# Bhutan Tour from Kathmandu > 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. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Bhutan - **Duration:** 6 days - **Difficulty:** Easy - **Activity:** Cultural tour - **Max altitude:** About 3,120 m / 10,240 ft (Tiger's Nest) - **Best season:** Mar–May, Sep–Nov - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Tourist-standard hotels in Bhutan - **Meals:** All meals in Bhutan - **Price:** from US$1,990 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/bhutan-tour-from-kathmandu - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=bhutan-tour-from-kathmandu ## Overview **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**. ### Bhutan tour at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration6 days, 5 nights in BhutanRouteKathmandu – Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro – KathmanduHighest pointTiger's Nest, about 3,120 m; Dochu La, about 3,100 mGradeEasy, with one half-day hikeDocumentsBhutan visa and Sustainable Development Fee (arranged by us)GuideLicensed English-speaking Bhutanese guideAccommodationTourist-standard hotels, all meals includedBest timeMarch–May and September–November### Tour highlights - **The Kathmandu–Paro flight**, with views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. - **Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang)**, clinging to a cliff above the Paro valley. - **Punakha Dzong**, at the confluence of two rivers. - **Dochu La** and its 108 memorial chortens. - **Thimphu**: Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma and the Memorial Chorten. - **Chimi Lhakhang**, the temple of the "Divine Madman". ### The Tiger's Nest hike 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. ### Visa and Sustainable Development Fee 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. ### Best time to visit Bhutan **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. ### Culture and etiquette 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. ### Combining Bhutan with Nepal 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. ### Why book your Bhutan tour with Himalayan Hiking? - **Visa, SDF and flights** arranged with licensed Bhutanese partners. - **All meals, hotels, private vehicle and guide** included. - **Easy to combine** with treks and tours in Nepal. ## Highlights - Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Paro past Everest and Kanchenjunga - Hike to Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) - Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers - Dochu La pass and its 108 chortens - Thimphu's Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma and Memorial Chorten - Visa, SDF, hotels and all meals included ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Fly Kathmandu – Paro, drive to Thimphu (2,320 m) Scenic flight to Paro, where your guide meets you, then drive to Thimphu. Evening visit to the National Memorial Chorten. _Altitude: 2,320 m · Meals: Lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu_ ### Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing Visit Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, the takin preserve, the Institute of Zorig Chusum and the handicraft market. _Altitude: 2,600 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu_ ### Day 3: Drive to Punakha (1,250 m) via Dochu La Cross the Dochu La (about 3,100 m) with its 108 chortens, descend to Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong and walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang. _Altitude: 3,100 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel in Punakha_ ### Day 4: Drive to Paro (2,200 m) Drive back over the Dochu La to Paro. Visit Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum in the old watchtower. _Altitude: 3,100 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel in Paro_ ### Day 5: Hike to Tiger's Nest (about 3,120 m) Hike to Paro Taktsang, visit the monastery, and return to Paro. Evening visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,120 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Hotel in Paro_ ### Day 6: Fly Paro – Kathmandu Transfer to Paro airport and fly back to Kathmandu, or on to your next destination. _Altitude: 2,200 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Flights Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu - Bhutan visa fee and Sustainable Development Fee (current rate) - 5 nights in tourist-standard hotels in Bhutan - All meals in Bhutan - Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide - Private vehicle and driver in Bhutan - Entrance fees at the sites in the itinerary - All government taxes ## Not included - International flights to Kathmandu and Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance - Hotel nights in Kathmandu (can be added) - Drinks, personal expenses and horse hire at Tiger's Nest - Upgrade to boutique or luxury hotels - Tips for guide and driver ## Useful information ### Visa and passport 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. ### Sustainable Development Fee 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. ### Dress code Long sleeves and long trousers or skirts are required when visiting dzongs and temples. Bring comfortable shoes for the Tiger's Nest hike. ### Money 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 Flights to and from Paro are limited and weather-dependent; book early, especially during festival seasons. ## Packing list - Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers or skirts for dzongs - Comfortable walking shoes for Tiger's Nest - Warm layer and rain jacket - Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen - Camera - Passport and visa approval ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I travel to Bhutan from Nepal? By the direct flight from **Kathmandu to Paro**, about an hour, with views of Everest and Kanchenjunga on clear days. ### Do I need a visa for Bhutan? Yes, most visitors need a Bhutan visa, approved before travel. We apply for it with your booking. Indian citizens need an entry permit instead. ### What is the Sustainable Development Fee? 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. ### How hard is the Tiger's Nest hike? 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. ### When is the best time to visit Bhutan? **March–May** and **September–November**. Winter has the clearest views; summer is wetter. ### Can I travel independently in Bhutan? 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. ### What should I wear in Bhutan? Modest clothing with long sleeves and long trousers or skirts for dzongs and temples. ### Are meals included? Yes, all meals in Bhutan are included. Bhutanese food is known for chillies and cheese; hotels also serve milder dishes. ### Can I see a festival? Yes, if your dates match a tshechu, such as the Paro Tshechu in spring or the Thimphu Tshechu in autumn. Book early. ### Can Indian citizens join this tour? Yes. Indian citizens need an entry permit and pay a lower SDF in Indian rupees; ask us for a quote. ### Can I combine Bhutan with Nepal and Tibet? Yes. Kathmandu has direct flights to both Paro and Lhasa, so all three can be combined. ### How much does the Bhutan tour cost? 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.