Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge and is known for its monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes.
Over 5 days in Bhutan, you'll go on an adventure that covers some of the most exquisite Buddhist monasteries in the world. Visit the iconic Buddha Point that is home to the world's largest statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Travel through Dochula Pass which is a mountain pass in the snow-covered Himalayas on the road from Thimphu to Punakha.
Experience a talk on Buddhism by a Buddhist master and, finally, top this journey off by hiking up to the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) which stands on a granite cliff about 800 metres above the valley.Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge and is known for its monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes.
Over 5 days in Bhutan, you'll go on an adventure that covers some of the most exquisite Buddhist monasteries in the world. Visit the iconic Buddha Point that is home to the world's largest statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Travel through Dochula Pass which is a mountain pass in the snow-covered Himalayas on the road from Thimphu to Punakha.
Experience a talk on Buddhism by a Buddhist master and, finally, top this journey off by hiking up to the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) which stands on a granite cliff about 800 metres above the valley.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Paro Arrival and Thimphu Sightseeing
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Transfer into the city to start sightseeing immediately, visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning ‘fortress of jewels’, which is the seat of the Paro district built in 1645 by Shadrung Ngawang Namgyal. Then visit a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu. This has traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi (or "Dharma Raja"), the head of Bhutan's civil government and kingship since the creation of the monarchy in 1907.
Activities
Rinpung Dzong
Kuensel Phodrang
Tashichho Dzong
Restaurants
Yue-ling Restaurant
Transportations
Private Driver from Paro International Airport to Paro
Private Driver from Paro to Thimphu
Meals
Lunch and dinner
Destinations
Paro
Thimphu
Day 2
Thimphu to Punakha
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The drive from Thimphu to Punakha takes us first to the Dochula Mountain Pass looking out to the snow-covered Himalayas. Here there are 108 memorial chortens built by the eldest Queen Mother. Visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees bring amazing colours to the dzong's towering whitewashed walls. After lunch, hike to the Devine Madman’s Monastery, famously known for its fertility shrine.
Accommodation
Zhingkham Resort★4 star
Activities
Dochula Pass
Punakha Dzong
Chimi Lhakhang
Transportations
Private Driver from Thimphu to Punakha
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Dochula
Punakha
Day 3
Punakha to Paro
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Today we visit a few more of the most revered religious sites in Bhutan, such as Changangkha Lhakhang; parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessings for their young children from the protector deity, Tamdrin. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to hear a spiritual talk on Buddhism by a Buddhist master. Head back to the hotel this evening to relax and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation
Khangkhu Resort★3 star
Activities
Memorial Chorten
Changangkha Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang
Buddhism Talk by Buddhist Master
Transportations
Private Driver from Punakha to Paro
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Punakha
Thimphu
Paro
Day 4
Hike to Tiger's Nest
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Paro is a valley of religious myth and legend. The most famous landmark, the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), stands on a granite cliff about 800 metres above the valley. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, a famous Buddhist saint, flew to Paro on a tigress and meditated at Taktsang. The monastery is considered as a national treasure of Bhutan. Today is dedicated to hiking to the monastery to see it in its majesty. It will take you most of the day.
Accommodation
Khangkhu Resort★3 star
Activities
Hike to Tiger's Nest
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Paro
Day 5
Market Visit and Departure
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You've reached the end of your 5 days in Bhutan. Visit Paro's weekend market before your departure. This market isn't very large but it has a traditional feel and has some unique local products like organic Tsirang honey, squares of dried jellied cow skin known as khoo (a local snack). A private driver will take to the airport for your departure.
Activities
Paro Market
Transportations
Private Driver from Paro to Paro International Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Paro
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What’s included?
3 nights accommodation
12 activities
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
Airport transfer
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Notes
Also included
- Government Royalty of USD 65/person/night
- All government taxes
- One bottled mineral water/person/day
Starting From
AU$ 1,270/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
Bhutan in 5 days
4-star, 3-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
