Glimpses of Bhutan - 4 Days Tour | La Vacanza Travel

Glimpses of Bhutan - 4 Days Tour

Duration: 4 days
Destination: Bhutan, Paro, Paro
from
2585.4

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  • 4 days
  • Paro
  • E-Voucher
  • Lowest Price
  • Not-Cancellable

Overview

This tour explores all of the highlights of Bhutan’s western valleys, and is ideal for those with a limited time frame.

Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.Marvel at the elaborate and ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro Airport and drive to Thimphu for sightseeing

Stop At: Paro International Airport - departure terminal, Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan
Paro is connected to the world with air routes from Bangkok and India. You will either fly in from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Indra Gandhi International Airport in India. Most of our travelers fly in from Bangkok.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
Travellers enjoy a short trip to Kuenselphodrang, the site of one of the tallest Buddha statue in the world. In a bright sunny day, you can see the whole Thimphu city view. Buddha point is now famous for its landmark and there are visitors every day
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten), Thimphu Bhutan
The National Memorial Chorten is a Tibetan-style stupa and one of the most prominent religious structures in Thimphu. For the Bhutanese people, the Memorial Chorten is at the centre of daily worship. Throughout the day, Bhutanese people, young and old, visit the Memorial Chorten to pay homage before continuing with their day.

The Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honor the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and is a prominent landmark in the city with its white-washed walls, golden spires, and bells.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong), Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Located on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu is Bhutan's most stately, and arguably the most impressive, building. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and is the summer residence of the respected monastic community.

The current dzong is an impressive result of the redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the third king, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, when he moved the capital to Thimphu from Punakha.

As well as housing the throne room of His Majesty the King, the Tashichho Dzong also is home to the main secretariat building and the central monk body. Its courtyard is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tshechu and in the summer when the monks move to their winter residence in Punakha.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Thimphu’s Weekend Market, Chhogyal Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
The weekend market is in a permanent set of stalls north of Changlimithang Stadium. Vendors from throughout the region arrive on Friday afternoon and remain until Sunday night. It’s an interesting place to visit, where village people jostle with well-heeled Thimphu residents for the best- and cheapest- vegetables and foodstuffs. This is the only time that fresh produce is easily available and the shopping is enhanced by the opportunity to catch up on the week’s gossip.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Motithang Takin Preserve, Thimphu Bhutan
Motithang Takin Preserve, located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, Norzin Lam, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
The Bhutan Textile Museum or the National Textile Museum is a national textiles museum in Thimphu, Bhutan, located near the National Library of Bhutan. It is operated by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs
Duration: 45 minutes

Meals included:
• Lunch: All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
• Dinner: All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
• Breakfast: All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
Accommodation included: Accommodation in twin Sharing in 3 Star Hotel.(4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).

Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing - Evening drive to Paro for halt

Stop At: Thimphu’s Weekend Market, Chhogyal Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
The weekend market is in a permanent set of stalls north of Changlimithang Stadium. Vendors from throughout the region arrive on Friday afternoon and remain until Sunday night. It’s an interesting place to visit, where village people jostle with well-heeled Thimphu residents for the best- and cheapest- vegetables and foodstuffs. This is the only time that fresh produce is easily available and the shopping is enhanced by the opportunity to catch up on the week’s gossip.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Folk Heritage Museum Kawajangsa, FJMJ+2R7, Thimphu, Bhutan
The museum is housed in a 3-story 19th century traditional rammed mud and timber house aged more than 150 years. It includes paddy, wheat and millet fields, watermill, kitchen gardens, hot stone bath etc.

The ground floor resembles barn, the upper floor resembles safe store and the top most floor resembles living and dining area.The museums displays various materials related to the Bhutanese culture and way of life. Exhibitions includes rural households artifacts, equipment, objects and tools.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Simtokha Dzong, 5 Kms South of Thimphu, Thimphu Bhutan
Strategically built on a projecting ridge with deep gullies, the Simtokha Dzong overlooks and commands the entire Thimphu Valley.

Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel was one of the greatest builders of Dzongs in Bhutan. To consolidate his newly acquired domain in western Bhutan and to defend himself from both the internal foes and external enemies he started constructing Dzongs, beginning with the Simtokha Dzongs.

The present place where the Dzongs stands is the boundary between common to three western regions: Sha (wangduephodrang), Wng (Thimphu) and Pa (Paro). The intersection was marked with three stones that belong to the people of Punakha, Thimphu, and Paro. Surrounded by these three stones was a piece of land known as Sem-tokha or Sem-dokha with a temple built on it. This temple was later gifted to Zhabdrung by Lama Pangka Shong. History says that a Tibetan Lama Zhang has prophesied that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel would build a Dzong at the junction of three western lands. To fulfill the prophecy and honor the offer of Lama Panka Shons, Zhbdrung decided to build the Dzong.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Bhutan Postal Museum, Thimphu Bhutan
The Bhutan Postal Museum was opened on 7 November 2015 at the General Post Office building in the capital city Thimphu. The postal museum narrates the story of the evolution of communication, transportation and postal services in Bhutan's history.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Simply Bhutan Museum, Genyen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Simply Bhutan is a unique project that aims to conserve Bhutan culture and tradition while generating employment opportunities for young job seekers. The infrastructure portrays ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. The project is one of its kind in the country. The uniqueness of the structure is in its composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses. The best part is the portrayal of the age-old life styles of the Bhutanese people.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
• Lunch: All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
• Dinner: All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
Accommodation included: Accommodation in twin Sharing in 3 Star Hotel.(4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).

Day 3: Paro sightseeing and hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest Monastery)

Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail, Paro Bhutan
You will hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tigers Nest’, the jewel of Paro and one of the most sacred pilgrimages of Bhutan. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around an hour and a half, from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging precariously to the side of the cliff. You'll have the option to walk further up to the monastery which will take another hour. If you choose to continue the hike the views will be incredibly rewarding. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rimpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this monastery. Here, he meditated in a cave for 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days. The principal Lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. High up in the mountains looking majestically over the hills of Paro, the monastery is a great symbol for Bhutan.
Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Kyichu Lhakhang, Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001 Bhutan
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries in the country, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo. According to legend, a giant demon lay across the whole of Tibet and the Himalayas that was preventing the spread of Buddhism to the people. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo wanted to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. This is one of the 12 temples that were built to the precise plans. The master Guru Rinpoche is said to have visited during his time in Bhutan and left sacred teachings here. Historically and religiously, this is one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Paro Town, CCH8+R3X, Paro, Bhutan
Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot. The main street, only built in 1985, is lined with colorfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants. Take the time to interact with the friendly locals, buy some souvenirs and admire the town's buildings.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
• Lunch: All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
• Dinner: All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
Accommodation included: Accommodation in twin Sharing in 3 Star Hotel.(4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).

Day 4: Departure from Paro Airport to your onward destination.

Stop At: Paro International Airport - departure terminal, Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan
Your Bhutan tour guide will escort you to the airport for your onward destinations. With a heavy heart, we wave you goodbye and until time we see you again.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
No accommodation included on this day.

Inclusions
  • Local guide
  • 3 star hotels with private bathrooms
  • Bhutan government royalties and taxes
  • Bhutan visa fees
  • Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • 4x Breakfast
  • 3x Dinner
  • 3x Lunch
  • Accommodation included: 3 nights
  • Entry/Admission - Buddha Dordenma
  • Entry/Admission - Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
  • Entry/Admission - Paro International Airport - departure terminal
  • Entry/Admission - Thimphu’s Weekend Market

