Dochu La Pass, a high mountain pass in Bhutan, featuring several small monuments built in memory of the soldiers who have served the country.
A picturesque view of Punakha Dzong, an ancient fortress and Buddhist monastery in Bhutan with clouds in background.
Aerial view of the majestic Himalayan mountain range, including Mt. Everest, and, Mt. Makalu, as seen from an airplane en route to Paro, Bhutan.
Paro Taktsang, a sacred Buddhist site also known as Tiger's Nest, perched on a cliff in the Paro Valley of Bhutan.
Dochu La Pass, a mountain pass in Bhutan, with a stunning view of snow-capped peaks in the background, and a small monuments in foreground.
The entrance to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, an important Bhutanese temple, characterized by its intricate carvings and colorful designs.

Explore Bhutan in 6 Days Tour.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit the most Iconic Monastery of Bhutan Tiger's  Nest, AKA Paro Taktsang.
  • Explore Tibetan Buddhism in Bhutan.
  • Sightseeing ancient Hilalayas fortress and monuments. 
  • Be part of the world's exemplary tourism approach towards sustainability.   
  • View the planet's youngest mountain range Himalayas. 
  •  Explore the culture of the Himalayas. 
A picture of the Gangtey Monastery, featuring its red roof and the lush green forest in the background.
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Return Guests get a 10% discount on all Trips!
  • Trip Type:

    Tour & Sightseeing

  • Group Size:

    1-12 People. 

  • Best Time to Visit:

    April/May and Sept/Oct

  • Max Altitude:

    3100 meters.

    (10,171 ft.)

  • Start-End:

    Paro - Paro 

  • Daily Activity:

    Tour, Hiking & Sightseeing.

Location:

Paro, Thimphu, Punakha in Bhutan. 

  • Fly into Paro International Airport(PBH)

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DESCRIPTION

Bhutan is a small kingdom state in southeast Asia, surrounded by India from the east, south, and west; and Tibet from the north side. This five-night six days Bhutan tour offer you experience glimpses of Bhutanese culture, religion, lifestyle, and geography. This trip covers the major tourist sites of Bhutan. After we landed in Paro, we stayed overnight there and started our journey from next day. At first, we went sightseeing around the Paro and hiked to Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger’s Nest. After completing the hiking, we drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. In Thimphu, we start sightseeing after breakfast and spend till the afternoon. We will go to Punakha around 3 o’clock and stay overnight. Then, we will visit the historical site Wangdue Phodrang and drive back to Paro via Thimphu.

Exploring Tibetan Buddhism and the culture of the Himalayas, this trip is best for those who have short days to travel and wants to cover significant sites. This one-week trip is best for those who are looking for a budget traveling package.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY- 1: Arrive in Paro (2200 M.), Bhutan.

Schedule your flight to Poro as per our itinerary date. Our guide or driver will pick you up after approving your visa. After landing in Paro, we drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, an hour and 30 minutes drive. In Paro, we will meet with our group members and local guide, and our guide will brief you about our schedule

Stay overnight in Paro.


(Note: Flight to Paro for international travelers is limited; you can get a direct flight from Bangkok, an
Indian city, Singapore, and Kathmandu. For more information, you check Bhutan Airlines and Durkair's
websites.)
(Note: If you want to book tickets via Imperial Expedition, you have to inform us 20 days before the start
of the Trip.) 

DAY- 2: Sightseeing in Paro and Drive to Thimphu (2334 M.).

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and take a short hike to visit the iconic structure of Bhutan Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This monastery is on the mountain's cliff, where you have to hike for around 3 hours to ascend 700 meters altitude. The hiking distance is around 8.5 KM from/to the bus park. After returning from Paro Taktsang, we will visit the National Museum of Bhutan and then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The distance between Paro and Thimphu is 50 Kilometers, which takes around an hour and 30 minutes.

Stay overnight in Thimphu. 

DAY- 3: Thimphu Tour and drive to Punakha (12,42 M.) - 74 KM. (2.30 hours).

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and start sightseeing the major sites of Thimphu like Tashichho Dzong, Folk Heritage Museum Kawajangsa, Buddha Dordenma Statue, and Semtokha Dzong. After sightseeing we ascent to Dochu-la pass, the way to Punakha. In Dochu-la Pass we will stop for a few minutes for a view and tea. After a short break, we descent to Punakha Valley.
 
