Bhutan Highlights Tour trekking in Bhutan – AME Treks
Easy Bhutan Himalayas 3 Days Signature Journey

Bhutan Highlights Tour

Paro-Thimpu-Paro

4.9/5 (156 reviews)
5000 trekkers hosted
Book this tour — From $750 Customize This Trip
Duration
3 Days
Max Altitude
3120
Difficulty
Easy
Best Season
March to May and October to December
Group Size
2–12 People
Accommodation
Tea Houses

Product Description

A fuller introduction to the route, pace, terrain, and overall trip style.

Bhutan Highlights Tour is a short yet a very fulfilling 2 nights, 3 days tour of Bhutan that helps you discover the essence of Bhutan. On this 3-day guided journey, you will tour the charming towns of Paro and Thimpu, and experience the unique blend of enchanting natural beauty, spirituality and cultural heritage that the country offers to its quick visitors. 

The sites included in this short Bhutan tour are meticulously handpicked to offer a well-rounded insight into the country’s cultural, natural and historical highlights. The sites, the Great Buddha Dordenma and the Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger’s Nest), highlight the country's deep spiritual devotion and a harmonious blend of tradition, art and awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape. The Royal Takin Preserve, showcasing its unique national animal, the Takin in its natural habitat, highlights the nation’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Similarly, Kyichu and Tachog Lhakhang highlight Bhutan’s ancient spiritual heritage, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and sacred legends. Likewise, Tashichho Dzong, serving as both a religious center and the seat of the country’s administration, highlights Bhutan’s unique fusion of spiritual devotion and governance. To top up the experience, a visit to traditional farmhouse is also included in the package, which allows the visitor to gain first-hand experience of Bhutanese rural life, connect with local families, taste home-cooked, authentic Bhutanese cuisine, engage in cultural practices and witness the Bhutanese hospitality that is not found in typical tourist setting. For more details, please refer to the detailed itinerary.  

This 3-day Bhutan Tour starts and ends in Paro. You will spend one night in Thimpu and the other in Paro. After arriving in Paro by flight, you will first drive to Thimpu to explore its highlights, before exploring the attraction of Paro. It’s an all-inclusive (meals, accommodation, transportation and entrance fees) package that will be guided by an English-speaking Bhutanese guide. However, should you prefer a tailored itinerary or package, we would be happy to understand your specifications and assist you plan your tour accordingly. 

While the tour is available year-round, this 3-day Bhutan tour is at its finest between March-May and October-December- making these months the perfect time to visit. 

The two cities included in the itinerary also host the country’s traditional and important festivals, such as Paro Tshechu in Paro and Rhododendron Festival, Thimphu Drubchen, Thimpu Tshechu, Jhomolhari Mountain Festival, Dechenphu Tshechu and Druk Wangyel Tshechu in Thimpu. If you prefer any of these festivals to be included in your upcoming Bhutan tour itinerary, please let us know, and we’ll be glad to customize the journey to suit your interests. 

Talking about the suitability of this 2 nights, 3 days Bhutan Tour package, it’s carefully curated to offer the perfect balance of cultural depth, scenic beauty and personalized experiences- making it an ideal choice for people with a wide range of interests, physical ability and budget- seeking an unforgettable journey through Bhutan. Additionally, if you are one flight away from this country and are on limited time, this makes a perfect peaceful weekend getaway. And, if you are already taking a tour in its neighbouring countries, such as Nepal, India, Bangladesh or other countries in South Asia, this makes just the right side-trip. 

Planning to spend more or less than 3 days in Bhutan? Explore the range of Bhutan tour options we offer. 

