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Paro Thimphu Tour – 3 Days
5/5 based on 37 reviews
Trip Duration
15 Days
Group Sizes
2 to 25 People
Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
3120 m
Activities
Meals
Accommodation
The Paro Thimphu Tour is a short journey that introduces you to two of Bhutan’s most important destinations. You will spend 3 days exploring Bhutan’s two main destinations, Paro and Thimphu, visiting historic monasteries and fortresses, wandering through local markets, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere Bhutan is known for. The tour is ideal for the travellers who have limited time and want to explore the natural beauty, culture and tradition of Bhutan.
You will start from Paro which is the starting point and then proceed towards Thimphu, the capital city. On the way, you’ll visit Tachog Lhakhang, where an iron chain bridge constructed with traditional techniques crosses the Paro Chhu River. The tour will take you to Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, Clock Tower Square and Norzin Lam, allowing you time to explore more of the cultural highlights and daily life of Thimphu before heading back to Paro.
Day 2 is a day to explore Paro Valley. The Drukgyel Dzong viewpoint offers views of the surrounding mountains while the hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) is a highlight of the journey. The monastery is located on a cliffside and is one of the most revered religious sites in Bhutan. The day is dedicated to sightseeing where visitors get to see Rinpung Dzong and the traditional cantilever bridge across the Pa Chhu River, both are important landmarks in Paro.
On the last day you might have enough time to visit Bondey Zangtopelri Lhakhang or the tranquil Dzongdrakha Lhakhang prior to transfer to Paro International Airport. The sightseeing programme is flexible, and is dependent on your departure flight schedule.
At Mega Treks and Expedition, we take care of all your transportation, accommodation, permits and an experienced local guide throughout the tour. Each visit is well organised and allows time to visit everything at a comfortable pace with our team.
The Bhutan Paro Thimphu Tour is suitable for families, couples, solo travellers, and anyone looking for a short cultural holiday in Bhutan. The Paro and Thimphu Tour Package is an excellent choice for first time visitors who want to experience Bhutan’s history, religion, architecture, and daily way of life in a short journey.
Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, our guide from Mega Treks and Expedition will be there to meet you and begin the journey towards Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way, we will stop at Tachog Lhakhang, where a traditional iron chain bridge spans the Paro Chhu River. A beautiful historical temple and bridge which will give you an easy start into the religious and traditional architectural heritage of Bhutan.
On arrival in Thimphu, the sightseeing starts at the massive bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, which looks down on the valley. We then head towards Clock Tower Square and stroll down the city’s main street, Norzin lam, which showcases the daily life of the capital’s local shops, cafés, and handicraft stores. Time spent is also adequate to pick up some local handicrafts or traditional Bhutanese souvenirs at the handicraft market.
We will also visit Tashichho Dzong, an important administrative and religious landmark and home to government offices and monastic institutions, later in the day. In the evening, we will return to Paro after completing the day’s sightseeing. Please remember that the sightseeing programme will vary according to your arrival time.
Today’s programme focuses on the cultural landmarks of Paro Valley. In the morning, we will visit the Drukgyel Dzong Viewpoint, where you can enjoy views of Mount Jomolhari on clear days (weather permitting). We will then proceed to the trailhead for the hike up to Taktsang Monastery also popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is located on a cliff about 900 metres above the bottom of the valley and is one of the most significant religious sites in Bhutan.
The trail passes through pine forests on a well maintained mountain path to the monastery. Those who can’t walk as much can visit the viewpoint cafeteria where you can enjoy a view of the monastery. At the end of the hike, we will visit Rinpung Dzong, a stunning fortress monastery that overlooks the town of Paro, and then cross the traditional cantilever bridge over the Pa Chhu River. The evening is free to relax and enjoy your final night in Bhutan.
