5 Days
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The Glimpse of Bhutan Tour is a five-day cultural journey that introduces you to the heart of Bhutan’s traditions, landscapes, and spiritual heritage. Set between deep valleys and high Himalayan ridges, Bhutan offers a calm rhythm of life shaped by Buddhism, conservation, and a deep respect for nature. Your adventure begins with a scenic flight into Paro, one of the Himalayas’ most beautiful valleys.
After arrival, your guide will welcome you and accompany you to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Along the way, you will stop at Chuzom, the confluence of two rivers marked by three distinct stupas, and view the 15th-century Tschogang Lhakhang perched on the hillside.
In Thimphu, you will visit some of the city’s most meaningful landmarks. These include Buddha Point, where a towering statue of Sakyamuni Buddha overlooks the entire valley, and the King’s Memorial Chorten, a revered monument continuously visited by locals offering prayers for peace.
Your day continues with a visit to Trashichhoedzong, an impressive fortress that houses the King’s offices, government ministries, and the summer residence of Bhutan’s central monastic body.
A scenic drive over Dochula Pass brings you to Punakha. On clear days, the pass reveals a sweeping panorama of Himalayan peaks. In Punakha, you will explore Punakha Dzong, a magnificent fortress built at the confluence of two rivers.
Later, a short countryside walk across rice fields leads you to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple associated with Bhutan’s patron saint of fertility and an important place of local worship.
Returning to Paro, you will visit Ta Dzong, the former watchtower now serving as the National Museum, followed by a walk down to Rinpung Dzong. The dzong’s courtyards and painted galleries offer insight into Bhutan’s artistic and spiritual traditions.
A highlight of your journey is the hike to Taktshang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. Clinging to a cliff high above the valley floor, the monastery marks the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche and is one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. The trail offers forested paths, viewpoints, and an unforgettable look at Paro Valley.
In the evening, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples dating back to the seventh century. This short journey captures the essence of Bhutan through its monasteries, mountain views, ancient fortresses, and warm cultural heritage. It is an ideal introduction to the Kingdom for travelers seeking a meaningful and well-paced experience in a short timeframe.
Your journey into Bhutan begins with a panoramic flight offering sweeping Himalayan views. As you step out of the aircraft, the cool and crisp mountain air gives you your first genuine sense of the Kingdom.
After completing immigration and baggage formalities, our representative will welcome you and accompany you to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Along the way, stop at Chuzom, where the Paro and Thimphu rivers meet, marked by three distinctive stupas representing Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese styles. A little further, you will see Tschogang Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple linked to the legend of Balaha, the compassionate horse.
In Thimphu, begin exploring the valley with visits to:
Overnight in Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive toward Punakha, crossing the scenic Dochula Pass (3,080m). On clear days, the pass reveals a striking panorama of the Eastern Himalayas, complemented by fluttering prayer flags and the iconic Druk Wangyal chortens.
Upon arrival in Punakha, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of two rivers. Once the capital of Bhutan, this fortress still serves as the winter residence of the monastic body.
Later, take a countryside walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility. The trail leads through rice fields and the small settlement of Pana, offering a glimpse into rural Bhutanese life. The walk takes about 1.5 hours round trip.
Overnight in Punakha.
After breakfast, drive back to Paro and check into your hotel.
In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, once a watchtower and now the National Museum, home to an impressive collection of thangkas, textiles, artifacts, and Bhutanese history.
Then walk down to Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), known as the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.” Its wooden galleries display detailed murals depicting Buddhist legends, the Wheel of Life, and key spiritual narratives.
Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, begin the hike to Taktshang Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic pilgrimage site. The round-trip walk takes approximately five hours. Clinging to a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, this sacred site marks where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated after arriving on the back of a tigress.
In the evening, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Built in the 7th century, it symbolizes the early arrival of Buddhism in the region.
Overnight in Paro.
After an early breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight. Our representative will assist with exit procedures before bidding you farewell.
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
This was our 2nd tour with NHT. In short: we can confidently recommend "the Team."
We were 6 friends eager to return to Nepal for trekking while also exploring Bhutan. The tour was excellently organized, incorporating our ideas and special requests, whether cultural interests, health needs, specific visits, or dietary preferences. The close communication with Ganga (CEO) and his brother ensured quick email responses. Just great service from start to finish.
The entire Manaslu trekking crew, including guides and porters, was outstanding! We had so much fun together and always felt secure. Our lead guide, Ram, was exceptional. Always a step ahead yet adaptable to the situation, our humor, and even Danish sarcasm :-) . We know NHT has other guides of his level, but Ram truly made a difference for us.
Bhutan and Manaslu were two of the most incredible experiences we've ever had! Both are extraordinary yet so distinct – I won’t even try to describe them here. Instead, Nepal Hiking Teams' website was great for inspiration and planning (or just send them an email).
For context, we opted for the Manaslu circuit trek to enjoy one of Nepal's most breathtaking treks with a rich cultural touch, while steering clear of the busy Everest trails. We did encounter some tourists, but there was plenty of space. And the natural beauty? Simply spectacular.
Experience of a lifetime! Leading up to the trip, I felt some excitement and uncertainty because I was traveling from New Jersey to Nepal, so it was a trip to the other side of the world. Also knowing we were going to trek to the highest region in the world.
Once we arrived in Kathmandu, we met up with our guide (Bhim). After a few minutes of talking with him, I felt a sense of calm and my excitement of joy grew from there. And I was right he and his team made sure we had the best experience possible.
The full trek going and coming was incredible. Our guide, Bhim, made sure we had the best experience. Can’t say enough of how wonderful he and his team made this one for the books!