Have a group or are interested in joining an existing group? Enjoy a special group rate

Trip Includes

  • Complimentary drop off and pickup service in Kathmandu before and after Bhutan flights (if flying from to Bhutan from Kathmandu)
  • Meet and greet service with airport shuttle service (both ways) in Bhutan (private vehicle)
  • All other transportation in Bhutan, as per the itinerary (private vehicle)
  • Accommodation in A Category hotel on twin sharing basis. Single supplement applicable for single room. Premium upgrades available at additional cost.
  • Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Guidance of English-speaking, experienced and knowledgeable Bhutanese guide
  • All applicable activity and entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Bhutan Visa and necessary travel permits (including assistance with visa application process)
  • All mandatory taxes, including a USD 100 per night Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

Trip Excludes

  • Nepal or any other country's visa
  • Accommodation, meals and transportation (except for Bhutan flights) in Nepal. Can be arranged at additional cost.
  • Cost of flight Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu. (Flight arrangements from Nepal and other international cities are available at an additional charge, based on availability.)
  • Airport transfer service for Bhutan flights in cities outside Nepal. 
  • Personal expenses, like alcoholic/non-alcholic drinks, extra meals, snacks, laundry service, Sim card service, internet service outside the hotel as well as phone call service etc. 
  • Cost of extra luggage levied Bhutan flights
  • Cost of entrance fees and activities (such as rafting, hot stone bath, archery etc) not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Any additional expenses occurred due to natural disaster or unforeseen circumstances
  • Travel insurance that covers trip cancellation/interruption and emergency medical costs
  • Tips (as an appreciation) to the service providers

Trip Snapshot

Route
Himalayas, Bhutan
Trip Style
Tea Houses
Best Months
March to May and October to December
Next Start
Private dates on request

Why Book With AME

Well-paced itinerary with acclimatization-friendly flow

Licensed local guides, porter support, and 24/7 operations team

Private customization available for pace, dates, and comfort level

Gallery

Trail gallery

A quick look at the landscapes, lodges, and trail atmosphere before you move into the itinerary.

Bhutan Highlights Tour – trekking scenery

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Day-by-day itinerary and pacing

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Bhutan Highlights Tour – Day-by-Day Itinerary

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  1. Altitude Paro: 2,200m

    Altitude Thimpu: 2,300m

    Distance: 54 kilometers approx.

    Driving Time: 1.5 hours 

    Experience one of the world’s most scenic landings, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Upon touch down at the Paro International Airport and after airport immigration and customs formalities, meet your tour guide outside the arrival area and receive a traditional welcome to the country. 

    Enjoying a drive along the Paro and Thimpu River and taking in the stunning views of the terraced fields, traditional farmhouses and mountains in the distance get transferred to the capital of the country, Thimpu, in a private vehicle. On the way stop to visit Tachog/Tamchog Lhakhang - a 15th century temple built at the base of the mountain along the Paro-Thimpu highway. The temple was built by a saint-engineer Thangton Gyalpo, famed as the  ‘Iron Bridge Builder’. It’s a spiritual vision site that commemorates Thangton Gyalpo’s divine encounter with Balaha,”the Excellent Horse”- an emanation of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Today the site stands as a testament to a profound spiritual vision and remarkable engineering feat by Thangton Gyalpo.

    Once in Thimpu, check into the lodge and set out to visit other highlights of the capital such as:

    The Great Buddha Dordenma- Situated atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, this monumental statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is one of the must-see attractions in Thimpu for a number of reasons. First, the statue was commissioned to honor the 60th birthday of the 4th King (Jigme Singye Wangchuck) of Bhutan. Second, the Statue- made of bronze and gilded in gold, ranks among the largest (54m/177ft) Buddha Statues globally. The intricate carvings and mandalas, along with the presence of 125,000 smaller Buddha statues—each meticulously crafted from bronze and gilded in gold—also makes this a true masterpiece of art. Third, the location offers a very beautiful panoramic view of the Thimpu Valley. However, most importantly, it is a sacred site that fulfills prophecies dating back to the 8th and 20th centuries, symbolizing peace and blessings for the world. This statue complex is open to visitors from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. 

