Duration4 days
Trip Code :
GT-43- Best price guaranteed.
- No booking fees.
- Professional local guide.
Discover Bhutan
Highlights
- Kuensel Phodrang
- National Textile Museum
- School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts
- Takin Preserve
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Handicraft Emporium
Map
Itineraries Expand all
- Day 1: Arrive Paro
As you fly into Paro, enjoy stunning views of the snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas, rising majestically into the sky. On clear days, you can spot farmhouses dotting the hillsides below as the plane approaches Bhutan.
As you descend into Paro Valley, you’ll see the impressive Paro Dzong perched on the hillside, overlooking the Paro Chu (river), with Ta Dzong, once a watchtower and now the National Museum, standing above it.
Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will be your guide throughout your Bhutan adventure.
You will be visiting Paro Dzong and National Museum. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Paro town and feel free to mingle with the locals.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Paro.
- Day 2: Paro – Thimphu
After breakfast, we will travel to Thimphu and check into your hotel. Depending on your interests and the time available, you can explore a variety of attractions. You might begin with the National Textile Museum, where you can explore traditional Bhutanese weaving and see vibrant, intricate textiles on display. Next, the Folk Heritage Museum offers an insightful look into rural Bhutanese life.
At the School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts, students undertake a six-year course in mastering Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. If your visit coincides with the weekend, consider visiting the Centenary Farmers’ Market, where you can interact with locals and explore fresh produce and other goods.
You may also visit the Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the third King of Bhutan, and Tashichhoe Dzong, a historic fortress that houses the King’s office and the central monk body. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Takin Preserve offers a chance to see Bhutan’s rare national animal, the Takin.
Changankha Lhakhang is an ancient temple situated atop a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley, offering both spiritual and scenic value. Kuenselphodrang, where the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan is perched, also provides a serene nature walk with views of the entire Thimphu valley. If time permits, explore the Craft Bazaar and Handicrafts Emporium, where you can browse and purchase traditional Bhutanese arts, textiles, and more.
In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around town and feel free to mingle with the locals before settling in for the night at your hotel in Thimphu.
- Day 3: Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast, we will travel to Paro, which takes about one hour. Upon arrival, you will begin your hike to Taktsang Goempa, commonly known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The initial hike up to the viewpoint will take approximately one and a half hours. From there, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the monastery clinging to the side of a cliff. After a brief stop for refreshments, you will continue hiking up to the monastery, which will take another one and a half hours.
Taktsang Goempa was first built in 1692 around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave, where Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, is believed to have meditated for three months in the 8th century. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet, on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon. He then meditated in one of the caves, emerging in eight incarnated forms and blessing the place, which later became known as the “Tiger’s Nest.” Guru Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, and today, Paro Taktsang is the most famous of the thirteen caves in which he meditated.
After exploring the monastery, you will walk back downhill to the road, stopping for lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria. On the way back to your hotel, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. According to legend, these temples were constructed to pin down a giant demoness who was obstructing the spread of Buddhism across Tibet and the Himalayas.
In the evening, you can relax and enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Paro.
- Day 4: Departure
After breakfast, we will escort you to Paro International Airport and bid you farewell as you depart for your onward destination.
Trip Infos
- Accomodation5 Star
- MealsBhutanese, Continental
- TransportationSUV
- Best seasonApril
- Guiding methodPersonal
- Trip TypesTour Trekking Vacation
- Trip DestinationsGuest Favorite Thimphu
- Trip ActivitiesSightseeing Trekking
Trip Includes & Excludes
Gallery
FAQ's Expand all
- Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?
Yes, except for Indian nationals. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives can apply for a visa in advance or upon arrival. Indian nationals need a permit and can enter with an Indian passport, voter ID, or for minors, a birth certificate. Diplomats from Switzerland and Thailand can get a visa on arrival.
- What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
The best time to visit Bhutan are in Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November). A couple of big festivals (Tsechu) takes place during this time and weather is favorable. The Paro Tsechu in March or April and the Thimphu Tsechu in September attract large numbers of foreign visitors as well as locals.
- How much does the visa cost?
The visa costs a one-time fee of US$40, payable along with the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) when you submit your application.
- How long can I stay in Bhutan with my visa?
You can stay in Bhutan for up to 90 days from the date of entry.
- Are any nationalities restricted from getting a visa to Bhutan?
No, Bhutan has no restrictions based on nationality.
- Can I hike or trek independently in Bhutan?
No, all treks must be done with an accredited tour operator or guide. They will handle logistics and safety.
- How do I get to Bhutan?
You can fly to Bhutan’s international airport in Paro with Drukair or Bhutan Airlines from several cities like Bangkok, Delhi, and Singapore. Private jets can also land with approval. Bhutan also has domestic airports in Yonphula, Bumthang, and Gelephu.
- What should I expect during the hike to Tiger’s Nest?
The hike is moderately challenging, but the views are well worth the effort. Allow about 3-4 hours round-trip.
Enquiry : Discover Bhutan