Bhutan at a Glance
Tour Overview
This short tour is a great introduction to Bhutan visiting some of the most impressive cultural and historic sites. After your arrival in Paro we will take a short drive to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan where we will visit Tashichho Dzong a beautiful fortress. The following day we will take a day tour to the Punakha valley driving over Dochula pass for some incredible views of the Himalayas. The Punakha Valley is home to the impressive Punakha Dzong a traditional monastery and fort. The following day we will head back to Paro to visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which also functions as the museum of Bhutan. Our tour wraps up with a trek to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. You will spend the last night in Paro before we take you to the airport in the morning.
Tour Highlight
- Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
- Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
- Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
- Marvel at the elaborate and ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
- Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.
- Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.
Itinerary of Bhutan at a Glance
Altitude: 2320 m, Drive Time: 1 hour (58km)
Welcome to Bhutan! Our driver will be waiting for you when you arrive with a Yak Holidays signboard and will drive you to Thimphu (1 hour drive), Bhutan’s Capital. After lunch we will take in the local sites which include the ✅Memorial Chorten ✅Changangkha Monastery ✅Takin Preserve Centre ✅Tashichho Dzong and the ✅Sangay Gang view point.
Altitude 1310m (Punakha). Drive Time: 3 hours each way (77km)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we will be treated to a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Enroute, we stop to view Chimi Lhakhang, alternatively called the Temple of Fertility which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known popularly as The Divine Mad Man, in the 15th century. After lunch, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, a traditional fort built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. We will drive back to Thimphu for the night. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thimphu
Altitude: 2320 m, Drive Time: 1 hour (58km)
In the morning we will visit the largest and tallest statue of Buddha in the world, which sits just above the city of Thimphu. Following this we will head to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts followed by a visit to the Painting School, famous for carving and free hand art and Folk Heritage Museum. This ends our tour of Thimphu and we will drive back to Paro for lunch. After lunch, visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which also functions as the museum of Bhutan. Next we will visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) one of the largest in all of Bhutan. Dzong architecture is a distinctive type of fortress architecture found mainly in Bhutan. In the evening, visit to the Handicraft emporium and free for shopping.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Paro
Altitude: 2280 m, Drive Time: 30mins (12kms each way)
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours – 4 miles/6.5 km
After an early breakfast we will visit Kichu Lhakang one of the oldest and most beautiful temples of Bhutan. We then drive north of Paro a short distance to begin our hike to the Tigers Nest, probably Bhutan’s most famous landmark. The hike up to the monastery goes through a beautiful pine forest and you can catch several glimpses of the Tigers Nest (almost 900m above you). It’s a good hike but well worth the effort and we will stop for lunch half way.
The trail takes you directly to this incredible monastery which clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The Tiger’s Nest was built in 1692 and still functions today despite the daily visits by numerous tourists.
Dinner and overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
- The approval of tourists VISA is contingent on the full payment of the tour
- Flight ticket payment is subject to the Ticketing Time Limit issued by the airlines
Tour Cancellation and Refund Policy
- 30 to 15 days prior to arrival – 20% of the total tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
- 14 to 7 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
- Less than a week prior to arrival – 100% cancellation charge will be levied as cancellation fee
Flight Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Subject to the cancellation terms of the Airline
Rescheduling Tour Dates:
- There are no charges for rescheduling your trip. However the minimum daily tariff, hotel rates, airline charges are subject to change depending on your new travelling dates.
Starting From
PER PERSON
Inclusion
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water
Exclusion
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
- Travel insurance
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
- Tips for guide and driver