After breakfast, there may be time for additional sightseeing before your departure, depending on your flight schedule. In case of time, we will make a stop at the beautifully decorated temple of Bondey Zangtopelri just outside of Paro. Another optional stop is Dzongdrakha Lhakhang, a peaceful temple complex built against a rocky hillside and often compared to Tiger’s Nest because of its dramatic setting.
Following the morning visit, we will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Your Paro Thimphu Tour concludes here, and our team thanks you for choosing Mega Treks and Expedition. We wish you a great memory of the culture, the monasteries, the landscape, and the hospitality of Bhutan.
You can cutomize this trip as per your requirements if met the proper guidelines.
The Paro Thimphu Tour is a comfortable cultural tour that can be enjoyed by travellers of all ages and fitness. Majority of the sightseeing is done by vehicle and small walks of monasteries, dzongs, temples, museums, and local markets. No trekking experience or special physical preparation is required for this tour.
The most active part of the itinerary is the hike to Taktsang Monastery, commonly known as Tiger’s Nest. The trail is in good condition but takes a gradual climb uphill through a hilly forest. Most visitors take about 2 to 3 hours to reach the monastery and around 1.5 to 2 hours to descend. The speed may be varied to the comfort of the group, and rest-places are to be found on the road.
Those travellers who do not want to hike to the top can walk to the viewpoint cafeteria which is a good place to view the monastery. This section of the Paro Thimphu Tour will require comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a light daypack.
During the Bhutan Paro Thimphu Tour, accommodation is provided in comfortable tourist standard hotels in Paro. The rooms are mostly available on a twin share basis and have their own bathrooms with modern facilities. Hotels are also chosen based on the level of cleanliness, good location and quality of services so that you have an enjoyable stay during your visit.
The majority of hotels have restaurants that cook Bhutanese and international food, as well as common areas where people have the opportunity to relax after spending a day sightseeing. If you prefer a higher category hotel or luxury accommodation, upgrades can usually be arranged upon request, subject to availability and additional cost.
The Bhutan Cultural Tour includes meals as specified in the itinerary. Breakfast is normally served in your hotel, lunch and dinner in selected restaurants or hotels which serve a range of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and continental food.
Those who wish to taste local foods may sample traditional meals of Bhutan like Ema Datshi, red rice, buckwheat, and vegetables in season. Vegetarian dishes are common and the majority of dietary needs can be met upon request. Safe drinking water is available throughout the tour.
The Paro Thimphu Tour can be enjoyed throughout the year, with each season offering a different travel experience. The most favourable seasons are generally the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the temperatures are comfortable, the skies are clear, and the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and hiking to Taktsang Monastery.
Summer is accompanied by some rainfall thus making the valleys greener and quieter, whereas winter is accompanied by crisp mountain views and fewer visitors. The mornings and evenings are colder, and therefore it is advisable to have a light jacket at all times and in all seasons. Choosing the best travel period depends on your interests, preferred weather, and holiday schedule.
The majority of the international tourists who visit Paro and Thimphu Tour Package need a Bhutan visa prior to travelling. Once your tour is confirmed, the visa is arranged by a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The travellers are advised to ensure that their passport is valid at least six months, as of the arrival date.
The citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives have various entry procedures depending on the recent regulations published by the Royal Government of Bhutan. We will guide you in the necessary documents, visa application and travel arrangements prior to your departure to assist in making sure a smooth entry into Bhutan.
The Paro Thimphu Tour requires all international visitors to follow Bhutan’s current travel regulations. Most foreign travellers are required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which supports Bhutan’s environmental conservation, cultural preservation, healthcare, education, and tourism infrastructure. The Royal Government of Bhutan determines the applicable SDF rate which can vary with time.
Your Bhutan travel permits are arranged prior to your arrival in Bhutan. We will arrange all the required travel documents and permits with our local partners, and you can easily travel without doing the permit procedure on your own. To complete the arrangements, you will need to provide a copy of your passport and the required travel information before your departure.