    The Royal Takin Preserve - Located  in Motithang, Thimphu, this preserve is home to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, which is an endangered species found only in Eastern Himalayas. This peaceful sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation of the Takin also offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the deep connection between its culture and nature. Apart from sighting the Takins roaming freely amidst the lush greenery, a walk on the well-maintained path of the preserve also offers a unique photography and wildlife, flora and fauna observation opportunity. The preserve is open to visitors from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

    Tashichho Dzong: It’s a fortress-monastery built in the 13th century. In the present day, it houses the Throne of the King, the Cabinet Secretariat and the central monastic body. The dzong offers a glimpse of Bhutan’s traditional architecture, rich spiritual heritage and the harmonious blend of religion and governance. The best time to visit this dzong is in the evening around sunset, when you can witness the flag lowering ceremony and when the dzong is illuminated creating a magical ambiance. The dzong is open to visitors from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

    After visiting these sites, spend the evening either at leisure or exploring the local market and streets. Get back to the hotel in Thimpu for overnight stay.

    Meals: Lunch and Dinner 

  2. Altitude Thimpu: 2,300m

    Altitude Paro: 2,200m

    Distance Thimpu to Paro: 54 kms approx

    Driving Time: 1.5 hrs

    Altitude Tiger’s Nest: 3,120m

    After breakfast at the hotel in Thimpu, enjoy the scenic drive back to Paro. It’s about a 1.5 hour drive before the driver drops you off at Ramthangkha, the trail head of the Taktsang Monastery’s hike, located roughly 12 kilometers from the town of Paro. The hiking journey begins shortly. 

    The Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger’s Nest hike is a moderate, approximately 4 kilometers-one way (approximately 2 hours each way) hike that takes hikers through the forest of pine and along the ridges. The hikers will briefly stop at the Taktsang Cafeteria, which offers a panoramic view of the monastery that sits on a cliff at the elevation of 3,120 meters and beckons, inviting exploration. Admiring the view, the hikers will continue to hike to the monastery. After reaching the Tiger’s Nest, the hiker will explore the site and then hike back down to the cafeteria for lunch. After lunch, the hikers will head back down to parking located near the trailhead. 

    The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Bhutan. It is a revered Vajrayana Buddhist temple and monastery complex closely associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and is also one of the most sacred sites in the country. According to legends, Padmasambhava, who is believed to have meditated, taught and practiced Vajrayana Buddhism here in the 8th century arrived at this site on the back of a flying tigress, giving the monastery its iconic nickname, ‘the Tiger’s Nest’. The monastery, however, was first built in 1692 around the Taktsang Senge Samdup Cave and till date remains a major pilgrimage destination. 

    After the hike, visit other major attractions of Paro, such as:

    Kiychu Lhakhang, a 7th century temple built by the famous Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The temple is believed to be one of the 108 temples built by Songtsen Gampo across the Himalayas, to  subdue the power of a demoness who hindered the spreading of Buddhism. 

    Traditional Farmhouse: It’s a beautifully preserved and functioning rural home that reflects the country's unique vernacular architecture, cultural values and rural life. Visit these homes to savor authentic Bhutanese cuisine, engage with local families, participate in traditional farming activities and experience Bhutanese hospitality. Some farmhouses also offer experiences like archery, cooking classes and traditional hot stone baths, if you’d like to experience these activities. Get back to the hotel for overnight stay.  

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

  3. After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to bid farewell to this magical country. Thus, as per your airport reporting time, you will be transferred to the Paro International Airport to help you board the  flight to your onward destination. However, if you have some leisure time before leaving Bhutan, you can spend it best by exploring the local markets for souvenirs- you will love both the collection and the experience.

    Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary PDF

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Bhutan Highlights Tour – Dates & Pricing

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Trip Includes & Excludes

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Not Included

Personal extras and excluded services can be reviewed with our team before you confirm your booking.

Before you book

Travel insurance, personal mountain gear, and international flights are usually arranged separately. If you want help reviewing gear or insurance before you book, our team is happy to guide you.

