Paro before departing.
You can visit Dumtse Lhakhang, a special temple constructed by the renowned engineer and saint Thangtong Gyalpo. The other is the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the historic Ta Dzong watch tower, with exhibitions on Bhutan’s history, wildlife and traditional culture. You can visit the local market and have a little bit of time to buy handicrafts and other mementos.
We can make a stop at the Paro Airport viewpoint en route to the airport. This area provides a fine view of one of the world’s most difficult airport runways set within high mountains.
Then we’ll transfer you to the Paro Airport for your international flight. The road-going travellers will head back to the Phuntsholing border, ending this memorable journey.
You can cutomize this trip as per your requirements if met the proper guidelines.
The Bhutan Classic Tour can be done all year round, but spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most popular times. The weather is generally fine, the temperature is good and the mountain views can be superb during these months. Spring has blooming Rhododendrons and green valleys and autumn has blue skies and fresh air, coupled with several festivals being celebrated in Bhutan.
The monsoon season is from June to August during the summer. Rain is common in the South, but sightseeing is possible since the rain will happen in the afternoon or evening. The winter months (December to February) are colder, especially in the evenings and mornings, with generally fewer people around and clearer skies.
A 5 Days Bhutan Tour is ideal for all seasons as it does not go to the higher mountain trekking routes, but lower valleys and cultural places. A Bhutan Cultural Tour is an ideal time to see the country’s culture, as the seasons are mild and conducive for taking photos.
The Bhutan Classic Tour is a journey of around 280-320Km by road, depending on the option of sightseeing or arrival or departure route. The drives wind through beautiful mountain roads, quiet forests and river valleys and through old villages. The roads are mostly in good condition, but there are many winding roads through the hills.
Most of the journey takes place between 2,200 m and 2,500 m (7,218 ft and 8,202 ft). The vehicle’s peak elevation is Dochu La Pass (3,100 m / 10,171 ft). The highest elevation of the hike will be around (3,120 m / 10,236 ft) during the ascent to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
This 5 Days Bhutan Tour is conducted at moderate elevations, so the majority of travelers get used to the elevation with no major problems. This Bhutan Cultural Tour is enjoyable for anyone who wants to see Bhutan’s natural beauty without the long, arduous hike to a high altitude, thanks to the changing scenery and steady rise in elevation.
The Bhutan Classic Tour is scheduled as an easy-to-moderate cultural tour. The majority of sightseeing is walking around local markets, monasteries, temples and museums. The primary physical obstacle is the trek to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which demands a moderate degree of fitness and some uphill stamina.
The max elevation on this trip is (3,120 m / 10,236 ft) at Tiger’s Nest. The risk of altitude sickness is minimal for most tourists because the tour is not at very high altitudes in the Himalayas. Mild difficulty in breathing may be experienced when climbing, but serious altitude-related problems are rare.
At a comfortable pace, drinking plenty of water and making regular breaks are typically sufficient measures to complete the hike safely. For those who are interested in visiting the cultural and scenic beauty of Bhutan in a hassle-free manner, this 5 Days Bhutan Tour is for them and it is an ideal Bhutan Cultural Tour for most visitors.
The walking on the Bhutan Classic Tour fluctuates from day to day. During the sightseeing days, most walks are conducted for 30 minutes to 2 hours, visiting the temples, monasteries, museums and local markets. These walks are typically easy and appropriate for most travelers.
The longest walk is a hike to the Monastery of the Tiger’s Nest. The round trip will take approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace. The trail climbs steadily to about 3,120 m / 10,236 ft). The hike is adaptable to travelers’ fitness levels, as many stop at the viewpoint café before heading further.
The rest of the days are spent with just short strolls, ample time to recuperate between sights. This 5 Days Bhutan Tour offers a great mix of sightseeing and light activity. The walking distances are not difficult for people who are looking for a relaxed Bhutan Cultural Tour, but don’t have any prior trekking experience.
In the Bhutan Classic Tour, you will be accommodated in comfortable tourist-standard hotels, with private rooms and attached bathrooms. The majority of hotels offer guests clean rooms, hot showers, friendliness and heating if necessary. Standards of accommodation are quite high in larger towns such as Thimphu and Paro.