The Bhutan Paro Thimphu Tour includes transportation in a comfortable private vehicle during the entire trip. The itinerary also includes airport transfers, sightseeing, and travelling between Paro and Thimphu and you do not have to rush to travel locally as you have the country to explore at a slow pace.
The roads that run between Paro and Thimphu are in good condition and the drive normally requires an hour to an hour and a half. Your vehicle will stop at the designated sightseeing sites and selected viewpoints along the route whenever time allows. Skilled local drivers that are conversant with the mountain roads of Bhutan will make the tour a safe and comfortable experience.
Your Bhutan Cultural Tour will be guided by a licensed English speaking Bhutanese guide who will be with you during the programme. Besides giving you the background and importance of the monasteries, dzongs and other cultural sites, your guide will help in making daily arrangements and will also answer any questions that you may have along the way.
Our team collaborates with well trained local partners to make sure that all aspects of the trip go well. From your arrival at Paro International Airport until your departure, our team assists with accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, and permits so you can enjoy your holiday with confidence.
The Paro Thimphu Tour is appropriate to many tourists as well as families and elderly tourists. The tour will be conducted at relatively low altitude and sightseeing will be done at a relaxed rate with frequent rest periods between visits. The only physically demanding activity is the optional hike to Taktsang Monastery, which can be completed according to your own fitness level.
In the large towns of Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan has good healthcare facilities. In case you are on regular medication, it is advisable to carry some medication until the end of your trip. Consuming a lot of water, dressing appropriately to the season, and listening to your guide are some of the ways that will make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.
The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency in Bhutan worth the same as an Indian Rupee (INR). Cash is highly accepted in the country, and there are ATMs in Paro and Thimphu, but they might not necessarily accept international bank cards. We recommend carrying some local currency for small purchases and personal expenses.
The Paro and Thimphu Tour Package covers the services mentioned in the cost includes column, though you might want to carry some extra cash to buy some souvenirs, beverages, snacks, or any other optional activity. Big hotels and larger stores accept credit cards, whereas smaller businesses might require cash.
Internet access is widely available during the Paro Thimphu Tour, and most hotels provide free WiFi for guests. Coverage of mobile networks in Paro and Thimphu is usually good, so you will not lose connection when visiting the country. It is also possible to buy local SIM cards once in Bhutan in case you need mobile data or local calling services.
The tour has electricity all along and the hotel rooms have charging points to mobile phones, cameras and other electronic gadgets. We recommend carrying a universal travel adapter if your country’s plug type differs from those used in Bhutan.
There are numerous chances to capture the images of monasteries, dzongs, mountain landscapes, and traditional Bhutanese architecture during the Bhutan Paro Thimphu Tour. Photography is mostly allowed in outdoor locations whereas photography within temples, monasteries and shrine rooms is usually limited. Each time you visit, you will be told by your guide where you can take photographs.
Modest dressing is advisable when travelling to religious places due to local culture. Both men and women can wear long trousers or skirts and shirts that cover the shoulders. Visitors should follow any instructions given by the monks or local guide. Take your hat off before you enter temples or monasteries.
Having seen the sights of Paro and Thimphu, many travellers choose to extend their Bhutan Cultural Tour to visit other areas of the country. The major attractions are Punakha, Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang, Haa Valley and Trongsa, where there are cultural sights, monasteries and mountainous landscapes.
In case you have more time, we can arrange a tailor made extension according to your interests and travel dates. Cultural sightseeing, nature, festivals, or a short hike, we can suggest an itinerary to accompany your visit to Bhutan.
The Paro Thimphu Tour will cover cost inclusions in the cost includes section, but you must also budget on personal expenses during your holiday. These can be beverages, snacks, laundry, souvenirs, personal shopping, tips to your guide and driver and any other optional activities not covered in the itinerary.
Though most hotels and the bigger stores accept card payments, it is advisable to carry some Bhutanese Ngultrum to make small purchases. It is also convenient to pay with local currency in the small stores and local markets in order to incur personal expenses.