Exclusions
  • Personal items such as laundry, drinks, phone, tips
  • Upgrade costs for luxury hotels are additional
  • Flight ticket
  • Travel insurance
  • You should not travel internationally without travel insurance. Travel insurance can be provided through your Bhutanese tour operator or international partner.
  • Traveller’s cheque can be easily withdrawn and exchanged for local currency. Many of these banks provide internet banking facilities.TMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or Master Card. In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by credit card at most hotels and handicrafts stores.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. It is recommended that you bring flat-to-round pin converters for your electronics if necessary; however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets. Bhutan is a carbon neutral destination. Our energy is clean and green generated by hydro power.
  • Bhutan experiences great variations in its climate. In general summers are warm with average daily temperature ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures are usually below 15 degrees Celsius. The northern regions of the country are colder than the more tropical south and it is recommended you pack accordingly. Trekkers will need to bring appropriate warm clothes and comfortable hiking boots (well broken in) preferably with ankle support and weather-proof to complement the weather and rugged terrain.
  • Before embarking on a trip to Bhutan, please seek advice from your doctor with regard to vaccinations and appropriate medication you should have prior to your travels. As a minimum you should have tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A inoculations.
  • Bhutan ascribes to the metric system and most weights are measured in gram (g) and kilogram (kg).
  • Infant seats available
  • Bhutan standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT.
  • With great altitude variations, weather is quite mixed in Bhutan. So be prepared to face the unforeseen weather conditions.
  • We expect visitors to dress modestly and respectfully especially if you are planning a visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institutions. Long pants and long sleeved tops should be worn when visiting such places. As a mark of respect, be kind enough to remove your hats, caps etc. as you enter religious and administrative premises, institutions and in any other place that you come across with the national flag being raised.
  • Minimum age is 7
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Departure Point

Paro International Airport - departure terminal, Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan
Traveler pickup is offered
Paro International Airport Bhutan.

Airports

  • Paro Airport, Paro Bhutan


Departure Time

07:00 AM


Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Voucher info

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Duration

4 days


User's Reviews

Wiley_H

22 Jun, 2023

A great tour. The company owner was also involved for feedback. Had a driver and a guide. Really enjoyed the trip up to the tigress nest, which for me was strenuous. I rode the horse 1/3 of way up. Hotels were very comfortable.

Lexiii23

05 Aug, 2022

It was an adventurous trip to Bhutan with WORLD TOUR PLAN. The trip was well versed with the itinerary . The driver and tour guide was wonderful as they gave me company.. while I was mesmerised by the tranquility of the country.The landscapes, the landmarks were breath taking . The people were down to earth and not to mention the food was worth the shot. You wont regret the visit.I enjoyed my stay and hope to visit in near future as well.

FellowTraveler448721

03 Nov, 2019

I just completed an enjoyable and enlightened 5 days in Bhutan. I booked through Touradar with World Travel Plan. My guide, Ugyen Phuntsho, was very competent in answering my questions and made my comfort snd safety a priority. The driver was also very good who took extra care to ensure a smooth ride. I was impressed of the depth and breath of Ugyen's knowledge on the culture Bhutan as well as the many places we visited. He typically had a story to tell that provided the background and the significance of the place visited as well as on the national religion of Bhutan- Buddhism. Ugyen had an excellent command of English which made our interaction efortlessly. I strongly recommend using the World Travel Plan Tour company and Ugyen Phuntsho as the guide for future bookings in Bhutan. Thanks for a job well done.

BaoBao99

19 Jan, 2019

I had the chance to take a quick trip to Bhutan, and I'm so glad I did and that I chose World Tour Plan to organize. The true highlight of the trip is the trek up to Tiger's Nest, which was challenging but not as difficult as I imagined it would be. The World Tour guide and driver (both named Tashi) were both kind, professional, informative, friendly, and accommodating. Whenever changes were needed to the schedule or itinerary, the guide walked me through the options and made recommendations, but always let me make the ultimate decision. I would love to visit Bhutan again, and would undoubtedly choose World Tour again in a heartbeat. December seemed like a perfect time to visit as there wasn't a huge number of tourists and the weather was mostly cool and crisp, with just a slight sprinkling of snow one day. One tip: if travelling in the winter, I recommend bringing lots of warm layers for the hotel, as the three-star options are not very well insulated and it can get quite cold overnight. If you really think it will be an issue, you might want to consider going for the luxury hotel option.

Connector63380069330

15 Jan, 2019

Culture, history, nature, people... Very interesting country to visit. Keep open mind and make sure talk to the locals, you will experience a completely different life on the other side of the World. Worth the trip!

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