The menu consists of foods from different countries such as Bhutan, India, China and continental. The staple food is rice with vegetables, chicken, pork or beef. If you are a food enthusiast, then you may have a chance to taste the local specialty, Ema Datshi, which is a dish of chili and cheese in Bhutan. Throughout the ride, there are plenty of vegetarian options to choose from.
Hotels and restaurants are readily accessible for tea, coffee, bottled water and soft drinks. During this 5 Days Bhutan Tour, you will get ample chances to taste the local cuisines and stay comfortably. Mega Treks carefully chooses the hotels that it has to provide you with a pleasant stay during your Bhutan Cultural Tour.
Bhutan Classic Tour is a popular trip that visits the most significant cultural sites in Bhutan in a brief span of time and visits Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Those with extra days can extend the trip to visit other areas and have new experiences.
Well-known extensions are Phobjikha Valley with its tranquil beauty and the sighting of the rare black-necked cranes in the winter months. Haa Valley is renowned for its picturesque villages and serene mountain landscapes, while Bumthang is renowned for its ancient monasteries and traditional culture. These locations enhance the trip’s appeal and diversity without altering its nature.
The itinerary can also be condensed to a visit to Paro and Thimphu, if time does not allow. Each Bhutan Cultural Tour will help you immerse yourself in the unique culture, history and natural attractions of Bhutan, whether you select the standard 5 Days Bhutan Tour or the extended version.
The Bhutan Classic Tour is definitely an easy route for beginners. The route is suitable for people of average fitness and is not a route for the trekking expert or the technically skilled person. Most activities include sightseeing, short walks and comfortable road trips to get between destinations.
The most challenging section of the journey is the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,120 m / 10,236 ft). This trail is a climb, but it is self-paced and may be taken at any time. If you don’t want to do the whole walk, you can turn around at the viewpoint café, still taking in the great view.
This 5 Days Bhutan Tour is recommended for families, couples, solo travelers and health-conscious visitors who are in good health. This Bhutan Cultural Tour is a great way to start your exploration of Bhutan if you are into learning about history, visiting monasteries and experiencing the culture.
The itinerary is pretty easy to make for the Classic Tour in Bhutan. A good pair of walking shoes, some light clothes for the day, a warm jacket for mornings and evenings and some sunscreen, sunglasses and a water bottle are all recommended. Weather conditions can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
This trip requires moderate fitness. A walk on stairs before your holiday can ease the walk to Tiger’s Nest. The maximum elevation when the stage is reached is 3120 m / 10236 ft, so there is no need for special training at high altitudes.
You can then walk more easily since you are carrying a small daypack. Mega Treks suggests booking well before the commencement of the 5 Days Bhutan Tour to have a comfortable time in each and every destination. Proper preparation makes your Bhutan Cultural Tour at its best.
There are no areas in the Bhutan Classic Tour where power is not available and charging stations are typically available at hotels in the guest rooms. Bhutan has the majority of Type D, F and G electrical outlets that operate on a 230-volt supply. A universal travel adapter is recommended.
You can get free Wi-Fi access in most hotels, cafes and restaurants, although the speed is different depending on the location. Purchasing a local SIM card on arrival in Bhutan also offers mobile data. Internet connections are generally fine in Thimphu and Paro and could be slower in smaller towns.
A power bank has been handy for keeping the camera or cell phone charged when sightseeing. Communication is straightforward at any time during this 5 Days Bhutan Tour, whether it’s sharing photos or keeping in touch with family. During the Bhutan Cultural tour, most tourists are satisfied with the services available.
Every foreigner (other than Indian nationals) needs a Bhutan visa to enter the country. The visa is issued through a licensed Bhutan tour operator and no visa can be applied for without the involvement of a licensed tour operator. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after travelling.
Applicable to all travel arrangements, there is a Sustainable Development fee needed for the Bhutan Classic Tour. This itinerary is not a mountain trek, so no separate trekking permits are required.
With Mega Treks, the required travel arrangements are made with the approved local travel partner before arrival. This way, you can take your 5 Days Bhutan Tour without having to worry about permits. It is recommended that you keep a copy of your passport and visa approval during your Bhutan Cultural Tour.
