Embark on a 3 night, 4 day tour of the two most accessible and mystical cities of Bhutan: Paro and Thimpu and discover its enchanting landscape, fascinating monuments, vibrant culture, enriching lifestyle and the philosophy centered around happiness.
Glimpses of Bhutan offers a meaningful introduction to the country through a carefully curated selection of attractions in Paro and Thimpu, providing visitors with a rich insight into Bhutan’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, spiritual tradition and way of life, all within a short span of time.
This 4-day Bhutan tour starts and ends in Paro. You will spend two nights in Thimpu and one night in Paro. After flying into Paro, with a scenic drive to the country’s capital (Thimpu), you will be introduced to the beautiful landscape of the country. Only then you will visit sites, such as the Great Buddha Dordenma (religious monument), the Royal Takin Preserve (wildlife), Simply Bhutan (culture and rhythm), craft bazaar (art and craft) and Taschichho Dzong (Bhutanese architecture and the unity of religion and governance) that will help you understand the essence of the capital.
The second day is a deep dive into the country’s historical and cultural aspect with a visit to Gagyel Lundrup Weaving Center (a center for traditional handwoven Bhutanese textile), National Institute of Zorig Chusum (a school for country’s 13 traditional arts and crafts), Centenary Farmer’s Market (country’s farmers hub and a center for the buying and selling of fresh produce, local products and traditional goods), Changlimithang National Stadium (a multi-purpose stadium that standing on historical battle site hosts multiple sports and public events), Memorial Chorten (a prominent Buddhist stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third king that serves as a spiritual landmark for daily worship and reflection) and Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan that marks the beginning of dzong architecture and centralized authority in the country).
The third day is dedicated to the attractions in Paro. A hike to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest (an iconic, legendary and sacred Vajrayana Buddhist temple built into a cliff above Paro Valley that draws in visitors with its location, architecture and its mythical origin ), Kyichu Lhakhang (a 7th century temple built in the country by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo) and Paro Dzong (a majestic fortress-monastery exhibiting the stunning example of Bhutanese architecture serves as a religious and administrative center). After exploring these sites, the day beautifully ends with a visit to a traditional farmhouse to experience authentic Bhutanese cuisine, lifestyle and hospitality. This itinerary uniquely includes Dochula Pass, a highlight not typically featured in the standard 4-day Bhutan tours and a 15th century temple Tachog Lhakhang as well. For more details, please refer to the detailed itinerary.
However, should you wish to tailor the itinerary or package to your preferences, we would be happy to assist you.
This 4 day Bhutan tour is available yearround, but those interested in experiencing Bhutan at its most captivating time of the year, plan this trip sometime around March to May or September to December.
For those interested in attending one of Bhutan’s traditional and vibrant festivals, the two cities included in this itinerary also host celebrations such as Paro Tshechu in Paro and Rhododendron Festival, Thimphu Drubchen, Thimpu Tshechu, Jhomolhari Mountain Festival, Dechenphu Tshechu and Druk Wangyel Tshechu in Thimpu.
This Bhutan tour is ideal for a wide range of travelers, such as time-bound travelers, first time visitors seeking taste of Bhutan without feeling rushed, cultural and spiritual enthusiasts, families and groups, landscape and wildlife photographers, architect or the one aspiring to be one as well as the ones in search of solitude, peace and happiness. Additionally, this tour also makes a great side-trip for those already travelling in India, Nepal or any other country in South Asia.
Planning to spend more or less than 4 days in Bhutan? Explore the range of multi-day 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
Useful Information
Important Trip Notes & Activities
We are very pleased to acknowledge that you are joining us for an adventure trip in remote Himalayan region, where weather conditions, health and fitness of the member or unexpected natural disaster can compel us to change the itinerary and if so you have to understand it but we would try our level best to keep the suggested itinerary as per the original schedule. Your safety and satisfaction of the trip is our prime concern while travelling with Adventure Mountain Explore Treks & Expedition P. Ltd and we ensure you our best team, logistics, professional services to make sure that you would have an amazing trip of lifetime with us. Also note that Guide deserved the final decision if the trip has to amend, change the route or cancel due to the extreme conditions for the safety precaution. However, we will try our best to ensure that the trip runs as according to the stated plan but be prepared for flexibility if necessary.
