Bhutan 4-Day Private Tour with Tiger's Nest Hike

Four days is a short time in Bhutan, and this private itinerary spends it on the western valleys: Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. It is organised by Nepal Trip Creator with hotels, meals, a driver and a certified English-speaking guide, so the arrangements are in one booking.

Day 1 begins at Paro airport with a transfer to Thimphu. On the way you stop at the Iron Bridge, said to date from the 14th century, and in Thimphu you see the Buddha Dordenma statue, learn about local customs and ara, the rice wine, at the Simply Bhutan living museum, and visit Tashichho Dzong. Day 2 is an excursion to Punakha over Dochula Pass, with its 108 stupas, a walk through paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Punakha Dzong and the Punakha Suspension Bridge, before returning to Thimphu for the night. On Day 3 you drive to Paro for the hike to the Tiger's Nest Temple. Afterwards the listing offers a traditional hot stone bath for an extra US$20, and a stroll around Paro town. Day 4 is the transfer to the airport.

The price includes the 3-star hotels, meals, the transport, the guide, mineral water and entry tickets. The costs that surprise visitors to Bhutan are the visa fee and the Sustainable Development Fee, which is US$100 per person per night. The listing names both together with the phrase 'easy assistance', which does not say plainly whether they are in the price, so ask the operator before you book. The international air ticket, personal expenses, tips and bank charges are not included. A passport valid for at least six months from the departure date is required, and children under 18 without a passport need an original birth certificate.

The tour is booked through GetYourGuide with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. It suits travellers who want a first, short look at Bhutan's dzongs, passes and monasteries, with a hike as the high point, and who accept that the listing leaves the question of fees to the operator.