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Bhutan 8 nightsCultureNature

Time for Four Valleys

Explore Bhutan’s western valleys, with two nights in each.

  1. 1Thimphu
  2. 2Punakha
  3. 3Phobjikha Valley
  4. 4Paro

From, per person~US$1,480

Designed by @snuck Shaped around your dates No payment to ask

Best Mar to May and Oct, Nov

By @snuckUpdated 11 November 2026

Spend eight nights travelling from Thimphu to Punakha’s rivers and Phobjikha’s open meadows, before finishing in Paro. Two nights in each valley give you time for village walks, sit-down lunches and afternoons at your hotel.

Length
8 nights
Route
Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley…
Best time
Mar to May and Oct, Nov
Ideal for
Curious travellers who enjoy culture and easy walks

Why you'll love it

  1. Spend two nights in each of four valleys
  2. Stop for tea at Dochula
  3. Visit Punakha Dzong beside the rivers
  4. Walk through Phobjikha with your guide
  5. Set aside a full day for Tiger’s Nest
  6. Enjoy a private picnic above Punakha’s rice fields

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Arrive and Rest

    Meet your guide at Paro airport and drive to Thimphu. Have a late lunch, then rest or take a short walk near your hotel.

    • Stay: Small 4-star hotel in Thimphu
    • Getting there: Private car, Paro airport to Thimphu, 1–1.5 hours

  2. Day 2

    Explore Thimphu

    Visit Buddha Dordenma and learn about Bhutanese textiles with your guide. After lunch, browse local shops and visit Tashichho Dzong if it is open to visitors.

    • Stay: Small 4-star hotel in Thimphu
    • Getting there: Private car between sights, approximately 1–1.5 hours total

  3. Day 3

    Through Dochula to Punakha

    Leave after breakfast and stop at Dochula for tea and an easy walk among the Buddhist monuments called chortens. Continue to Punakha Valley for a late lunch and an afternoon at your hotel.

    • Stay: Quiet 4-star hillside hotel in Punakha Valley
    • Getting there: Private car, Thimphu to Punakha, 2.5–3 hours driving; allow 4 hours with stops

  4. Day 4

    Rivers and Rice Fields

    Walk through farmland to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, allowing around two hours including time at the top. Enjoy a private picnic lunch, then visit Punakha Dzong in the afternoon.

    • Stay: Quiet 4-star hillside hotel in Punakha Valley
    • Getting there: Private car for valley visits, 1–1.5 hours total; guided walk, approximately 2 hours

  5. Day 5

    Drive to Phobjikha Valley

    Drive towards Phobjikha after breakfast, stopping for lunch on the way. Visit Gangtey Monastery if you arrive in time, then settle into your lodge beside the valley for an early evening.

    • Stay: Small, distinctive lodge with heating in Phobjikha Valley
    • Getting there: Private car, Punakha to Phobjikha, 3–4 hours; allow 4–5 hours with lunch

  6. Day 6

    Walk Through the Meadows

    Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail with your guide, taking around two hours with breaks. Spend the afternoon at your lodge or visit the crane information centre; bird sightings depend on the season.

    • Stay: Small, distinctive lodge with heating in Phobjikha Valley
    • Getting there: Local journeys by private car, 30–60 minutes total; guided walk, approximately 2 hours

  7. Day 7

    Drive Back to Paro

    Leave after an early breakfast for the longest drive of the trip. Stop for lunch and regular breaks to stretch, then arrive in Paro with the evening free.

    • Stay: 4-star resort in Paro Valley
    • Getting there: Private car, Phobjikha to Paro, 5.5–6.5 hours driving; allow 7–8 hours with breaks

  8. Day 8

    Climb to Tiger’s Nest

    Start early for Tiger’s Nest, also known as Taktsang, and walk at a speed that feels comfortable. Allow 5–7 hours for the walk there and back and the monastery visit, then rest at your resort in the evening.

    • Stay: 4-star resort in Paro Valley
    • Getting there: Private car to the start of the walk, 30–45 minutes each way; guided hike, 5–7 hours

  9. Day 9

    Fly Home from Paro

    Enjoy breakfast if your flight time allows. Your driver takes you to Paro airport by private car.

    • Getting there: Private car to the airport, approximately 20–40 minutes

Where you'll stay

  1. 2 nights · days 1 to 2Small 4-star hotel in Thimphu
  2. 2 nights · days 3 to 4Quiet 4-star hillside hotel in Punakha Valley
  3. 2 nights · days 5 to 6Small, distinctive lodge with heating in Phobjikha Valley
  4. 2 nights · days 7 to 84-star resort in Paro Valley

When to go

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Margood time to go
  4. Aprgood time to go
  5. Maygood time to go
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Octgood time to go
  11. Novgood time to go
  12. Dec

Best from Mar to May and Oct, Nov. Other months work too; we'll tell you what to expect for your dates.

Included

  • Eight nights in 4-star hotels and a distinctive valley lodge
  • Daily breakfast
  • One private picnic lunch
  • Private vehicle and driver, including airport journeys
  • Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide
  • Entry fees and the listed guided walks
  • Allowance for the Sustainable Development Fee for Indian adults
  • Help with entry documents

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals other than those listed
  • Drinks, tips and personal shopping
  • Optional spa treatments

Good to know

  • Estimated price per Indian adult, with two people sharing a room, excluding flights. It is based on researched prices for premium trips and may change with dates and hotel availability.
  • Phobjikha is around 3,000 metres above sea level and can be cold. Walks can change to suit the weather and how you feel.
  • Mountain-road travel times are approximate. Confirm the entry documents and current government fees before booking.

Before you go to Bhutan

Capital:
Thimphu
Language:
Dzongkha
Currency:
BTN

Questions

How many days is the Time for Four Valleys trip?

8 nights and 9 days: Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley, Paro.

How much does it cost?

From ₹1,39,000 per person, twin sharing, without international flights. We confirm the price for your dates.

When is the best time to go?

Mar to May and Oct, Nov.

What is included?

Eight nights in 4-star hotels and a distinctive valley lodge, Daily breakfast, One private picnic lunch, Private vehicle and driver, including airport journeys, Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide, Entry fees and the listed guided walks, Allowance for the Sustainable Development Fee for Indian adults, Help with entry documents.

What is not included?

International flights, Travel insurance, Meals other than those listed, Drinks, tips and personal shopping, Optional spa treatments.

Can the trip be changed?

Yes. A trip designer shapes the pace, stays and length with you before you book.

Make it yours.

Change the pace, the stays or the length. A trip designer shapes it with you, and we confirm the price for your dates.

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From ~US$1,480