Stay overnight in Punakha.

DAY- 4: Punakha tour and drive to Wangdue Phodrang - (30 Km.)

Explore the Punakha town after breakfast. Your guide will take you to the major tourist attractions and brief you about them. We especially visit the Punakha Dzon, an administrative center of the Punakha district. We also hike to a Buddhist nunnery, meditation center, and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This Chorten is located in the picturesque mountain, where you have to hike an hour to get there after you park your vehicle on the west bank of Riverside. Later in the evening, we drive along the una Tsang Chu river to the southwest of Wangdue Phodrang. We will stop at Wangdue Phodrang for an overnight stay.

DAY- 5: Sightseeing Wangdue Phodrang and drive to Paro – 110 Km. (Approx. 3 hours)

Discover some of the oldest fortresses like Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and surrounding nature. However, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong may not be available to visit in case of not allowed to enter. We will visit the viewpoint and return to Paro via Dochu-la Pass and Thimphu.

Overnight Stay in Paro.

[Note: Activities not mentioned in itineraries will charge extra fees.]

DAY- 6: Departure from Paro, Bhutan.

Our guide or driver will escort you to the airport. You have to inform your flight schedule to your guide before departure. 

TRIP DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

✅  Accommodation in 4 stars hotel in Paro and Thimphu on a sharing basis.

✅  3-star hotel and resort in Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang on a sharing basis. 

✅ All necessary entry tickets during the tour in Bhutan. 

✅  Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner during Bhutan tour.

✅  All listed transport Jeep, Car, or Bus based on group size.

✅  English Speaking guide and driver during the trip.

✅  Experienced Trekking guide and other support staff.

✅Proper Insurance for all local staff.

Visa fees and Sustainable Development Fees (SDF).

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Personal Travel and Medical Insurances. (Travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers.)
Personal  Gear and Equipment.
Tips and gratitude to the guide and driver.
International flight tickets. 
Personal expenses, like laundry, phone calls, snacks & soft drinks.
Extra cost occurs due to unforeseen circumstances during the trip, like flight cancellation and medical issues. 
Vaccination fees, if required. (Covid-19 vaccination is mandatory for all travelers.)

 

WHAT GEAR TO BRING

Once you book  this trek you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list.

FAQ

HOW TO BOOK A BHUTAN TOUR?

Booking a trip is easy.  303-834-5512, or Email us at info@imperialexpedition.com. Online bookings are made via the ‘Book Now button available on each trip page. Once we confirm your booking, we’ll send you comprehensive information regarding visas, vaccinations, gear, clothing, and arrival details to ensure you are fully prepared for your adventure.

CAN WE GET ON ARRIVAL VISA IN BHUTAN?

Travelers must sign up for a tour package via a Travel agent to get a visa to Bhutan. Once you pay for the tour package, your agent will apply online for an e-visa clearance copy, which you must show at the airport or port. When you confirm, your agent will ask required documents and information to get a visa in Bhutan; we recommend confirming your trip a month ago or earlier to reserve the visa seats. Tourists must have six months of passport validation or more to enter Bhutan. An Indian citizen can enter with a valid passport or voter identity card. 

 

DO I HAVE TO PAY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (SDF) AND VISA FEES AT THE AIRPORT OR ENTRY POINT?

No, Your sustainable development and visa fees are included in your tour package. Travelers must show an e-clearance visa copy at the airport to get a visa. E-clearance visa copy will be emailed to you before arriving at the Bhutan entry point.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE TO VISIT BHUTAN?

It would be best if you were moderately fit, exercised regularly, and enjoyed active vacations, walking, and hiking in mountainous terrain. The Bhutan tour is easy to compare to another Hiking trip in the Mountains. When you sign up for trekking or climbing, Travelers should be physically fit and able to walk an average of 10 Km. Per day. While joining a tour, most activities are sightseeing and tour via bus or Jeep, so you don't have to walk or are physically not exhausted. 

HOW CAN I BOOK A FLIGHT TO BHUTAN?

