Glimpse of Bhutan Tour

5.0/5 from 622 reviews
  • Destination
    Bhutan
  • Duration
    5 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Easy
  • Activities
    Cultural Tours
  • Accommodation
    3-Star Hotel
  • Meals
    B.L.D
  • Group Size
    Min. 1 Pax
  • Best Time
    March to May and Sept - Nov

Glimpse of Bhutan Tour is a five-day cultural experience filled with riveting visits to Bhutan's ancient dzong(forts), castles, monasteries, and lakhangs (Buddhist temples). Tucked away deep in the Himalayan mountains, Bhutan is a mystical land, where Buddhist thoughts and ideals permeate into the everyday lives of the people. This small kingdom is a champion of sustainability and environmental conservation. With more than seventy percent of the country covered by forest, Bhutan is the only country that produces more oxygen than carbon dioxide.

Your adventure begins with a flight to Paro, a quiet city nestled in a green valley surrounded by mountains. During the flight, you are treated to sweeping views of the Himalayas. At the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your local guide and driver.

On the first day of your tour, you will visit the Ta Dzong, an impressive lookout tower that has been converted into a museum. The wide array of ancient military artifacts and religious relics showcased at the National Museum offers a glimpse into Bhutan's rich past and Buddhist heritage.

A scenic drive towards the north of Paro brings you to Kichu Lakhang, an ancient temple built by the Tibetan emperor Songsten Gampo in the seventh century. The temple or lakhang is built in the traditional style of architecture and houses murals, scroll paintings, and idols of Lord Buddha and Padmasambhava.

Before you leave Paro, you hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery or Tiger's Nest. Hugging a rocky cliff, the monastery stands almost suspended in the air. The monastery is an extension of the meditation cave of  Padmasambhava, who according to legend flew to this spot from Tibet on the back of a tigress.

The hike to Taktsang Monastery involves an ascent up a forested trail. It is a steep walk on a well-maintained trail. From the top one can enjoy sweeping views of the Paro Valley and the Bhutanese mountains.

While driving to your next destination Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, stop at the mountain pass of  Dochu La to take in the panoramic views of the Bhutanese peaks and the 108 chortens built by the Bhutanese queen mother.

In Thimphu, you walk around the grand Memorial Chorten built in honor of the third King of Bhutan. To explore Changkangka Lakhang you drive to the Royal Takin Preserve and walk up to a ridge, where the impressive temple is located. One of the best-preserved temples in Bhutan, Changkangka Lakhang is the home of the protector deity of infants and children. Bhutanese parents bring their children to this temple to seek blessings from the Tamdrin.

You will get to see how the nuns or anis live at the Nunnery Temple. Thimphu tour is incomplete without an exploration of the impressive Tashichho Dzong, Wangditse Monastery, and Buddha Dordenma, and we will take you there.

Tashichho Dzong, originally built in the thirteenth century, houses the throne room of the Bhutanese king and government offices. This grand castle is a beautiful example of traditional Bhutanese architecture. Wangditse Monastery showcases life-size images of Buddhist deities and a Buddha statue that is one-storied high. Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic statue of Sakyamuni Buddha sitting on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu city.

At the Folk Heritage Museum and Painting School, you learn more about get Bhutan's rich art and culture. Before you leave Bhutan, experience village lifestyle at a traditional farm in Paro.

Though Glimpse of Bhutan Tour can be done throughout the year, spring and autumn are the ideal seasons. There is not much precipitation and the weather remains dry and warm during these seasons. People of all ages and fitness levels can do this trip. If you are not used to hiking, you can skip the hike to Taktsang Monastery, as the ascent can be tough for non-hikers.

With Glimpse of Bhutan Tour you can experience an ancient Himalayan culture and tradition that is still alive and thriving. This trip is highly recommended for those interested in culture, history and a unique experience.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Paro

  1. Max. Elevation: 2200m.

The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by the guide and transfer to the hotel. After lunch, you will visit the Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower that is now the National Museum. The museum has wide assortment of ancient paintings, armors, philatelic display and “field of Buddhas”, which helps one to visualize while meditating. Next visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. 

  1. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02: Paro-Thimphu

  1. Max. Elevation: 2334m.
  2. Durations: 1.5 km

Today, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. It is absolutely breathtaking, situated at 10,400 feet and perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Guru Rinpoche (great spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands.

Lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. Explore the monastery and hike back down to the valley floor. This evening you transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. 

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 03: Thimphu

  1. Max. Elevation: 3100m.

After breakfast, you will visit Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changangkha Monastery, Nunnery temple, School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school) and Folk Heritage Museum. After relaxing lunch, you will visit traditional paper factory, majestic Tashichhodzong and giant Buddha statue on a hill overlooking Thimphu which is reputed to be the largest Buddha Shakymuni in the world. In the evening, you can stroll freely in Thimphu city and absorb the lifestyle of the people. 

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 04: Thimphu-Paro

  1. Max. Elevation: 2200m.

Morning will be spent hiking to Wangditse Monastery. It is one hour walk from Radio Tower on a leveled trail amidst pine forests with great view of north Thimphu Valley. On the way, you will also have an opportunity see Takins -- unique national animal that is found only in the Himalayas. After having explored the monastery, you will hike back to Thimphu town.

After lunch, you will drive back to Paro. In the evening, you can tour the village in Paro to learn about daily life – perhaps visiting a farmhouse or two for a cup of butter tea or an “ara” local wine produced by a brewery of wheat or rice. 

 

  1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
  2. Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 05: Depart Paro

  1. Max. Elevation: 2200m.

After breakfast, drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell. Breakfast included.

  1. Meals: Breakfast Included

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle, including airport transfers
  • Assistance in acquiring a Bhutan visa and payment of visa fee
  • Accommodation at a Bhutanese Government-approved 3-star category hotel. One room will be provided for two travelers.
  • Full board meals (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the tour
  • Inclusion of the Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF Fees) of USD 100 per night.
  • Accompaniment by a highly experienced local tour guide during all tours
  • Covering entrance fees for all scheduled tours
  • Inclusive of all applicable government taxes and tourist service charges
  • Inclusion of our office expenses and service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary.”
  • Airfare to/from Paro
  • Personal shopping, internet/Phone bills, and laundry
  • Pony service and porters
  • Tips for tour guide and driver 

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Amazing Manaslu and Bhutan Adventure

    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.

    Soren T
    - Excellent

    Mr. Soren T

    17th Nov 2024
  • Exciting and most memorable experience

    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!

    O
    - Excellent

    Mr. Oscar A

    12th Nov 2024
  • Solo Traveler

    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

    N
    - Excellent

    Ms. Norleen A

    21st Oct 2024
  • Amazing experience thanks to our 5-star guide/porter team

    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!

    G
    - Excellent

    Ms. Gen T

    14th Oct 2024
  • Fabulous Trip – Excited for Many More with NHT

    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.

    S
    - Excellent

    Ms. Shaili A

    8th Oct 2024
US$ 1450Per Person
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