Paro- Thimphu City Tour

Trip Introduction

Having the sole international airport of Bhutan, Paro is the only gateway to enter Bhutan via. Flight. Paro is the most historic valley in Bhutan, that house many sacred sites and historical buildings such as the famous sacred Buddhist monasteries- Paro Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest), entire history, and hundreds of ancient artworks of Kingdom’s in the National Museums of Bhutan- Ta Dzong, 17th-century fortress that have defense Bhutan from numerous Tibetan’s invasions and many more. The sleepy streets of Paro are adorned with colorful wooden shops, traditionally decorated buildings, and dzongs.

Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and largest city, is the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. Despite being the most modern city of Bhutan, Thimphu has a stronghold of Bhutanese traditional arts, architecture, and culture. They are fully reflected in Thimphu’s literature, religion, customs and national dress code, the monastic practices of the monasteries, music, and dance. The city is home to many important government buildings of Bhutan such as the National Assembly, Changlimithnag National Stadium, Royal Botanical Garden as well as dzongs, chortens, and monasteries such as Great Buddha Dordenma (also known as the “Big Buddha Statue”), Memorial Chortens, Tashichho Dzong and many more. The city also hosts an important masked dance festival of Bhutan, Tshechu in the courtyards of Tashichho dzong.

Trip Highlights

Scenic flight to Himalayan Kingdom’s green valley, Paro.
Overlook the entire Thimphu valley from the viewpoint of Great Buddha Dordenma.
Visit ancient monasteries, dzong, fortresses and learn about Buddhist culture and tradition.
Learn the whole history of the Kingdom in Ta dzong- The National Museum of Bhutan.
Hike up to the mountain to the iconic Paro Taktsang Monastery.
Soak in Bhutan’s rich and unique Buddhist culture and tradition.

Brief Itinerary

Day	Activities
1.	Arrival in Paro Airport, Bhutan, and transfer to the capital city of Bhutan-Thimphu and sightseeing
2.	Full-day Thimphu sightseeing.
3.	Drive from Thimphu to Paro and sightseeing
4.	Hike to Paro Taktsang and free day
5.	Departure

Itinerary

Departure from : Kathmandu, Nepal

Arrival On : Kathmandu, Nepal

Day 1

Arrive at Paro airport, Bhutan, and transfer to Thimphu with half-day sightseeing.

On arrival at Paro International Airport (PBH), complete the formalities (Arrival visa). You will be greeted with a warm smile and escorted to Hotel in Thimphu by our representative. It is approximately a 1.5hrs drive from Paro to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way to Thimphu, you will get to see the fascinating valley of Paro; rice fields, apple orchards, and farmhouses. On arrival at Thimphu, check into your hotel. Have some rest. Evening, you will go the Thimphu sightseeing.

You will go to Kuenselphodrang to visit the giant golden Great Buddha Dordenma, commonly known as the “Big Buddha Statue”. It is one of the greatest monuments which is 51m tall, that guards the entrance to the Thimphu valley. You can see the whole Thimphu valley and mountain peaks from the Kuenselphodrang viewpoint.

Dinner and Overnight stay at Thimphu Hotel.

Day 2

Full-day sightseeing in Thimphu.

After enjoying breakfast, you will set out to explore Thimphu. Thimphu is Bhutan’s capital and is the only large settlement in Bhutan.

First, you’ll visit the Memorial Chorten (Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk’s Memorial Chorten), built-in 1974 to memorialize the end of the reign of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk popularly known as “Father of Modern Bhutan”.

After that, you will visit Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) built-in 1641. You will see the King’s throne, the King’s office, the Secretariat office, and the central body of the monk in the dzong.

Following, you can go to the Centenary Farmers Market which is open from Thursday to Sunday only. It is the point used to buy and sell foodstuff, local arts and crafts.

If interested, you can go to Changlimithang National Stadium to watch the national game of Bhutan i.e., Archery Match. After finishing sightseeing you will return to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Thimphu Hotel.

Day 3

Drive from Thimphu to Paro and half-day Paro sightseeing.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and you will drive to Paro. It is a 4-5hrs of drive from Punakha to Paro. On arrival at Paro valley, check into the hotel. Get fresh up, have lunch and we will go to visit Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th century ruined fortress where the Bhutanese got victory over Tibetan’s attack. It is also a famous archeological site in Bhutan. Mt. Jomolhari (7,320m) can be seen from the Dzong in clear weather.

Proceeding from there you will visit Ta dzong- The National Museum of Bhutan. Explore and learn the whole history of Bhutan in the museum.

After that, you will take a short walk to Rinpung Dzong, the administrative center and school for monks. From the Dzong, you can walk down to the oldest bridge of Bhutan, the Rinpung Bridge.

After the sightseeing. You will return to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Paro hotel.

Day 4

Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Breakfast in the hotel, today you will go for a hike to Taktsang Monastery. It is the most sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the country, perched on a cliff 900m above the Paro valley. It was built by the Bhutanese ruler Tenzin Rabgye on the site of the meditations cave of Guru Rinpoche who converted Paro valley to Buddhism. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown over there sitting on the back of Tigress and meditated for 3 months. So, this monastery is also called “Tiger’s Nest Monastery”. It takes 2hrs to reach the closest monastery viewpoint at the top of the hill and then 1hr to reach the monastery. Exploring the monastery, you will descend to the valley.

On your way back you will pay a visit to Bhutan’s oldest temple, Kyichu Monastery. With this, you will head back to the hotel. Free for the rest of the time.

Dinner and overnight at Paro hotel.

Day 5

Departure.

Today is your final day in Bhutan. After having breakfast, check out from the hotel, and you will be escorted to the airport 3 hours before your flight time. Until the flight time free to explore around the valley.

Route Map

Altitude Map

What's Included

All pickup, drop-off, transfer, and sightseeing in Pvt. Basis.
2 nights’ Accommodation in the star category hotel in Paro. (Twin sharing basis)
2 nights’ Accommodation in the star category hotel in Thimphu. (Twin sharing basis)
3-time meal a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
All the Paro and Thimphu sightseeing is included in the itinerary.
All Permit and Entrance fees.
All government and local taxes.
Local guide/Diver guide and support staff.
Drinking water: A mineral water bottle per person per day.
Comprehensive Medical kit.
A Tourist Sim card for a group.

What's Not Included

Air Fare: International flight ticket.
Bhutan Tourist Visa fee. (Bhutan Tourist visa must be applied through a tour operator/travel agency of Bhutan registered with the Tourism Council of Bhutan and Ministry of Foreign Affair)
Travel Insurance and Personal expenses such as international telephone bills, laundry, liquor, etc.
The expense of any Extra activities which are not included in the itinerary.

Equipment List

What to bring ?

General

Tailor Your Holiday

Everyone has their own preferences in terms of destination, journey time, and budget. As a result, sticking to our plan isn't necessary. We will create a personalized itinerary for you that includes accommodations, transportation, meals, and tour guides. We guarantee you the best Tailor-made Package because this is your trip. You have the option to personalize it, as your liking. Let us Plan together to make your Vacation worth it.

Customize My Trip