Glimpse of Bhutan Tour

The flight to Paro, is renowned as one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. As you approach Bhutan, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tserim Gang.

Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and immediately begin your sightseeing tour of Paro. Your first stop will be the Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan's most iconic and impressive dzongs. These fortified monasteries are distinctive features of Bhutanese culture, celebrated for their stunning architecture and cultural significance. Today, the dzong serves as the headquarters of the Paro district and is home to approximately 200 monks.

After your visit to the dzong, you'll hike down to the bridge and transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, where you'll spend the night. You’ll have the chance to explore the town, visit local markets, and soak in the sights and sounds of this unique and enchanting country.

Overnight hotel

After breakfast, you'll embark on a short hike to Wangditse Monastery, which offers stunning views overlooking Thimphu city. On the way back, you'll visit the zoo to see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. You'll also stop by the Buddha Dordenma Statue, which majestically overlooks the entire town. Additional highlights include a visit to the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the 3rd King, and the Archery Ground, where you can witness Bhutan's national sport.

Next, explore the weekend market, where local farmers sell their vegetables and other products. In the evening, visit Trashichho Dzong, the summer residence of the central monastic body. End your day with a leisurely walk around the craft market. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart from Thimphu and make a stop at Dochula Pass to capture some photos. The pass is adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, built to honor the stability and progress brought to Bhutan by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King. These stupas are emblematic of Bhutanese spiritual and artistic traditions. 

As you descend from the pass, you'll notice a dramatic change in vegetation. In the lower elevations of Punakha and Wangdue, the landscape transforms into a semi-tropical paradise with cacti, banana plants, poinsettias, and other exotic flora. Continue your drive towards Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong. Constructed in 1637 at the confluence of the Po Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River), this fortress monastery serves as the winter residence of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, the Je Khenpo (Head Abbot), and the central Monk Body, which includes over 350 monks. Next, drive for about 20 minutes and hike across the suspension bridge to reach the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Temple, which overlooks the picturesque Punakha Valley. This temple was built for the current king. On your way back to the hotel, stop at Lobesa and take a short hike to Chhi-med Lhakhang, also known as the "No Dogs" Temple. This temple is dedicated to Bhutan's revered Saint, Lama Drukpa Kuenley, often called the "Divine Madman."

Drive from Punakha early in the morning and hike to Takshang. 

Famously known as the "Tiger's Nest," this site is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas. It was visited and sanctified by Guru Rimpoche and has attracted numerous great Buddhist masters over the years. The monastery was built in 1692 AD by the fourth temporal ruler of Bhutan, perched over the cave where Guru Rimpoche and his consort, Khandro Yeshi Tshogyal, meditated. The monastic complex is dramatically situated on a rocky cliff, 800 meters above the valley, at an elevation of 2,950 meters above sea level.

On your return, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.

In the evening, visit a local farmhouse to experience a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, renowned for its therapeutic properties. The bath is prepared by heating stones in a wood-fired stove and placing them in a wooden tub filled with water and medicinal herbs. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal and gain insights into the Bhutanese way of life from your hosts.

Finally, return to your hotel in Paro for a restful night’s sleep after a full day of hiking and sightseeing. Overnight hotel

Transfer to airport for departure