Paro, Thimphu & Haa Valley
Skip Punakha to focus on Paro and Thimphu, and cross the Chele La Pass into the Haa Valley.
A short-holiday western route that minimizes long-distance driving, leaving plenty of time in the two main valleys. Start in Paro to acclimate to the altitude and hike up to Tiger's Nest, then head to Thimphu to see the giant Buddha and dzongs. On the fourth day, cross the Chele La Pass to visit the less-touristy Haa Valley. The trade-off is skipping Punakha and Dochula, which rewards you with a much more relaxed driving pace.
Chele La Pass is nearly 4,000 meters above sea level and can be snowy in winter; clear days are required to see the snow-capped mountains.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Paro & Explore the Dzong
Western Bhutan（National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong)、Paro Rinpung Dzong）
The drive from the airport to Paro town takes about 20 minutes. Use a car for short trips within the valley in the afternoon to visit the museum and dzong.
Paro is at an altitude of about 2,200 meters, so slow down on your first day.
Stay: Paro
Day 2 · Hike to Tiger's Nest
Western Bhutan（Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)、Kyichu Lhakhang）
It takes about half an hour to drive to the base of the mountain. The round-trip hike is about 7 km and takes 4 to 6 hours. After descending, drive to Kyichu Lhakhang.
It is recommended to start between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Photography is prohibited inside the temple.
Stay: Paro
Day 3 · Follow the River Valley to Thimphu
Western Bhutan（Tachog Lhakhang & Iron Bridge、Buddha Dordenma、National Memorial Chorten、Motithang Takin Preserve、Tashichho Dzong）
The distance from Paro to Thimphu is about 50 km, taking about 1.5 hours by car. Stop at the Tachog Lhakhang iron bridge along the way. Use a car in the city in the afternoon.
Tashichho Dzong is only open to tourists after around 5:00 PM on weekdays.
Stay: Thimphu
Day 4 · Cross Chele La into Haa
Western Bhutan（Chele La Pass、Haa Valley (Lhakhang Karpo & Nagpo)）
Drive from Thimphu through Paro up to Chele La, descend to Haa, and then return to Paro. The total driving time for the day is about 5 hours.
The pass is windy and cold, so bring a jacket and start early.
Stay: Paro
Day 5 · Depart from Paro Airport
The drive from the hotel to Paro Airport takes about 20 minutes. Most flights are in the morning, and mountain weather often causes delays.