Our Short Introduction to Bhutan tour is a blissful four-day excursion in the Dragon Kingdom. The tour offers ample opportunities to soak up the cultural and natural beauties of Bhutan that is so unique from the rest of the world. The colorful Paro is up for breathtaking natural sights and cultural richness witness these attractions Rinpung Dzong, national museum and Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest Bhutanese temple and the prime feature of the tour- hike up to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) the next day perched in a hillside. Thimphu is blessed with colorful festivals, legendary monasteries, and coveted cultural sites. In Thimphu, we tour some of its popular landmarks including the Memorial Chorten, nunnery Temple, Bhutanese traditional painting school, folk heritage museum and others. The tour begins after the scenic flight over the tallest mountains in the world to the green valley of Paro. Then proceeds to sightsee around Paro following Thimphu visiting many historical, cultural and religious monasteries, shrines, forts to ultimately end at Paro then fly back to the onward destination. At the end of the journey, one gets the feeling of truly seen Bhutan up close.
Short Introduction to Bhutan
Trip Fact
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Duration: 4 Days
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Destination: Bhutan
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Group Size: 01-08
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Activity level: Easy
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Starts at: Paro, Bhutan
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Ends at: Paro, Bhutan
About Short Introduction to Bhutan
Trip Highlights
- Witness spectacular bird’s eye view of the Himalayan mountains
- Sightseeing in and around Paro and Thimphu
- Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples
- Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger's Nest)
- Local farmhouse and Paro market.
Itinerary
Arrival and Full Day Sightseeing (2,280 m/7481 ft)
Kuzu zangpo la!!! Welcome to Bhutan, the last Shangri-La. The flight into Paro is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of the country. Depending on the clarity of the weather and our flight path into Paro (2,280m), we may enjoy the mighty and sacred Himalayas, offering amazing views including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in give way to the lush green Paro valley as we land. The first pleasure presented to us by Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as we step out of the plane. After following immigration and customs formalities at the airport, we will be greeted by a representative from High Wonders who will take us to our pre-booked hotel. After you settle in there, we take our lunch and then, we start the program of the day. Today, we will visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 and now houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and Drugyal Dzong, built-in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s.
Hike to Taktsang Monastery (3,120 m/ 10,240 ft): 4-5 hours hiking, Later drive to Thimphu (2,320 m/7,610 ft) from Paro: 54 km/1 hour drive
Today after breakfast, we hike for 4-5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then meditated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. This afternoon, we will drive to Thimphu, and spend the night.
Guided Sightseeing
Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing. Today we visit Memorial Chorten (built-in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), nunnery temple, mini zoo to see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Today, we also visit other landmarks of Thimphu including the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Bhutanese traditional painting school, folk heritage museum, the majestic Tashichho Dzong and the traditional paper factory. However, some of the landmarks are closed in the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Therefore, if our visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, we can walk through the Thimphu Market instead to see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, cheese and a variety of greens. (This market is open only from Friday-Sunday). Overnight at the hotel.
Departure Day
Our journey in the Himalayan Kingdom Bhutan comes to an end today! But the memories will remain forever of the wonderful times we spent together. After taking breakfast, we will be taken to the Paro airport which will take us 1 hour in the morning for final departure.
What's Included
- Bhutanese visa fee and processing assistance
- Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfer service
- Carefully selected comfortable government-approved A and B category hotels as described in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- A professional English-speaking and qualified government-licensed local guide and staff
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, food, and accommodation
- All permits and entrance fees for visits to monuments and museums
- All activities/excursions mentioned except where specified as 'optional'
- Company services and all required Bhutanese government taxes/royalties
- All government and local taxes
What's Excluded:
- International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
- Travel Insurance and rescue insurance (compulsory)
- Excess baggage charges
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
- Any other items not mentioned above
Photo gallery
Trip Review
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Luca Adams, United Kingdom
The most memorable and exciting holiday of us
From the time we landed till the time to leave. Everything about our Bhutan holiday was excellent and beyond expectations. We loved the culture, the slow pace and Tigers Nest was the highlight, the hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery was ...
