Activities : Birds watching, Trekking, Sightseeing
Best Month : March to May and October to December
Transportation : Private car/jeep/minivan
Accommodation : A Category Hotels
Style :
Max Elevation : 3,120 Taktsang Monastery
Meal : All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Trip Route : Paro-Thimpu-Paro
Bhutan Highlights Tour is a short yet a very fulfilling 2 nights, 3 days tour of Bhutan that helps you discover the essence of Bhutan. On this 3-day guided journey, you will tour the charming towns of Paro and Thimpu, and experience the unique blend of enchanting natural beauty, spirituality and cultural heritage that the country offers to its quick visitors.
The sites included in this short Bhutan tour are meticulously handpicked to offer a well-rounded insight into the country’s cultural, natural and historical highlights. The sites, the Great Buddha Dordenma and the Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger’s Nest), highlight the country's deep spiritual devotion and a harmonious blend of tradition, art and awe-inspiring Himalayan landscape. The Royal Takin Preserve, showcasing its unique national animal, the Takin in its natural habitat, highlights the nation’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Similarly, Kyichu and Tachog Lhakhang highlight Bhutan’s ancient spiritual heritage, reflecting the country’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and sacred legends. Likewise, Tashichho Dzong, serving as both a religious center and the seat of the country’s administration, highlights Bhutan’s unique fusion of spiritual devotion and governance. To top up the experience, a visit to traditional farmhouse is also included in the package, which allows the visitor to gain first-hand experience of Bhutanese rural life, connect with local families, taste home-cooked, authentic Bhutanese cuisine, engage in cultural practices and witness the Bhutanese hospitality that is not found in typical tourist setting. For more details, please refer to the detailed itinerary.
This 3-day Bhutan Tour starts and ends in Paro. You will spend one night in Thimpu and the other in Paro. After arriving in Paro by flight, you will first drive to Thimpu to explore its highlights, before exploring the attraction of Paro. It’s an all-inclusive (meals, accommodation, transportation and entrance fees) package that will be guided by an English-speaking Bhutanese guide. However, should you prefer a tailored itinerary or package, we would be happy to understand your specifications and assist you plan your tour accordingly.
While the tour is available year-round, this 3-day Bhutan tour is at its finest between March-May and October-December- making these months the perfect time to visit.
The two cities included in the itinerary also host the country’s traditional and important festivals, such as Paro Tshechu in Paro and Rhododendron Festival, Thimphu Drubchen, Thimpu Tshechu, Jhomolhari Mountain Festival, Dechenphu Tshechu and Druk Wangyel Tshechu in Thimpu. If you prefer any of these festivals to be included in your upcoming Bhutan tour itinerary, please let us know, and we’ll be glad to customize the journey to suit your interests.
Talking about the suitability of this 2 nights, 3 days Bhutan Tour package, it’s carefully curated to offer the perfect balance of cultural depth, scenic beauty and personalized experiences- making it an ideal choice for people with a wide range of interests, physical ability and budget- seeking an unforgettable journey through Bhutan. Additionally, if you are one flight away from this country and are on limited time, this makes a perfect peaceful weekend getaway. And, if you are already taking a tour in its neighbouring countries, such as Nepal, India, Bangladesh or other countries in South Asia, this makes just the right side-trip.
Planning to spend more or less than 3 days in Bhutan? Explore the range of Bhutan tour options we offer.
