Paro and Thimphu Insight Tour

3 Days

Activities

Cultural Tours
Maximum Altitude

3,120m/10,240 ft
Best season

March to May and September to November
Meals

Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Transportation

Private car, van or bus (Depends on group size)
Accomodation

Government approved 3 stars and Above
Tour type

Private Tour

Overview

Paro & Thimphu Insight Tour is all about exploring the urban Bhutan with it’s spectacular and stunning ancient architectures, monasteries dating back to as early at the 10th century. The tour is considered ideal for discovering Bhutan’s rich culture, tradition and religious inclinations and witness it’s natural beauty. It begins with after scenic flight over the Himalayas and landing at Paro then proceeding to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, en-route with visiting ancient monasteries, temples & fortresses until ending the tour at Paro. Overall, the tour is designed in such a way to get the optimum value of the time during a short stay and unleash the timeless wonders of the Dragon Kingdom.

Outline Itinerary of Paro and Thimphu Insight Tour:

Day 01: Arrival Paro (2250m) & transfer to Thimphu (2350m)
Day 02: Thimphu – Paro, Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)
Day 03: Paro – Depart

Highlights

Majestic views of the world’s highest peaks onboard flight to/from Paro and excitement level builds up as the plane cuts through different hills towards the deep valley of Paro.
Guided city tour of the tiny capital Thimphu.
Explore Paro exploding with colors and tradition
Visits to different dzongs, monasteries, temples & ancient fortresses
Discover rich Buddhist, Tibetan culture and traditions
Hike to the Taktsang Monastery “Tiger’s Nest” perched in a vertical cliff
Witness variety of floras and faunas
Experience the lifestyle and traditions followed by Bhutanese people

Paro and Thimphu Insight Tour Package Detailed Itinerary

Day
01

Arrival Paro (2250m) & transfer to Thimphu (2350m)

Arrive Paro by the Bhutanese National Carrier flying over the world’s highest mountains and finally landing at the lush green Paro valley. A cool and clean fresh air greets the visitor as stepping down from the plane, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing customs and visa formalities, meet the representatives and the Bhutanese guide, and a short tour brief by the guide then transfer to Paro town for lunch.

Then drive towards Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan) which is about an hour’s drive. In Thimphu, visit Buddha point for a stunning view of Thimphu city and Takin Compound: One the way to the Viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange looking beast which some say resembles a beestung moose. The Bhutanese have their own story to narrate about how the Takin was created by the Master Drukpa Kuenley (the divine madman).

Later on, visit Tashi Choe Dzong: The fortress of the glorious religion was initially constructed in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960s. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum. (Both open Mon-Fri). Brush shoulders with the everyday Bhutanese grocery shopping for local produce at the Centenary Farmers Market (Open Fri – Sun). Also see the new authentic craft bazaar (Close on Tue) of 80 stalls showcasing works by artisans from rural areas will showcase. Overnight at Hotel (Lunch/Dinner included)
Day
02

Thimphu – Paro, Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)

After breakfast drive back to Paro and further drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. It’s about two hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in 8th century. Then visit the Taktsang Monastery and hike back to the road point then drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan.

Also visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan; the Dzong continues its age-old function as the seat of the district administration, district court and the monastic body. The southern approach to the Dzong has a traditional roofed cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day
03

Paro – Depart

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains. (Breakfast only included)

Includes

Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
Accommodation in 3, 4 or 5 stars accommodation as per your requirements.
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
Drinking water
All internal taxes and charges
Monuments entrance fees where applicable
A sustainable development fee of $100 per person per night. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)

Excludes

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.

Note

On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to providing breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on a usage basis.