4 Days Highlights Bhutan Group Tour: Paro & Thimphu - Happiness is a Place

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Bhutan, the Last Shangri La in Pristine Himalayan Kingdom. Take a deep breath and enjoy the refreshing breeze in the happy country where 71% of the land is covered with forests. Your guide will greet you at Paro International Airport, Bhutan's only international airport.

As the primary gateway to Bhutan, Paro (2,270m) is home to the iconic Tiger’s Nest, a must-visit for its blend of spirituality and natural beauty. If visiting in March, you may witness the vibrant Paro Tshechu Festival. Celebrating the birthday of Guru Rinpoche, this cultural highlight features colorful dances and sacred rituals, making Paro a definitive destination for nature and heritage lovers.

On your way to the hotel, stop at the Paro Airport Bird’s Eye View Point for a stunning panorama of the Paro Valley, including Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum, and the winding Paro Chu River. Your guide will share fascinating insights about this unique airport. Afterward, settle into your cozy hotel to rest and acclimate to the new time zone before your adventure begins.

You will enjoy the following complimentary experiences from the AOT:

1. Bhutan National Dress Experience: Try Bhutan Traditional Attire, Gho for Men & Kira for Women. The Gho and Kira are typically made from woven fabrics with intricate patterns and designs, reflecting the country's textile heritage.

2. A Bottle of Bhutan Red Rice Wine: Try Bhutan red rice wine, a traditional alcoholic beverage made by fermenting red rice, a staple crop in Bhutan. It has a lower alcohol content and is typically sweeter than beer.

If all members arrive by noon, your guide can lead an optional visit to Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum (tickets self-paid). Note that Paro Dzong operates daily with varying hours (9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends) and requires a guided escort. Be prepared for security checks before entering these sacred sites as you begin your immersion into Bhutanese culture.

Free Time Ideas:

1. Visit Paro Local Market or Street: Why not dress in Bhutan's National attire to visit a local market or Paro's main street? Check what Bhutanese eat and what ingredients are used in Bhutan Dishes. Colorful Chili peppers, dry cheese, potatoes, apples...

2. Try Bhutan National Sport (self-pay for the fee): Archery is the favorite pastime for Bhutanese. It has a history of over 2,000 years and was declared Bhutan's National Sport in 1971. Targets at traditional Bhutanese tournaments are placed at both ends of a 140m range (Olympic distance is 70m). Enjoy your time by holding a bow and arrow.

Feel free to contact your guide in advance for more travel advice and tips tailored to your interests.

Arrival Ideas:

Getting to Bhutan is easy by air or land. Paro International Airport serves as the main hub, with regular flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Gaya, Guwahati, Dhaka, Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Singapore via Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines. Travelers can also enter by road from India through Phuentsholing or Gelephu. Additionally, seasonal charter flights operate to Paro from Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.

Kind Reminds:

1.You can contact us to book your flight to Paro and land directly in Bhutan.

2. Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India (require a permit), require an E-visa (40USD/pax) before entering Bhutan. All nationalities are welcome to visit Bhutan, and there are no specific restrictions on granting visas to enter the country.

3. Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card.

4. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, which can be applied for and approved in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.

Welcome to Bhutan

Welcome to Bhutan

Paro Dzong, Bhutan

Paro Dzong, Bhutan

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Explore according to your flight time

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Paro

This morning, you will get ready to start the exciting Hiking Tour to Tiger's Nest, the landmark of Bhutan and the most famous holy monastery in the country. It is about a 12km drive (over 0.5 hour) from Paro City to the start point of the Tiger's Nest hike route.

The Tiger's Nest hike takes 5–6 hours round-trip, covering 9.6 km. You can choose to ride a horse (optional,self-paid) to the halfway point, where Taktsang Cafeteria offers lunch and iconic views. As you ascend through forests adorned with prayer flags, enjoy panoramic vistas of Paro Valley. Visit in April to see vibrant rhododendrons blooming along the trail to this sacred Buddhist site.

Standing opposite Tiger’s Nest (3,120m), you’ll admire Bhutan’s most iconic landmark perched 900m above Paro Valley. Legend says Guru Rinpoche arrived on a tigress in the 8th century to meditate here. Though the current structure dates to 1692 and was meticulously rebuilt in 2005, it remains Bhutan’s holiest pilgrimage site. Explore this architectural marvel to experience the profound spirituality revered by Buddhists worldwide.

After the Tiger's Nest Hike, it is time to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of the Thousand-armed and Thousand-eyed Avalokiteshvara. It is one of the 108 Buddhist temples built by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century (around 659 AD), and it is believed to have been constructed to subdue the left leg of the Tibetan witch. Kyichu Lhakhang is also one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist temples in Bhutan and serves as a venue for important celebrations of the Bhutanese royal family.

Inside the main hall, discover a national treasure: the revered eight-year-old Shakyamuni Buddha statue, paralleling Tibet’s famous Jowo. The temple also enshrines the relic stupa of Nyingma master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Notable artifacts include an iron chain forged by Tangtong Gyalpo, the "Iron Bridge Builder" and father of Tibetan opera, highlighting the profound historical and spiritual depth preserved within this sacred site.

At last, head back to Paro for overnight.

