Instant Bhutan Tour

Fly from Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air. From a window seat on clear days you can experience a spectacular view of Bhutan's snow capped peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival you will be received by our representative and sightseeing tour of Paro.

In Paro you will visit Drukgyal Dzong built in 1674 by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal, the Dzong was destroyed by fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. On a clear day you can get a magnificent view of the Mount Chomolhari, alt. 7314 m / 23,990 ft. Drive south to Satsam Chorten, built in memory of the late Dilgo Khyentse Rimpoche, and continue on to Kyichu Lhakhang, built in seventh century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo. After lunch visit the National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong) which contains works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armor and rare stamps.

Then drive to Thimphu, the capital city (2500 meter / 8200 ft), which will take you about one and half hour. Overnight in Hotel.

Meals & Drinks : All Meals

A visit to the Memorial Chorten built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, Dupthop Lhakhang ( Monastery for the nuns), National Library and the painting school where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkhas ( sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). Visit the traditional Medicine institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices and return to the town for your lunch break. After lunch you will visit Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal traditional silver smiths and Bhutanese traditional paper factory. Drive south and visit Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong built by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal. It is now used as the Institute for study of traditional teachings for the lay students. Return back to hotel for overnight.

Meals & Drinks : All Meals

Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, as we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (1,350 meters/ 4,430 feet). Before proceeding further to Punakha town we will hike up to the Chimi Lhakhang temple on a small hilltop. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as "Divine madman" to the westerners. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. Overnight at Hotel.

Meals & Drinks : All Meals

Morning drive to Wangdi Phodrang valley for sightseeing. Visit the only Dzong with wooden roof maintained in its ancient style. Walk around Wangdi town and have lunch. After lunch, drive to Thimphu. En-route, visit Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong built in Bhutan by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel in 1629. Since 1961, it has been the institute for religious and classical studies. Overnight at Thimphu.

Meals & Drinks : All Meals

After early morning breakfast, drive to Paro, your car will take you to the starting point of the hike to view the spectacular Taktsang monastery (Tiger's lair). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. You stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue the hike (if not tired) for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the remains of Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn't seem so impossible after all. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria.

Meals & Drinks : All Meals

After breakfast drive to airport for the flight out.
Note: This is a sample intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, tour conditions, the physical ability of the participant etc., may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the tour. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant safety, flight connections, comfort and general well being.

Meals & Drinks : All Meals