A Glimpse of the Bhutan

General Information

• Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
• Destination: Bhutan (Thimphu & Paro)
• Accommodation: Comfortable hotels in Thimphu and Paro
• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D) included daily
• Guide & Transport: Provided by Druk Travel, including experienced guide and private vehicle with driver.

 

Trip Highlights

• Thimphu: Explore Bhutan's capital, visit historic and cultural landmarks such as Tashichho Dzong, Memorial Chorten, and the Takin Sanctuary.
• Paro: Visit the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, explore ancient dzongs, and experience Bhutanese village life at a traditional farm house.
• Scenic Drives: Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Bhutan, with drives along rivers and through valleys, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.

 

What to Pack

• Clothing: Comfortable, layered clothing suitable for varying temperatures. Include warm clothing for mornings and evenings, and light clothing for daytime.
• Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes for the trek to Tiger’s Nest, and casual shoes for city exploration.
• Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, reusable water bottle, and a small daypack for carrying essentials during the day.
• Documents: Passport, visa clearance letter, travel insurance details, and copies of important documents.

 

Cultural Etiquette

• Respect: Bhutan is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or inside temples.
• Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering temples and religious sites.
• Language: English is widely spoken.

 

Additional Tips

• Currency: The local currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). Credit cards are accepted in some places, but it’s good to carry cash for smaller shops and markets.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though it may be slow in some areas. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better connectivity.

Enjoy your journey through the mystical and serene landscapes of Bhutan!

