4 Nights 5 Days Bhutan Tour

Trip Facts

  • Duration 5 Days
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Destination Bhutan
  • Transportation Private Comfortable Transportation
  • Activity Cultural and Historical Tours
  • Best Season Feb - May and Sept- Dec
  • Group Size Mini 2, Max 16 People
  • Trip Start/End Paro Bhutan
  • Max Altitude 2,320m/7,610ft

Highlights

  • Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) located at an altitude of 3,120 m
  • Visit major tourist sites in Thimphu- King’s Memorial Chorten, National Library, and National Institute of Medicine
  • Sightseeing in Paro
  • Explore Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan

4 Nights 5 Days Bhutan Tour Overview 

As we journey to the ancient kingdom of Bhutan on this 05-day tour, we observe the vibrancy of some of the largest, oldest, most spectacular, and ornate dzongs {fortress monasteries} in this quiet but pulsating little kingdom. We travel through fertile valleys, scenic villages, and ancient histories in Paro, the heartland of the Drukpa people. Look out for rare animals and plant species as you travel through stunning wooded valleys blooming with flowers, past imposing fortresses, serene monasteries, and bustling markets in Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdiphodrang. Observe the unique atmosphere in the Land of the Thunder Dragon. This is an exploration of vibrant culture, their clothing & artistic crafts & the cold spicy food that warms the gut…& we also learn of the ancient Buddhist heritage the Bhutanese keep close to their hearts.

 

This tour extends to the Memorial Chorten – Tashichhodzong. On the drive back, we stopped at the mini-Takin Zoo (Takin is the national animal of Bhutan). We later visited a paper factory and drove on to Tashichhodzong, the seat of the Royal Government and the summer residence of the Head Abbot and the monk body. Our tour concludes as we take a stroll along a street with the numerous handicraft stores in town in the evening, and it’s wise to check out the intricately woven Bhutanese textiles and exclusive handicrafts which you can take back with you as a souvenir of your trip to incredible Bhutan so well known as the ‘last Shangri-La on the planet. Our tour concludes in the beautiful settings of amazing landscapes with towering mountains gleaming with snow amidst deep green forests & quaint terraced fields stretching for miles beyond the horizons of green hillocks. This tour has been shaped to give you the most of this Himalayan kingdom if you’re cramped on time.

Itinerary

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As your flight nears Bhutan, you can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Adventure Club Trek who will take you to your hotel in Thimphu for a good night's sleep. However, if your flight arrives early and you want to visit a few places in Thimphu then it can be arranged too.

  • AccommodationStandard Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,320m/7,610ft

Today, the whole day will be spent exploring the major landmarks of the capital city. We start our planned tour after a delicious locally prepared breakfast.
Summary of the day:

King’s Memorial Chorten: Also known as Thimphu Chorten, King’s Memorial Chorten is a stupa built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo ( Bhutanese King), Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Located in the southern-central part of the city, the chorten is an eye-catcher with its golden spires and bells. People are praying, and performing ceremonies is a common site here.


National Library:: Established in 1967, the National Library of Bhutan houses documents, manuscripts, old records, letters, and approximately seven thousand important photographs. It was built to preserve and promote the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan.


Traditional Institute of Medicine:: For centuries, it has been a source of herbal remedies. The institute has been making medicines from medicinal plants that come from the remote parts of the Himalayas and distributing them to healthcare units around the country


National Institute for ZorigChusum:: Famous as ‘the painting school,’ it teaches students the 13 traditional arts of Bhutan like thangka painting, wood carving, statue making, and embroidery among others. It also offers the art created by the students at a reasonable price.


TashichhoDzong:: Built by the first Dharma Raja, TashichhoDzong has been the seat of the Druk Desi since 1907. It houses thirty temples, shrines, and chapels. After sightseeing, we drive to Punakha. It is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of the pleasant drive along the National Hwy. En route we make a brief stop at Dochulapass(3,050m) and if the weather favors we catch a glimpse of the beautiful Himalayas including Mt. Masanggang(7,158m), the highest peak in Bhutan.

  • AccommodationStandard Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,320m/7,612ft

Today, we explore Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. One of the main attractions of the city is the Punakha Dzong which is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. Built in 1637-38 by the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche, Ngawang Namgyal, it was the administrative center until 1955. The sacred relics of the Southern Kagyu School including the Tanjung Kasarpani and the sacred remains of Zhabdrug Ngawang, Namgyal, and Terton Padma Lingpa are preserved in the Dzong. Partially destroyed, and it is expected to be rebuilt by 2021.

