The Bhutan tour from Kathmandu is a 6-day journey to the last Himalayan Buddhist kingdom. Take one of the world's most scenic flights, past Everest and Kanchenjunga, to Paro; explore the capital Thimphu, cross the Dochu La pass with its 108 chortens, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, and hike to the cliffside Tiger's Nest monastery (Paro Taktsang).
The tour is easy, apart from the half-day hike to Tiger's Nest, and is best from March–May and September–November. The Bhutan visa, the Sustainable Development Fee, flights, hotels, all meals in Bhutan, a private vehicle and a licensed Bhutanese guide are arranged by our team with licensed partners in Bhutan.
Bhutan, known to its people as Druk Yul, the "Land of the Thunder Dragon", is famous for measuring its progress by Gross National Happiness and for protecting more than two-thirds of its land as forest. Visitors come for its great dzongs (fortress monasteries), prayer-flag-covered passes, colourful festivals and a calm, uncrowded travel experience shaped by the country's "high value, low impact" tourism policy.
From Kathmandu, Bhutan is just an hour away by air. This six-day tour covers the classic sights of western Bhutan: Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, finishing with the steep morning hike to Tiger's Nest.
| Trip fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 days, 5 nights in Bhutan |
| Route | Kathmandu – Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro – Kathmandu |
| Highest point | Tiger's Nest, about 3,120 m; Dochu La, about 3,100 m |
| Grade | Easy, with one half-day hike |
| Documents | Bhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee (arranged by us) |
| Guide | Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide |
| Accommodation | Tourist-standard hotels, all meals included |
| Best time | March–May and September–November |
The hike to Paro Taktsang climbs about 500 metres from the trailhead through pine forest and takes around two to three hours up, with a café viewpoint halfway. The final section follows a path around the cliff to the monastery gate. It is steep but manageable at a steady pace, and horses can be hired for part of the ascent. Photography is not allowed inside the monastery.
Most visitors need a Bhutan visa, approved before travel, and pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in the country, which funds conservation, health care and education. The rate is set by the government of Bhutan; it is included in this tour at the current rate. Indian citizens need an entry permit instead of a visa and pay a lower SDF; ask us for an Indian-passport quote.
March–May brings spring flowers and the Paro Tshechu festival; September–November brings clear skies and the Thimphu Tshechu; December–February is cold but clear, with the best Himalayan views from Dochu La. The monsoon (June–August) brings rain, and everything turns very green.
Dress modestly, with long sleeves and long trousers or skirts, when visiting dzongs and temples, and remove hats inside. Walk clockwise around chortens and temples, and follow your guide's advice on photography, which is not allowed inside most temples.
Bhutan combines perfectly with Nepal: add this tour after a trek or a Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan tour, or combine it with Tibet for a three-country Himalayan journey.
Please send us a clear passport scan and photo when booking so we can apply for your Bhutan visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
The SDF is charged per night by the government of Bhutan and is included at the current rate. If the government changes the rate, the price may be adjusted.
Long sleeves and long trousers or skirts are required when visiting dzongs and temples. Bring comfortable shoes for the Tiger's Nest hike.
The currency is the ngultrum, pegged to the Indian rupee; Indian rupees in smaller notes are widely accepted. ATMs are available in larger towns.
Flights to and from Paro are limited and weather-dependent; book early, especially during festival seasons.
Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.
More options, quoted on request:
By the direct flight from Kathmandu to Paro, about an hour, with views of Everest and Kanchenjunga on clear days.
Yes, most visitors need a Bhutan visa, approved before travel. We apply for it with your booking. Indian citizens need an entry permit instead.
A daily fee charged by Bhutan for each night in the country, funding conservation and public services. It is included in this tour at the current rate.
About 500 m of ascent and 2–3 hours up, steep but manageable at a steady pace. Horses can be hired for part of the way.
March–May and September–November. Winter has the clearest views; summer is wetter.
A licensed guide is required for most travel outside Thimphu and Paro, and tours are the easiest way to travel. This tour includes a guide and vehicle.
Modest clothing with long sleeves and long trousers or skirts for dzongs and temples.
Yes, all meals in Bhutan are included. Bhutanese food is known for chillies and cheese; hotels also serve milder dishes.
Yes, if your dates match a tshechu, such as the Paro Tshechu in spring or the Thimphu Tshechu in autumn. Book early.
Yes. Indian citizens need an entry permit and pay a lower SDF in Indian rupees; ask us for a quote.
Yes. Kathmandu has direct flights to both Paro and Lhasa, so all three can be combined.
The price box shows the per-person cost, which goes down as your group gets bigger. It includes flights, visa, SDF, hotels, meals, guide and vehicle.
