[ Traditional arts and crafts in Thimphu ]
A capital made by hand
Meet Thimphu through its market, traditional arts, textiles, and working religious landmarks.
A Bhutan Beckons journey
Three Valleys, One Kingdom
Six days of craft, fortresses, forest paths, and the climb to Taktsang.
6 days · Culture · Heritage · First Visit
Plan this journeyThe story
Bhutan’s western heart, held in one considered route.
Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro each reveal a different rhythm of Bhutan: a small capital shaped by craft, a river valley of royal history, and a sacred landscape beneath Taktsang.
This six-day route keeps the essential places while protecting the pauses between them, making it a natural first journey into the Kingdom.
Experience highlights
What stays with you.
The defining moments of this journey, chosen for depth rather than spectacle.
[ Punakha Dzong and its river setting ]
The palace of happiness
Follow the road over Dochula to Punakha Dzong, framed by two rivers and layers of history.
Paro’s sacred valley
Move from Rinpung Dzong and the old watchtower to Bhutan’s most memorable mountain pilgrimage.
- 01
First impressions
Location · Paro · Thimphu
Receive a traditional welcome, pause at Tachogang, and begin with Thimphu’s great Buddha, Memorial Chorten, takin preserve, and a short hillside walk.
- 02
The capital in detail
Location · Thimphu
Walk to Cheri Monastery, then explore the Centenary Market, the traditional arts institute, textiles, and the city’s human-scale centre.
- 03
The pass and the rivers
Location · Punakha
Travel over Dochula for Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, and an evening beside the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu.
- 04
From hilltop to watchtower
Location · Punakha · Paro
Climb to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten before returning west to Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum.
- 05
The monastery in the cliff
Location · Paro
Give the day to the Taktsang ascent, with an optional final visit to Kyichu Lhakhang on the valley floor.
- 06
Farewell to Paro
Location · Paro
A private airport transfer closes the journey after one final morning beneath the valley walls.
The details
What’s included.
Included
- Carefully selected accommodation along the route
- Private transportation throughout Bhutan
- English-speaking local guide
- Planned sightseeing and guided walks
- Bhutan travel arrangements
- Local assistance from arrival to departure
Not included
- Flights or transfers to the journey’s starting point
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases and gratuities
- Optional activities outside the planned journey
Where you’ll stay
Places with a sense of place.
Properties are selected for warmth, location, and the way they belong to their landscape. Final choices follow your preferred travel style.
[ A thoughtfully selected stay in Thimphu ]
Thimphu stay
Thimphu
A central stay chosen for a comfortable return after the capital’s walks and cultural visits.
[ A thoughtfully selected stay in Punakha ]
Punakha stay
Punakha
A calm base in the warmer valley, close to river landscapes and historic sites.
[ A thoughtfully selected stay in Paro ]
Paro stay
Paro
A quiet final address positioned for Paro’s heritage and the Taktsang trail.
Gallery
The Kingdom through your eyes.
Good to know
Practical, when you need it.
Best time to travelYear-round; spring and autumn offer especially comfortable walking conditions
Year-round; spring and autumn offer especially comfortable walking conditions. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
DifficultyModerate, with the Taktsang ascent on Day 5
Moderate, with the Taktsang ascent on Day 5. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
Recommended forFirst-time visitors seeking Bhutan’s essential western valleys
First-time visitors seeking Bhutan’s essential western valleys. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
Group sizePrivate, typically 2–10 guests
Private, typically 2–10 guests. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
Starting pointParo International Airport
Paro International Airport. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
Duration6 days / 5 nights
6 days / 5 nights. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
This journey can be customized.
The pace, stays, and experiences can be shaped around the way you want to travel.
Make this journey yours.
No two journeys need to be the same. Tell us what you’re looking for and our travel specialists will tailor this experience around you.
Plan my journey