Glories of Bhutan
- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Route:
- Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Paro
- Season:
-
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Tour Type:
- Private Tour
Overview
Explore the iconic ‘must-see’ destinations of western Bhutan such as Taktsang Monastery and Rinpung Dzong in Paro, Trashi Chhoe Dzong in Thimphu, and Punakha Dzong in Punakha. On the way, you will also visit some Buddhist Monasteries, fortress Dzongs, beautiful valleys, museums, libraries, and local markets. This trip will take you a break from the bustling city life and enjoy some simplicity and tranquility in the Himalayas country.
| Day | Route | Attractions & Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly to Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu (2,648m) | Rinpung Dzong, National Museum |
| 2 | Sightseeing in Thimphu | National Memorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong, Postal Office, Buddha Point, Takin Zoo |
| 3 | Thimphu - Punakha, 73km, Approx. 2hrs | Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong |
| 4 | Punakha - Paro, 115km, Approx. 3.1hrs | Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, Punakha Dzong |
| 5 | Sightseeing in Paro | Tiger's Nest, Kyichu Lhakhang, Explore Market in Paro |
| 6 | Departure from Paro | Send off to the airport |
Daily Itinerary
CollapseJenpalegso La (Welcome to Bhutan)! Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and driver at Paro Airport. First, you will see Rinpung Dzong, which is not far away from the airport, about 900 meters. It's the most famous temple in Bhutan and perhaps the best representative of Bhutanese architecture you will see. Then you will visit Ta Dzong, the watchtower of Paro Dzong, now the National Museum.
In the afternoon, you will drive 1.5 hours to the capital of Bhutan - Thimphu, which is 55 kilometers away. The rest of the day is for you to stroll around the city or take a rest in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Thimphu
- Meals:
- Dinner
In the morning, you will go to visit Thimphu Valley. There's National Memorial Chorten built to commemorate the King of Bhutan III and a holy place for the people of Bhutan to pray for peace. Afterward, go to the Postal Office of Bhutan and the National Bank of Bhutan. The guide will also take you to visit Bhutan's National Academy of Painting and Folklore Museum, where you can have an intuitive experience of Bhutan's culture and art.
Then, proceed to Trashi Chhoe Dzong, a majestic and grand castle on the west bank of the Wangchu River. This is the office of the current king and the seat of the internal affairs and finance departments. Next, you will pay a visit to Buddha Point, one of the iconic landscapes of Thimphu Valley. Tourists can enjoy the panoramic view of Thimphu Valley here. An ancient prophecy says that once a statue is built in this valley, it will spread peace throughout the world. After that, go north to Takin Zoo, where is exclusively built for Bhutan's national animal - takin. Takin is a kind of animal with a sheep head and cow body. You can only see it in Bhutan.
Stay overnight in Thimphu
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Today, we will leave for Punakha. You'll pass the 3,150-meter Dochula Pass, a famous pass on the way from the capital of Bhutan- Thimphu, to the ancient capital of Bhutan - Phunaka. If the weather is good, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Himalayas here. At the same time, you can see the "108 memorial Chortens" located here, also known as Druk Wangyal Chortens. It's to commemorate those who lost their lives in the suppression of the Assamese rebels in southern Bhutan and to pray for world peace. Then you'll visit the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, which is named the fertility temple and is associated with its mythical power to help couples with pregnancy problems. If time permits, you can appreciate the historical Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Legend has it that when people were choosing the site, they saw four crows flying in four directions, showing auspicious signs of Buddhism spreading far and wide, so they decided to build a temple here.
Stay overnight in Punakha
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
After breakfast, drive to the north of Punakha to visit the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. It is the only pagoda in Bhutan that enshrines all kinds of protector gods, and its various levels are dedicated to different protector gods. This is unique in the world. Then visit Punakha Dzong, the second castle in Bhutan, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. It was still the seat of the national government until 1950. Punakha Dzong is recognized as the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, especially in spring, when the blue-purple jacarandas surrounding the Dzong are in full bloom. Then drive to Paro and check into the hotel to rest.
Stay overnight in Paro.
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Today, you will visit Tiger's Nest(Taktsang Monastery), which is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Bhutan and is known as one of the top ten super temples in the world. Approachable only by hiking, this holy attraction is seated on the cliff’s edge. According to the ancient scriptures, in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the father of Bhutan Buddhism, rode a tigress to the edge of the Taktsang cliff, and once meditated in a cave for three months. Later Guru Rinpoche became the country's paramount religious image. Taktsang is the symbol of Bhutan and the highlight of your Bhutan trip.
In the afternoon, proceed to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan. After visiting today’s attractions, if time permits, the tour guide can also take you to visit an ordinary market in Paro, where you can buy some handicrafts with Bhutanese characteristics.
Stay overnight in Paro
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Meals:
- Breakfast
I am well thankyou. It turned out to be a great trip. I have two excellent guides and the driver. Especially as Lakdun (not sure how to spell her name) was there to help me at the airport when my flight got cancelled. You might also be interested to know that I run spiritual retreats and pilgrimages ....
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Typically Asked Questions from Our Clients
Asked by Nair***
Hi. I am interested in knowing more about the 6day trip to Buthan. I would be by myself, week days are preferable. Flying from the US to New Delhi was a standby passangers because I work for an airline. Thank you
Dear Naira ***, We arrange tours in Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. We can arrange this Bhutan tour for you. But now, the Bhutanese government charges a very high tax for inbound travelers, USD200 per person per night, besides your cost of the vehicle, tour guide, accommodation, etc. Is it possible for you to find someone else to share the cost with you? Also the best months to travel to Bhutan is in Spring and Autumn. July is the monsoon season.
Asked by JOEL***
Hi there, I would like to know about prices for these 6 days guide tour in Bhutan.
Dear Joel**, We arrange tours in Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. We can arrange this tour for you but the time is a little bit tight now. And March is the peak tourist season in Bhutan. Since Bhutan opened on Sep 23, 2022, its authority increased the tax from USD60 per night to USD200 per night, excluding other costs. So the Bhutan tour is relatively higher than in other Himalayan counties now.