Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Bhutan - Thimphu - Punakha - Paro
100% customisable for you
Your journey begins with a flight to Delhi, which takes around nine hours from the UK. Head to the airport, breeze through security, grab a last-minute snack and settle in with a film, a glass of wine or some sleep.
When you arrive, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for a short stopover. Today is all about taking it easy – unpack, stretch your legs or head straight for a strong coffee. Bhutan awaits in the morning.
Back to the airport this morning for your flight to Paro (around two-and-a-half hours). Keep your eyes on the window – the approach through the Himalayas is one of the most memorable landings out there.
From Paro, it’s a scenic one-hour private transfer to Thimphu, following the river through forested valleys.
After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours. Wander into town, browse local shops or simply take it slow – Bhutan has a way of setting the pace for you.
Today, explore Bhutan’s quietly fascinating capital with your guide. Start at the Memorial Chorten, where locals gather to pray, before heading to Tashichho Dzong, which is part monastery, part government headquarters.
You’ll also visit the National Library, home to centuries-old Buddhist texts, and if the weather’s on your side, take a short walk up to Wangditse Monastery for wide views across the valley.
In between, dip into markets and small shops – it’s a great way to get a feel for daily life here, from woven textiles to handmade paper and local crafts.
Meet your driver and leave Thimphu behind, beginning the drive to Punakha (around three hours), which climbs steadily to the Dochu La Pass at over 9,800ft. On a clear day, the views stretch across the Himalayas, with rows of white chortens (Buddhist monuments) lining the ridge. It’s worth taking your time here.
Descending into Punakha, the shift in scenery is immediate – warmer air, greener landscapes and rice fields replacing pine forests.
During your stay, visit Punakha Dzong, set dramatically at the meeting of two rivers. It’s one of Bhutan’s most important and impressive landmarks, both historically and visually.
The rest of your time here is slower by design: think riverside walks, village visits or simply sitting back and taking it all in.
Hit the road again as you make your way back to Paro (around five hours), retracing your route through the mountains.
Paro feels more rural, with traditional houses dotted across the valley and forested hills rising on either side. After checking into your hotel for the next two nights, visit Paro Dzong, perched above the town, before heading to the National Museum in the old watchtower.
There’s plenty of time to explore at your own pace too – wander through town, browse small shops or stop for a coffee and watch daily life unfold.
Today’s the day you’ve been building up to.
Set off this morning for the hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff 2,952ft above the valley. The walk takes around four to five hours there and back, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take photos (which will be lots).
Legend has it that the Buddhist mystic, Guru Rinpoche, arrived here on the back of a tigress to meditate, and it remains one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites.
After making your way back down, reward yourself with a slower afternoon, including a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the country’s oldest temples, set quietly in the valley.
Fly back to Delhi today, where a hotel room is available for the day to relax before your onward flight.
Before heading to the airport, dive into Old Delhi with your guide. Visit Jama Masjid, wander through the chaos of Chandni Chowk and stop at Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s memorial. It’s a full contrast to Bhutan – louder, busier and full of energy.
Later, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home, arriving back in the UK the following day (hopefully feeling a little calmer than when you left).
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