Bhutan Highlights Tour – Frequently Asked Questions

Practical planning questions generated from this route, itinerary, and trip setup.

The Bhutan Highlights Tour is generally planned as a Moderate tour in Bhutan, with route pacing, altitude gain, and overnight stops shaped around the published itinerary. If you want a lighter or more private pace, our team can usually customize the plan.

You should plan around 3 days for the full tour, including the published route flow, acclimatization needs, and arrival-to-departure logistics. If you need extra buffer days for weather or private extensions, we can map that out before booking.

This journey reaches around 3120 and is usually best enjoyed in March to May and October to December. Trail conditions in Bhutan can change quickly with weather, so we recommend preparing for cool mornings, layered clothing, and flexible mountain timing.

The advertised rate starts from $750.00 and typically covers the main trip services such as guide support, accommodation, and the core logistics listed in the itinerary. Items commonly handled separately include international flights, insurance, and personal spending, unless your custom quote says otherwise.

The Bhutan Highlights Tour is a strong fit for travelers looking for small, flexible groups, local lodges and trek accommodation, and a guided Himalayan experience in Bhutan. If you are unsure about fitness, private departures, or the right route style, send us your preferred dates and we will guide you to the best option.

Useful Information

Extra planning notes, route expectations, and pre-trip guidance for this journey.

Travel insurance, personal mountain gear, and international flights are usually arranged separately. If you want help reviewing gear or insurance before you book, our team is happy to guide you.

Recent guest reviews

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Great people who arranged my trip with in my budget

"Several months ago, a friend of mine came back from world-round-trip and said, “A.B.C trekking is what you cannot see in any other places but Nepal”, and excitingly showed me a lot of incredibly beautiful pictures from t..."

"Several months ago, a friend of mine came back from world-round-trip and said, “A.B.C trekking is what you cannot see in any other places but Nepal”, and excitingly showed me a lot of incredibly beautiful pictures from the mountain and the country, Nepal. The story he shared caught my heart and strongly made me want to visit this country. And now, I also strongly recommend this adventure into wild nature. This is the reason why I am here, coming back from 10days Annapurna base camp(A.B.C) to write a review for one of the best agency (Adventure Mountain Explore Treks & Expedition P. Ltd) in Kathmandu and for you. What I have found during this trip is that this trip is therapeutic, educational, and exciting. First of all, in the mountain area, there are no such things as mobile, familiar TV show, disturbing noise, and annoying friends. You are literally surrounded by nature and all you can trust is your guide and your heart. You also have much free time in the mountain, which makes you think a lot about your future. Second, trekking is educational. You may see a various people from around the world as well as local people. This, I believe, is the best way of getting to know each other, as you will see them again and again during the trail. Exchanging their personal story and back ground helps you grow your personality as well. Third, it is exciting. There is no question about it. When I saw the panorama view from A.B.C, I got so excited that I could not take my camera away (I am sure I took more than 100 pictures and video there). That was defiantly worth it. Now, I am going to share a bit about my trekking partner, my guide, Lok Bhatta. He is friendly guy. He is not only experienced guide, but he knows how he can entertain us during the whole trip. His caring and his humor take up my good memory of trip. Since Lok and I spent 11days together, it is no wonder we became a best friends. Also he persistently looks after me. When I wanted him to take pictures, he always s..."

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A Fantastic Experience!

"My mother and I arrived in Kathmandu with just 2 days to prepare for a trek around Annapurna Circuit. We feel very lucky to have met Mr. Tika Regmi and through Adventure Mountain Explore treks we were able to hire a port..."

