Glimpse of Bhutan Tour
Start: Paro International Airport Finish: Paro International Airport
Duration: 4 Nights
Physical rating: Low
Special diets catered: Vegetarians, Vegans, We respect dietary needs
Tour Operator: Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel
Group size: 1 - 10
Age range: 10-99
Tour operated in: English
Prices From: $1080
Tour Overview
This 5 days 4 nights trip will present a true Glimpse of Bhutan and imbibe in you what it takes for the tiny Buddhist Kingdom to emerge as a unique tourist destination. The journey will take you through the hearts of three western districts of Bhutan – Paro, capital city Thimphu and fertile Punakha valley which all exhibits strength and tenacity of a nation known for preserving its ancient Buddhist culture and living in harmony with its pristine natural environment. You will visit major historical and religious centers including a 4-5 hour return hike to the most spectacular tourist attraction, Paro Taktsang which was originally built in 1692 on a sheer 800-meter rock cliff and 2-hour hike through the beautiful valley in Punakha. En route to Punakha stop at a sacred mountain pass Dochu La at (3,150m/10,335ft) from where you can see, if weather permits, grand panoramic view of some of the highest snow-capped peaks in Bhutan.
Highlights
Visit ancient temples and magnificent Dzongs (fortresses) and marvel at the fine wall paintings, exquisite architecture and craftsmanship that still continues to influence the Bhutanese architecture today- Visit the capital city of Bhutan and beyond and get true glimpse of modern Bhutan with its ancient culture still vibrant
- Visit a family farmhouse to learn and experience Bhutanese way of life and delight your taste buds with authentic Bhutanese cuisine
- Hike to the 8th century sacred site where Bhutan’s iconic landmark, 17th century Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest is built on the face of a precarious 800m rock cliff
- Opportunity for photographs at a sacred mountain pass with stunning views of eastern Himalayan Mountain Range
- Travel to 3 western districts of Bhutan: Paro, Thimphu and Punakha and immerse yourself into the mindful Buddhist way of life, away from the materialistic world, and discover why Bhutan has earned its nickname the ‘Kingdom of Happiness’
Places You'll See
Countries:
Cities & Attractions:
The Temple of Fertility (Chimi Lhakhang) in Punakha valley
Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that runs over Phochu (male) river in Punakha
The sacred Dochula Pass from where you can see lofty peaks of Bhutan
The famous Paro Taktsang also known as Tiger's Nest (3120m)
A monk and riding ponies on the trail leading to Taktsang
Traditional Cuisine of Bhutan
Itinerary
Day 1
:
Arrive Paro International Airport - Sightseeing in Paro
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel, Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Amodhara
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
On your arrival at the Paro International Airport, our guide and the driver will be there to receive you and then you will be taken on your first adventure in this beautiful Kingdom. You will visit the following places in Paro:
- 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which was built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
- The National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower called Ta
- Dzong. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of the country.
- 17th-century Paro Rinpung Dzong which now serves as the office of the governor of Paro district and head of the district monk body in Paro.
Day 2
:
Sightseeing in Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha valley (1200m)
Location: Dochula
Accommodation: Hotel, Overnight at Lobesa or Meri Puensum Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit some of the places of interests in the capital city and then transfer to Punakha valley via the sacred Dochula pass.
- The 169ft tall Buddha Dordenma statue located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley.
- Centenary Farmer's Market to learn about food preference and culture in Bhutanese society.
- Changlimithang Stadium and Archery Range where you will witness archery match if the game is ongoing. You will see archers dancing and singing each time the target is hit. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.
- Transfer to Punakha valley via Dochula pass (2.5-hours driving time)
- Lunch can be served either in Thimphu town or at Dochula pass.
- Stop briefly at Dochula pass (3150m) and enjoy the grand panoramic view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear day.
- On arrival in Punakha, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly know as "Temple of Fertility".
Day 3
:
Sighseeing in Punakha / Transfer back to Paro Valley (2195)
Location: Punakha
Accommodation: Hotel, Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will hike to the beautiful Khamsum Yulley Namgeyl Chorten, visit Punakha Dzong and Bhutan's longest suspension bridge.
- Drive to the nearest roadhead and hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten located on a serene hilltop overlooking the Punakha valley. The hike takes about 2.5-hours through the terraced rice fields and gentle slopes of pine trees.
- After the hike, visit the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, 17th-century Punakha Dzong and spend some time appreciating the grand architecture of Bhutan and sacred wall paintings.
- Walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that runs across one of the glacial rivers of Bhutan.
