fbpx
MENU

5 Days Highlights of Bhutan Tour

5 Days

Bhutan, often referred to as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” is a small country located in the eastern Himalayas, sandwiched between China and India. It is a land of majestic mountains, lush green valleys, and ancient monasteries. The country is also known for its unique cultural heritage, which is deeply rooted in Buddhism.

This 5-day tour will take you on an adventure through Bhutan’s most famous attractions, allowing you to experience the country’s charm and beauty. Our journey begins in Paro, where we will explore the iconic Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, perched on a cliff at an altitude of 3120 meters. This is one of the most famous landmarks in Bhutan and is considered the holiest temple in the country. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Paro Valley, which is truly awe-inspiring.

Our tour will also take us to Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan, built at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers. The Punakha festival, which takes place in mid-February, is a must-see event, as it showcases the best of Bhutanese culture and traditions.

Another highlight of our tour is the National Museum of Bhutan, located in the round watchtower in Paro. This museum is a treasure trove of Bhutanese history and culture, showcasing an extensive collection of artifacts, from ancient weapons to traditional clothing and textiles.

During our journey, we will also have the opportunity to trek through the lush green valleys and explore the enchanting villages that are dotted throughout the landscape. Bhutan is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, and if we are lucky, we may be able to witness one during our tour.

Our 5-day tour of Bhutan will take you on an adventure through this beautiful country, allowing you to immerse yourself in its rich culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Get ready for an experience of a lifetime as we discover the highlights of Bhutan together.

Overview

Welcome to Bhutan, the land of happiness! Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a unique destination known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and commitment to Gross National Happiness.

This 5-day tour will take you on a journey through the highlights of Bhutan, from the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery to the historic Punakha Dzong. Along the way, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and traditions of Bhutan and witness the country’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we explore the best of Bhutan together!

Highlights

  • Visit the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, one of the most famous landmarks in Bhutan.
  • Explore the former winter capital of Bhutan, Punakha Dzong, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
  • Discover the capital city Thimphu, home to many of Bhutan's cultural and political institutions.
  • Visit the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of Bhutan's third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
  • See the towering Buddha Dordenma statue, a 169-foot bronze statue of Buddha.
  • Explore the Tashichho Dzong, a fortress and monastery that houses the offices of the King of Bhutan and the government.
  • Enjoy scenic drives through picturesque landscapes of Bhutan, including valleys, mountains, and rivers.
  • Experience the unique culture of Bhutan, including its traditional architecture, art, music, and dance.
  • Learn about Bhutan's Buddhist heritage and its role in shaping the country's identity and values.
  • Enjoy delicious Bhutanese cuisine, including spicy curries, momos, and ema datshi (chili and cheese dish).

Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival in Paro and Get Transferred to Thimpu (2300m) (2hrs’drive)

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon! Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our Bhutanese guide and driver, who will transfer you to your hotel in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

After a brief rest at the hotel, we will set out to explore the spiritual side of Bhutan with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest and most beautiful temple in Bhutan. This sacred temple is surrounded by picturesque fields, flowers, and hills and houses an eight-year-old Buddha statue of Sakyamuni, historic relics, elaborate paintings, and numerous Buddhist scriptures.

Next, we will visit the historic Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress built in the 17th century to protect the Paro Valley. This fortress offers stunning views of the valley and a sense of inner peace.

In the evening, we will drive to Thimphu and check into our hotel for the night. Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2:
Sightseeing in Thimpu and Travel to Punakha (1250m) (3-4hrs’drive)

On the second day of our tour, we will explore Thimpu, the capital city of Bhutan. Thimpu is famous for its picturesque Bhutan dzongs, fresh air, and friendly local people. Our sightseeing tour will begin with a visit to the Late King’s Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in honor of the third king of Bhutan. We will then explore the National Library, which has a vast collection of Bhutanese literature and manuscripts.

Next, we will visit the Folk Heritage Museum and Hand-made Paper Factory, where we will learn about Bhutanese culture and traditional paper-making techniques. We will also visit the School of Arts and Crafts, where we will witness firsthand the intricate process of textile and handicraft making in the most traditional way.

The highlight of our tour will be the visit to Tashichho Dzong, also known as Thimpu Dzong. It is the most beautiful Bhutanese dzong and the headquarters of the Bhutanese government.

In the afternoon, we will travel northeast to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. On the way, we will stop at Dochu La Pass, a scenic mountain pass at an altitude of 3,100 meters. We will take a break for refreshing tea and enjoy the unobstructed vista of the Great Himalayas.

After having lunch at Wangduephodrang (1,350m), we will continue our journey to Punakha. We will spend the night in Punakha.

Day 3:
Discovering the Beauty of Punakha Dzong and Heading back to Paro

We started our day by visiting Punakha Dzong, a beautiful Bhutanese fortress built where two rivers, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, converge. This Dzong is widely regarded as the most beautiful one in Bhutan, and it’s not hard to see. The intricate carvings, paintings, and architecture are breathtaking, and you’ll be left in awe of the skill and craftsmanship that went into building it.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Bhutan during mid-February, be sure to check out the Punakha festival. The festival is a colorful and lively celebration of Bhutanese culture and traditions, and it’s an experience not to be missed.