Bhutan has only one international airport, Paro International Airport in Paro, which is 50 Km. away from the capital city of Thimphu. Mainly two national carriers of Bhutan are Durkair and Bhutan Airlines. These two airlines schedule limited cities in southeast Asia; Kathmandu, Nepal; an Indian city; Bangkok, Thailand, and Singapore. 
You can book a direct flight from your country via their partner airlines or online. Please, visit the official link for more details:

DO YOU ARRANGE PRIVATE OR FAMILY TREKS?

Yes, if you would like to travel independently or with friends, family or colleagues, you are invited to choose the trip that best suits your group and the trip dates according to your schedule.  We are happy to consider any number of trekkers.  Our maximum is not more than 50 at a time.  The cost per person for private trips is negotiated based on group size, trek area, and duration.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TOUR AND TREK IN BHUTAN?

  • Fall (September-November):  Fall is considered the best time for trekking in Bhutan.  The weather is excellent at this time, allowing for clear blue skies and tantalizing mountain views.  Temperatures are moderate.  Occasional short storms may bring snow to higher altitudes.

  • Winter (December-February):  Winter brings heavy snowfall, mostly at higher altitudes.  This can be a good time for cultural tours and trekking at lower elevations.

  • Spring (March-May):  Spring is a good time for trekking and climbing in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal, make the hillsides a colorful paradise during the spring.  It is mildly warm at lower elevations, and at higher elevations, the mountain views are excellent while the temperature is relatively moderate.  

  • Summer/Monsoon (June-August):  The monsoon during the summer months can make travel in Bhutan wet, muddy, warm, and often humid.  Strong monsoon rains don’t usually last long, and often end with large and wonderful rainbows.  However, the streets in Bhutan can be muddy, and landslides sometimes occur in the highways.  It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekkinbeautifulthese months.

WHAT SORT OF EXPERIENCE DO YOUR GUIDES HAVE IN BHUTAN?

Our guides are dependable, competent, and highly qualified, with more than ten years of trekking experience, leading trips, treks, and tours in Bhutan. All our guides in Bhutan have registered tour guides in Bhutan Tourism Council, the authorized government body to monitor tourism in Bhutan.

WHAT IS THE ROUTINE OF THE TOUR IN BHUTAN?

Mostly our tour activities are based on an itinerary set by Imperial Expedition. Usually, we start our tour activity after our breakfast in the hotel, stop for lunch in the afternoon time and back to the hotel in at evening time. In case of unforeseen situations and unavailability of tour activity, your guide will arrange a similar or alternative activity. 

WHAT TYPE OF SHOES OR BOOTS SHOULD I WEAR?

The proper footwear depends on the trek and on the trekker.  Most hikes can be done in comfortable running shoes while longer more strenuous treks may require sturdy but lightweight hiking boots.  It is best if you purchase shoes and boots long before arriving in Bhutan.  We advise that you wear your boots prior to the trek to break them in – in order to prevent blisters, which can be debilitating on the trail.

 

HOW BIG WILL THE GROUP BE?

We try to bring together a small group of like-minded people.  Our trekking groups are generally from 6 to a maximum of 12 members, although we can accommodate smaller groups and solo trekkers as well.

 



WHAT TYPE OF FOOD IS SERVED DURING THE TRIP IN BHUTAN?

The Bhutan tour offers you to test the authentic cousin of the Himalayas. Mostly all hotels and restaurants serve and encourage local food during your trip. You can make your own choice if you are not comfortable taking local food. Restaurants and Hotels offer various styles of cuisine according to your taste. Some popular items are Ema Datshi, Shakam Paa, Phasha Paa, Zow Shungo, Dumplings, Suja (Tea), etc. are the popular dishes in Bhutan. 

WHAT ARE THE OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?

  • In cities or during a tour, you will stay in 3 or 4 stars hotels and guesthouses similar to those in the US with private bathrooms, showers, TV, phone, AC, etc.  If you prefer luxury hotels like five stars hotels, we can make those arrangements as well.  
  • While trekking in the mountains, the accommodations will depend on whether you are camping or teahouse trekking.  If you are on a camping trek, you will sleep in a tent.  The trekking lodges or teahouses are simple shelters.  There is no central heat.  In the dining room where meals are served, a wood-burning stove often heats that room only.  The guest rooms are not heated, so you will need a good quality sleeping bag, which can be rented in the city.

