5-Day Bhutan Tour of Paro and Thimphu with Tiger's Nest Hike
About This Tour
Discover Bhutan's cultural and spiritual highlights across Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Phobjikha on this 5-day journey. Visit the towering Buddha Dordenma, expl...
Duration: 5 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Phobjikha, Bumthnag, Gangtey · Languages: English
Know before you go: Druk Air or Bhutan Airline flights into Bhutan are spectacular. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, over the foothills from Kolkatta, or following the coastline of the Indian Ocean en route from Bangkok, every Druk Air flight is memorable and offers incredible scenery. Get your camera ready! After arrival at Paro Airport and clearing immigration and customs formalities, you will be greeted by your guide and driver and warmly welcomed to the enchanting Land of the Thunder Dragon. You will then drive for about an hour alongside mountains, rivers, and fields of red rice to Thimphu, the capital city.; The magnificent 169-foot-tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop at Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the Thimphu Valley. From here, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Thimphu city. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and to bring peace to the world. The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch-tall Buddha statues of the same type. Construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015 after almost ten years. The total cost of the entire project is well over US$100 million.; Dochu La Pass - 3,150 m/10,335 ft above sea level: About a 45-minute drive from Thimphu towards Punakha is a mountain pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters above sea level, from where you can see, on a clear day, some of the highest peaks of Bhutan. Before the construction of the beautiful 108 Druk Wangyal Choetens (stupas) in 2004, this mountain pass remained a sacred place blessed by the famous Buddhist saint Lam Drukpa Kuenley in the late 15th century.; Chhime Lhakhang is located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha. You have to walk 20-30 minutes through beautiful terraced paddy fields and traditional farmhouses to reach the temple. The history of Chime Lhakhang is associated with the 16th-century Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who was affectionately known as the "Divine Madman" for his improper behaviour and outrageous ways of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession by exhibiting his intense desire for sex. He would often use the phallus as a tool to subdue evil spirits. Using the phallus was also intended to free up the social inhibitions enforced by socially established values. Today, one of the relics of Chime Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred, particularly for women who cannot conceive a child, as it is believed to bring fertility and the ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chhime Lhakhang the "Temple of Fertility". Lama Drukpa Kuenley built a small black stupa on this hilltop to mark the burial site of demons he managed to subdue after chasing them from Dochula Pass, where the monsters were terrorizing travellers. Even today, this black stupa can be seen just outside the main temple. Lama Ngawang Chogyel, the younger brother of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, built the present temple in 1499 AD.; The historic Punakha Dzong was initially known as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang, meaning the "Palace of Great Bliss". It was built in 1637 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, a Tibetan Buddhist master who came to Bhutan in 1616 and founded the nation-state of Bhutan, on a slight stretch of land where the rivers Phochu and Mochu converge. Punakha Dzong is the second-oldest and second-largest Dzong in Bhutan. The sacred wall paintings and major artifacts inside the Dzong, along with the intricate woodwork and architectural structure, display a fine example of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship, which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture even today.; The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro, just above the Rinpung Dzong, the administrative headquarters of the Paro district. It is housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means "watchtower fortress"), built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks, including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry, and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the country's rich cultural traditions.; Paro Rinpung Dzong (Rinpung Dzong means "fortress of the heap of jewels") was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and established as the administrative and monastic centre of the western region. Today, the Dzong serves as the governor's office of the Paro district and the head of the district monk body in Paro. A great annual festival known as Paro Tsechu is held in Rinpung Dzong from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar, usually in March or April of the Gregorian calendar. On this occasion, holy images are taken in procession, followed by a series of traditional mask dances conveying religious stories, which monks perform for five days. After visiting the Dzong, take a short walk to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge called Nemeyzampa, where your driver will be waiting. This roofed wooden cantilever bridge is built in a classic style, and this type of bridge is called Bazam.; The history of Taktsang is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. It is not only considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan but also a must-visit place for tourists.
About Punakha
Punakha
Become one with the Bhutanese Himalaya in earthy Punakha, where age old temples meet the gushing waterfalls of the mountains and local guides showcase the ancestral Dzongs of the nation’s kings.
