Start your journey from Paro Valley to Thimphu descending unto the experience of a blend of modernity and traditional culture before moving on to Punakha via the Dochula Pass (3,140m). The trip concludes with a hike to one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites: Taktsang Monastery (also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”) in Paro.
Overview:
Day 01: Arrival: Paro sightseeing
Day 02: Paro – Punakha (142 km/3-4 hrs)
Day 03: Punakha – Thimphu (77 km/2hrs)
Day 04: Thimphu – Paro (65 km/1.5 hrs) – “Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery”
Day 05: Paro – Departure
Tour Cost:
Total cost for the entire trip: USD 1295 USD 1135 per person
(Please note that we are providing you with a 20% Discount as our promotional offer for Tiger’s Nest Expedition Group Tour; this is our best rate.)
Visa:
All tourists (other than Indian nationality) must obtain a Bhutan visa clearance before traveling to Bhutan. Do not worry, we will assist you in getting the visa process done.
Flights:
We will assist you in getting the flight tickets done. Since we have only 2 airlines in Bhutan and have limited flights, early booking of tickets is recommended.
We have flights operating from the following cities to/from Bhutan and you will need to connect your flight to any of the below destinations:
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Elevation: 2250m / 7382ft
On your arrival in Bhutan, you will immediately experience the quaint uniqueness of your surroundings: the green mountains, fresh air, and peaceful stillness will encompass you giving you a feeling that you have abandoned the world’s hustle and bustle for a place far away captured in a time capsule.
After completing the check-in formalities, you will be received by the representatives of Little Bhutan. Then drive to Paro Valley and check into the hotel. After resting and refreshing at the hotel, you will be accompanied around for sightseeing to the following sites:
National Museum: Located on a hill behind the Paro Dzong, it has a collection of fine arts, paintings, and bronzes including textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts as well as galleries of stuffed
animals and butterflies from Bhutan. The stamps’ hall is very popular and displays, among others, 3-D stamps, record stamps, silken stamps, embossed stamps, and the famous triangular stamp depicting the yeti. The top floor of the Museum is a chapel containing a “tree” depicting the main figures of the four religious schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Rinpung/Paro Dzong: An interesting but little-known fact about this Dzong is that some scenes in the 1993 film Little Buddha were filmed at this Dzong. It houses the district Monastic Body as well as the government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.
In the evening, we will take a walk along the streets of Paro for leisure.
Overnight in Paro
Driving Duration: 142 km/ 3-4 hrs
Elevation: 1310m / 4300ft
Today’s journey will involve the journey from Paro to Punakha Valley. The drive will take us via the Dochula Pass. The Pass is located en-route to Punakha/Wangdue from Thimphu. The pass offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks, towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory.
Optional: If interested, enjoy the River Rafting adventure that begins below the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel monastery in Punakha. The rafting takes you along the Mo Chhu River, and you can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and landscape along the way. As you drift along with the river’s current, you’ll also catch a glimpse of Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress. (Rafting- Additional Charges will apply)
Visit the impressive Punakha Dzong (fortress-monastery), situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu River. In the spring, the Dzong is a resplendent sight with the jacaranda trees around it blooming in all their glory.
Suspension Bridge: Walking across the suspension bridge is an exhilarating experience, as you can feel the bridge sway slightly under your feet with each step you take. As you cross, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Evening: Explore Punakha valley/town.
Overnight in Punakha.
Driving Duration: 77 km/2 hrs
Elevation: 2350m / 7710ft
After an early breakfast, we will drive towards Thimphu. On the way, we can take a short hike
to visit Chimi Lhakhang. This temple is mostly visited by childless couples as it is also known as the “Temple of Fertility”.
Afterward, we will continue the journey by revisiting Dochula Pass.
Today’s sightseeing of major sites of Thimphu will include visits to:
Buddha Point/Kuneselphodrang: Visit the world’s largest statue of sitting Buddha, an immense statue housing a monastery and visitors center. Enjoy a stunning view of Thimphu City from this Point.
National Memorial Chorten: Located on Doeboom Lam in the southern-central part of the city near the main roundabout and Indian military hospital, the National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third King of Bhutan.
Takin Preservation Center: Legend has it that a Tibetan saint by the name of Drukpa Kunley, popularly called The Divine Madman created the Takin through his supernatural Tantric powers. Since then, this animal has been a common sight in the hills of Bhutan. Because of this, the Takin was adopted as the National Animal of Bhutan. The Takin Preserve is located at Motithang (upper Thimphu).
Sangaygang Viewpoint: Located at an altitude of 2685 m/6-7 Km from the main town of Thimphu. Enjoy the panoramic view of Thimphu town from the viewpoint.
Zilukha Nunnery: Get a Glimpse of the tender yet strong, feminine side of Buddhism in Bhutan as you visit Zilukha nunnery.
Centenary Farmers’ Market: Take a walk through this market and shop/interact with the local farmers. Thimphu’s new weekend market is by far the largest domestic market for farmers in Bhutan. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. With its wide assortment of fresh, organic produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a favorite spot for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life.
Archery Range: In Thimphu, there are many archery ranges all over the valley. The most popular range is the Changlimithang Archery Ground. You can attend the ongoing matches only if there are matches being held.
Walk around Town Square: Popularly known as the clock tower, this is the most happening hangout for many youths. It is a large space surrounded by buildings at the back and opens at the front with a line of steps where people can sit and spend their time chatting or simply enjoying the sun, especially in winter.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Driving Duration: 65 km/ 1.5 hrs
Hiking Duration: 5-6 hrs
Elevation: 3000m / 9842ft
After having breakfast, proceed with another day of sightseeing in the exquisite valley of Paro.
Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is an extraordinary site to explore during your stay in Bhutan. Its architecture and location are unique, as it is a small group of structures carefully situated on a cliff 3000m above sea level and stands above a beautiful forest of blue pine and rhododendrons. The visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery typically takes between five to six hours to hike up and return to the base, with an extra hour to tour the monastery.
In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn something about their lifestyle. End the day with a traditional hot stone bath at a farmhouse as per your interest with an additional charge.
Evening: Return to the hotel to unwind for the evening after finishing the penultimate day in Bhutan.
Overnight in Paro.
Elevation: 2250m / 7382ft
According to your flight’s departure time, we drive to the airport in Paro, to catch your flight to your onward destination as you bid farewell to the beautiful Kingdom of Bhutan.
