Tiger's Nest, Bhutan

Classic Bhutan Tour

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BT02: 5 Days Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Paro

Tour Type: Private Tour, flexible and customized
Guide & Driver: English-speaking guide, experienced driver & air-conditioned car
Accommodation: 3-star well selected hotels, also be open to your own choice
Meals: A mix choice of local cuisines and western-style food

Itinerary Details
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Day 1: Arrival in Paro, Private transfer to Thimphu for city sightseeing
Paro airport is the only international airport in Bhutan, which is around 65 kilometers away from the capital city - Thimphu. Once your flight arrives at the airport, our guide will greet you there and transfer you to the hotel in Thimphu. On the way, you will see the Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge.

After a short rest at the hotel, we will start the Bhutan itinerary for 5 days with visit to the National Memorial Chorten, and then the Buddha Dordenma Statue. It is 169 feet tall and located high atop a mountain, so it can be viewed from anywhere in the town. After that you will see the national animal Takin at the Sanctuary. Takin is a rare creature with the head of a goat and the body of a cow, which can only be seen in Bhutan. Then you will visit the Zilukha Nunnery and Thimphu Dzong (TashiChho Dzong). Timphu Dzong is a large fort originally built in the 13th century. Now it houses the government administration, King's office and a temple.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Tashi Yoedling (3 stars) or similar

Day 2: Private transfer from Thimphu to Punakha with stopover at Dochula Pass
After breakfast, we will continue your 5 days Bhutan itinerary to Punakha. It takes around 3 hours driving. On the way, we will stop at Dochula Pass, where you can have a coffee break and see the 108 grand stupas. If it is a clear day, you will get great views of the Himalayas mountain ranges. Then visit the Chimmi Lhakhang. This small hilly temple is very popular as a lot of couples travel here to be blessed for a child.

We continue our drive to the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha, with an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level. Located at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, Punakha Dzong is the second largest Dzong in Bhutan and is also considered as the most beautiful Dzong in terms of history, location and architecture. Very close to the dzong is the longest suspension bridge in the country. The views from this bridge are outstanding with the rivers flowing below. You will stay overnight in Punakha.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Lobesa Lodge (3 stars) or similar

  • Dochula Pass
    108 grand stupas in Dochula Pass
Day 3: Drive back to Paro, Paro highlights tour with Kyichu Lhakhang
Today we will drive you back to Paro and visit the impressive Paro Dzong first. It is an ancient fortress, also called Rinpung Dzong. You will see numerous beautiful paintings, murals, artifacts and statues of Buddha in this colorful traditional Bhutanese wooden architecture. Now it is the administration office, so dressing up adequately is well respected. On a cliff of the hill is the watch tower of Paro Dzong housing the National Museum. It is an overall showcase of Bhutanese life including art, relics, geology, etc. Next stop is the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in the 7th century by Tibetan Emperor Songtsan Gampo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort (3 stars) or similar

Day 4: Paro day tour with hiking to Taktsang
Taktsang, Tiger's Nest in English, is the most famous and sacred monastery in Bhutan. It is located in a cliff side over 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The hiking to the Tiger's Nest will be the highlight of your 4 nights 5 days Bhutan tour.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the foot of mountain where you can start your trekking up to this holy place. It takes around two hours strenuous climbing. On the half way, you could rest at the cafeteria. Reaching the top could be extremely tiring, however once you get to the top, the views are amazing and deserving. Inside the monastery, each floor has a balcony, where visitors can enjoy the stunning Paro River scenery. Then you will visit the Drukgyel Dzong. The fort now in ruins was built to celebrate Bhutanese victory over the Tibetan Invasion. If you happen to visit here in a clear day, you will have a close view of the Mt. Chomolhari. Take your camera along for mind blowing captures. After that, you will visit a typical local farmhouse. Chatting with the family members is a good way to know how they live in the land of happiness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort (3 stars) or similar

  • Tiger's Nest, Bhutan
    Tiger's Nest
Day 5: Departure from Paro, Airport see-off
Your private 5 days trip to Bhutan ends after we transfer you to the airport and see you off. We wish you have a nice trip!

Meals: Breakfast

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Tour Prices
Month1 traveler2 travelers3-5 travelers
Mar-May, Sep-Nov$1389$1329$1179
Jun-Aug, Dec-Feb$1179$1109$959
  • Prices are per person in US Dollars based on double occupancy.
  • Any part of the itinerary e.g. tour length, activities & hotels can be tailored to your individual interests.
What's Included
  • Hotel accommodation with daily breakfasts.
  • Lunches and dinners as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Service of professional English speaking guide.
  • Service of private driver and air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Entrance fees for all tourist sites.
  • Bottled water during the tour.
  • All Government Royalty and Taxes.
  • Bhutan Visa Fee.
What's Excluded
  • International flight into and out of Bhutan.
  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.).
  • Tips for guides and drivers.
  • Personal travel insurance.
5-Day Weather Forecast of Major Cities
Paro
Thimphu
Customize This Trip
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No. of Travelers
Date of Arrival

Tour Reviews

4.86 Reviews
Write a review
  • Jacobo J Treeby from the United KingdomPosted on January 02, 2020
    The hotels, vehicles and guides were all well-pleasing. My journey to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery located on a cliff was a quite exciting trek. Be sure to take photos of the amazing mountain views. The whole schedule was anticipated and I was satisfied with this 5-day Bhutan tour.
    Rate
    5/5
  • Rosemary Whiteley from USAPosted on December 05, 2019
    All of the guides were quite responsible & considerate... When we had meals in the hotel, they always asked us if we had any extra requirements for the food, and also asked if we were satisfied with the rooms. In short, the 5 days Bhutan tour was an unforgettable experience:)
    Every one of our group was very satisfied with their perfect service!!
    Rate
    5/5
  • Hanahata Mihoko from JapanPosted on November 01, 2019
    There was a very thoughtful tour guide impressing me deeply! She kept reminding us to be careful when we climbed the Tiger’s Nest. But there was still one member who accidentally twisted her ankle. The tour guide prepared the ointment and arranged for the driver to pick her up in advance. So warm and considerate!!
    Rate
    5/5
  • Wolf Thomas from ItalyPosted on September 29, 2019
    Bhutan was a land of beauty and seclusion. We were all immersed in the tranquil world!

    The 5 days Bhutan tour was very relaxing! Even there were many rugged mountain roads in some scenic spots. But our drivers were very professional. It was a relatively steady ride. We felt comfortable and at ease!
    Rate
    5/5
  • Joyce Sax from AustraliaPosted on July 31, 2019
    Everything in the whole journey was quite satisfactory! Impressively, we visited the National Animal Sanctuary. Takin was a strange creature with the head like a goat and the body like a cow, which was so unique and interesting! It was the Bhutan’s national animal, which was quite rare!
    Rate
    5/5
  • Gonzalo Alani from USAPosted on May 03, 2019
    Bhutan in my mind was mysterious! Its development was not advanced, but we saw the plain and honest from the eyes of the Bhutanese people.

    The journey was a little bumpy, but we were able to appreciate more beautiful natural scenery and the simple life of the locals at a slower pace. This was another harvest of this wonderful 5 days Bhutan trip besides stunning attractions…
    Rate
    4/5
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