What's Included
- Rooms in a 3-star hotel/resort
- All meals in 3-star or other local restaurants
- Luxury private transfer (SUV)
- Cultural program for groups of more than 8 pax
- Tourist SIM card with 4G
- All hotel taxes and service charges
- Services of an English-speaking local Bhutanese tour guide
- Bottled mineral water
- Visa processing, including government royalty and taxes
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Local Bhutanese dress to wear
- Photographer for groups of more than 8 pax
Not Included
- Travel and medical insurance coverage
- Alcoholic beverages, internet, telephone, etc.
- Laundry, riding pony, tips, and other expenses of a personal nature
- Airfare to Bhutan
- Guide speaking other languages
Itinerary
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1Day 01
Arrival in Paro and Exploration of Thimphu
Start the tour after meeting your Thimphu tour guide and visit the capital city. Start the tour after meeting your Thimphu tour guide and visit the capital city. Head to the tallest Buddha statue in the world, located on a scenic hilltop overlooking the entire Thimphu Valley. Head to the tallest Buddha statue in the world, located on a scenic hilltop overlooking the entire Thimphu Valley. Visit the Jungshi handmade paper factory, which uses traditional methods to produce authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho. The Jungshi paper factory continues to preserve and promote this age-old Bhutanese tradition. It also produces various other products, such as stationery and greeting cards. Visit the Jungshi handmade paper factory, which uses traditional methods to produce authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho. The Jungshi paper factory continues to preserve and promote this age-old Bhutanese tradition. It also produces various other products, such as stationery and greeting cards. Later in the evening, visit Tashi Chho Dzong, the giant fortress that houses the office of the King. Later in the evening, visit Tashi Chho Dzong, the giant fortress that houses the office of the King. Roam around and explore the fascinating streets of Thimphu, the world's only capital city without traffic lights. Roam around and explore the fascinating streets of Thimphu, the world's only capital city without traffic lights. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
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2Day 02
Drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass
After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha Valley via the beautiful Dochu La Pass (3,150 m/10,335 ft). After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha Valley via the beautiful Dochu La Pass (3,150 m/10,335 ft). Before embarking on the 74 km road journey, which takes less than 3 hours under normal road conditions, pay a short visit to Buddha Point to pray for your safe journey ahead and enjoy the scenic view of Thimphu Valley below. Before embarking on the 74 km road journey, which takes less than 3 hours under normal road conditions, pay a short visit to Buddha Point to pray for your safe journey ahead and enjoy the scenic view of Thimphu Valley below. Visit Buddha Point - Buddha Dordhenma Statue. Visit Buddha Point - Buddha Dordhenma Statue. Drive to Dochula Pass and continue your journey towards Punakha. Drive to Dochula Pass and continue your journey towards Punakha. From Dochu La Pass, continue driving towards Punakha, passing through villages as the elevation drops gradually and the road winds through pine trees. As you reach the lower subtropical valley, you will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150 m just an hour and a half earlier to the subtropical valley at 1,200 m. From Dochu La Pass, continue driving towards Punakha, passing through villages as the elevation drops gradually and the road winds through pine trees. As you reach the lower subtropical valley, you will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150 m just an hour and a half earlier to the subtropical valley at 1,200 m. Arrive at Mesina or Lobesa, a small quaint town about 20 km before Punakha town, and visit a 15th-century Buddhist temple called Chhime Lhakhang. Arrive at Mesina or Lobesa, a small quaint town about 20 km before Punakha town, and visit a 15th-century Buddhist temple called Chhime Lhakhang. Transfer to your hotel, have lunch, and then visit the historic Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress. Transfer to your hotel, have lunch, and then visit the historic Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress. Head to your hotel and rest for a while before hitting the road towards the historic Punakha Dzong. Head to your hotel and rest for a while before hitting the road towards the historic Punakha Dzong. Visit the historic Punakha Dzong. Visit the historic Punakha Dzong.