The Classic Tour Bhutan takes advantage of comfortable private vehicles depending on the group size. Roads lead to Bhutan’s most popular cultural locations and provide scenic views of forests, valleys, rivers and traditional villages all along the way.
Roads are generally good, with some curves on mountain roads. The roads are not as fast as in many other countries and the tourists have the opportunity to stop at the viewpoints and enjoy the beauty of the landscape. The experienced local drivers know the routes and mountain conditions.
The tour includes airport transfers, sightseeing and travel between destinations. This is a plan of 5 Days Bhutan Tour to ensure comfortable travel with time for sightseeing and rest. The relaxed nature of the tour enables you to explore all of your Bhutan Cultural Tour without being hurried.
It is strongly recommended that all participants of the Bhutan Classic Tour take travel insurance. An effective policy should include medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, flight delays, lost baggage and personal accident during travel.
This is not a high-altitude trekking trip, but the trek to Tiger’s Nest reaches (3120m/10,236ft). There are medical facilities in Bhutan and emergency transport can be costly without insurance coverage. Buy insurance to make your journey easier.
Before you go, make sure to review your policy thoroughly and make sure you have a hard copy and an online copy of your insurance policies. With the appropriate coverage, you can fully enjoy your 5 Days Bhutan Tour and visit cultural sites in Bhutan in confidence during your Bhutan Cultural Tour.
The Bhutan Classic Tour is a well-balanced tour combining all the elements of beauty, ancient monasteries, traditional architecture, peaceful valleys and friendly local culture. You will experience the famous things of Bhutan, including the visit to the Tiger’s Nest, Punakha Dzong, Buddha Dordenma and Tashichho Dzong, as well as getting an insight into the unique traditions of Bhutan.
Enjoy cozy accommodations, picturesque drives, easy walking and a worthwhile hike to Tiger’s Nest at (3,120 m / 10,236 ft). Each day brings one thing after another: local markets, museums, monasteries nestled among forests and mountains.
This 5-day Bhutan tour is perfect for those who are interested in exploring history, religion and nature while enjoying a blissful holiday without any lengthy trekking days. This Bhutan Cultural Tour provides an unforgettable and rewarding trip, whether you are on your first visit or returning for another trip to the country.
Minor changes might be possible if weather conditions, road conditions and time allow, but must meet Bhutan’s tourism regulations.
Photography is usually allowed in outdoor areas. Photography may be restricted or may not be allowed inside temples and in prayer halls, unless authorized.
The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency. Indian Rupees are also used in many places, except for higher-denomination notes.
Credit cards are accepted at some of the hotels, some larger shops and restaurants, but cash is advised for paying for small items and local markets.
Yes. Major towns have currency exchange facilities in banks, airports and authorized hotels.
Clothing should be modest and cover shoulders and knees. Take off hats when entering religious buildings and when on the move, follow your guide’s directions.
Yes. Handmade textiles, wooden carvings, paintings, wovens and traditional souvenirs are sold at local markets & handicraft stores.
Yes. The itinerary is family-friendly, but parents should take into account how their children will cope with the Tiger’s Nest hike.
Yes. There are ATMs in Punakha, Thimphu and Paro; it is advisable to have some cash on hand.
Yes. Drinking water is readily available in bottles throughout the tour and is often included in sightseeing and road transfers.
The official language is Dzongkha and English is widely spoken by the guides, hotel staff and many Bhutanese people.
In case your travel period falls during a festival, you might be able to enjoy the traditional Bhutanese celebrations as well.
Tipping is welcome, but not required. The majority of visitors would like to pay their guides and drivers for their services after the trip.
Many tourist sites, restaurants and rest stops have public toilets, but little provision in rural areas.
Yes. Local SIM cards can be bought at the airport and major towns with the presentation of your passport.
Many public areas have smoking restrictions. Smoking is not allowed anywhere except in designated zones as per local laws and customs.
Takins and colourful Himalayan birds, monkeys and other native animals may be seen when passing through forested areas.
Bottled or filtered water is recommended to drink during your visit to prevent stomach ailments.
This depends on your purchases and your own expenses, but it is advisable to have enough cash to buy souvenirs, snack foods and tips.
Handwoven textiles, prayer flags, handmade paper, wooden items, locally produced incense and traditional Bhutanese art are popular mementos.
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