Our Guides, trip and safety
This trip takes you to the remote Himalayan region, it is very essential that you are accompanied with the very experienced and qualified leader for the safe and successful trip. We have local guide working with us who is trained and qualified on the trip. At this trip, there would be one Bhutan Guide. Also we would have helpers to upload bags.
Accommodation
All hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified from the Government. These hotels are equivalent to 34 star basis. So as per availability at the time of booking, we will provide you a grade hotel in Paro and Thimpu. In Paro, hotel TASHI NAMGAY RESORT or similar and in Thimpu hotel MIGMAR or similar. Note that, accommodation which we provide you is on twin sharing basis but if you prefer having single room, single supplement is chargeable.
Meals
All meals are included during your trip. There are variety of foods are available which you can pick up from the menu as per you interest. Our advice is to ask hotel or restaurant that they can offer fresh food.
Pack list
You can carry maximum of 20kg while you fly to Paro by Druk Air. You can carry aprox 56 kg on your hand. Your carry-on bags are restricted to one piece, and the size should not exceed 17" x 13" x 8". The packing items are divided in to two different items. One if Trek items and another is non trek items. Your trek items will be locked at our office if you carry them.
Here under tour list items
A pair of lightweight long pants
Pair of dress pants / dresses for evening
pairs shorts
short-sleeved shirts/blouses
long-sleeved shirt for sun protection (also while visiting dzongs, temples & monasteries).
Underwear
Socks
Sleepers
Warm jackets (if trip falls in Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan & Feb)
sweater or light weight jacket
windbreaker
pair comfortable walking shoes
pair of sandals
pair of dress shoes
Personal toiletries
Insect repellent
Spare nylon duffel for purchases
Sunscreen rated 20 SPF or higher
Lip Balm
Sunglasses
Prescription glasses
visor/sun hat
Flashlight
Daypack/Hip pack for day trips
Beach Towel
First-Aid kit with pain medications, antiseptic/anesthetic for sunburn, prescription medications
Other optional gears
Camera, memory cards and spare batteries
Electronics/battery charger
Spare contact lenses or glasses
Reading and writing materials
Passport pouch or money pouch
Motion sickness remedies
Necessary official documents
Passport with minimum validity of 6 months
Copy of first page of passport
Airline tickets
Visa approval for Bhutan (bring with you)
Some essential issues,
Always check that your pack contains essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage.
Gifts: Please don't bring extra gifts which might be a burden to you. If you wish to show your appreciation to the staff, the best gift would be through conversation or tips where appropriate.
Cultural Sensitivity: It`s better for women to wear pants (or Capri length pants) and/or a skirt (mid-calf or longer. Tights, hiking shorts and sports tops are not advisable. For men, pants are best. Men may wear longer hiking shorts that come near the knees. Never go shirtless.
For women: Women are advised to bring their necessary health supplies with them, as such items might not be available in Bhutan.
Boots: Wear boots that are broken-in. To minimize the risk of blister, wearing thin liner socks under regular hiking socks may help.
Clothing: Cotton is the most favorable in warm weather. Once wet, cotton also drains body heat. Better to bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
Layers: Always test your layers before a trip. See if the outer layer fits easily over the inside ones.
Toilet Kit: For trekking & sightseeing, bring your own "toilet kit," and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Always remember to discard the toilet tissue a waste basket and not along a trail or in the toilet.
Heating: In Bhutan, portable electric heaters are generally provided for heating in rooms. Blankets are also provided. Bring an extra set of long underwear for extra warmth.