"My mother and I arrived in Kathmandu with just 2 days to prepare for a trek around Annapurna Circuit. We feel very lucky to have met Mr. Tika Regmi and through Adventure Mountain Explore treks we were able to hire a porter-guide to facilitate exactly the kind of trek we wanted, a self-directed trek with Nepali assistance. Our porter-guide Sujan was a trusted and integral part of our little trekking party. He was very knowledgeable about the route, its hotels and side trips, and he even introduced us to local people and gave us interactions with local Nepalese that we could not have experienced on our own, like a tea in the home of a local family! We couldn’t be any more pleased with our trek. Shanna Simmons 1152 Crescent Avenue Klamath Falls, OR 97601 USA shannasimmons@hotmail.com"

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Eine Erfahrung, die wir nie vergessen werden!

"Urspruenglich hatten meine Freundin und ich geplant, das Annapurna Base Camp in Angriff zu nehmen, doch Tika Regmi, Direktor von Adventure Mountain Explore hat uns den Langtang Trek empfohlen. Es war definitive eine gute..."

"Urspruenglich hatten meine Freundin und ich geplant, das Annapurna Base Camp in Angriff zu nehmen, doch Tika Regmi, Direktor von Adventure Mountain Explore hat uns den Langtang Trek empfohlen. Es war definitive eine gute Entscheidung, in eine der weniger frequentierten Gegenden Nepals zu gehen, wo sich die Anzahl der Touristen in Grenzen haelt. Das Langtang Tal bietet sowohl eine beeindruckende Bergwelt als auch urspruengliche Doerfer und somit einen Einblick in die Lebensweise der Tamang. Der Hoehepunkt unserer 8 taegigen Tour war der Aufstieg auf den 4984 Meter hohen Tsergo Ri, der eine atemberaubende Panoramasicht auf weisse Bergriesen bietet. Auf Empfehlung der Company haben wir einen Guide und einen Traeger gebucht. Beide waren ausserst zuvorkommend und freundlich, stets hilfsbereit und ortskundig. Durch sie bekamen wir nicht nur tatkraeftige Unterstuetzung beim Tragen und Pfadfinden sondern auch Kontakt zu den Einheimischen sowie Einsicht in Kultur und Braeuche. Rico Grass & Tiziana Margelist 8050 Zuerich, Switzerlanda rchico7@hotmail.com"

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Lifetime experienced with Adventure Mountain Explore Treks.

"Thanks Tika We arrived in Kathmandu on November 4, 2011 with hopes to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek to Muktinah. We had no firm guide or porters arranged as yet but were lucky to stay at the Blue Horizon Hotel in Thamel..."

"Thanks Tika We arrived in Kathmandu on November 4, 2011 with hopes to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek to Muktinah. We had no firm guide or porters arranged as yet but were lucky to stay at the Blue Horizon Hotel in Thamel where we met Tika Regmi at the Hotel Blue Horizon. Tika is the director of Adventure Mountain Explore which wa located across the street. With Tika's expert help, our trek was arranged with an extraordinary guide, Sittal "Hom" Simkhada and two equally adept porters, Santosh Uperkoti and Sanjeep. Sittal knew the trail very well having done it more than 25 times. He provided information and insights about each peak and landmark along the way. He guided us up and down with care and confidence, setting a good pace that worked for each of us, our ages being 69, 67, and 30 years old. Sittal also got us to our teahouse rooms promptly and made sure we got our meals on time. We never had to ask for service; it was always provided with a smile. We enjoyed the camaraderie or our guide and porters and spent time playing cards together and exchanging stories. Clearly Sittal loved what he was doing and was experienced with every aspect of being a guide. When our daughter became ill along the way in Manang, Sittal conferred with Tika and we took an extra day to make sure all was well before continuing. There was no pressure to move on before we felt ready. When we reached the summit at Thorang la Pass we all celebrated together. It was a group achievement as well as a personal one for each of us. We are pleased to recommend Tika Regni as trek organizer and Sittal Simkhada as guide with our highest esteem and respect. Sincerely, Bob, Linda and Laura Bekes Robert Bekes Dept. of Mathematics and C.S. Santa Clara University Phone: (408) 554-4883 Fax: (408) 554-2370 rbekes@scu.edu"

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