5 Days Glimpse of Bhutan
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About This Experience in Paro
Why Visit Paro?
Paro, Bhutan offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Paro provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Paro
You can reach Paro, Bhutan by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- All internal taxes for the services listed above
- Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan if you sustain injuries while in Bhutan
- All entry fees
- All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers
- Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Twin-sharing accommodations at 3-star hotels certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan.
- Visa Fee & Processing. You'll receive your e-Visa within 4-5 business days.
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance is mandatory
- International flights. Let us know if you need help with arranging flights to and from Bhutan.
- Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
- Tips to guide and driver
- Emergency evacuation
- Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee.
- Any other expenses of personal nature
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour can be customized and run on a private basis just for you and your group.
- We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to a week before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
- There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world 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 book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
- After you book the tour, kindly send us clear copies of passports passport-size photos of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address.
- Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one adult.
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Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Itinerary
Arrive at Paro International Airport / Transfer to Thimphu (2334m)
On arrival at the Paro International Airport, our... 1 hour
On arrival at the Paro International Airport, our guide and driver will receive and escort you to visit the National Museum and then transfer to Thimpu, the capital city. The distance is 55km and takes about 1.5 hours. The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro just above the Rinpung Dzong (administrative headquarter of the Paro district). It is housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower fortress”) built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. We then drive to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu.
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and... 1 hour 30 minutes
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and even commercial billboards.
The National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Zorig Chusum... 45 minutes
The National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Zorig Chusum means 13 Traditional Arts & Crafts) was established to promote and preserve the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan and to facilitate increased access in learning Zorig skills by Bhutanese youths. The thirteen arts and crafts are categorized as Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (woodturning), Gar Zo (blacksmith), Troe Zo (ornament making), Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery and applique) and Thag Zo (weaving). Lunch will be arranged either in Paro or Thimphu depending on flight arrival time.
Sightseeing in Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha Valley (1200m)
Today after breakfast, visit the tallest sitting statue... 45 minutes
Today after breakfast, visit the tallest sitting statue or Buddha and then transfer to Punakha valley via Dochula Pass. The magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop, Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the Thimphu valley. From here you can see a nice view of Thimphu city. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also to usher peace in the world. The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch-tall Buddha statues of the same type. The construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015 after almost 10 years.
A visit to this Weaving Center will give... 45 minutes
A visit to this Weaving Center will give you insights into the weaving culture and tradition of the Kingdom of Bhutan. You will see both men and women weaving some of the most intricate designs and patterns of traditional Bhutanese textiles. Weaving is an integral part of Bhutanese culture.
About a 45 min drive from Thimphu towards... 2 hours
About a 45 min drive from Thimphu towards Punakha is a mountain pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters above sea level from where you can see, on a clear day, some of the highest peaks of Bhutan. You’ll have a great opportunity to take beautiful photos of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and grand vistas from this sacred mountain pass. Before the construction of beautiful 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupas) in 2004, this mountain pass remained only as a sacred place blessed by a famous Buddhist saint, Lam Drukpa Kunley in the late 15th century. From Dochu La Pass, we continue to drive passing through some villages, the elevation drops gradually and the road winds through pine forests. You will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to a warmer subtropical valley at 1,200m. Lunch will be arranged either at Dochula Pass or on arrival in Punakha.
About 11km before reaching proper Punakha town, visit... 1 hour
About 11km before reaching proper Punakha town, visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility". Chimi Lhakhang is located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha. To reach the temple, you have to walk 20 – 30 minutes through beautiful terraced paddy fields and traditional farmhouses. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is associated with 15th-century Lama Drukpa Kunley who was affectionately known as “Divine Madman” for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism and cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession by exhibiting his strong desire for sex. One of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred particularly to couples who are unable to have children as it brings fertility giving them the ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”.
Punakha Dzong was originally known as Pungthang Dewa... 1 hour
Punakha Dzong was originally known as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang, meaning the “Palace of Great Bliss”. It was built in 1637 A.D. by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Tibetan Buddhist master who came to Bhutan in 1616 and founded the nation-state of Bhutan) on a small stretch of land where the rivers Phochu and Mochu converge. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second-largest Dzong in Bhutan. The sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, the intricate woodworks and the architectural structure of the dzong exhibit fine examples of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continue to influence Bhutanese architecture even today. From here, we walk to the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.
This suspension bridge is the longest one in... 1 hour
This suspension bridge is the longest one in Bhutan spanning 160m over the Phochu River (male). Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers, Phochu (male) and Mochu (female). We then drive to Namgay Zam Homestay in the village of Yusakha for overnight. Staying at the village homestay is a perfect way to experience the life of an ordinary Bhutanese family. You can participate in preparing your dinner and learn how to cook some of the popular dishes of Bhutan. If interested, you can also soak in a traditional hot stone bath believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect. If this homestay is not available, you’ll stay at Meri Puensum Resort.
Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten / Transfer back to Paro Valley (2200m)
After early breakfast, you will do a 2 2 hours 30 minutes
After early breakfast, you will do a 2.5-hour round trip hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. Located on a mountain ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples and monasteries. It was built over a period of almost 10 years under the command of Her Majesty Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, one of the Grand Queen Mothers of Bhutan and was consecrated in 1999. From the nearest road point, cross the suspension bridge over the Punakha Mochu River and the trail takes you through beautiful terraced rice fields and a short climb before reaching the serene site of the marvelous Chorten (which means ‘stupa’). The view below is stunning with the glacial-fed Mochu river snaking through the fertile valley of Punakha. After visiting and absorbing the wonderful views, we retrace our steps back to the road head.
(OPTIONAL) White Water Rafting on Mochu River: If... 45 minutes
(OPTIONAL) White Water Rafting on Mochu River: If interested, you can go white water rafting on Mochu river graded 1-2 making it possible for all ages to try and experience rafting. The rafting distance on Mochu is 10kms and takes around 1.5 hours from start to finish. One raft which carries 6-8 passengers will cost around USD200 which is divided equally among the passengers. The best season for rafting is from March to June and September to November.
After lunch, drive back to Paro valley 4 hours
After lunch, drive back to Paro valley. The driving distance is 115km and takes about 3.5 hours. On arrival in Paro and time permitting, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang located just a few minutes drive from the main town of Paro. It is believed to have been built overnight in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue the spirit of a giant demoness causing harm to the propagation of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. In order to subdue this demoness, King Songtsen Gampo was required to build 108 temples across the affected region. Bhutan is blessed with four of these 108 temples, one is Jambay Lhakhang located in the district of Bumthang in central Bhutan and the other two, Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo in Haa valley.
Hike to the famed Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) & later visit Farmhouse for a homecooked local cuisine
Originally built in 1692, the iconic sacred site... 5 hours
Originally built in 1692, the iconic sacred site Taktsang is perched on the 800-meter rock cliff above the valley floor. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors. We recommend starting early before the sun gets stronger. One-way horse riding is available for about USD20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria). The history of Taktsang is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. It is not only considered as one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan but also “a must-visit” place for tourists. After lunch at the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria, we retrace our steps back to the base where the driver will be waiting.
Towards the late afternoon, visit a beautiful traditional... 3 hours
Towards the late afternoon, visit a beautiful traditional farmhouse for an authentic dinner comprised of homecooked local cuisines. If interested, you can also take a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$15 per person.
Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure
After breakfast and depending on your flight departure... 30 minutes
After breakfast and depending on your flight departure time, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure…
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