Day 4
:
Hike to the famous Tiger's Nest (3120m)
Location: Taktsang Trail
Accommodation: Hotel, Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After early breakfast at the hotel, you will hike to the famous Paro Taktsang popularly known as Tiger's Nest. Taktsang monastery is located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the road head. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Bhutan.Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. The roundtrip hike usually takes about 4-5-hours. After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, descend back to the base and drive to Paro town where you will spend some leisurely afternoon. Later, visit one of the beautiful farmhouses for an authentic home-cooked local cuisine. You can participate in preparing some of the popular local dishes. If interested in a relaxing home span, you can soak in a traditional hot stone bath with believed to have therapeutic, revitalizing benefits for an additional fee of about $15 per person, as charged by the owner.
Day 5
:
Departure from Paro International Airport
Location: Paro Internatioal Airport
Accommodation: No accommodation on the last day.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey depending on your departure time. Our guide and drive will bid you farewell.
What's Included
-
1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Bottled mineral water in the car
-
All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Transport included as per itinerary for the entire duration of your stay in Bhutan
-
Accommodation
Accommodation at 3star hotels mentioned in the itinerary or similar. We will arrange hotels certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
-
Country Entry Visas
Visa Fee is included in the price. We will also process your visa and send you the approved e-visa letter within 3-4 business days.
-
Entrance Fees
All entrances fees to the museum, parks and national monuments are included in the price
-
Fully Guided
Experienced licensed tour guide included
-
Local Taxes
All internal taxes are included
-
Extra experience like traditional archery and dart throwing.
-
Airport Transfers at Destination
Round trip airport transfers included in the price
-
Meals – Full Board
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
-
Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
All hotel accommodations have wi-fi internet connections.
What's Not Included
-
International Travel
International flights are not included. There are only two airlines (Drukair & Bhutan Airlines) operating in and out of Bhutan and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you to book a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March - May and September - November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
-
Any other expenditture of personal nature
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping is not mandatory. However, if you feel satisfied about the services we offer and guides and driver were up to your mark, you may tip them.
-
Drinks with Meals
All drinks not included except bottled mineral water in the car
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel requires a deposit of 100% to secure a place on this tour, and the final balance is not due till 0 days before departure..
-
Secure payments
All payments to TourHub are deposited into an externally regulated Trust account.
Got a question? Check out our Q&As
View Q&As Ask A QuestionReviews
Perfect Isolation
07-Jan-2021
Fabulous Tour of Bhutan!
10-Dec-2020
Fantastic Tour of Bhutan
29-Nov-2019
Amazing Bhutan
31-May-2019
Travel, Your Way
Good reasons for travelling privately
-
Personalise your trip
Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
-
Increased safety during COVID
Spend the majority of time amongst your group to reduce exposure to others
-
Travel more exclusively
Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
-
Travel for a special occasion
Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family
Dates & Availability
Select departure month
- Apr 2021 (1)
- Apr 2021 (1)
- Apr 2021 (1)
- May 2021 (3)
- May 2021 (3)
- May 2021 (3)
- Jun 2021 (3)
- Jun 2021 (3)
- Jun 2021 (3)
- Jul 2021 (1)
- Jul 2021 (1)
- Jul 2021 (1)
- Aug 2021 (2)
- Aug 2021 (2)
- Aug 2021 (2)
- Sep 2021 (3)
- Sep 2021 (3)
- Sep 2021 (3)
- Oct 2021 (3)
- Oct 2021 (3)
- Oct 2021 (3)
- Nov 2021 (4)
- Nov 2021 (4)
- Nov 2021 (4)
- Dec 2021 (2)
- Dec 2021 (2)
- Dec 2021 (2)
- Jan 2022 (2)
- Jan 2022 (2)
- Jan 2022 (2)
- Feb 2022 (2)
- Feb 2022 (2)
- Feb 2022 (2)
- Mar 2022 (3)
- Mar 2022 (3)
- Mar 2022 (3)
- Apr 2022 (3)
- Apr 2022 (3)
- Apr 2022 (3)
- May 2022 (3)
- May 2022 (3)
- May 2022 (3)
- Jun 2022 (3)
- Jun 2022 (3)
- Jun 2022 (3)
- Jul 2022 (2)
- Jul 2022 (2)
- Jul 2022 (2)
- Aug 2022 (3)
- Aug 2022 (3)
- Aug 2022 (3)
- Sep 2022 (4)
- Sep 2022 (4)
- Sep 2022 (4)
- Oct 2022 (3)
- Oct 2022 (3)
- Oct 2022 (3)
- Nov 2022 (4)
- Nov 2022 (4)
- Nov 2022 (4)