After exploring Punakha Dzong, we headed back to Paro. In the afternoon, we visited the National Museum of Bhutan, a unique and fascinating museum housed in a round watchtower. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of Bhutan, see traditional clothing and weapons, and marvel at the intricate artwork and sculptures on display.

Our final stop of the day was Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress at the foot of a charming village. From here, you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains, which will leave you feeling both humbled and inspired.

As the day came to a close, we returned to Paro, feeling grateful for the opportunity to have experienced the beauty and culture of Bhutan.

Day 4:
Hiking to the Tiger's Nest - Taktshang Lhakhang

We woke up to a fresh morning, ready to embark on today’s adventure – a trek to Taktshang Goemba, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This holy temple stands on the cliff of Paro Valley and is the most iconic landmark of Paro.

Taktshang Goemba, perched at an altitude of 3120 meters, is the holiest temple in Bhutan. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the caves on the cliffside for three months. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Paro Valley, which is truly awe-inspiring.

After our trek and lunch, you can opt for a stone bath or enjoy some free time exploring the nearby area. The stone bath is a unique Bhutanese experience where you soak in a wooden tub filled with hot river stones that are believed to have healing properties.

As the day came to a close, we returned to our accommodations in Paro, feeling grateful for the opportunity to have trekked to the Tiger’s Nest and witnessed the breathtaking beauty of Bhutan.

Day 5:
Departure

Thank you for choosing Himalayan 360 as your travel agency for your Bhutan tour. On the last day of your trip, our tour guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. We hope you had a wonderful time exploring the beautiful and peaceful country of Bhutan.

If you would like to extend your journey in the Himalayan region, we would be happy to help you plan a trip to Nepal or Tibet from Bhutan. As a professional travel agency with years of experience in the region, we can offer you a wide range of services, including customized itineraries, transportation, accommodations, and local guides.

Please let us know if you are interested in exploring more of the Himalayas and we will be more than happy to assist you in planning your next adventure. Thank you for traveling with us and we hope to see you again soon.

Cost includes

  • Accommodation in minimum 3-star hotels throughout the trip (4 & 5-star hotels are available for an additional premium payment)
  • All meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per the itinerary
  • Airport transfers and private transport for sightseeing in Bhutan, with an experienced driver
  • An English-speaking and licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
  • Entry fees and road permits for all destinations specified in the itinerary
  • Government fees, royalties, and taxes associated with your Bhutan tour
  • Bottled mineral water throughout the journey to keep you hydrated and refreshed

Cost Excludes

  • Bhutan Visa fee (which can be arranged by your tour operator)
  • International flights to and from Bhutan
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry, and other similar expenses
  • Travel insurance for your Bhutan trip (which is mandatory and can be arranged by your tour operator)
  • Emergency evacuation expenses in case of unforeseen events
  • Tips and gratuities for your tour guide, driver, and other service staff
  • Any additional costs arising from unforeseen events or circumstances beyond the control of your tour operator
  • Any extra activities or experiences not specified in the itinerary, such as cultural shows, kayaking, or other adventure sports.

FAQ's

Expand all Collapse all
What is the "5 Days Highlights of Bhutan Tour"?

The “5 Days Highlights of Bhutan Tour” is a tour package that offers a glimpse of Bhutan’s culture, history, and natural beauty in just five days. The tour includes visits to the iconic landmarks and tourist attractions in Bhutan, such as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, and the capital city Thimphu.

What is included in the tour package?

The tour package includes accommodation, transportation, meals, and a licensed guide throughout the tour. Entrance fees to tourist sites and permits are also included in the package.

What are the highlights of the tour?

The highlights of the tour include visiting the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, which is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. Other highlights include a visit to Punakha Dzong, the former winter capital of Bhutan, and exploring the capital city, Thimphu, where you can visit the Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma statue, and the Tashichho Dzong.

What is the best time to go on this tour?

The best time to go on this tour is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the skies are clear.

Is this tour suitable for all age groups?

Yes, this tour is suitable for all age groups. However, visitors should be able to walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs to visit some of the attractions.

Is there any dress code for visiting temples and dzongs?

Yes, there is a dress code for visiting temples and dzongs. Visitors are required to dress modestly and cover their arms and legs. Shoes must be removed before entering the temples and dzongs.

Is the tour customizable?

Yes, the tour can be customized to meet the specific requirements and interests of the visitors. Additional activities and destinations can be added to the itinerary upon request.

Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package. Visitors are advised to purchase travel insurance before embarking on the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?

The cancellation policy varies depending on the tour operator. Visitors are advised to read the cancellation policy carefully before booking the tour.

Not satisfied with this Itinerary?
Reach out to travel experts.

Overall Trip Rating:

Write a Review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Personal Information

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

5 Days Highlights of Bhutan Tour