Day 01: Arrive Paro, drive to Thimphu (L/D) Upon arrival in Paro, clear customs and immigration. Keep your copy of the visa clearance letter handy. P.P size pictures are no longer required and your visa has been paid. Meet your Guide and driver from Druk Travel outside the terminal building and transfer to Thimphu. Stroll around the capital city in the evening. Overnight, Thimphu.   Drive from Paro to Thimphu:  The distance of about 65kms from Paro town takes little more than 1 hour. Drive south following Pachu river to the river confluence at Chuzom, which is also the hub of road network going to Paro, Ha, Thimphu and Phuntsholing. From Chuzom, the drive takes about ½ hour, staying close to the Wangchu River in the valley floor, as you pass through villages and suburbs to the capital, Thimphu.  En-route, you can stop to view Tachogang temple and the nunnery at Sitsina.   Thimphu (2,300m) was a wooded farming valley until 1961, when it became Bhutan's official national capital. The massive Tashicho Dzong, about 700 years old, was carefully revamped in the 1960s by the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk to house the royal and main government offices. Even today, it still only has a few streets and no traffic lights with estimated population of 125,000 people.   Day 02: Thimphu (B/L/D) Full day sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin Sanctuary, Indigenous Hospital, Textile Museum, Heritage Museum, Traditional School of arts & crafts and Tashicho Dzong. Upon available time, you will also visit Zangdopelri temple, paper factory and other sights. Overnight Thimphu.   Memorial Chorten: This landmark of Thimphu was built in 1974 in the memory of third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. It is a four-storey tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings and serves as an important place of worship for Thimphu residents, as well as from other parts of the country. Zilukha Nunnery:  It has been housed in Drubthob Goemba (monastery). There are about 70 nuns who live and pray everyday in the monastery. The beautiful view of Tashicho Dzong can be seen from the nunnery. Takin Sanctuary:   Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) has been chosen as the national animal of Bhutan is based both on its uniqueness and its association with country’s history and mythology.  It is said that Devine Madman, a popular saint is said to have created it with his magical power at a large congregation of devotees. It resembles like a cow from back and goat in the front and continues to befuddle taxonomists, who cannot quite relate to other animal. Indigenous Hospital or National Institute of Traditional Medicine (Open 9-5pm Mon-Fri, 9-1pm on Sat) is government funded institute that facilitates research of traditional medicine and practices. It prepares and dispenses herbal and other medicines with clinic where doctors diagnose and prescribe traditional medicines or treatments. School of arts & Crafts  (open 9-5pm mon-fri and 9-1pm on Sat –with exceptions of holidays and breaks). Commonly known as ‘the painting school’ is a national institute where children attend six-year course that provides instruction in Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts called Zorig Chuksum - meaning 13 crafts. Tashichhodzong: This fortress serves as the office of the King, ministers and various government organizations. It also is the headquarters for central monastic body of Bhutan. Bhutan's spiritual leader Je-Khenpo and the monks of both Thimphu and Punakha reside here during summer. It is also the venue for Thimphu Festival in the fall season. Heritage Museum: Heritage Museum is also a recent addition; housed in a traditional home displays the living style of the Bhutanese family in 19^th century. Textile Museum: A recent addition in the capital city, this museum displays the colorful and intricately hand woven textile, both old and new. Paper Factory:  Traditional papers were made from the daphne plant, using simple methods.   Day 03: Thimphu - Paro (B/L/D) After breakfast, retrace your drive back to Paro. In Paro visit National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, Dungtse Lhakhang (temple), Kyichu Lhakhang, Drukgyel Dzong and Traditional Farm House. Overnight Paro.   Drive fromThimphu to Paro. The drive from Thimphu to Paro takes little more than 1 hour, covering total of 65 km. From Thimphu, the western branch of lateral highway from Thimphu, runs close to the Wangchu river in the valley floor, through the suburbs and villages of Thimphu to arrive at the river confluence of Chuzom, which is also the hub of road network going to Paro, Ha, Thimphu and Phuntsholing. From Chuzom, it is north-west for about ½ hour, following Pa Chu river upstream, passing Tachogang temple on the other side of the river, then through relatively straight road, into the villages and farm houses of Paro valley.   National Museum: Established in 1967, the museum is housed inside a circular Ta Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower. It holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha paintings, households stuffs, arms, handicrafts, stuffed animals and Bhutan’s famous Stamps among others.   Rinpung Dzong: meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". Built in mid 17^th century, it now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and residence for the 200 monks of Paro. It is also the venue for Paro festival held in the spring. Several years ago, the colourful movie Little Buddha was filmed here.   Dungtse Lhakhang: was constructed by the great bridge-builder Thangtong Gyelpo in 1433. It is said to have been built on the head of demoness, who was causing illness to the inhabitants. The building was restored in 1841 and is a unique repository of Kagyu lineage. You may or may not be permitted inside but can walk around this three-storey Chorten type building.   Kyichu temple complex: Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century miraculously built 108 temples, along with Jorkhang in Lhasa. Kyichu is considered to be one of them and is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.   Drukgyel Dzong: Drukgyel dzong stands 14 km north of Paro town at the end of the road. It was built in 1644 to commemorate the victory f Bhutan over Tibet. It served as the administrative and religious center for Paro until 1951 when fire broke out and damaged this huge structure. Now it stands in complete ruin.   Farm House or Village Home: Bhutanese farmhouses are colorful, decorative and traditionally built without any nails. Majority of the houses are with three story, first floor is utilized for sheltering cattle, second floor for the family to live in and the top for storing and drying of foods and fodder for animal. Almost all the farmhouses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to farmhouse is interesting and provides you with an experience to the daily life of average Bhutanese.   Day 04:  Paro (B/L/D) Today is the day for an exciting hike/trek to famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery also known as ‘Taktsang Gompa’. Overnight  Paro.   Hike to Taktsang: Drive to north of Paro town for about ½ hr and embark on a trek to the famed Taktsang (Tiger’s lair) monastery. Taktsang monastery is located on the face of a 1,000m seemingly impossible sheer, vertical cliff, above Paro valley. The trail begins near the Satsam (2650m) and climbs steeply uphill to the Cafeteria (2,940m), an area of exposed ridge with panoramic view of Takstang. This takes little more then an hour. (Ponies are provided on request to ride up till this Cafeteria, but rest of way, including return downhill must be on foot.) You can get a good view from the Cafeteria or hike further uphill for another hour or so to the temple itself. There are several other temples and sites within the vicinity. Lunch is served at the tea house. The return trek to the road head is quite steep downhill, where you will be met by the transport and driven to your hotel for rest. If you wish to stroll around the town, it can be in the evening before dinner. Farewell dinner and overnight at the hotel.   Day 05: Paro – Depart (B)  After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight to onward destination.   Tashi Delek !