Discover Bhutan in 4 Days

Arrive Paro International airport by either of only two airlines operating in and out of Bhutan; Drukair, the national flag carrier or Bhutan Airlines, a private airline which was started in 2011. After receiving you by our guide and the driver, you'll be taken on your first adventure into the ‘Kingdom of Thunder Dragon’. We will visit an auspicious 7th-century monastery Kichu Lhakhang, the National Museum of Bhutan, an impressive Paro Dzong and later in the afternoon, transfer to the capital city Thimphu.

Note: The coverage of excursion on the first day depends on your flight arrival time. If you arrive in the morning, you should be able to visit all of the sites listed below. If it is in the afternoon, we might be able to visit a few only.

Visit 7th century Buddhist monastery – Kichu Lhakhang

Paro Kichu Lhakhang is located just a few minutes drive from the main town of Paro and is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in his effort to built 108 such temples across the Himalayan region to subdue the spirit of a demoness who was causing obstruction to the spread of Buddhism. Bhutan is blessed with two of these temples, one being Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang, central Bhutan. Both Kichu Lhakhang and Jampa Lhakhang are believed to have been built on the same day.

Visit National Museum of Bhutan – Ta Dzong

The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro just above the Rinpung Dzong (administrative headquarter of Paro district) was established in 1968. It is housed in an ancient watch tower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watch tower fortress”) built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. After this, we will visit Paro Dzong.

Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong – The Fortress of the Heap of Jewels

Paro Rinpung Dzong (Rinpung Dzong means “fortress of the heap of jewels”) was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and established as the administrative and monastic centre of the western region. Today, the Dzong serves as the office of the governor of Paro district and head of the district monk body in Paro. A great annual festival known as Paro Tsechu is held in Rinpung Dzong from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar (usually in March or April of the Western calendar).

Transfer to capital city Thimphu, home to about 115,000 residents. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and commercial billboards. If time permits, you'll visit one of the largest sitting Buddha statue in the world located on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu valley. If there is not enough time, we will visit the monument tomorrow morning,

Distance from Paro to Thimphu: 55km

Driving Time: 1.5-hours

Thimphu Altitude: 2,334m

Paro Altitude: 2195m

Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotem Amodhara.

Today we explore Thimphu city and visit some of the popular attractions in the capital. Later in the afternoon, transfer back to Paro for an overnight stay.

Begin the day by visiting the National Memorial Chorten built in memory of the Late Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who passed away in 1972. People from all walks of life come here to pray and circumambulate clockwise. In the heart of the town is the Bhutan Postal Museum if you are interested in philatelic and stamp collection. His Majesty the King graciously granted several rare collections of philatelic and communications products giving additional insights into the history of Bhutan’s philatelic and communications systems. You can also have stamps printed with your own photo.

Visit the National Library & Archives of Bhutan considered as a national treasure and a fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture. Located nearby is the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught. You'll have an opportunity to see the students getting hands-on training. Both National Library and Institute or Zorig Chusum opens on working weekdays and on Saturdays from 10am-12pm.

After a sumptuous traditional lunch at Folk Heritage Museum or at a similar restaurant, drive by the Changlimithang Archery Range to witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You'll see archers dancing and singing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Transfer to Paro for overnight stay.

Distance from Thimphu to Paro 55 km

Time 1.5 hours

Paro Altitude 2,195m/7,200ft

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort. You can also choose to stay at the farmhouse with a local family (subject to availability) and get a glimpse of typical village life in Bhutan.

After early breakfast, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. Taktsang monastery is built on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the road head. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Bhutan.  Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the mid-eighth century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew to Taktsang from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. Taktsang Monastery was originally built in 1692 on the sacred cave where Guru Padmasambhava meditated.

The trail takes you through the ancient path shaded by pine trees. After an hour of steep uphill hiking, you will reach a nice cafeteria from where you can see spectacular views of Taktsang monastery perched on the face of a steep rock cliff and beautiful valley below. Hot tea and snacks will be served here. For those who are still energetic, can hike further up for 1 hour and visit the monastery, receive blessings from many sacred relics and artifacts and enjoy grand views of the Paro valley below.

After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria we retrace our footsteps back to the base where our driver will be waiting. Spend leisurely afternoon exploring Paro town.

Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the mid-point (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria) for a fee of about USD20 per horse per person. Horse riding is not recommended on your way down and most owners will not allow it.

Towards the late afternoon, visit a beautiful farmhouse to experience local culture and enjoy authentic home-cooked cuisine for dinner. If you are interested for a home spa, you can soak up in a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$15. Specially selected river stones are heated in a wood fired fireplace and dropped into a chamber of wooden tub releasing minerals. You can lighten up with a warm cup of locally brewed liquor known as “Ara”. 

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort. You can also choose to stay at the farmhouse with a local family (subject to availability) and get a glimpse of typical village life in Bhutan.

After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.