Paro and Thimpu Tour 3 Nights/4 Days

Overview

Embark on a remarkable journey through Bhutan, known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique Buddhist heritage. This 4-day itinerary allows you to explore the iconic sites of Paro and Thimphu, immersing yourself in the traditional arts, architecture, and remote beauty of this Himalayan kingdom. Experience the warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people as you visit ancient monasteries, markets, and majestic dzongs.

Tour Highlights

Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong): Visit this architectural gem with rich history, situated on a hill overlooking the Paro River.
National Museum of Bhutan: Explore diverse exhibits, including traditional art, textiles, and historical artifacts.
Thimphu Sightseeing:
- School of Traditional Painting: Observe the craftsmanship of Bhutan’s art forms.
- Memorial Chorten: Pay respects at a memorial dedicated to the third king of Bhutan.
- Tashichhoe Dzong: Discover this beautiful fortress housing government offices and the central monk body.
- Takin Preserve: See Bhutan's national animal in its natural environment.
Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger's Nest Monastery): Hike to the famous monastery perched on a cliff, revered for its stunning views and historical significance linked to Guru Padmasambhava.
Kichu Lhakhang: Visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century.
Local Markets: Engage with Bhutanese culture at the Centenary Farmers' Market, experiencing the vibrant local produce and community spirit.
Craft Shopping: Explore local handicrafts, textiles, and artworks, perfect for souvenirs.

Price Starting From

$ 1015

Best Time to Travel

Fall Season (September & November)

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Paro

Arrival Paro, meet and greet by our guide Transfer to Hotel: Drive to your hotel; enjoy refreshments or lunch.

Afternoon sightseeing tour to Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong):Discover this historic fortress known as the "fortress that sits on a heap of jewels." Explore its stunning architecture, including its inward-sloping walls and impressive heights. Learn about its foundation by Guru Rinpoche and its historical significance in Bhutan.

Nyamai Zampa: Walk to this traditional cantilever bridge, regarded as one of the oldest in Bhutan. National Museum: Visit the museum, initially a watchtower for the dzong, showcasing a vast collection of antique thankha paintings, textiles, weapons, and armor.

Evening Leisure: Stroll around Paro town, where you can mingle with locals and shop for artisanal goods. Dinner: Enjoy local cuisine at your hotel. Overnight in Paro.

Day 02: Paro to Thimphu (54 km, approx. 1 hour)

After breakfast check out and drive to Tjhimpu and check into your hotel. After lunch proceed for tour to School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts: Observe students engaged in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

Centenary Farmers' Market (if visiting from Thursday to Sunday): Experience a vibrant weekend market where local farmers sell fresh produce, cheeses, and crafts.

Memorial Chorten: Visit this important monument built in memory of the third king, King Jigme Dorji Wang chuck. Tashichhoe Dzong: Explore this impressive fortress that serves as the seat of the government and central monastic body.

Takin Preserve: Visit the sanctuary housing Bhutan's national animal, the Takin, which can weigh up to 550 pounds. Changankha Lhakhang: Discover this historic temple, regarded as the spiritual home for children born in Chang valley.

Kuenselphodrang: Admire the largest Buddha statue in the country and enjoy views of Thimphu Valley. Craft Bazaar: Stroll through the bazaar where local artisans display and sell their crafts.

Government-run Handicrafts Emporium: Browse through examples of Bhutanese traditional arts. Evening Leisure: Explore Thimphu town and visit local handicraft stores for souvenirs.

Dinner: Savor Bhutanese dishes at your hotel. Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Paro and Hike to Taktsang Goempa (Tiger's Nest Monastery)

After breakfast check out and drivee back to Paro. Hike to Taktsang Monastery which is approximately 3 hours total (1.5 hours to get to the viewpoint and another 1.5 hours to reach the monastery). Viewpoint: Enjoy spectacular views of the monastery perched on a cliff. Monastery History: Learn about its significance linked to Guru Padmasambhava and the legends surrounding its establishment in the 8th century.

Lunch: Have lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria after your hike. Back to Paro and continue the tour to Kichu Lhakhang which is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built by King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century. Understand its historical importance and connection to the spread of Buddhism in the region.

Evening Relaxation. Return to your hotel and unwind after a day of exploration. Dinner: Enjoy a comforting meal at your hotel. Overnight in Paro.

Day 04: Departure from Paro

Early breakfast at hotel, check out and transfer to airport for the flight back home or next destination.

Excludes and Includes

Price Inclusions

01 Night accommodation in Thimpu
02 Nights accommodation in Paro
Daily breakfast & dinner at hotel.
Lunch at selected local restaurant during the tour
Private transportation throughout the tour.
English-speaking guide for all sightseeing.
Entry fees to all mentioned attractions.
Bhutan Visa
Applicable local taxes & service fees

Price Exclusions

Airfare: Kathmandu – Paro– Kathmandu (Fare as per availability).
Travel insurance.
Expenses during any rescue operation.
Nepal re-entry visa fee.
Alcoholic beverages & bar bills.
All expenses of personal nature, phone calls, laundry etc.
Gratuity to staff.
Services of Porterage and other vehicles in between in case of landslides and other natural calamities beyond our control and expenses incurred during rescue services.
Services not mentioned here in.

Notes

Tour Booking

Obtaining a tourist visa for Bhutan is straightforward; applications are processed in 2-3 working days.

Travel must be booked through a local tour operator or an international partner. The operator will handle
Flight bookings
Internal transport
Accommodations
Meal arrangements
Coordination of a licensed tour guide

Payment Policy

Full payment must be made before the visa can be processed, ideally two weeks before departure, via wire transfer to the tour operator’s account.

Visa Formalities

All visitors except Indian nationals require a visa, issued from Thimphu.
Visas are granted only to tourists booked through a licensed tour operator, who will submit the visa application.
The visa will be stamped in your passport at your point of entry after payment is confirmed.
Submit a clear copy of your passport (full page) to your tour operator for the application.

Passport Validity

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates; otherwise, renewal is necessary.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation must be notified in writing (email or fax).
info@rtt.com.np/ magar.kamal2011@gmail.com

Charges apply for cancellations as follows:

More than 30 days before: Free
Within 21 days: 25% of the cost
Within 15 days: 50% of the cost
Within 10 days: 100% of the cost

Delayed Arrival/Departure

No charges for delays due to weather or roadblocks, but tourists must cover their own food, accommodation, and transport during delays.

Internet Access

Free Wi-Fi is available in tourist-rated hotels (not in farmhouses).
4G connections are available with a Bhutan SIM card. Providers: B-Mobile and Tashi Cell.

Electricity/Power Plugs

Voltage: 220 Volts (from hydroelectric plants) with electricity access at all sites.
Use a universal power adapter due to varying plugs and sockets.

Bhutan Time: Time zone: GMT +6