Bhutan Vistas Tour- 5 Days
Explore the last Himalayan kingdom on this immersive 5-day journey. Experience Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and Buddhist traditions in one unforgettable adventure.
Bhutan
5 Days
Easy
3,050 m / 10,004 ft
Jan-June, Sep-Dec
Hotel
Included
Paro
Trip Highlights
- Explore the vibrant city of Thimphu
- Visit the impressive Trashichho Dzong
- Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
- Discover Bhutanese crafts at the Handicrafts Emporium
- Admire the grandeur of Punakha Dzong
- Experience the historical Drugyel Dzong, the victory fortress
Trip Overview
Experience the best of Bhutan in this 5-day tour, blending the country’s vibrant culture, rich heritage, unique traditions, and stunning landscapes. With 4 nights and 5 days in the Magical Kingdom, this journey will take you through the heart of Bhutan, offering a perfect mix of adventure and cultural exploration.
Bhutan Vistas Tour also makes a great extension for those wishing to extend their holiday and fully immerse themselves in Bhutan’s most iconic highlights.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival at Paro and Transfer to Thimphu (2,330 m/7,644 ft): 1 hr drive
- Day 2: Drive to Punakha via Do Chula Pass (3,080m) from Thimphu: 2 hrs drive
- Day 3: Drive from Punakha to Paro (2,250 m/7,382 ft): 3 hrs drive
- Day 4: Excursion to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) (3,120 m/10,232 ft): 20 mins’ drive, 5-6 hrs hike
- Day 5: Transfer to the international airport for your final departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Paro and Transfer to Thimphu (2,330 m/7,644 ft): 1 hr drive
Fly into Paro from cities like Bangkok, New Delhi, Kathmandu, or Dhaka. We recommend Bangkok as Druk Air offers daily flights to Paro. The flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
Paro sits at 2,280m above sea level, known for its fertile valley and crops like rice, apples, and vegetables. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at the airport with a traditional silk scarf. After completing arrival formalities, we drive to Thimphu, passing rice fields and villages, with a brief stop at the confluence where Thimphu and Paro rivers meet.
After checking in at the hotel, we explore the Thimphu Market and watch a local archery match. Thimphu is the world’s only capital without traffic lights.
Max Altitude :
Thimphu (2,330 m/7,644 ft)
Trip Duration :
1 hr drive
Meals :
Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Thimphu
Accomodation :
Hotel
Day 2: Drive to Punakha via Do Chula Pass (3,080m) from Thimphu: 2 hrs drive
After breakfast, we drive to Punakha via Do Chula Pass (3,080m), marked by a Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flags. On clear days, the pass offers stunning views of the eastern Himalayas.
In the afternoon, we visit Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 at the confluence of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. This dzong once served as both the religious and administrative center of Bhutan. Later, we take a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility, located on a hill in the valley. It is believed that couples who pray here are blessed with children. A walk through the nearby village offers a glimpse into daily life.
Max Altitude :
Do Chula Pass (3,080m)
Trip Duration :
2 hrs drive
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Do Chula Pass
Accomodation :
Hotel
Day 3: Drive from Punakha to Paro (2,250 m/7,382 ft): 3 hrs drive
After breakfast, we drive back to Paro, descending from Dochu La and following the scenic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, eventually reaching Paro Town.
En route, we visit Simtokha Dzong, a center for tantric teachings and home to a school for the Dzongkha language. Next, we visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower now housing the National Museum with its collection of Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, and historical artifacts.
Finally, we visit Rinpung Dzong, “fortress of the heap of jewels,” known for its beautiful wall paintings depicting Buddhist stories and cosmic Mandalas.
Max Altitude :
Paro (2,250 m/7,382 ft)
Trip Duration :
3 hrs drive
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight :
Paro
Accomodation :
Hotel
Day 4: Excursion to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) (3,120 m/10,232 ft): 20 mins’ drive, 5-6 hrs hike
After breakfast, we hike to Taktsang Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most iconic monasteries, perched 900m above the Paro Valley. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated, which is why it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest.’ This sacred site was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and is now a pilgrimage spot for all Bhutanese. Although a fire in 1998 damaged the structure, it has since been restored to its original beauty.
On the way, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo as part of the 108 temples he constructed in the Himalayas, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around the main street and market area.