  • AccommodationStandard Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,250m//7,382ft

After breakfast, we hike for around 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor and drive back to Paro.

  • AccommodationStandard Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,180m/10,434ft

Today we leave the Land of the Thunder Dragon. A representative from Adventure Club Trek for Bhutan will drop you off at the airport according to your flight schedule.

  • MealsBreakfast.

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • All arrival and departure transfers in a private tourist vehicle.
  • Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance
  • Government-approved A and B-category hotels on a twin-shared basis
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the tour
  • Safe drinking water will be supplied during the tour
  • Transportation in a comfortable private vehicle(s)
  • English-speaking, trained, and experienced local guide and staff
  • Company services and all required Bhutanese government taxes/royalties

Price Excludes

  • Entry Visa fees - at present $30 for 15 days, US$ 50 for 30 days
  • Airfare for international flights to and from Bhutan
  • All entrance and permit fees for visits to monuments and museums
  • Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, bar bills, internet, laundry)
  • Travel and Medical/Evacuation Insurance
  • Tips and gratitude provided to staff.

Useful Info

Visa Information

Indian, Bangladeshis, and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry by producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC). For other tourists, you will need to acquire visa clearance in advance. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Tourists are also required to book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors.


You are required to send the photo page of your passport (passport scanned copy) to your tour operator, who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD 40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. You will be required to show your visa clearance letter at your point of entry, and the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Accommodation

The government approved and classified hotels in Bhutan as grades A, B, and C. These government-approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels elsewhere. Based on availability at the time of booking, we will be accommodated in A-grade hotels in Paro and Thimpu and B-grade hotels in Punakha, Wangdue, and Bumthang. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request. 

Meals

All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) will be made available on the trip. A variety of meals are available in most hotels, the most popular being Indian, Chinese, and the more common continental food. Non-vegetarian dishes are generally available in Bhutan - pork, beef, chicken, and fish. The best advice is to ask the hotel and restaurant to recommend what is fresh and in season.

 

Weather Information

There is no appropriate season which is to say that Bhutan's warm and temperate climate, never-ending festivals, and rich and abundant heritage sites provide visitors with a wide array of experiences throughout the year across the country. Bhutan has all four seasons, and the climate varies widely depending on the altitude.

Spring (March, April & May)

This is considered the most beautiful time of the year, radiant and ablaze with a spectacular array of bright colors. This is when the valleys are green with fresh vegetation, fruit trees are blossoming, and locals are naturally mirthful and cheery when visitors are most welcome. Also, you can witness the famous Paro tsechu festival.

Autumn (September, October & November)

Autumn is lovely, with clear and crisp blue skies providing a grand view of some of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. It is the best time for trekking and traveling. The climate is cool and temperate. You can get lovely photography opportunities of willows shedding their golden brown leaves, the solitude of parks, and somber views of dzongs and monasteries.

Monsoon (June, July & August)

During these months, Bhutan receives more rainfall than any other region in the Himalayas. Glorious sapphire skies and warm weather are a pleasant time to spend visiting places of cultural and historical interest though this season is not the best time for trekking. Enjoy a warm, aromatic tea while watching the rainfall from your hotel window. Or, if you possess an adventurous spirit, grab an umbrella/raincoat while it is raining and take a day tour through the town.

Winter (December, January & February)

Winter in Bhutan is sunny, calm, and agreeable. Much of the east-west highway remains snowbound during winter. It is the best time to tour the western districts of Paro, Wangdue, Punakha, Thimphu, and Haa. One of the chief attractions in winter is the beautiful Gangtey (Phobjikha) valley, where you can expect to see a vast expanse of rolling plains with bamboo shrubs.

Safety Guidelines

Credit cards are not a convenient payment source in Bhutan, as only a handful of hotels in a few places provide this facility. Also, only MasterCard and Visa. US dollars are the most convenient currency and are cashed by most banks.

You should avoid drinking tap water altogether, but it is okay to use it for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is widely available and is best for drinking. It is also wise to carry water purification tablets when trekking in remote locations of Bhutan.

The local currency is the Ngultrum, pegged to the Indian Rupee. Note: The Indian Rupee in 500 and 1000 is no longer accepted in Bhutan.

Bhutan is the only country in the world that has banned the consumption and sale of tobacco, resulting in smoking being disallowed mainly in public places. Consumption is not entirely prohibited in Bhutan so if you want to smoke, bring your cigarettes and ask your guide where you can light up. (seal opened pack only)

Tuesdays are considered the national 'dry day,' with the sale of alcohol prohibited.

When taking photos/filming inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious institutions, check with your guide whether it is permitted, as some areas do not.

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