Classic Bhutan · 5 Days

Bhutan Highlights Journey

Discover the timeless beauty of Bhutan on a carefully curated five-day journey through the Kingdom's most iconic destinations — ancient monasteries, majestic fortresses, authentic village life, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.

Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Regions
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
Group Size
Private & Fully Flexible
Best Suited For
First-Time Visitors
Overview

Bhutan's Icons, Woven Into Five Days

This itinerary blends culture, nature, and genuine Bhutanese hospitality into one unforgettable journey — from Tiger's Nest Monastery and the fortresses of Thimphu and Punakha, to a home-cooked farmhouse lunch and a private farewell cultural programme. Every detail, from your welcome at Paro International Airport to your final departure, is arranged by your private guide and driver.

Day by Day

Your 5 Days in Bhutan

01

Paro – Thimphu

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Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your private guide and driver welcome you, then drive toward the capital with stops along the way.

Tamchog Lhakhang & Iron Bridge

A historic 15th-century bridge and temple built by the legendary bridge-builder Thangtong Gyalpo.

Buddha Dordenma

A 51.5-metre golden Buddha statue containing 125,000 smaller Buddha figures, with sweeping views over Thimphu Valley.

National Memorial Chorten

Built in 1974 in memory of Bhutan's Third King, where local devotees walk clockwise and spin prayer wheels.

Kaja Throm

A lively riverside market where local flavours and contemporary Bhutanese life come together.

Welcome butter tea & local snacks on arrival · Overnight: Thimphu
02

Thimphu – Punakha

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Cross the spectacular Dochula Pass before descending into the warm, fertile Punakha Valley.

Dochula Pass (3,140m)

Walk among the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, with sweeping Himalayan views on a clear day.

Chimi Lhakhang

The Temple of Fertility, reached on foot through rice fields and traditional villages.

Traditional Gho & Kira Experience

Dress in Bhutan's national attire and capture photographs at Punakha Dzong.

Punakha Dzong

One of Bhutan's most magnificent fortresses, positioned where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet.

Wolakha Nunnery

The peaceful Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, overlooking the Punakha Valley.

Overnight: Punakha
03

Punakha – Paro

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Depart Punakha for Paro, beginning with an authentic countryside experience.

Toebzam Farmhouse Experience

A home-cooked lunch inside a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, shared with your hosts.

Traditional Bhutanese Archery

Try the national sport with guidance from local hosts.

National Museum of Bhutan

Housed in the historic Ta Dzong watchtower, with views across the Paro Valley.

Rinpung Dzong

A 17th-century fortress-monastery — "Fortress on a Heap of Jewels."

Paro Town

A leisurely stroll past local boutiques, handicraft shops, and cosy cafés.

Overnight: Paro
04

Paro – Tiger's Nest Monastery

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Hike to Bhutan's most iconic spiritual landmark, perched roughly 900 metres above the Paro Valley.

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)

The cave where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated in the 8th century — a rewarding and deeply meaningful hike.

Traditional Hot Stone Bath (Optional)

Soothe tired muscles after the hike in a bath heated with river stones and local herbs.

Ultra Dewa Farewell Dinner & Cultural Programme

A special final evening with a one-hour programme of traditional folk dances and the sacred Cham mask dance, plus a curated Ultra Dewa gift bag.

Overnight: Paro
05

Departure

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After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.

Where You'll Stay

Accommodation

Destination
Nights
Accommodation
Thimphu
1 night
Punakha
1 night
Paro
2 nights

All accommodation is based on twin-sharing unless otherwise requested.

What's Included

No Surprises, Just Clarity

Cost Includes

  • Bhutan tourist visa and processing
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), government taxes and service charges
  • 4 nights' accommodation, twin/double room
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • All monument and sightseeing entrance fees
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Comfortable private vehicle throughout
  • Professional, English-speaking licensed Bhutanese guide
  • Welcome butter tea and local snacks
  • Unlimited bottled drinking water throughout the tour

Package Excludes

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic and premium beverages
  • Tips for guide and driver
The Ultra Dewa Difference

Signature Experiences, Included

Included in your journey with no extra cost
  • Authentic farmhouse visit with a home-cooked Bhutanese lunch
  • Traditional Bhutanese archery experience
  • Gho and Kira traditional attire experience
  • Private cultural programme with folk and sacred Cham mask dances
  • Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath
  • Exclusive Ultra Dewa gift bag for each guest
Questions

Before You Enquire

How do I get to Bhutan?

Bhutan's only international gateway is Paro International Airport, served by Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines from hubs including Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Singapore. A visa is required for most nationalities and is arranged on your behalf as part of this journey.

Is this tour suitable for a private group of any size?

Yes — this is a fully private journey, so there is no minimum number of travellers required. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or as a larger family group, your itinerary, pace, and vehicle are arranged around you alone.

Is this tour safe and suitable for children?

Yes — Bhutan is a genuinely family-friendly destination, and this itinerary can be adapted in pace for travelling with children. The Tiger's Nest hike is the one section worth discussing with your travel designer in advance, as it involves several hours on a mountain trail.

Can I request a guide who speaks a language other than English?

Yes — while our standard guides are English-speaking, we can often arrange guides fluent in other languages such as French, German, Spanish, or Mandarin upon request. Language availability varies, so please let your travel designer know your preference as early as possible when planning your journey.

What is not included in the itinerary?

International airfare, travel insurance (mandatory), personal expenses, alcoholic and premium beverages, and tips for your guide and driver are not included.

Are any experiences included at no extra cost?

Yes — a farmhouse lunch, traditional archery, the Gho and Kira dress experience at Punakha Dzong, a private farewell cultural programme with Cham mask dance, and a traditional hot stone bath are all included as Ultra Dewa signature experiences.

Ready for the Bhutan Highlights Journey?

Tell us your dates and group size, and we'll confirm your itinerary and pricing.

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Bhutan Highlights Journey5 Days · Paro, Thimphu, Punakha
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