For travelers with limited time, this short 5-Day itinerary affords a quick and comprehensive way to see Bhutan. It visits Paro and Thimphu with an excursion to Punakha the ancient capital of Bhutan. In Paro, sightseeing includes the Paro Dzong, the Museum, the fortress of Drukgyel Dzong ruins with a marvelous view of sacred Mount Jomolhari and the Tiger’s Nest, one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan world.
In Thimphu, you will see Tashichhodzong, the traditional medical center, the thangka painting school, and the King’s Memorial Chorten. Time permitting; you can visit craft workshops and weekend markets. A drive from Thimphu to Punakha stops enroute to view Simtokha Dzong. En route, you cross the 10,000ft. Dochula Pass offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and then continues to the Punakha and Wangdi Valleys, including Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang Dzongs.
-
Premium Bhutan boutique lodge showcasing luxury traditional design surrounded by lush forest
Flying into the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries, and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a breathtaking first impression.
On arrival at Paro airport, after immigration and custom formalities, your guide from Truly Bhutan for the trip will receive you and transfer you to the hotel. In the afternoon, our guide will take you to Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. Later on, take an evening stroll along the main street, and perhaps visit a few handicraft shops, or take refreshments at a local café or bar.
Overnight Stay in a hotel at Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
We will hike up to the famous cliff hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.”. After visiting what is known as one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the country, we will go off the beaten track further up to the temples that are on the hilltops above Tiger’s Nest. It’s so peaceful there and you can really communicate with nature as you enjoy the views from the top be it that of the mountains or the valley. No wonder that some monks have chosen this place to meditate for the rest of their lives!
Coming back, we are following a different path that takes us through the pristine thick forest of oaks and rhododendrons festooned with Spanish mosses.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
In the morning, we will take a drive to Thimphu along the windy road taking about an hour. The sightseeing in Thimphu includes; Visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, Folk Heritage Museum; National Memorial Chorten, the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and privately owned crafts shops, which offer a wide range of handcrafted products, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous.
Overnight Peaceful Resort in Thimphu or similar.
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
In the morning, we will take a drive via Paro and then to Chele La (3750m), the highest motorable pass in the country, and hike up along the meadow to Kung Karpo La (4100m) if weather permits. We will enjoy the breathtaking views of the snowcapped mountains while walking above the tree line along the ridge that divides Paro and Ha valley. The short steep descent from the top will take us to the nunnery of Kila Gompa.
The walk down from here to the road is lined with small white chortens and it will take us about an hour.
Overnight Stay in a hotel at Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Truly Bhutan will bid you farewell and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom will disappear again behind its guardian mountains.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Bhutan Travel Info
Travel Essentials
- Travel/Medical Insurance: Ensure a worry-free journey with Bhutan's dedicated travel and medical insurance plans offered by the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan. Visit RICB for more information.
- Banking: Modern banking facilities are available in urban areas of Bhutan, with banks like Bank of Bhutan Limited, Druk PNB, and Bhutan National Bank. ATMs are common in Thimphu and Phuentsholing, but scarce in rural areas. Complete your banking in major cities.
- Money Matters: Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is equivalent in value to the Indian Rupee. Foreign travelers should bring traveler’s cheques or cash, especially USD. Credit cards like Visa and American Express are accepted in most areas.
- Communication: Bhutan's telecommunications are well-developed with internet cafes, mobile phone coverage, and international roaming available in most towns.
- Electricity: Bhutan operates on 230 volts and 50 Hertz. Ensure your devices are compatible with the three types of plugs commonly used.
- Time Zone: Bhutan's time is six hours ahead of GMT.
Health, Safety, and Customs
- Health and Inoculations: Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Avoid untreated water and ice cubes; instead, opt for bottled water, which is readily available.
- Safety Precautions: Bhutan is generally safe, but avoid walking alone or staying out late, especially after 9 PM. Secure your belongings, particularly in the capital, Thimphu.
- Customs Regulations: Personal belongings, 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and professional equipment are exempt from customs duty. Importing restricted items, such as wildlife products, antiques, and drugs, is prohibited.
Accommodation, Food, and Shopping
- Accommodation: Bhutan offers a range of accommodations, from quality 3-star to luxury 5-star hotels in places like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. Travelers can also opt for camping when venturing beyond urban areas.
- Food: Bhutanese cuisine is rich and spicy, featuring dishes like ema datshi. International cuisine such as Indian, Continental, and Chinese is available in most restaurants, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Shopping: Bhutan offers unique handicrafts, including hand-woven textiles, wooden bowls (Dapas), silver statues, Thangkas, and local postage stamps. Note that the buying and selling of antiques is strictly prohibited.
Travel Kits and Clothing
- Clothing and Essentials: Bhutan's climate is diverse, so dress in layers and pack accordingly. Respectful clothing is required when visiting monasteries and religious sites, and hats should be removed in sacred areas.
- Travel Kits: Pack items like sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, antihistamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a flashlight, warm clothes, and a hat. The diverse climate means temperatures range from 20-25°C in summer to below 15°C in winter.
Experiences and Activities
- Photography: Capture Bhutan's stunning landscapes, rural life, and architecture. Indoor photography in sacred sites requires special permission.
- Guides and Interpreters: Bhutan offers certified guides fluent in various languages, ensuring you get the best experience when visiting sacred sites and cultural landmarks.
- Festivals and Holidays: Each district in Bhutan celebrates its unique annual tshechu. Check local schedules to plan your visit around these vibrant festivals.
- Weights and Measures: Bhutan uses metric measurements for weight, with advanced electronic scales commonly found in major cities.
- Best Price Guaranteed
- Book Now, Pay Later
- Local Expertise
- Hand-Picked Hotels
- Value for money
- Quality Service
- Responsible Tourism
- Tailor-Made Holidays
- No Booking Fee
- 100% Visa Approval
- 24/7 Customer Service
- No Hidden Costs
