Bhutan7 days

Bhutan's Western Triangle: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro — 7 Days

Three capitals and cultural landmarks across Bhutan's most traveled corridor, with river activities, temples, and family-friendly exploration.

This seven-day route moves through Bhutan's western administrative and cultural centers. You'll begin in Thimphu, the capital, where a 9-kilometer nature walk connects to Kuenselphodrang, the world's tallest bronze Buddha statue. The journey then descends to Punakha, the former capital 74 kilometers south, where the dzong sits at the confluence of two rivers and where Chimi Lhakhang — the fertility temple — draws visitors to its surrounding farmland. The final leg returns north to Paro, gateway to Tiger's Nest Monastery. The itinerary incorporates family-centered activities: river rafting with riverside archery practice, horseback riding, a traditional hot stone bath, and a bonfire evening. Distances are moderate, roads are well-maintained, and pacing allows for both activity and rest.

Best time to go: ALL YEAR

Highlights

9-kilometer nature walk from Changangkha to Kuenselphodrang, the world's largest bronze Buddha statue
Dochula Pass en route to Punakha, with views across the western Himalayan foothills
River rafting on the Mo Chhu with archery practice and picnic lunch in Punakha Valley
Chimi Lhakhang, the fifteenth-century fertility temple, set among rice fields and farmland
Punakha Dzong, the former capital's fortress-monastery at the river confluence
Tiger's Nest Monastery hike to the clifftop temple above Paro Valley
Traditional hot stone bath and evening bonfire in Paro

Day by day

1Arrive Paro, Transfer to ThimphuParo International Airport · Paro to Thimphu

Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to Thimphu, 50km away. The afternoon is yours to rest or wander, depending on arrival time.

2Thimphu: Buddha Statue, Crafts & MarketsChangangkha to Kuenselphodrang · Traditional Arts & Craft School · Folk Heritage Museum · Takin Zoo · Craft Bazaar · Kaja Throm farmers market · Tashichhodzong

Walk 9km from Changangkha to Kuenselphodrang's colossal Buddha statue. Visit the Traditional Arts & Craft School and Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon brings the Takin Zoo, Craft Bazaar, and Kaja Throm farmers market. After 5pm, visit Tashichhodzong fortress-monastery.

3Dochula Pass & Chimi Lhakhang to PunakhaDochula Pass · Chimi Lhakhang · Punakha Dzong

Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass and its chortens. Visit Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple, then settle into your hotel and visit Punakha Dzong and its suspension bridge.

4Punakha: Hiking, Rafting & ArcheryPunakha · Khamsum Yulley Chorten · Mo Chhu river

Hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten, then raft the Mo Chhu river. Picnic lunch includes archery practice. Afternoon: choose between fishing or bicycling.

5Return to Paro; Museum, Temple & HorsemanshipParo · National Museum · Kyichu Lhakhang

Drive back to Paro (115km, 3 hours). Visit the National Museum, check in, visit Kyichu Lhakhang temple, stroll town, go horseriding, and gather for an evening bonfire.

6Tiger's Nest Monastery and Traditional Hot Stone BathTiger's Nest Monastery · traditional hot stone bath

Trek to the cliffside monastery, then soak in a traditional hot stone bath with medicinal herbs.

7Departurehotel or accommodation (implied departure point)

Check out and depart.

Where you go

Map: Bhutan's Western Triangle: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro — 7 Days route — Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

1Paro International Airport
2Traditional Arts & Craft School
3Takin Zoo
4Kaja Throm Farmers Market
5Tashichhodzong
6Dochula Pass
7Punakha Dzong
8Punakha
9Paro town
10Kyichu Lhakhang
11Tiger's Nest Monastery

Included

Accommodation at 3*/3* Superior Hotels
Half Board
English Speaking Tour Guide
Private vehicle transfers
Entrance Fees to attractions
Activities as per itinerary

Not included

Meals & Drinks (at restaurants unless otherwise stated)
Flights
Insurance
Anything not mentioned in inclusions
SDF payable to the government
Visa fee $40 per person
Disclaimer:
For Indian Nationals, SDF fees are INR.1200/person/night. Please contact us for applicable price.