Max Altitude :
Tiger’s Nest (3,120 m/10,232 ft)
Trip Duration :
20 mins drive, 5-6 hrs hike
Meals :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation :
Hotel
Day 5: Transfer to the international airport for your final departure
After an early breakfast, we drive to the airport for your flight to the next destination. Our representative will assist with the exit formalities before bidding you farewell.
Meals :
Breakfast
Accomodation :
Hotel
Gallery
What is included
Accommodation
- 4 nights in standard government-approved accommodation (twin-sharing rooms) for the entire tour
Meals & Drinking Water
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea, snacks during the trek
- Drinking water throughout the trek
Transportation
- All international and domestic airport transfers by private tourist vehicle
- Private transportation within Bhutan in a designated vehicle. Toyota 4WD vehicles, luggage vans, and light trucks for group travel.
- Luggage carried by horses, mules, or yaks at higher elevations during the trek
Guide & Support Staff
- Licensed, experienced, English-speaking Bhutanese guide throughout the trip
- Required local staff and porters to carry luggage and camping gear during the trek
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medical care for all support staff
Permits & Entry Fees
- Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance
- All monument and museum entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Trekking permits, route access permits, and monument access fees
Extras & Souvenirs
- Tour briefing and country presentation with welcome drinks on Day 1
- Cultural afternoon or evening program with traditional mask and folk dances, including beverages (for group tours only)
- Map, duffle/kit bag, sun hat, and a trip completion certificate
Administrative
- All government taxes, official expenses, and standard tourism service charges
- Government royalty (35% of the $200 minimum daily package), supporting Bhutan’s healthcare and education
What is Excluded
- International flights and airport departure taxes
- Travel insurance, including coverage for emergency evacuation
- Tips for tour staff, porters, hotel staff, restaurant service, and drivers
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and other incidental costs
- Any expenses not specifically mentioned in the “Price Includes” section
- Alcoholic and cold drinks
Trip Departure
We book both solo and group trips to make your holiday a lifetime memory with people from all over the world. Once your trip is confirmed, we guarantee all group departure dates, even if only one person has signed up for the tour. Please note that before final sign-up, we always confirm the current number of members in your group.
Difficulty Level
The Bhutan Vistas Trip is quite easy and perfect for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. The route stays at lower altitudes, and the pace is gentle, allowing you to take in the scenery without feeling rushed. It’s a relaxed trip that requires little physical effort, making it an enjoyable and comfortable experience for everyone.
Dates & Prices
We don’t have set departure dates for this trip. It can be organized based on your request. You can choose a private or tailor-made journey that suits you, your family, and friends. We offer discounts based on the group size, the larger your group, the greater the discount. You have the flexibility to choose your preferred departure date.
Meals
Most hotels in Bhutan serve a mix of Indian, Chinese, and continental dishes, with pork, chicken, beef, and fish commonly available with fresh, seasonal options. During the trek, you’ll get three meals a day with breakfast, a hot picnic lunch, and dinner at the campsite with tea and snacks. Our experienced trekking cooks prepare hearty meals at altitude, and special dietary needs can be accommodated if informed in advance.
Lodging
Hotels in Bhutan are government-rated as A, B, or C categories, roughly equal to 3- to 4-star standards. In Paro and Thimphu, we typically use A-grade hotels like Tashi Namgay Resort and Namgay Heritage, depending on availability. During the trek, accommodation will be in tents. All stays are based on twin-sharing, with a single supplement available on request for USD 378.
Weather Information
The weather really depends on the time of year you visit. In winter (December to February), it’s quite chilly at night and much warmer during the day, with temperatures ranging from around 4°C at night to about 22°C. From March to May, the conditions are ideal, with daytime temperatures averaging 25°C. After the monsoon, from September to December, the weather cools off again, making it a great time to travel with an average temperature of about 20°C. Throughout your trip, all the vehicles and hotels will have air conditioning to ensure you’re comfortable.
Packing List
For this tour, you only need comfortable clothing as there are no special equipment requirements. However, the following list provides an idea of the personal items you may want to bring, which are optional and depend on your preferences. The key factor when selecting your gear and backpack is the time of year you are traveling.
The vehicle will carry all heavy items and equipment, but personal items like money, water bottle, camera, sunscreen, and toilet paper should be kept with you in your daypack.
If you’re traveling to Bhutan from Kathmandu, we will provide complimentary water and a windproof duffel bag, which you can use during the tour for shopping. The duffel bag is yours to keep.