I highly recommend booking with this company and Bhim! Namaste!
I just completed trekking in Nepal together with another solo traveler. The service of Nepal Hiking Team was exemplary from the start till the end. Nothing beats word-of-mouth good reviews.
Mr. Ganga has been very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop for the package tour.
Our guide Bibek was very patient and sincere as he led us through the trek. He resolved issues with his heart and people skills and gave assurance whenever plans suddenly changed.
He ensured things were changed for the better. Our porter, Rajendran, was also good and always arrived ahead of time to ensure our rooms were confirmed.
- Guided by Bibek Dhamala
We had the best time in Nepal. The beautiful views and warm hospitality of the Nepali people are truly unparalleled.
Instrumental to our amazing experience were our guide, Netra, and porter, Vasu.
We were super well taken care of. Netra was quick to assess our physical abilities and was able to effectively set the pace for our hikes. He had very good knowledge of the route and terrain. Importantly, this was our first time attempting a hike at a high altitude, so he took extra care to check on us regularly.
On a personal note, proper gear, including a powerful down jacket for -20 degrees Celsius and a proper hiking backpack, is super essential.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team and Netra/Vasu for your Nepal adventure!
We were a group of 17 people from California who had been preparing for a year for this trip. Nepal Hiking Team was referred to us by one of my friends. After talking to & interviewing several companies, NHT seemed very responsive, cost-effective & experienced. After the trip, they proved us nothing less.
Their guides are top-of-the-line, very kind, and helpful. They made sure we all were prepared for the next day, set our expectations rights, & guided us through managing altitude sickness.
We all made it to Nepal and came back happy and healthy.
We all thank NHT for making our dream come true, and looking forward to many more with them.
The trip begins in Kathmandu, where you board a scheduled group flight to Paro. This itinerary follows fixed dates, and the flights operate strictly on a non-flexible schedule. There is no option to change the travel dates or switch sectors because the tour is arranged as a fully packaged program.
The group departure dates shown on our website already include round-trip airfare from Kathmandu to Paro and back. These flights are issued for fixed schedules, and the price applies only to the listed dates. If you prefer alternative travel dates, we can arrange the trip, but the airfare will be calculated separately at a different rate.
Yes, you will need a Bhutan visa for this trip. We arrange all paperwork, and visa procedures on your behalf, making the process simple and stress-free. You only need to provide a passport with six months validity and one recent passport-size photograph.
To book this tour, select the group departure date that works best for you, listed on our website. Complete the booking form, and pay a 20 percent deposit. The remaining balance is payable upon your arrival in Kathmandu.
Once the deposit is received, we confirm your booking and request a copy of your passport, which you can send to us by email.
The group operates with a minimum of two travelers and a maximum of sixteen participants. This size keeps the experience organized, comfortable, and easy to manage throughout the journey.
The hike is moderate, with a steady and sometimes steep climb that takes around three hours to reach the top and about two hours to descend.
The trail winds through a beautiful forest, and the total walking distance is roughly twelve kilometers.
Good hiking shoes are important, and walking poles offer helpful support as you move at a slow and steady pace.
Yes, this tour is suitable for seniors and first-time travelers, as most sightseeing involves easy walks and relaxed cultural visits. The Tiger’s Nest hike can feel challenging because of the steady climb, but it remains manageable with a slow pace and proper footwear, even when snow is present on the trail.
The Tiger’s Nest visit is a day hike, so you only need essential items. Good-grip hiking shoes are important, and walking poles add helpful balance on the steeper sections. Carry a small daypack with a bottle of water, which you can refill or purchase halfway along the trail. Steady walking is the best preparation for this hike.
The ideal months for this itinerary are March to May and September to December. These periods offer stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable conditions for sightseeing and the Tiger’s Nest hike.
Our fixed group departures include comfortable three-star hotels throughout the trip, offering clean rooms and warm hospitality. If you prefer higher-category accommodation, upgrades are available with an additional cost.
The package price is calculated based on shared rooms. If you prefer a single room, we can arrange it for an additional USD 80 for all four nights in three-star accommodation.
Regular Wi-Fi is available at all hotels during the tour, and the signal is usually reliable for basic use. Mobile data also works well, and you can purchase a local SIM card at the airport if needed. Most travelers rely on the hotel internet and do not find a local SIM necessary.
Of course, you will have natural opportunities to meet local people during temple visits and short village walks. These interactions offer a genuine insight into Bhutanese culture, daily life, and the warm hospitality Bhutan is known for.
Yes, absolutely. Bhutan is one of the safest destinations in the region, offering a peaceful environment, friendly communities, and a very low crime rate. Travellers consistently feel comfortable exploring both cities and rural areas.
Of course. Thimphu and Paro offer the best places to browse local handicrafts, including textiles, handmade paper, traditional art, and small souvenirs. These towns have dedicated craft shops where you can find authentic Bhutanese items to take home.
All meals are included throughout the trip, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options served at hotels or local restaurants. Drinking water is readily available, and you can refill your bottle at the hotel or purchase bottled water during sightseeing.
A bottle of water is also provided during touring as part of the package.
Tipping is recommended as a gesture of appreciation for the guide and driver. A suggested amount is around USD 20 per person for the guide and USD 15 per person for the driver, offered at the end of the tour.
This itinerary operates as a fixed-date group tour with no flexibility in scheduling or flight adjustments. If you prefer a private trip, we can arrange that option for you, and the pricing will differ based on your travel dates and requirements. You may request a personalized quote at any time.
Customization is possible only if you choose a private trip, as the fixed group departures follow strict dates and a set schedule. A private trip allows full flexibility with additional nights or itinerary adjustments.