The Paro and Thimphu Tour Package involve the visits of the key monasteries, temples, and dzongs where the local traditions must be observed at all times. Wear simple clothes when visiting religious places, take off your hat when visiting a temple and listen to your guide when visiting a religious place. Low voice and proper behavior can be used to maintain the serene environment in these locations.
Before taking photographs of the monks or locals, always seek permission and do not touch religious objects without permission to do so. Circling clockwise around the chortens, prayer wheels and other religious buildings is an ancient practice of Buddhism which the visitors are urged to observe as they travel in Bhutan.
In case this is your first time in Bhutan, it will be more comfortable to plan a few things before you start your Paro Thimphu Tour. Depending on the weather, it may change during the day, and it is advisable to bring light clothes, comfortable shoes to walk in, sunglasses, and a reusable bottle of water. In case you have decided to hike to Taktsang Monastery, it will be more enjoyable to carry a small daypack and walk at a moderate pace.
Bhutan places great importance on its culture, traditions, and environment. By observing local traditions, wearing what is expected when going to monasteries and listening to your guide, you will learn more about how people live in the country. Slow sightseeing, local food, and respectful communication with the local people will help make the visits more meaningful and enjoyable.
The three day itinerary is perfect when the traveller wishes to explore the two most visited locations of Bhutan within a limited duration. It gives sufficient time to experience the key cultural sights at a leisurely pace of traveling.
No. The hike to Taktsang Monastery is included in the itinerary, but participation is optional. In case you do not want to hike to the end, you can walk to the viewpoint cafeteria or just have some time to explore Paro.
The average visitor needs between 2 and 3 hours to get to the monastery and between 1.5 to 2 hours to go down. The duration of walks is determined by how fast you walk and how many rest stops you have.
Yes. Horses are usually available for hire from the trailhead and can be used for the uphill section of the hike, subject to availability and local arrangements.
Taktsang Monastery is the highest point of the Paro Thimphu Tour at about 3,120 metres above sea level.
The entrance fees for the sightseeing attractions included in the itinerary are included in your tour package unless otherwise stated.
Yes. Tours offered privately can generally be customised to suit your interests, time constraints or desired pace. We will be glad to talk over any amendments with you in advance.
Yes. Families with children regularly join this tour. Parents should consider their child’s ability if planning to hike to Taktsang Monastery.
It is advisable to wear comfortable clothes for walking. Pack a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and modest clothing for visiting monasteries all year round.
Yes. The tour is suitable for senior travellers who are comfortable with light sightseeing walks. The Tiger’s Nest hike can be completed at a comfortable pace, or you may choose to skip it.
Yes. Hotels and restaurants throughout Bhutan offer vegetarian food, and if you give prior notice they will usually cater for dietary requirements.
Yes, bottled drinking water is readily available at hotels, restaurants and shops in both Paro and Thimphu.
Your guide will speak English. Other language guides can also be provided on demand, though this must be booked in advance.
Yes. Paro and Thimphu have local markets and handicraft shops with a range of handmade textiles, wood carvings, paintings, jewellery and souvenirs.
Tipping is not obligatory but if you are happy with the service provided by your guide and driver you will be much appreciated.
Yes. The tour runs on a year round basis. The winter is usually characterized by low temperatures and less visitors hence making it a good time to sightsee.
Yes. Tourists are advised to listen to the instructions of their guide, dress decently, and observe any prohibition of photography in temples and government offices.
Yes. Most travellers proceed to other destinations like Punakha, Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang or Haa Valley. Mega Treks and Expedition can facilitate the planning of a longer itinerary.
Yes. You may organize the Bhutan Paro Thimphu Tour as a personal tour, couple tour, family tour or even as a group with any flexible departure date.
We suggest you book your Paro and Thimphu Tour Package in advance, a few weeks before you want to travel. Early reservation will give time to get the visa done, do booking and ensure that all the travel arrangements are done.
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