What happens in case of an emergency?

In the case of a serious illness or a life-threatening emergency during your trek, a helicopter rescue will be initiated.  You are responsible for all the expenses incurred in such an evacuation.  It is required that you have insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation throughout your trip.  However unlikely, we are prepared for emergencies, and your guide will respond quickly to get any necessary medical help.  We aim to avoid such circumstances with education and a large dose of preventative medicine.

LISTS OF DO'S AND DON'TS IN BHUTAN?

  • Don't photograph local people and inside monasteries without their consent.  
  • Don’t buy and carry antiques, endangered animal parts, or items made from them.
  • Don't touch the Statues and religious scriptures inside monasteries.
  • Avoid wearing too-short skirts or short pants while visiting the temple.
  • Remove your hats and footwear while entering monasteries.
  • Do not make noise while visiting heritage sites and monasteries.
  • Carrying drones and using them is not allowed in Bhutan.
  • Smoking in public is not allowed in Bhutan.
  • Do not feed animals in the National park and on Highway.

Is it possible to deviate from the itinerary?

Our specific itineraries are custom crafted with you in mind.  Once we agree on a plan, we can make minor changes and adjustments en route.  The itinerary acts as a general plan for the trip.  However, there are often local events, festivals, and holidays that could affect or change our schedule. As long as everyone agrees on these changes, that is fine. Significant changes to the itinerary may be made if there are political or environmental concerns.  Your guide will be able to help to make any necessary adjustments.  Our trips are adventures that may take you into remote regions where unforeseen circumstances may contribute to the need for a change in the itinerary.

Payment methods.

For your convenience, we have different payment methods, as mentioned below. You can choose any of these methods:
1. Bank Transfer (ask for account info) 
2. Mail a check made out to 'Imperial Expedition' to Imperial Expedition  218 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI. 48104
3.  You can also pay by credit card, over the phone, or online

What about transferring trips?

Tours and trekking trips may be transferred to the next year or another date; however, the transfer must be made 90 days or more before departure.  Otherwise, if the transfer is made 90 days or less before departure, you must pay the cancellation fees outlined above.  There are no extra fees for transferring trips more than 90 days before departure.  However, for climbing trips and expeditions, if you would like to change our trip to the next year or different dates, an automatic transfer fee of $1,000 must be paid to Imperial Expedition.

Should I purchase trip cancellation insurance?

Suppose you must cancel your trip due to illness, injury, or death of yourself or an immediate family member, trip cancellation insurance protects all your deposits and payments for air and land costs.  It is recommended that you buy trip cancellation insurance, but optional.

 



What if Of Imperial Expedition cancels my trip?

Imperial Expedition reserves the right to cancel all or a portion of a trip due to political or environmental circumstances which may hinder trip operations or for other reasons beyond our control.  In case of such a cancellation, we will give a full refund for the cost of the trip.  However, Imperial Expedition is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip, visa fees, gear, insurance, or medical expenses prior to the trip.  The airline's refund policy applies if international air tickets have been purchased.

What other expenses should I consider?

Medical advice and inoculations, health and travel insurance, travel and trekking gear, international airfare, Nepali visas, airport tax, spending money, and most meals are not included in the cost of your trip.

How much should I budget for tipping?

Your support team will work hard to please you during your trip.  They will appreciate receiving a tip at the end of their service.  The amount you give depends on you and your appreciation of their work.  We recommend giving tips from $200 – $300 to your porters. 

 



Electricity in Bhutan.

Residential electrical outlets in some countries, including the United States, use 110-120 volts of electricity and accept certain plugs. Many other countries, including Nepal, use 220-240 volts to power their appliances and different plugs. If you try to plug an American device, such as a shaver or hair dryer, into an outlet of a different voltage, you may destroy the appliance and cause yourself injury. Before you travel, you should know a few things about other countries (like Nepal).

Contact Us

We are always available to answer your questions.  Please let us know what’s on your mind.  Good communication is essential for a safe and fulfilling trip!  Send us a note or call us directly:
Name:  Pem Dorjee Sherpa
Phone:  303-834-5512
Email:  info@imperialexpedition.com