You can rent these equipment as well.
General
- Duffel bag, rucksack, or suitcase
- Daypack for personal items
- Goggles or sunglasses for sun protection, dust, and wind
- Neck warmer (optional, recommended for cold season travel- January, February, and December)
Upper Body
- Warm wool or synthetic hat to cover ears (required for cold seasons: January, February, and December)
- Waterproof (preferably breathable) shell jacket (recommended for rainy season- June to September)
- 2 T-shirts
Torso
- 2 pairs of lightweight long underwear/thermals (for winter travel- January, February, and December)
Lower Body
- 1 pair of cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 2 pairs of liner socks (preferably synthetic or Capilene)
Hands
- 1 pair of warm gloves (required for cold seasons: January, February, and December)
Feet
- 1 pair of light camping shoes or sneakers
- 1 pair of sandals (optional)
Note: Tight-fitting clothing such as Lycra may be considered offensive to locals, especially women. If you wear these for base layers, consider covering them with something else.
Note: Tight-fitting clothing such a Lycra may be considered offensive to locals, especially women. If you wear these for base layers, consider covering them with something else.
First Aid Kits and Medications
Note: Our guides carry a basic first aid kit, but personal supplies are strongly recommended.
- Extra Strength Excedrin- for altitude-related headaches
- Ibuprofen- for general aches and pains
- Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules- for upset stomach/diarrhea
- Diamox (Acetazolamide) 125 mg or 250 mg- for altitude sickness (consult with us before using this medication)
- Small personal first aid kit with blister treatments like moleskine, band-aids, waterproof tape, and anti-infection ointments
Other Essentials
- 4 passport-sized photos
- Airline Ticket- Leave a copy at our office in Kathmandu in case you need to change the date
- Lip Balm- At least SPF 20, 2 sticks. Consider a string to hang it around your neck
- Sunscreen- SPF 40 recommended and should be relatively new
- Pocket Knife- Small Swiss Army type
- Water Purification Tablets or Polar-Pure Crystals
- Toiletry Kit – Include toilet paper in a plastic bag, hand wipes, liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.
- 2 Bandanas
- Waterproof bags for documents/money
Tip: Thamel is full of gear shops where you can purchase or rent tour essentials at a reasonable price once you’re in Kathmandu.
Optional
- 1 Pair Adjustable Trekking Poles (Highly recommended for knee/ankle support)
- Favorite Snacks (max 2 lbs)
- Paperback Books, Cards, MP3 Player. Keep them lightweight. Remember, you can recharge at certain stops
- Binoculars
- Lightweight Point and Shoot Camera or 1 Large SLR- Digital cameras are fine, but keep batteries warm when not in use
- Hydration Bladder with Drinking Tube
- Pee Bottle and Pee Funnel, useful for avoiding cold late-night trips
- 1 Small Stainless Steel Thermos
Note: This list is a general guideline. You may adjust it based on your preferences. Many items are available in stores in Kathmandu.
Documents and Logistics
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date)
- Bhutan visa clearance letter (arranged by us; required for boarding your flight to Bhutan excluding citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives)
- 4 passport-sized photos (for permits or emergencies)
- Travel insurance (mandatory; must include emergency medical evacuation and trip cancellation)
- Flight tickets and printed itinerary (keep physical copies for airport check-in and immigration)
- Copy of travel permit and entry documents (provided on arrival; carry with you during the tour)
- Cash and Traveller’s Cheques (Keep the numbers and proof of purchase separately)
Dates of Trip
Trip Downloads
Group Discount Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
Traveler Reviews
Tripadvisor Reviews
MY EXPERIENCE WAS A SUCCESS, TWO TIMES :) - It took me a long time to give birth to my experience with Ama Adventure through a review ! Actually, it's been such a SUCCESS, I had the idea that... read more
Maya A
January 23, 2025 Highly recommend Goma and AMA Adventure - Highly recommend Goma from AMA Adventure. Amazing trekking guide, took us to EBC + Chola Pass + Gokyo Lakes. Honest, punctual, lovely company to have. Have trekked with... read more
Cruiser613242
November 25, 2024 Travelling to Nepal 🇳🇵 - Best of the best company ever! I have a wonderful experiences trekking to Everest Basecamp, Chola pass and Gokyo Lake with Goma. Flyer19890147734
October 22, 2023
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