A short and sweet trip that provides a unique opportunity to experience a deeply spiritual world of elaborate temple fortresses, ancient culture and traditions, and mind-boggling landscapes of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit the unique capital city of Thimpu, the stunning countryside of Punakha and Paro, and the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery that clings to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Moreover, explore the capital city of Nepal & its World Heritage Sites that are alive with spiritual vibration.
Highlights:
- Fly alongside the Himalayan ranges with views of Mt. Everest and many more peaks.
- Visit the magnificent temples and fortresses of Bhutan such as Trashichho Dzong, Punakha Dzong, Massive Buddha statue etc.
- Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery - one of the most sacred places in Bhutan
- Drive through the beautiful valleys and mountains and admire soaring Himalayan peaks and charming villages and valleys.
- See how people live and learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
- Visit the Bhutanese farmhouse and enjoy a hot medicinal stone bath.
- Experience the local culture and taste Bhutanese cuisine.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley
Brief itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu:
Day 02: Fly to Paro, Bhutan – Drive to Thimpu
Day 03: Sightseeing in Thimpu: Visit attractions
Day 04: Drive to Punakha: Visit attractions, then retrace to Thimpu
Day 05: In Paro: Visit attractions
Day 06: In Paro: Hike to the Tiger’s Nest
Day 07: Fly to Kathmandu: Visit attractions
Day 08: In Kathmandu: Visit attractions
Day 09: Depart from Kathmandu
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350m / 4430ft): On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After freshening up, walk around the local area and enjoy dinner in the evening.
Meal: Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Day 02: Fly to Paro (2200m / 7200ft) – Drive to Thimpu (2320m / 7600ft), (55 km / 1 ½ hour drive): After leisurely breakfast, you will be picked up at hotel and transfer to the airport. Take a short and scenic flight alongside the Himalayan ranges to Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival at the airport in Paro, our representative will receive you and then escort you to your hotel in Thimpu. The drive from Paro to Thimphu (the capital city) will take you through beautiful rice terraced fields, and alongside the gushing Pho Chu and Wang Chu rivers.
After rest and freshen up, explore the city. Visit Kuenselphodrang where a 169 feet statue of Lord Buddha has been built and overlooks the Thimphu valley. Then, then visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to world peace. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately constructed monuments provide a deep insight into the Buddhist philosophy.
Meal: Breakfast & dinner
Overnight: At Hotel in Thimpu
Day 03: Sightseeing in Thimpu: Morning visit the National Library (which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts), & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts) and Jushina Paper factory where traditional Bhutanese papers are made. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong which houses the King's Throne Room & Government offices. The Dzong serves as a summer residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot & the Central Monk Body. Later, stroll at the Crafts Bazar in town.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Overnight: At Hotel in Thimpu
Day 04: Thimpu - Punakha (1240m / 4070ft) - Thimpu (140 kms / 5 hours round trip): Make your way to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, enjoying the views from Dochu La Pass (3100m / 10,200ft). Take a short walk to the Chime Lhakhang known as the Temple of the Divine Madman, a uniquely adorned 15th-century temple said to bless visiting couples for fertility.
Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). It is one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country. The Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Then, return to Thimpu.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Overnight: At a Hotel in Thimpu
Day 05: Drive to Paro (55 km / 1 ½ hours): After breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way, stop at the 15th-century Iron Bridge built by Thangtong Gyalpo (1385-1464) - a great yogi, physician, blacksmith, architect, and pioneering civil engineer.
Visit Drugyel Dzong, Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan), Rimpung Dzong and the traditional wooden cantilever bridge in Paro.
Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in the 7th century.
Stroll around the local area in the evening.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Overnight: At Hotel in Paro
Day 06: In Paro: Rise early to make the hike to the magnificent Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3120m / 10240 ft). The hike is about two miles and takes about 3 hours to reach the picturesque Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Monastery that clings to a cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Tiger’s Nest is sacred.
pilgrimage site, where the great tantric mystic Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is believed to have flown on the back of the tiger to bring the teachings of the Buddhists to Bhutan.
In the evening, experience a unique hot stone bath which will relieve all aches & pains followed by a typical Bhutanese dinner.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Overnight: At Hotel in Paro
Day 07: Fly to Kathmandu: After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel to transfer to the airport. On the way to the airport, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in the 7th century.
Take a scenic flight alongside the Himalayan ranges to Kathmandu. You will be picked up at Kathmandu airport, and then escort to your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight: Yak & Yeti
Day 08: Guided tour to World Heritage sites in Kathmandu: The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in Kathmandu, representing elegant architecture, refined culture, colourful bazaars and simple hospitable people.
Visit the Soyambhunath stupa on a hillock overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Well known as ‘Monkey Temple’ the golden spire crowning, Soyambhunath is the most ancient and mystical of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Then visit Patan - the first city of Nepal. The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur, meaning city of beauty. The city is believed to be the first settlement in the Valley and is famous for its amazing collection of fantastically carved temples and palace courtyards. Patan is also famous for authentic Nepali metal crafts. Lastly, visit Boudhanath, possibly the world’s largest Buddhist stupa and a site of great veneration and Tibetan culture. Visit Tibetan monastery and painting school.
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Day 09: Depart from Kathmandu: After breakfast, transfer to the airport. End of service.
Meal: Breakfast
Note: An extension of the tour is available.
Net price per person on twin sharing:
- 2 – 3 persons = GBP 2550
- 4 to 8 persons = GBP 2450
- 9 & above persons = GBP 2350
Single room supplement = GBP 350
What is included?
1. Bhutan visa fee
2. 5 nights at 3* hotel in Bhutan
3. 3 at 5* hotel in Kathmandu
4. 8 breakfast, 4 lunches & 6 dinner
5. All transfers & transportation within Bhutan in privet vehicle
6. Sightseeing tour according to the program
7. English-speaking guide
8. Entrance fees to monuments & cultural sites
9. Government's Sustainable Development Fee GBP 200 per person per day
10. Mineral water during sightseeing
What is not included?
1. International airfare
2. Travel insurance
3. Beverages unless otherwise mentioned.
4. Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
5. Hiring charges, if in case of riding horses to Tiger’s Nest
6. Expenses of a personal nature such as spa, hot stone bath etc.
7. Tip or gratuity