Classic Exploration of Bhutan
- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Route:
- Paro - Thimphu - Dochu La Pass - Paro
- Season:
-
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Tour Type:
- Private Tour
Overview
This 5 days classic tour will take you to visit exquisite monasteries, explore ancient fortresses, hike through tranquil valleys, and admire stunning mountain views. First, you will go on a city tour to Thimphu to admire the Great Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, overlooking the beautiful Thimphu Valley and Wild Takin Sanctuary. After that, you will visit the majestic Tashi Chodzong - one of the modern Buddhist holy places in Bhutan. Next, we will drive through dense and beautiful forests to the Dochu La Pass and enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan. Then come to the historic town of Paro and pay a visit to Paro Dzong, famous for the most the most beautiful Bhutanese architecture. The journey ends with a trekking through lush green valleys and towering peaks to Tiger's Nest, a 17th-century temple complex hidden on the mountainside, with fluttering prayer flags on the cliff. It is believed that Padmasambhava flew to this location on the back of a tiger.
| Day | Route | Attractions & Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly to Paro (2200m) and transfer to Thimphu(2648m) | Pick up from the airport |
| 2 | Sightseeing in Thimphu | National Memorial Chorten, Postal Office, Trashi Chhoe Dzong, Buddha Point, Takin Zoo |
| 3 | Thimphu - Dochula Pass - Paro, Approx. 3hrs | Rinpung Dzong, National Museum |
| 4 | Sightseeing in Paro | Tiger's Nest, Kyichu Lhakhang, Explore Market in Paro |
| 5 | Departure from Paro | Send off to the airport |
Daily Itinerary
CollapseJenpalegso La (Welcome to Bhutan). On arrival, meet your private guide and driver who will stay with you for the rest of your trip. You will start in Thimphu. The drive is a 1-hour-drive by road. Thimphu is a charming city, probably the smallest capital in the world, resting in the heart of the Himalayas. The rest of the day is for you to stroll around the city or take a rest in the hotel.
Stay overnight in Thimphu- Meals:
- Dinner
In the morning, you will visit Thimphu Valley. There's National Memorial Chorten built to commemorate the King of Bhutan III and a holy place for the people of Bhutan to pray for peace. Afterward, go to the Postal Office of Bhutan and the National Bank of Bhutan. The guide will also take you to visit Bhutan's National Academy of Painting and Folklore Museum, where you can have an intuitive experience of Bhutan's culture and art.
Then, proceed to Trashi Chhoe Dzong, a majestic and grand castle on the west bank of the Wangchu River. This is the office of the current king and the seat of the internal affairs and finance departments. Next, you will pay a visit to Buddha Point, one of the iconic landscapes of Thimphu Valley. Tourists can enjoy the panoramic view of Thimphu Valley here. An ancient prophecy says that once a statue is built in this valley, it will spread peace throughout the world. After that, go north to Takin Zoo, which is exclusively built for Bhutan's national animal - takin. Takin is a creature with a sheep head and cow body that is only living in Bhutan.
Stay overnight in Thimphu
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
In the morning, you will drive about 50min to reach Dochula Pass, at an altitude of 3,150 meters. If the weather is good, you can enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the Himalayas. At the same time, you can see the "108 Memorial Chortens" located here, also known as Druk Wangyal Chortens. It's to commemorate those who lost their lives in suppressing the Assamese rebels in southern Bhutan and to pray for world peace.
In the afternoon, you will drive back to Paro from Douchula Pass. Here you can see Rinpung Dzong, which is the most famous temple in Bhutan and perhaps the best representative of Bhutanese architecture you will see. Then you will visit Ta Dzong, the watchtower of Paro Dzong, now the National Museum.
Stay overnight in Paro
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Today, you will visit Tiger's Nest(Taktshang Monastery), which is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Bhutan and is known as one of the top ten super temples in the world. Approachable only by hiking, this holy attraction is seated on the cliff’s edge. According to the ancient scriptures, in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the father of Bhutan Buddhism, rid a female tiger to the edge of the Taksang cliff, and once meditated in a cave for three months. Later Guru Rinpoche became the country's paramount religious image. Taktshang is the symbol of Bhutan and the highlight of your Bhutan trip.
In the afternoon, proceed to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan. After visiting today’s attractions, if time permits, the tour guide can also take you to visit the ordinary market in Paro, where you can buy some handicrafts with Bhutanese characteristics.
Stay overnight in Paro
- Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Meals:
- Breakfast
As I return home from my Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet adventures, I owe you a very BIG “ THANK YOU “, for making it one if not the best trip ever! Your thorough planning, flawless execution and above all your willingness to respond to ALL of my questions is most appreciated. I must give a big compl ....
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