Day 01: Arrive Paro – Thimphu

Your flight into Paro offers spectacular Himalayan views, including snow-capped peaks and, on a clear day, Mount Everest. Upon arrival, our representative will welcome you at the airport and drive you to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. After checking into your hotel, relax before taking a gentle evening walk through the city and experiencing the rhythm of urban Bhutan. Overnight: Thimphu

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing

Begin your exploration of Thimphu with a visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum, the School of Arts and Crafts, where traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts are preserved and taught. Continue to the Textile Museum, offering an insight into traditional rural life and Bhutanese household traditions. Visit Buddha Dordenma, one of the world’s largest seated Buddha statues, overlooking the Thimphu Valley, followed by the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal. After lunch, explore the National Memorial Chorten and visit Simply Bhutan Living Museum.   Overnight: Thimphu

Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha

After breakfast, drive towards Punakha, crossing Dochula Pass at approximately 3,100 metres. On a clear day, the pass offers magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks. Continue downhill into the warmer Punakha Valley and visit the spectacular Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Later, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and experience rural life. Meet the family, see how traditional homes function and taste local butter tea, homemade snacks and, where appropriate, ara. Overnight: Punakha

Day 04: Punakha – Paro

After breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Paro. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and visit the Mandala Display Center and take part in a hands-on Mandala Creation Experience. Learn about the symbolism, geometry and spiritual meaning behind mandalas before creating your own design under local guidance. The experience offers a chance to engage with Bhutanese Buddhist traditions rather than simply observe them. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Explore Paro town, visit local shops or relax at your hotel. Overnight: Paro

Day 05: Attend Paro Festival

Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Paro Festival. Witness sacred mask dances, religious rituals and traditional performances held within the historic surroundings of Rinpung Dzong. The festival brings together communities from across the valley, many dressed in their finest traditional gho and kira. Beyond the dances, take time to observe the colourful gathering of families and friends, traditional food and the joyful atmosphere that makes the festival such a meaningful part of Bhutanese life. Overnight: Paro

Day 06: Taktsang – The Tiger’s Nest

Today, hike to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest. The trail climbs through pine forest, with prayer flags and mountain views accompanying you towards the monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff approximately 800 metres above the Paro Valley. According to Bhutanese tradition, Guru Padmasambhava arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves where the monastery now stands. Take time to explore this sacred site before descending to the valley. The afternoon is free to rest or enjoy a final walk around Paro. Overnight: Paro

Day 07: Departure

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.

Package Inclusions

• Airport transfers and standard transportation throughout the tour.
• Accommodation in comfortable 3-star hotels.
• All meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Bottled drinking water during sightseeing and transfers.
• An experienced English-speaking guide throughout the journey.
• Bhutan visa and visa processing fees.
• Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and applicable government taxes.
• Sightseeing and entrance fees for monuments and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
• Short hikes and packed lunches where required.

Package Exclusions

• International and domestic airfares.
• Accommodation upgrades to 4-star or 5-star hotels.
• Vehicle upgrades.
• Travel insurance.
• Beverages and bottled water consumed at hotels or outside the included meals.
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and other service providers. These are entirely at the guest’s discretion and may be given based on the quality of service received.
• Personal expenses and any services not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions.
• Bank/wire transfer fees and credit card transaction or processing fees.
• Anything that not mentioned in the inclusions

Cancellation Policy

To confirm your Bhutan tour booking with Rustic Frontiers, a minimum of 50% of the total tour cost must be paid upon confirmation and prior to your arrival in Bhutan.

In the event of cancellation, refunds will be processed after deducting the applicable cancellation charges outlined below. Bhutan Airlines, Drukair and luxury hotels may have separate reservation, cancellation and refund policies, which will apply in addition to the tour cancellation policy. Any bank or wire transfer charges associated with a refund will be deducted from the refundable amount.

Cancellation Charges

Important: All cancellation requests must be submitted to Rustic Frontiers in writing by email and are subject to confirmation and approval by Rustic Frontiers. The applicable cancellation period will be determined by the date the cancellation request is received and approved.

Airline tickets, luxury hotel reservations and other services with separate cancellation policies will be subject to the respective supplier’s terms and conditions.