Glimpse of Bhutan Tour
5 Days Starting and ending in Paro International Airport
Visiting: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha Dzong སྤུ་ན་ཁ་རྫོང་།, Dochula, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten, Taktsang
Tour operator:
Tour code:
71355P1
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
10-80
Special diets catered:
We respect dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
This 5 days 4 nights trip will present a true Glimpse of Bhutan and imbibe in you what it takes for the tiny Buddhist Kingdom to emerge as a unique tourist destination. The journey will take you through the hearts of three western districts of Bhutan – Paro, capital city Thimphu and fertile Punakha valley which all exhibits strength and tenacity of a nation known for preserving its ancient Buddhist culture and living in harmony with its pristine natural environment. You will visit major historical and religious centers including a 4-5 hour return hike to the most spectacular tourist attraction, Paro Taktsang which was originally built in 1692 on a sheer 800-meter rock cliff and 2-hour hike through the beautiful valley in Punakha. En route to Punakha stop at a sacred mountain pass Dochu La at (3,150m/10,335ft) from where you can see, if weather permits, grand panoramic view of some of the highest snow-capped peaks in Bhutan.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Paro International Airport / Transfer To Thimphu (2334M)
Location: Thimphu, Paro
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, ResortResortKuenphen Rabten Resort or Amodhara
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
On your arrival at the Paro International Airport, our guide and the driver will be there to receive you and then you will be taken on your first adventure in this beautiful Kingdom. You will visit the following places in Paro:
7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which was built overnight in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
The National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower called Ta Dzong. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country.
After lunch at one of the local restaurants in Paro, transfer to the capital city, Thimphu (1.5-hours driving time).
Leisure time in Thimphu town.
Day 2 : Sightseeing In Thimphu / Transfer To Punakha Valley (1200M)
Location: Punakha Dzong སྤུ་ན་ཁ་རྫོང་།
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Hotel Lobesa or Meri Puensum Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit some places of interests in the capital city and then transfer to Punakha valley via the sacred Dochula pass.
Visit the 169ft tall Buddha Dordenma statue located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley, then continue to Centenary Farmer's Market to learn about food preference and culture in Bhutanese society. We then visit Changlimithang Stadium and Archery Range where you will witness archery match if the game is ongoing. You will 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 Punakha valley via Dochula pass (2.5-hours driving time) where you can enjoy the grand view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear day.
Lunch can be served either at Dochula Cafeteria or just before arriving Punakha town.
From Dochula Pass, we continue the journey gradually descending to a lower warmer valley. En route visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly know as "Temple of Fertility".
Continue driving to Punakha town and visit Bhutan's architectural masterpiece, the 17th-century Punakha Dzong and spend some time appreciating the sacred wall paintings and intricate wood carvings. From here, we walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that runs across Phochu, one of the glacial rivers of Bhutan.
Day 3 : Hike To Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten / Transfer Back To Paro Valley (2200M)
Location: Paro, Dochula, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will hike to the beautiful Khamsum Yulley Namgeyl Chorten and then after lunch, transfer back to Paro valley.
Drive to the nearest road head and hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten located on a serene hilltop overlooking the Punakha valley. The round trip hike takes about 2.5-3 hours through the terraced rice fields and a gentle slope of pine trees before you arrive the serene viewpoint.
After the hike, we head back to Punakha town for lunch. If you are interested, you will have an opportunity to do White Water Rafting on the Mochu River. The White Water Rafting comes at an additional fee of about USD200 charged by the rafting service provider. Punakha valley is blessed with two glacial fed rivers – one is called Pho Chhu (Male river) and the other is Mo Chhu (Female river). Pho Chhu river is graded 2-4 on an International Scale of River Difficulty therefore only experienced rafters can do rafting on this river. Mo Chhu is graded 1-2 making it possible for all ages to try and experience rafting. Rafting distance is 10-14kms and takes about 2 hours from staring to the finish point.
After lunch, transfer back to Paro for overnight (3.5-4 hours driving).
Day 4 : Hike To The Famous Tiger's Nest (3120M)
Location: Taktsang
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After early breakfast at the hotel, you will hike to the famous Paro Taktsang popularly known as Tiger's Nest. Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’ is located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rock cliff in Paro and is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. The round trip hike normally takes 4-5 hours for most visitors but you can hike at your own pace. We recommend starting early.
Horse riding is available on your way up for an additional fee of USD20 up to the mid point (Taktsang Cafeteria). Hourse riding is not recommended on your way down.
After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, descend back to the base and drive to Paro town where you will spend some leisurely afternoon. Later, visit one of the beautiful farmhouses for an authentic home-cooked local cuisine. You can participate in preparing some popular local dishes. You may want to experience a traditional hot stone bath believed to have therapeutic, revitalizing benefits for an additional fee of about $15 per person, as charged by the owner.
Day 5 : Departure From Paro International Airport
Location: Paro Internatioal Airport
Accommodation: No accommodation on the last day
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey depending on your departure time. Our guide and drive will bid you farewell.
What's Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Bottled mineral water in the car
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Accommodation
Accommodation at 3star hotels mentioned in the itinerary or similar. We will arrange hotels certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Round trip airport transfers included in the price
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
All hotel accommodations have wi-fi internet connections.
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Fully Guided
Experienced licensed tour guide 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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Extra experience like traditional archery and dart throwing.
What's Not Included
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Drinks with Meals
All drinks not included except bottled mineral water in the car
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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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Tipping and Gratuities
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Any other expenditture of personal nature
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Entry Fees
All entry fees to the museums, monuments and sacred sites are not included
Check out our Q&As
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes
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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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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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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.