Have a group or are interested in joining an existing group? Enjoy a special group rate
Day 01: Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimpu
Day 02: Drive to Paro and hike to the Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger’s Nest)
Day 03: Departure from Paro
Day 01: Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimpu Altitude Paro: 2,200m Altitude Thimpu: 2,300m Distance: 54 kilometers approx. Driving Time: 1.5 hours Experience one of the world’s most scenic landings, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Upon touch down at the Paro International Airport and after airport immigration and customs formalities, meet your tour guide outside the arrival area and receive a traditional welcome to the country. Enjoying a drive along the Paro and Thimpu River and taking in the stunning views of the terraced fields, traditional farmhouses and mountains in the distance get transferred to the capital of the country, Thimpu, in a private vehicle. On the way stop to visit Tachog/Tamchog Lhakhang - a 15th century temple built at the base of the mountain along the Paro-Thimpu highway. The temple was built by a saint-engineer Thangton Gyalpo, famed as the ‘Iron Bridge Builder’. It’s a spiritual vision site that commemorates Thangton Gyalpo’s divine encounter with Balaha,”the Excellent Horse”- an emanation of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Today the site stands as a testament to a profound spiritual vision and remarkable engineering feat by Thangton Gyalpo. Once in Thimpu, check into the lodge and set out to visit other highlights of the capital such as: The Great Buddha Dordenma- Situated atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, this monumental statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is one of the must-see attractions in Thimpu for a number of reasons. First, the statue was commissioned to honor the 60th birthday of the 4th King (Jigme Singye Wangchuck) of Bhutan. Second, the Statue- made of bronze and gilded in gold, ranks among the largest (54m/177ft) Buddha Statues globally. The intricate carvings and mandalas, along with the presence of 125,000 smaller Buddha statues—each meticulously crafted from bronze and gilded in gold—also makes this a true masterpiece of art. Third, the location offers a very beautiful panoramic view of the Thimpu Valley. However, most importantly, it is a sacred site that fulfills prophecies dating back to the 8th and 20th centuries, symbolizing peace and blessings for the world. This statue complex is open to visitors from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. The Royal Takin Preserve - Located in Motithang, Thimphu, this preserve is home to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, which is an endangered species found only in Eastern Himalayas. This peaceful sanctuary, dedicated to the conservation of the Takin also offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the deep connection between its culture and nature. Apart from sighting the Takins roaming freely amidst the lush greenery, a walk on the well-maintained path of the preserve also offers a unique photography and wildlife, flora and fauna observation opportunity. The preserve is open to visitors from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Tashichho Dzong: It’s a fortress-monastery built in the 13th century. In the present day, it houses the Throne of the King, the Cabinet Secretariat and the central monastic body. The dzong offers a glimpse of Bhutan’s traditional architecture, rich spiritual heritage and the harmonious blend of religion and governance. The best time to visit this dzong is in the evening around sunset, when you can witness the flag lowering ceremony and when the dzong is illuminated creating a magical ambiance. The dzong is open to visitors from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. After visiting these sites, spend the evening either at leisure or exploring the local market and streets. Get back to the hotel in Thimpu for overnight stay. Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 02: Drive to Paro and hike to the Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger’s Nest) Altitude Thimpu: 2,300m Altitude Paro: 2,200m Distance Thimpu to Paro: 54 kms approx Driving Time: 1.5 hrs Altitude Tiger’s Nest: 3,120m After breakfast at the hotel in Thimpu, enjoy the scenic drive back to Paro. It’s about a 1.5 hour drive before the driver drops you off at Ramthangkha, the trail head of the Taktsang Monastery’s hike, located roughly 12 kilometers from the town of Paro. The hiking journey begins shortly. The Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger’s Nest hike is a moderate, approximately 4 kilometers-one way (approximately 2 hours each way) hike that takes hikers through the forest of pine and along the ridges. The hikers will briefly stop at the Taktsang Cafeteria, which offers a panoramic view of the monastery that sits on a cliff at the elevation of 3,120 meters and beckons, inviting exploration. Admiring the view, the hikers will continue to hike to the monastery. After reaching the Tiger’s Nest, the hiker will explore the site and then hike back down to the cafeteria for lunch. After lunch, the hikers will head back down to parking located near the trailhead. The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Bhutan. It is a revered Vajrayana Buddhist temple and monastery complex closely associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) and is also one of the most sacred sites in the country. According to legends, Padmasambhava, who is believed to have meditated, taught and practiced Vajrayana Buddhism here in the 8th century arrived at this site on the back of a flying tigress, giving the monastery its iconic nickname, ‘the Tiger’s Nest’. The monastery, however, was first built in 1692 around the Taktsang Senge Samdup Cave and till date remains a major pilgrimage destination. After the hike, visit other major attractions of Paro, such as: Kiychu Lhakhang, a 7th century temple built by the famous Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The temple is believed to be one of the 108 temples built by Songtsen Gampo across the Himalayas, to subdue the power of a demoness who hindered the spreading of Buddhism. Traditional Farmhouse: It’s a beautifully preserved and functioning rural home that reflects the country's unique vernacular architecture, cultural values and rural life. Visit these homes to savor authentic Bhutanese cuisine, engage with local families, participate in traditional farming activities and experience Bhutanese hospitality. Some farmhouses also offer experiences like archery, cooking classes and traditional hot stone baths, if you’d like to experience these activities. Get back to the hotel for overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 03: Departure from Paro After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to bid farewell to this magical country. Thus, as per your airport reporting time, you will be transferred to the Paro International Airport to help you board the flight to your onward destination. However, if you have some leisure time before leaving Bhutan, you can spend it best by exploring the local markets for souvenirs- you will love both the collection and the experience. Meals: Breakfast
Trip Cost Include
Trip Cost Exclude
Special Note: On our trip you are able to schedule your own departure dates. We are able to depart our trip every day (only Nepal). So kindly choose your own date as per your convenient. Contact us to schedule your own departure day.
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