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Home  /  Journeys  /  Essential Bhutan: Tiger's Nest & the Western Valleys - Classic
Classic · Bhutan

Essential Bhutan: Tiger's Nest & the Western Valleys - Classic Tour

Physicality i
One demanding morning: Taktsang / Tiger's Nest ascent gains ~520m from the trailhead — the monastery perches 900m above the valley floor. Full round trip 4–6 hrs; gate opens 8am. Horse to the halfway cafeteria and a turnaround viewpoint are both available. Otherwise: short drives and gentle valley walks at 2,200–3,100m altitude.
Moderate
Downtime i
Unhurried mornings, free afternoons in Paro and Punakha — a pace designed to let each valley settle rather than rush the loop.
Comfortable
Choose your tier i

Classic: Same western Bhutan route with comfortable handpicked stays, private guiding, and a simpler overall hotel standard.

Signature: Same route with premium lodges, senior Farbound trip leadership, smoother pacing, and higher-touch handling throughout.

Classic Signature

Bhutan's essential week, well made and grounded. The same western-valley loop every first visit is built around — Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and the climb to Tiger's Nest — at the Classic tier:premium hotels, a Farbound tour director alongside your mandatory licensed Bhutanese guide, and a clear flexible plan. The SDF and all entry permits arranged and included; entrance tickets itemised so you see exactly what you're paying for.

Trip highlights.

Tiger's Nest (Taktsang)
Punakha Dzong
Dochula Pass
Tashichho Dzong
Paro valley
7 days · 6 nights
Priced for your dates
Share your dates and group size and we'll send a costed proposal within 24–48 hours.
Private departure on your dates.
Best suited to
Couples Active over-50s First-time Bhutan visitors
Interests on this journey
Architecture
Culture
Photography
Mountains
Why travel with Farbound?
Always private
Your vehicle, your guide, your pace — yours alone.
Authentic, exclusive experiences
Private access groups never get.
Deeply knowledgeable guides
English-speaking experts at every site.
Hand-selected hotels
Palaces, havelis & lodges, vetted in person.
Airport meet & greet
Private transfers, arrival to departure.

The journey, day by day.

Select a day to follow the route
Bhutan
3 stops on this route
Day
1
Arrival into Paro Paro

The Himalayan descent into Paro, a private transfer, and a quiet first evening in the valley.

Arrival into Paro Arrival into Paro
StayLe Méridien Paro Riverfront, or similar
MealsDinner
Day
2
Paro to Thimphu Thimphu

A short drive to the capital, the Buddha Dordenma, and Thimphu's great dzong.

Paro to Thimphu Paro to Thimphu
StayLe Méridien Thimphu, or similar
MealsBreakfast
Day
3
Thimphu to Punakha over Dochula Pass Punakha

Over the 3,100m Dochula Pass and its 108 chortens, down to the old winter capital.

Thimphu to Punakha over Dochula Pass
StayDhensa Punakha, or similar
MealsBreakfast
Day
4
Punakha valley Punakha

Rice-terrace walks, the Divine Madman's temple, and a flexible valley afternoon.

Punakha valley Punakha valley
StayDhensa Punakha, or similar
MealsBreakfast
Day
5
Punakha to Paro Paro

Back west over Dochula to Paro, temple visit and museum context before tomorrow.

Punakha to Paro
StayLe Méridien Paro Riverfront, or similar
MealsBreakfast
Day
6
Tiger's Nest (Taktsang Monastery) Paro

The climb to the cliff-face monastery — the high point of the week.

Tiger's Nest (Taktsang Monastery) Tiger's Nest (Taktsang Monastery)
StayLe Méridien Paro Riverfront, or similar
MealsBreakfast
Day
7
Departure from Paro Paro

A slow morning and onward departure.

MealsBreakfast
Your proposal expands this route into a complete day-by-day plan — confirmed hotels, drive times and seasonal adjustments for your dates — within 24–48 hours.

What's included.

Premium hotels such as Le Méridien Paro/Thimphu or Dhensa Punakha (or similar)
Travel with your licensed Bhutanese guide and Farbound tour director
Bhutan SDF included; entrance tickets itemised clearly
Not included: International flights, Entry permit ($40 pp), Entrance tickets (itemised), Insurance, Tips. Your written proposal itemises everything for your exact dates.
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