Bhutan's tourism model bundles guides, transport and sustainable development fees into your package — there is no DIY backpacking loop. Work with a licensed operator early so visas and route permits are filed correctly; passports need six months' validity and a clear scan.
Cultural sites expect modest dress: covered shoulders and knees in dzongs and temples. Photography rules vary; always ask before shooting inside shrines or during ceremonies. Cash is still useful in smaller towns, though major hotels accept cards.
Structure the week around three bases: Thimphu for museums and markets, Punakha for river valley hikes, and Paro for the iconic Tiger's Nest climb. Leave a recovery day after the monastery trek — the ascent is steep and the altitude is real even for fit walkers.
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