Glimpses of Bhutan - 4 Days Tour
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About This Tour in Thimphu
Why Visit Thimphu?
Thimphu, Bhutan offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Thimphu 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 Thimphu
You can reach Thimphu, 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
- Bhutan visa fees
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- 3 star hotels with private bathrooms
- Local guide
- Bhutan government royalties and taxes
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
What's Not Included
- Personal items such as laundry, drinks, phone, tips
- Upgrade costs for luxury hotels are additional
- Flight ticket
- Travel insurance
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You should not travel internationally without travel insurance. Travel insurance can be provided through your Bhutanese tour operator or international partner.
- Traveller’s cheque can be easily withdrawn and exchanged for local currency. Many of these banks provide internet banking facilities.TMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or Master Card. In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by credit card at most hotels and handicrafts stores.
- All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. It is recommended that you bring flat-to-round pin converters for your electronics if necessary; however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets. Bhutan is a carbon neutral destination. Our energy is clean and green generated by hydro power.
- Bhutan experiences great variations in its climate. In general summers are warm with average daily temperature ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures are usually below 15 degrees Celsius. The northern regions of the country are colder than the more tropical south and it is recommended you pack accordingly. Trekkers will need to bring appropriate warm clothes and comfortable hiking boots (well broken in) preferably with ankle support and weather-proof to complement the weather and rugged terrain.
- Before embarking on a trip to Bhutan, please seek advice from your doctor with regard to vaccinations and appropriate medication you should have prior to your travels. As a minimum you should have tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A inoculations.
- Bhutan ascribes to the metric system and most weights are measured in gram (g) and kilogram (kg).
- Bhutan standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT.
- With great altitude variations, weather is quite mixed in Bhutan. So be prepared to face the unforeseen weather conditions.
- We expect visitors to dress modestly and respectfully especially if you are planning a visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institutions. Long pants and long sleeved tops should be worn when visiting such places. As a mark of respect, be kind enough to remove your hats, caps etc. as you enter religious and administrative premises, institutions and in any other place that you come across with the national flag being raised.
- Minimum age is 7
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Meeting and Pickup
Meeting Point
Our guide and driver will be there with your placard waiting for you at the Paro International Airport.
End Point
Our guide and driver will be there with your placard waiting for you at the Paro International Airport.
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available or meet at start point
Pickup Time: 120 minutes before departure
Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.
Itinerary
Arrival in Paro Airport and drive to Thimphu for sightseeing
Paro is connected to the world with air routes from Bangkok and India 45 minutes
Paro is connected to the world with air routes from Bangkok and India. You will either fly in from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Indra Gandhi International Airport in India. Most of our travelers fly in from Bangkok.
Travellers enjoy a short trip to Kuenselphodrang, the... 1 hour
Travellers enjoy a short trip to Kuenselphodrang, the site of one of the tallest Buddha statue in the world. In a bright sunny day, you can see the whole Thimphu city view. Buddha point is now famous for its landmark and there are visitors every day
The National Memorial Chorten is a Tibetan-style stupa... 1 hour
The National Memorial Chorten is a Tibetan-style stupa and one of the most prominent religious structures in Thimphu. For the Bhutanese people, the Memorial Chorten is at the centre of daily worship. Throughout the day, Bhutanese people, young and old, visit the Memorial Chorten to pay homage before continuing with their day. The Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honor the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and is a prominent landmark in the city with its white-washed walls, golden spires, and bells.
Located on the northern edge of the city... 1 hour
Located on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu is Bhutan's most stately, and arguably the most impressive, building. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and is the summer residence of the respected monastic community. The current dzong is an impressive result of the redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the third king, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, when he moved the capital to Thimphu from Punakha. As well as housing the throne room of His Majesty the King, the Tashichho Dzong also is home to the main secretariat building and the central monk body. Its courtyard is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tshechu and in the summer when the monks move to their winter residence in Punakha.
The weekend market is in a permanent set... 1 hour
The weekend market is in a permanent set of stalls north of Changlimithang Stadium. Vendors from throughout the region arrive on Friday afternoon and remain until Sunday night. It’s an interesting place to visit, where village people jostle with well-heeled Thimphu residents for the best- and cheapest- vegetables and foodstuffs. This is the only time that fresh produce is easily available and the shopping is enhanced by the opportunity to catch up on the week’s gossip.
