Everest Guides International
Plan your trip

Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, Bhutan / Tour

Bhutan Valley Discovery

Visit Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, with Kathmandu cultural days framing the Bhutan journey.

Explore the itinerary Ask about this journey
Punakha Dzong beside the river in Bhutan
Punakha Dzong beside the river in Bhutan.
Duration
11 daysOutline programme
Western Bhutan valleys
TourParo, Thimphu and Punakha
Season
Spring and autumnAsk for current dates
Experience
Cultural tour with optional walksTour

A closer look at the journey.

This journey introduces western Bhutan through the valleys of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. The programme begins with Kathmandu sightseeing before the flight to Paro. Cultural visits continue through the Paro Valley and the capital, followed by the road journey across the Dochula area toward Punakha and its surrounding landscape.

The return allows further time in Thimphu and Paro before flying back to Kathmandu, where Patan and Bhaktapur complete the cultural programme. A flexible Paro day can be shaped around available visits or a walk. The eleven-day duration includes the Nepal connections, giving the Bhutan visits context within a broader Himalayan cultural journey rather than eleven days entirely inside Bhutan.

  • Paro and Thimphu cultural visits
  • The Dochula approach to Punakha
  • Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur

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 4Paro sightseeing and travel to Thimphu

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

Day 5Travel via Dochula toward Punakha

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

Day 6Return to Thimphu

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

Day 7Travel to Paro

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

Day 8Paro: flexible exploration day

Use this day for local visits or a walk agreed with your guide.

Day 9Fly to Kathmandu

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

Day 10Visit Patan and Bhaktapur

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

Day 11Depart 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.

Other journeys to explore.

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.