Discover Bhutan in 4 Days
4 Days Starting and ending in Paro International Airport, BHUTAN
Visiting: Thimphu, Paro, Paro Taktsang
Tour operator:
Tour code:
71355P3
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
1-80
Special diets catered:
We respect dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Perfect for discerning travellers with a limited time frame to get away from busy materialistic city life into the pristine natural environment, stunning landscapes and get pampered with Bhutanese hospitality. This short duration journey will take you to remote monasteries and encounter the mindful Buddhist way of life that earned the country its nickname ‘Kingdom of Happiness’. On the 3rd day of this trip, you will hike to the famous Paro Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest built on the face of the 800m rock cliff.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Paro Inaternational Airport / Transfer To Thimphu (2334M)
Location: Paro International Airport, Thimphu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
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. Our guide and the driver will receive you on arrival and take you on your first adventure into the ‘Kingdom of Thunder Dragon’.
We will visit an auspicious 7th-century monastery Kichu Lhakhang which was built overnight by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in his quest to subdue an evil spirit, the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower and get insights into rich cultural traditions, history and many artifacts. You'll also visit an impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong which serves as the office of the governor of Paro district and head of the district monk body in Paro. From there walk to the beautiful wooden cantilever bridge over Paro Chu river.
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
Day 2 : Thimphu / Transfer To Back To Paro (2200M)
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel, Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Accommodation Name: Alternatively you may want to stay at the farmhouse with the local family to experience a glimpse of Bhutanese life
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Restaurant 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 2,200m/7,220ft
Day 3 : Hike To Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) & Later Visit A Beautiful Farmhouse For An Authentic Home-Cooked Local Cuisine
Location: Paro Taktsang
Accommodation: Hotel, Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Accommodation Name: Alternatively you may want to stay at the farmhouse with the local family to experience a glimpse of Bhutanese life
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 takes about 4-5 hours to do the round trip hike. Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan.
Towards the late afternoon, visit a beautiful farmhouse to experience local culture and enjoy authentic home-cooked cuisine for dinner. If you are interested in 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”.
Day 4 : Transfer To Paro International Airport For Your Onward Departure
Location: Paro International Airport
Accommodation: No accommodation on the last day of the trip
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
What's Included
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Local Taxes
All internal taxes are included
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Meals – Full Board
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Land transport included as per itinerary for the entire duration of your stay in Bhutan
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Country Entry Visas
Visa Fee is included in the price. We will also process your visa and send you the approved e-visa letter within 3-4 business days.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Round trip airport transfers included in the price
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Fully Guided
Experienced English speaking licensed tour guide included
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Accommodation
Accommodation at 3star hotels mentioned in the itinerary or similar. We will arrange hotels that are certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
All hotel accommodations have wi-fi internet connections.
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Extra experience like traditional archery and dart throwing.
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Bottled mineral water in the car
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping is not mandatory.
However, if you feel satisfied about the services we offer and guides and driver were up to your mark, you may tip them. -
International Travel
International flights are not included.
There are only two airlines (Drukair & Bhutan Airlines) operating in and out of Bhutan and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season.
Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore.
We recommend you to book a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March - May and September - November.
If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
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Drinks with Meals
All drinks not included except bottled mineral water in the car
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Any other expenditures of personal nature
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Entry Fees
All entry fees to the museum, monuments and sacred sites are not included
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
Flights are not included in the price. There are only two airlines (Drukair & Bhutan Airlines) operating in and out of Bhutan and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you to book a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March - May and September - November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Except for the holders of Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders, all other nationals are required to have a visa to enter Bhutan in advance.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
You will have some leisure time during the tour but you must follow the time schedule set by the guide. At the end of the day, you can explore the places on your own in consultation with the guide.
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is optional but you may tip your guide and the driver if you feel that they met your expectations. Our guides and drivers will ensures you get the best experience!
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been in the business since the beginning of 2016.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Visitors are required to provide a COVID vaccine certificate and negative PCR test taken not more than 72 hours before the date of entry. Facemasks are mandatory at all places. Our guides and drivers will maintain a high degree of COVID-19 safety protocols. Vehicles are regularly sanitized.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, you may not join the tour that has already departed. In case you have booked that particular tour, you may join but you will not receive any refund for the portion you have missed. You also have to pay the airport pickup charges because separate transport has to be arranged.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All of our hotels are certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and are regularly inspected by the authority for health and COVID-19 safety regulations.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can always change the date of the confirmed booking. We highly recommend you let us know a few months before the original date of arrival to ensure the flights and hotels are available on the new dates especially during the high season. A trip once booked can be postponed to any future date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You'll receive a copy of your BHUTAN e-Visa and an outline of the itinerary with the list of hotels where you will stay before you travel. We always let our guests know in advance the hotels they will stay in. No surprises and disappointments! If you are coming for a trekking adventure, we will send you a suggested packing list.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Free Date Changes
Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel allows you to make 3 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bhutan acorn tours & travel, 30 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Bhutan Acorn Tours & Travel requires a minimum deposit of 50% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bhutan acorn tours & travel charges.
Up to 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 0% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.