Overview
On our ‘Brief Introduction of Bhutan’, we visit popular Bhutanese landmarks in Paro and Thimphu, the capital. In Paro we visit Rinpung Dzong, national museum and Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest Bhutanese temple before hiking to the extraordinary Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery the next day. In Thimphu, we tour some of its popular landmarks including the Memorial Chorten, nunnery Temple, folk heritage museum and Bhutanese traditional painting school among. By the end of our 4-day short tour in Bhutan we will have gotten introduced with the country’s rich culture and landscape.
Day 01: Arrival and Sightseeing in Paro (2,250m / 7,382ft)
As our flight nears Bhutan, we can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu rake peaks. At the airport, you are greeted by our representative and then taken to your hotel. Today, you visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 and now houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. You 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. Overnight in Paro.
Day 02: Hike To Taktsang Monastery, Paro to Thimphu (2,320m/7,610ft): 54 km, 1 hour
After breakfast, you hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch is be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, you hike down to the valley floor. This afternoon, you drive to Thimphu, and spend the night.
Day 03: Sightseeing in Thimphu
In the morning, 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, you 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 on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Therefore, if you are in Thimphu during the weekends, you explore the Weekend Market instead. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 04: Final Departure
Today you bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people. After early breakfast, you leave Thimpu for Paro airport which takes around 1 hour. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after taking breakfast, you are taken to the airport in the morning for final departure.
Included in the Cost
• Bhutanese visa fee
• Pickups and drops from hotels and airports
• Government approved A and B category hotels on twin- shared basis
• All meals, tea and snacks
• Transportation in comfortable private vehicle(s)
• English speaking, trained and experienced local guide and staff
• All entrance and permit fees for visits to monuments and museums
• Company services and all required Bhutanese government taxes/royalties
Not Included in the Cost
• Airfare for international flights to and from Bhutan
• Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry, etc.)
• Trip cancellation and medical/evacuation insurance
• Tips for staff (guide and driver)
• Travel insurance