Optional Bhutan Paro Experiences:

1. Bhutan Traditional Hot Stone Bath (1 hour).

2. Lighting butter lamps for blessings at Kyichu Lhakhang (108 lamps).

Kind Reminds:

1. The best time to visit Tiger's Nest is from March to May and from October to December. After noon, the monastery will be hidden in the shadow of the cliffs, so it's recommended to depart early if you want to capture good photos.

2. Tiger's Nest offers horse riding services to go uphill, but the horse ride is only available up to a designated point. From there, you still need to hike to reach the monastery. When descending, you must walk the entire way as horse riding services are not provided.

3. Mobile phones and backpacks are not allowed inside Tiger's Nest Monastery. Personal belongings can be stored at the entrance. If you wish to light butter lamps, make sure to have some cash ready before storing your belongings.

4. Along the way, you may encounter stray dogs. Please be mindful, give them space, and avoid disturbing them.

Happiness is Reaching Tiger's Nest

Horse and Tiger's Nest, Bhutan

Prayer Wheel, Tiger's Nest

Street Dog and Tiger's Nest, Bhutan

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2 Iconic Sites

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Paro

Today, we will head to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which is about 50km away and takes about 1.5 hours to reach. On the way, we will make a stop at Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge for a visit. Once in Thimphu (altitude 2,340m), you will have a full day of sightseeing. You can explore its rich cultural heritage such as the Buddha Dordenma Statue, National Memorial Chorten, Motithang Takin Preserve, and Tashichho Dzong.

En route from Paro to Thimphu, visit the historic Tamchog Lhakhang Iron Bridge (view the Tachog Lhakhang from outside only) spanning the Paro River. Built by the legendary Thangthong Gyalpo, the "Iron Bridge Maker," this unique structure invites you to walk across iron chains adorned with vibrant prayer flags. While the temple itself is viewed from the outside, the bridge offers a rare chance to experience 15th-century engineering and sacred Bhutanese tradition firsthand.

Then, visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue (Buddha Point), the world’s largest sitting Shakyamuni statue and landmark of Thimphu City. Standing 51.5 meters tall and gilded in gold, this iconic landmark houses 125,000 smaller Buddhas. Visit during festivals to witness sacred Vajra Dances and rituals. Beyond its spiritual significance, this vantage point offers a magnificent panorama of Thimphu Valley, showcasing the city's unique red and green-roofed architecture from above.

As the largest city in Bhutan, Thimphu lacks traffic lights and a railway system. When you enter the city, you can visit the National Memorial Chorten and experience it as the locals do. It is customary to follow the footsteps of the Bhutanese people and perform a clockwise kora (circumambulation) around the Chorten while offering prayers. This will provide you with numerous opportunities to engage with the locals and learn about their daily lives, as well as their philosophy on happiness.

The National Memorial Chorten is Thimphu’s most iconic landmark, built in 1974 to honor the "Father of Modern Bhutan." This Tibetan-style stupa symbolizes world peace and features intricate religious art. Afterward, visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. Legend says this unique creature—resembling a mix of goat and cow—was created by the "Divine Madman," Drukpa Kunley, adding a touch of myth to your journey.

Explore Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), the majestic "Fortress of the Glorious Religion" and Bhutan’s seat of government since 1952. Located along the Wang Chu River, it houses the King’s offices and the summer residence of the Je Khenpo. Wander through its lush gardens and admire the grand architecture. In autumn, its northern courtyard becomes a vibrant stage for the Thimphu Tshechu Festival (held around Sept. or Oct. yearly), featuring sacred masked dances.

Note: The tourist opening hours of Thimphu Dzong are from 5 PM to 6:30PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends. It is required to have a tour guide accompany you for a visit to the Dzongs. Before entering for a visit, security checks are conducted. If you visit there at the right time (lucky enough), you may have the chance to see the flag descending ceremony.

Finally, it's time for dinner. You can enjoy a traditional meal at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. Opened as a passion project to promote Bhutanese culinary arts (traditional Bhutan dishes), the restaurant was established by the Queen Mother of Bhutan, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. After dinner, you will spend the night in Thimphu and have a restful sleep.

Optional Bhutan Thimphu Experiences:

• 1. Folk Heritage Museum: If time permit, visit Folk Heritage Museum, a captivating window into Bhutan's rural past & established by the Queen Mother of Bhutan.
• 2. Simply Bhutan Museum: If time permit, visit Simply Bhutan Museum to explore more about Bhutan culture.
• 3. Bhutan Stamp Printing: Fully functional stamp printed with a self-portrait (Bhutan Post Office: Weekdays: 9AM - 5PM; Saturdays: 9 AM - 1 PM; Closed on Sundays).

Paro Tachog Lhakhang Iron Bridge

Buddha Dordenma Statue, Thimphu

National Memorial Chorten, Bhutan

Thimphu Dzong, Bhutan

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5 iconic sites

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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Thimphu

Happiness is a place, wish you had gotten your happiness philosophy from the beautiful Himalayan country with us. It is time to end your 4-day Bhutan Group Tour. Your guide will escort you to Paro International Airport (50km,1.5h) for your flight to your next destination.

Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Bhutan, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Bhutan, including Haa, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Bhutan tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!

Bhutan's National Animal - Takin

Thimphu Dzong, Bhutan

Thimphu Dzong, Bhutan

Paro Airport, Bhutan

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Airport See-off

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