Tiger’s Nest Expedition

Highlights

• Explore Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital city
• Visit the National Memorial Chorten
• Experience traditional Bhutanese life at Simply Bhutan
• Visit the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts
• Admire the giant Buddha statue at Buddha Point
• Enjoy spectacular Himalayan views from Dochula Pass
• Visit the famous 108 chortens at Dochula
• Discover historic Punakha and magnificent Punakha Dzong
• Visit sacred Chhimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman
• Walk across the traditional Punakha Suspension Bridge
• Explore Tachhogang and its historic bridge and temple
• Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong and Ta Dzong/National Museum
• Discover the historic ruins of Drukgyel Dzong
• Hike to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Paro – Thimphu

   • Elevation 2,280 m
   • Distance 54 km
   • Drive approx. 1 hr 20 min

   Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your Discover Happiness guide and driver. Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city.

   After checking into your hotel, visit the National Memorial Chorten and explore the city. Experience traditional Bhutanese life at Simply Bhutan, visit the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, and admire the giant Buddha statue at Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point). Overnight in Thimphu.

   

2. Day 2

   Thimphu – Punakha

   • Elevation 1,300 m
   • Distance 73 km
   • Drive approx. 2 hr 30 min

   After breakfast, drive to Punakha through the spectacular Dochula Pass at 3,140 m, enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and the famous 108 chortens.

   Continue through the countryside to Metsina village and take a short walk through the paddy fields to visit Chhimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman. Continue to Punakha and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, followed by a walk across the traditional suspension bridge. Overnight in Punakha.

   

3. Day 3

   Punakha – Paro

   • Elevation 2,300 m
   • Distance 115 km
   • Drive approx. 3 hr 30 min

   After breakfast, drive to Paro, with a short stop at Dochula Pass to enjoy the Himalayan scenery and photograph the 108 chortens. Continue towards Paro and stop at Tachhogang for a short hike to the historic 14th-century bridge over the Pa Chhu River and the temple on the hilltop.

   In Paro, visit the impressive Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong/National Museum and historic Drukgyel Dzong. Overnight in Paro.

   

4. Day 4

   Paro – Tiger’s Nest Hike

   • Elevation 2,300 m
   • Distance 10 km
   • Drive approx. 30 min
   • Hike approx. 2 hrs up

   After breakfast, begin the memorable hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks. The uphill hike takes approximately two hours and leads almost a kilometer above the Paro Valley floor. Enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery perched dramatically on the cliff before exploring this sacred site.

   After lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria, hike back down. If time permits, explore Paro town for shopping and local experiences. Overnight in Paro.

   

5. Day 5

   Departure from Paro

   • Elevation 2,300 m

   After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Your Discover Happiness guide and driver will see you off at the airport as your memorable Bhutan journey comes to an end.

   

Tour information

Destinations	Thimphu, Punakha and Paro
Max Altitude	3,140 m / 10,302 ft – Dochula Pass
Meal	Full Board – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Best Season	March to May and September to November
Accommodation	Of your choice – 3 Star, 4 Star, 5 Star, Luxury, Boutique, Homestays and Monastery Stay
Transportation	Kia/Hyundai SUV, Toyota/Hyundai HiAce High Roof Luxury Travel Van, depending on group size
Tour Duration	4 Nights / 5 Days
Tour Type	Cultural, Scenic, Spiritual, Nature, Hiking and Community Experience

Note: This itinerary is a general guide and can be customized according to the season, your interests, group size, preferred accommodation and duration of the tour.

Frequently asked questions

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