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3Day 03
Khamsum Yulley Hike and Phobjikha Valley
After breakfast, head for a 1.5-hour hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Choeten. Located on a mountain ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha Valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples, monasteries, and Zangdogpelri (copper coloured mountains). It was built over a period of almost 20 years under the command of Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, one of the Grand Queen Mothers of Bhutan, and was consecrated in 1999. It takes only about 25 minutes to drive from the main town of Punakha to the nearest road point. After breakfast, head for a 1.5-hour hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Choeten. Located on a mountain ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha Valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples, monasteries, and Zangdogpelri (copper coloured mountains). It was built over a period of almost 20 years under the command of Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, one of the Grand Queen Mothers of Bhutan, and was consecrated in 1999. It takes only about 25 minutes to drive from the main town of Punakha to the nearest road point. From there, cross a suspension bridge over the Punakha Mochu River (female river), and the trail takes you through paddy fields. Normally, it takes just 1.5 hours to reach the serene site of the marvellous Choeten. The view below is stunning, with the glacial-fed Mochu River snaking through the fertile valley of Punakha. From there, cross a suspension bridge over the Punakha Mochu River (female river), and the trail takes you through paddy fields. Normally, it takes just 1.5 hours to reach the serene site of the marvellous Choeten. The view below is stunning, with the glacial-fed Mochu River snaking through the fertile valley of Punakha. Later, after lunch, drive for around 3 hours to Phobjikha Valley, a vast U-shaped glacial valley also known as Gangteng Valley, named after the impressive Gangteng Monastery of the Nyingma sect in central Bhutan. This is where the graceful black-necked cranes in Bhutan (Grus nigricollis) from the Tibetan Plateau visit the valley. Gantey Nature Hike. Later, after lunch, drive for around 3 hours to Phobjikha Valley, a vast U-shaped glacial valley also known as Gangteng Valley, named after the impressive Gangteng Monastery of the Nyingma sect in central Bhutan. This is where the graceful black-necked cranes in Bhutan (Grus nigricollis) from the Tibetan Plateau visit the valley. Gantey Nature Hike. Distance: 69 km Time: 2 hours Phobjikha altitude: 3,000 m / 8,900 ft Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Choeten
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4Day 04
Return to Paro and Visit Its Cultural Landmarks
Head to the National Museum of Bhutan: Ta Dzong. Head to the National Museum of Bhutan: Ta Dzong. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong. Return to your hotel. Return to your hotel.
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5Day 05
Tiger's Nest Hike and Paro Heritage
After an early breakfast, head for a 4-5 hour hike to the famous Taktsang, or Tiger's Nest, which is located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rocky cliff in Paro. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the nearest roadhead. After an early breakfast, head for a 4-5 hour hike to the famous Taktsang, or Tiger's Nest, which is located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rocky cliff in Paro. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the nearest roadhead. After visiting Taktsang Monastery and enjoying a sumptuous lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria, hike downhill back to the road where your driver will be waiting, and then visit a farmhouse. After visiting Taktsang Monastery and enjoying a sumptuous lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria, hike downhill back to the road where your driver will be waiting, and then visit a farmhouse. If you are interested, you can also try a traditional hot stone bath. If you are interested, you can also try a traditional hot stone bath. If your schedule permits, visit the 7th-century Buddhist monastery, Kyichu Lhakhang. If your schedule permits, visit the 7th-century Buddhist monastery, Kyichu Lhakhang. Head to one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means "temple"), located just a few minutes' drive from the main town of Paro. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan and is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue the spirit of a giant demoness causing harm to the propagation of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. In order to subdue this demoness, King Songtsen Gampo was required to build 108 temples across the affected region. Bhutan is blessed with two of these 108 temples; the other is Jampa Lhakhang, located in the district of Bumthang in central Bhutan. Both temples were believed to have been built overnight. Head to one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means "temple"), located just a few minutes' drive from the main town of Paro. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan and is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue the spirit of a giant demoness causing harm to the propagation of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. In order to subdue this demoness, King Songtsen Gampo was required to build 108 temples across the affected region. Bhutan is blessed with two of these 108 temples; the other is Jampa Lhakhang, located in the district of Bumthang in central Bhutan. Both temples were believed to have been built overnight.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Paro, Bhutan · Tour start: Paro, Bhutan — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
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