Arrival at Paro International Airport / Transfer to Thimphu, the Capital City (2334m)

National Museum - Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, the guide and driver will warmly welcome you and accompany you on your initial exploration of Bhutan. The National Museum of Bhutan, situated in Paro above the Rinpung Dzong, is housed in the historic Paro Ta Dzong, a watchtower fortress constructed in 1649. The museum showcases a vast array of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks, including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted tools used in daily life. This collection offers a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Rinpung Dzong - Constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646, Paro Rinpung Dzong serves as the administrative and monastic hub of the western region. Currently, it functions as the office for the governor of Paro district and the head of the district monk body. The annual Paro Tsechu festival is celebrated here from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the second month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar (typically March or April in the Gregorian calendar). After visiting the Dzong, enjoy a short walk to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge, Nemeyzampa, where the driver will be waiting. This roofed bridge, known as Bazam, is built in a traditional style. From here, proceed to Thimphu, the capital city. Lunch can be arranged in either Paro or Thimphu, depending on your flight’s arrival time.

Buddha Dordenma - This impressive 169-foot-tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on Kuensel Phodrang hilltop, offering a splendid view of Thimphu valley. It was erected to commemorate the 60th birthday of the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and to promote global peace. The statue contains over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues. Construction began in 2006 and concluded in 2015, with the project costing over US$100 million.

Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre - A visit to this center provides insight into Bhutan’s weaving culture and traditions. Observe men and women crafting intricate designs and patterns of traditional Bhutanese textiles.

Sightseeing in Thimphu / Return to Paro Valley (2200m)

National Memorial Chorten - This significant landmark in Thimphu is a popular religious site where people from various backgrounds gather to circumambulate and offer prayers.

Changangkha Lhakhang - Perched on a hilltop above the main town, Changangkha Lhakhang was established in the 13th century by Tibetan Scholar Lama Drugom Zhigpo, who played a crucial role in spreading the Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism in Bhutan. His son, Nyima, expanded the temple and created many invaluable national treasures within. The temple also houses the original handwritten Bum Gye Dring Due Sum (sixteen volumes of Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita) by Nyima.

Bhutan Postal Museum - This museum is a must-visit for philately enthusiasts. You can even print stamps with your own photos. Bhutan’s postal service began in 1962, prior to which communication and mail delivery were conducted by foot messengers. The museum was established in 2015. A bank is located in the same complex for currency exchange to the local Ngultrum (Nu.).

National Institute for Zorig Chusum - This institute was founded to promote and preserve Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts, providing Bhutanese youth with greater access to learning these skills. The arts and crafts include Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (woodturning), Gar Zo (blacksmithing), Troe Zo (ornament making), Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery, and applique), and Thag Zo (weaving).

A traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant or a similar venue.

Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground - After lunch, visit the Changlimithang Archery Range to witness an archery match if one is in progress. Archers celebrate each successful shot with dance and song from a distance of 145m. Archery is Bhutan’s national sport. Afterward, return to Paro for an overnight stay.

Kyichu Lhakhang - Just a short drive from Paro town, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries, believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a giant demoness hindering Buddhism’s spread in the Himalayas. King Songtsen Gampo was tasked with constructing 108 temples across the region, with Bhutan hosting four of them, including two in Haa valley (Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo) and Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang district. Both temples are said to have been built overnight.

Hike to the Renowned Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) & Visit a Farmhouse for a Home-Cooked Dinner

Paro Taktsang - On the third day, embark on a hike to the renowned 17th-century Paro Taktsang Monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest.” Originally constructed in 1692, this iconic sacred site is perched on an 800-meter cliff above the valley. The round-trip hike typically takes 4-5 hours. It’s advisable to start early to avoid the stronger sun. One-way horse rides are available for approximately USD20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria), though riding down is not recommended. Taktsang’s history is linked to Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan on a tigress. After lunch at the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria, return to the base where the driver will be waiting.

Departure from Paro International Airport

Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View Point - After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.

• All internal taxes for the services listed above
• Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan for injuries
• All ground transportation including airport transfers
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and light snacks
• Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide
• Entry fee for National Museum
• Twin-sharing accommodations at 3-star hotels
• Visa Fee & Processing with e-Visa delivery in 4-5 business days

• Travel insurance is highly recommended.
• International flights. Let us know if you need help with arranging flights to and from Bhutan.
• Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
• Tips to guide and driver
• Emergency evacuation
• Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee.
• Any other expenses of personal nature
• All Entry fees except for National Museum

Ideal for discerning tourists who have a limited time to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the untouched nature and breathtaking landscapes, while enjoying Bhutanese hospitality. This 3-night, 4-day trip will take you to isolated monasteries and expose you to the conscious Buddhist lifestyle that gave this country its nickname ‘Kingdom of Happiness’. On the second day of the trip, you will embark on a hike to the well-known Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest, perched on an 800m high rock cliff.

Bhutan is unique. This small Buddhist Kingdom, nestled between India and China, is judiciously accepting modern development guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, yet still maintaining its timeless tradition and ancient culture. Dive deep into the Bhutanese way of life with a knowledgeable local guide and discover what brings joy to the Bhutanese people.

• This tour can be customized and run on a private basis just for you and your group.
• We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. If you already have flight tickets to and from Bhutan, we can take bookings up to a week before the departure date. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
• There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
• After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address.No public transportation nearby
• Youth between the ages of 13-18 MUST send us a copy of their valid Student Photo ID Card/Document to keep the discounted price. Without a copy of valid Student Photo ID Card/document, the full adult price will apply.
• Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one full-paying adult.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.