The Tour to Bhutan is like turning the next chapter for undiscovered content in the world, Officially the Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked South Asian country located on the eastern ridges of the Himalayas. As a result, by its location alone, you can imagine how amazing it might be geographically. In fact, the country geographically is divided into three regions from north to south, namely, the Great Himalayas, the Lesser Himalayas, and the Duars Plain. The snowcapped peaks within the Great Himalayas are staggeringly soaring, reaching an elevation of more than 7,300 meters. High valleys, glaciers, and alpine pastures constitute a great view.
The Great Himalayas gradually forms the ranges of the Lesser Himalayas southward. The region has dense forest on the rain-swept windward slopes to alpine vegetation at higher altitudes. Various important valleys, notably the Paro, Punakha, Thimpu, and Ha lie here between the elevations of 1,500 to 2,700 meters. These are rich and fertile valleys. Interestingly, Paro is the gateway to Bhutan, and the same gateway you will be using to have a glimpse of this small beautiful country. Here is the only international airport.
The short tour is designed in such a way that you will have a glimpse of Bhutan without missing quintessential Bhutan and its major sites and monuments. To accomplish this, you will leave Paro for Thimpu followed by Punakha. These are three very important valleys in the Lesser Himalayas. They have plenty of wonders.
The country’s art, architecture, and culture are greatly shaped by religion. More than 75% of the population follows Buddhism of the Tibetan variety. Formerly it was the official state religion whereas now described as the ‘spiritual heritage’. Nyingma and Kagyu are two out of four branches of Tibetan Buddhism practiced here. Thus, monasteries are huge in number throughout the country. Strikingly so is the Taktsang Monastery as a consequence.
The monastery, in the Paro Valley, is perched on a rocky ledge at 3,000 feet. It is the most venerated pilgrim site. It will surely fill you with awe and wonder. Other valued sites of Paro include National Museum, Kichu Lhakhang, and Drugyel Dzong. Likewise, Punakha and the capital city Thimpu hold a cornucopia of wonders for you.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro & drive to Thimphu
Day 2: Visit Thimphu & drive to Punakha in the afternoon
Day 3: Drive Punakha to Paro
Day 4: Visit Paro (Taktsang monastery)
Day 5: Departure
Day 1: Arrive at Paro International Airport & drive to Thimphu (approximately 1 ½ hours): You will be met by our representatives who will greet you in traditional fashion and then escort you to your private vehicle to begin the journey to Thimphu. The drive to Thimphu is about 55km and takes approximately 1 ½ hours through beautiful countryside and spectacular monasteries. Also, you have the option of visiting Tamchoe Lhakhang, a privately owned temple, where you can admire and cross one of the loveliest suspension bridges in Bhutan.
Afternoon is free for exploring, sightseeing, or simply relaxing. Some of the sights in Thimphu include the Weekend Market, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School), Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, Textile Museum, Mothitang Takin Preserve, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Simtokha Dzong, Trashi Chhoe Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, and Zilukha Nunnery.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 2: Morning touring in Thimphu with afternoon drive to Punakha. After breakfast at your hotel, finish up any last minute sightseeing in Thimphu before beginning the hike to either of the Tango or Cheri Goembas. Enjoy a pack lunch en route and later continue to Punakha (approx. 3 hours), which takes you over the breathtaking Dochu La Pass and past the 108 Dochu La hortens. At over 10,000 feet, on a clear day you get an amazing view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. Explore Punakha as time allows and then enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 3: Drive Punakha to Paro (approximately 4 ½ hours): Awake at your leisure for your morning bike ride through the Punakha valley. Take an easy ride through the back roads of Punakha alongside the river and through traditional villages. En route enjoy tea and snacks at a local farmhouse and later visit the Punakha Dzong. Often considered one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan, it was originally built by the first Shabdrung in 1637 and lies between 2 rivers. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the afternoon before returning to Paro for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 4: Visit Paro: after an early breakfast at your hotel, hike to Taktsang Monastery or “Tiger’s Nest” (approximately 4 hours roundtrip). The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a
sheer drop of nearly 3,000 feet and overlooks the Paro valley. It is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites in the Himalayan world and houses 13 holy places. If you aren’t up for hiking, horses are available to take you part of the way to a teahouse which offers amazing views of the temple. The afternoon is free for activities as you choose: continue sightseeing as time permits with optional stops at the Paro Dzong and National Museum, Kichu Lhakhang, and Drugyel Dzong, explore Paro town, or retreat to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 5: Departure: Wake up early for breakfast then transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Your guide and driver will bid you farewell after assuring all flight formalities are complete.
Average Temperature of Bhutan in different cities
Paro :
| Mths | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 9.4 | 13.4 | 14.5 | 17.6 | 23.5 | 25.4 | 26.8 | 25.3 | 23.4 | 18.7 | 13.9 | 11.2 |
| Min. | -5.8 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 4.6 | 10.6 | 13.1 | 14.9 | 14.7 | 11.7 | 7.4 | 1.4 | -1.7 |
Thimphu :
| Mths | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 12.3 | 14.4 | 16.4 | 20.0 | 22.5 | 24.4 | 18.9 | 25.0 | 23.1 | 21.9 | 17.9 | 14.5 |
| Min. | -2.6 | 0.6 | 3.9 | 7.1 | 13.1 | 15.2 | 13.4 | 15.8 | 15.0 | 10.4 | 5.0 | -1.1 |
Punakha :
| Mths | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 16.1 | 19.6 | 21.2 | 24.4 | 27.2 | 31.2 | 32.0 | 31.4 | 29.9 | 27.8 | 22.3 | 15.0 |
| Min. | 4.2 | 5.3 | 9.2 | 11.9 | 14.8 | 19.5 | 21.6 | 19.8 | 20.0 | 18.9 | 13.0 | 7.9 |
Bhumthang :
| Mths | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Max. | 10.8 | 10.0 | 16.2 | 18.7 | 21.3 | 22.5 | 14.1 | 23.0 | 21.6 | 19.5 | 16.1 | 12.3 |
| Min. | -5.1 | -1.4 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 9.5 | 13.5 | 10.9 | 13.7 | 12.1 | 5.9 | -0.5 | -2.3 |
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