Motithang Takin Preserve, located in the Motithang district... 1 hour
Motithang Takin Preserve, located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free.
The Bhutan Textile Museum or the National Textile... 45 minutes
The Bhutan Textile Museum or the National Textile Museum is a national textiles museum in Thimphu, Bhutan, located near the National Library of Bhutan. It is operated by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs
Thimphu sightseeing - Evening drive to Paro for halt
The weekend market is in a permanent set... 2 hours
The weekend market is in a permanent set of stalls north of Changlimithang Stadium. Vendors from throughout the region arrive on Friday afternoon and remain until Sunday night. It’s an interesting place to visit, where village people jostle with well-heeled Thimphu residents for the best- and cheapest- vegetables and foodstuffs. This is the only time that fresh produce is easily available and the shopping is enhanced by the opportunity to catch up on the week’s gossip.
The museum is housed in a 3-story 19th... 1 hour
The museum is housed in a 3-story 19th century traditional rammed mud and timber house aged more than 150 years. It includes paddy, wheat and millet fields, watermill, kitchen gardens, hot stone bath etc. The ground floor resembles barn, the upper floor resembles safe store and the top most floor resembles living and dining area.The museums displays various materials related to the Bhutanese culture and way of life. Exhibitions includes rural households artifacts, equipment, objects and tools.
Strategically built on a projecting ridge with deep... 1 hour 30 minutes
Strategically built on a projecting ridge with deep gullies, the Simtokha Dzong overlooks and commands the entire Thimphu Valley. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel was one of the greatest builders of Dzongs in Bhutan. To consolidate his newly acquired domain in western Bhutan and to defend himself from both the internal foes and external enemies he started constructing Dzongs, beginning with the Simtokha Dzongs. The present place where the Dzongs stands is the boundary between common to three western regions: Sha (wangduephodrang), Wng (Thimphu) and Pa (Paro). The intersection was marked with three stones that belong to the people of Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro. Surrounded by these three stones was a piece of land known as Sem-tokha or Sem-dokha with a temple built on it. This temple was later gifted to Zhabdrung by Lama Pangka Shong. History says that a Tibetan Lama Zhang has prophesied that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel would build a Dzong at the junction of three western lands. To fulfill the prophecy and honor the offer of Lama Panka Shons, Zhbdrung decided to build the Dzong.
The Bhutan Postal Museum was opened on 7... 1 hour
The Bhutan Postal Museum was opened on 7 November 2015 at the General Post Office building in the capital city Thimphu. The postal museum narrates the story of the evolution of communication, transportation and postal services in Bhutan's history.
Simply Bhutan is a unique project that aims... 1 hour
Simply Bhutan is a unique project that aims to conserve Bhutan culture and tradition while generating employment opportunities for young job seekers. The infrastructure portrays ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. The project is one of its kind in the country. The uniqueness of the structure is in its composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses. The best part is the portrayal of the age-old life styles of the Bhutanese people.
Paro sightseeing and hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery)
You will hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also... 6 hours
You will hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tigers Nest’, the jewel of Paro and one of the most sacred pilgrimages of Bhutan. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around an hour and a half, from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging precariously to the side of the cliff. You'll have the option to walk further up to the monastery which will take another hour. If you choose to continue the hike the views will be incredibly rewarding. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rimpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this monastery. Here, he meditated in a cave for 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days. The principal Lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. High up in the mountains looking majestically over the hills of Paro, the monastery is a great symbol for Bhutan.
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries... 1 hour
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries in the country, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo. According to legend, a giant demon lay across the whole of Tibet and the Himalayas that was preventing the spread of Buddhism to the people. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo wanted to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. This is one of the 12 temples that were built to the precise plans. The master Guru Rinpoche is said to have visited during his time in Bhutan and left sacred teachings here. Historically and religiously, this is one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan.
Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot 2 hours
Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot. The main street, only built in 1985, is lined with colorfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants. Take the time to interact with the friendly locals, buy some souvenirs and admire the town's buildings.
Departure from Paro Airport to your onward destination.
Your Bhutan tour guide will escort you to... 1 hour
Your Bhutan tour guide will escort you to the airport for your onward destinations. With a heavy heart, we wave you goodbye and until time we see you again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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.
