Quick answer
Six days in Bhutan covers the classic western loop: two nights in Thimphu, one in Punakha after crossing Dochula Pass, and two in Paro, finishing with the Tiger's Nest hike. Fly into Paro to save two days of driving. Land costs start around ₹50,000 per person, including the ₹1,200 nightly SDF, 3★–4★ hotels, a private car and guide.
The route
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Dochula
- Punakha
- Paro
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Fly into Paro, drive to Thimphu
Morning: Fly into Paro — the approach between forested ridges is one of the most dramatic landings anywhere. Your guide meets you after immigration.
Afternoon: Drive to Thimphu (about 1.5 hours), stopping at Tachog Lhakhang's iron chain bridge.
Evening: Visit Tashichho Dzong after office hours and walk the town centre.
Stay: Thimphu
Sit on the left side of the plane from Delhi or Kolkata for the best Himalayan views on clear days.
- 2
Day 2
Thimphu sightseeing
Morning: Buddha Dordenma, then the National Memorial Chorten with local worshippers.
Afternoon: Motithang Takin Preserve, the Folk Heritage Museum and, from Friday to Sunday, the Centenary Farmers' Market.
Evening: Watch an archery match if one is on, then the handicrafts bazaar.
Stay: Thimphu
Your operator processes the route permit for Punakha in Thimphu — keep your ID handy.
- 3
Day 3
Dochula Pass to Punakha
Morning: Drive over Dochula Pass (3,100 m) with its 108 chortens; tea at the café if the mountains are clear.
Afternoon: Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers, then the suspension bridge.
Evening: Quiet evening by the river.
Stay: Punakha
- 4
Day 4
Chimi Lhakhang and back to Paro
Morning: Walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, or raft gently on the Mo Chhu.
Afternoon: Drive back to Paro (about four hours).
Evening: Rinpung Dzong at sunset and a walk down Paro's main street.
Stay: Paro
- 5
Day 5
Tiger's Nest hike
Morning: Start the hike to Paro Taktsang by 8 am. Allow five to six hours return.
Afternoon: Kyichu Lhakhang on the way back to the hotel.
Evening: Traditional hot-stone bath at a farmhouse, with a simple Bhutanese dinner.
Stay: Paro
Ponies go to the halfway café; book one the day before if anyone needs it.
- 6
Day 6
Departure
Morning: National Museum (Ta Dzong) if your flight is late enough; otherwise straight to the airport.
Afternoon: Fly home.
Evening: Arrive in Delhi, Kolkata or your connecting city.
Most Paro departures leave in the morning — if yours does, see the museum on day 4 instead.
Why fly into Paro?
Flying in saves two road days compared with entering at Phuentsholing: the drive from Phuentsholing to Thimphu takes five to six hours on a mountain highway. Paro is also where you end the trip with Tiger's Nest, when you are best acclimatised. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines fly from Delhi and Kolkata, and Druk Air also serves Bagdogra and Guwahati; schedules change by season.
How to adapt this plan for a road entry
If you fly to Bagdogra to save on fares, add a night in Phuentsholing at the start and drive Bagdogra–Phuentsholing (about four hours) on day one. Your entry permit is processed at the Phuentsholing immigration office, so arrive on a working day. The trip becomes seven days, but the cost per person usually falls.
How to adapt this plan for your group
- Seniors: use a pony on Tiger's Nest or view it from the lookout point below, and spend the extra time in Paro town.
- Families: add a farmhouse lunch and the archery ground; choose hotels with heaters in winter.
- Festival travellers: build the trip around Paro Tshechu, expected around 18–22 March 2027 — see the best time to visit Bhutan.
What this itinerary costs
Land cost starts at about ₹50,000 per person for five nights, including the ₹1,200 nightly SDF, 3★–4★ hotels with breakfast and dinner, a private car and a licensed guide shared by two. Delhi–Paro flights add ₹28,000–45,000 return. See the Bhutan trip cost guide, things to do in Bhutan and the Bhutan visa guide for permit documents.
Frequently asked questions
Is six days enough for Bhutan?
Can I do Bhutan by road from India?
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
