Explore Bhutan: Traditions, Temples, and Scenic Trails

Explore Bhutan: Traditions, Temples, and Scenic Trails

  • Duration5 Days
  • Trip GradeEasy
  • Maximum Altitude2,500 m
  • Best SeasonAutumn Spring Winter Summer
  • Trip styleTour
  • Start/EndKathmandu

About Explore Bhutan: Traditions, Temples, and Scenic Trails

Your journey begins with arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal, where you’ll transfer to your hotel and have time to rest or explore the city briefly. The next day, you’ll take an early flight to Paro, Bhutan, and drive to Thimphu, visiting landmarks like Buddha Dordenma and Memorial Chorten before enjoying an evening walk in the town. On the following day, dressed in traditional Bhutanese attire, you’ll explore Thimphu’s cultural and artistic sites, including the Folk Heritage Museum, Zorig Chusum, Paper Factory, Zilukha Nunnery, and Takin Preservation Center, then drive back to Paro to visit Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong. Day four is dedicated to hiking the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched on a cliff with spectacular valley views, with an optional mini-hike for those seeking a shorter trek. On the final day, you’ll transfer to Paro Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu and connect to your onward journey, carrying with you the serene spirit of Bhutan.

Good to Know

Experience Kathmandu’s vibrant culture and streets.

Visit Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, and explore Thimphu’s cultural sites.

Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in Paro.

Discover Paro Dzong and the National Museum (Ta Dzong).

Enjoy Bhutanese traditions, crafts, and local markets, with scenic Himalayan views.

Itinerary

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Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in and rest. Depending on your arrival time, you may have a short exploration of the local area.

Itinerary:

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu: Meet your guide and transfer to hotel.

Hotel Check-in & Refresh

Optional Evening Walk or Sightseeing: Explore nearby streets, shops, or local cafes.

Overnight: Kathmandu

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBLD

Early morning flight from Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan. On arrival, meet your Bhutanese guide at Paro International Airport, where you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and stunning Himalayan views on clear days. From Paro, enjoy a beautiful 1-hour drive to Thimphu, the capital city. After checking into your hotel, sightseeing will be based on your arrival time.

Itinerary

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Flight from Kathmandu to Paro: Arrive in Paro and meet your Bhutanese guide.

Arrival at Paro Airport: Meet your guide at the terminal exit holding your nameplate.

Drive to Thimphu (1 hour): Enjoy scenic valley and river views while traveling to the capital.

Hotel Check-in & Refresh

Visit Buddha Dordenma (time permitting): Explore the 51m Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu Valley, including its inner chapel filled with thousands of Buddha statues.

Visit Memorial Chorten: A revered stupa frequently visited by Bhutanese devotees.

Evening Walk in Thimphu Town: Explore the charming city center, cafés, and markets.

Overnight in Thimphu

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBLD

Begin the morning by dressing in Bhutan’s traditional attire Gho for men and Kira for women. Today you’ll dive into Bhutan’s cultural and artistic heritage before returning to Paro.

Itinerary

Breakfast at Hotel

Wear Traditional Dress (Gho/Kira): Experience Bhutanese culture firsthand.

Folk Heritage Museum: Learn about traditional Bhutanese lifestyle and rural history.

Zorig Chusum (Institute of 13 Arts & Crafts): See students preserving Bhutan’s ancient arts like painting, sculpture, and weaving.

Paper Factory: Witness traditional paper-making techniques.

Zilukha Nunnery: Peaceful monastery with views of Thimphu.

Takin Preservation Center: Home to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin.

Lunch in Thimphu

Drive to Paro (1 hr)

Hotel Check-in at Paro & Refresh

Visit Paro Dzong: A historic fortress-monastery with traditional Bhutanese architecture.

Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum): Explore Bhutanese art, history, and artifacts.

Evening Walk in Paro Town

Overnight in Paro

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBLD

Start your day with a drive to Paro’s upper valley, where on clear days you’ll see stunning views of Mount Chomolhari. From the trailhead, begin your hike to Bhutan’s most iconic monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff almost 2,700 ft above the valley floor.

Itinerary

Breakfast at Hotel

Drive to Tiger’s Nest Trailhead: Scenic Mountain and forest views.

Hike to Taktsang Monastery: Walk through blue pine forests to reach the famous cliffside monastery.

Tea & Snacks at Viewpoint Teahouse: Enjoy your break with a spectacular view of Tiger’s Nest.

Explore Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Learn about Guru Rinpoche’s legendary arrival on a flying tiger.

Descend to Trailhead & Drive Back to Paro

Souvenir Shopping in Paro Town

Optional: Mini-Hike to Singay Dra (Mini Tiger’s Nest) for those unable to complete the main hike.

Overnight in Paro

ue your onward journey.

    Conclude your Bhutan journey and continue your onward travel via Kathmandu.

    Itinerary:

    Breakfast at Hotel

    Transfer to Paro Airport: Your guide will assist with luggage and departure procedures.

    Flight from Paro to Kathmandu

    Connect to Your Onward Flight from Kathmandu: Continue your journey to your next destination, carrying the serene spirit of Bhutan with you.

      Cost Details

      Included

      • Hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis in a 3-star hotel with breakfast
      • All entrance fees in Nepal
      • All transportation for the entire trip with A/C
      • Professional English-speaking guide
      • One Nepali dinner with cultural dance show

      Not Included

      • International Ticket
      • All personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, etc
      • Tips for guide and driver
      • Mountain flight, etc.
      • Lunch and dinner

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