Scenic Bhutan Tour in Thimphu and Paro

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival at Paro International Airport and Drive to Thimphu
2 stops
1
Buddha Dordenma
The Buddha Dordenma, a 51-meter-tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, stands at the entrance to the Thimphu valley in Bhutan, housing 125,000 smaller Buddha statues within its structure, and is a significant landmark and symbol of peace and harmony. Here's a more detailed description: Location and Significance: The statue is located in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, and is a prominent landmark in the region. The statue is made of bronze and gilded in gold, with intricate detailing reflecting traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship and modern engineering. Inner Chambers: The statue's body houses 125,000 smaller bronze and gilded Buddha statues, symbolizing blessings and peace. Purpose and Inspiration: The statue was built to fulfill an ancient prophecy to emanate an aura of peace and happiness around the world, and also commemorates the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
2
Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
Is a prominent white stupa built in 1974 to honor the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and is a significant religious landmark, known for its golden spires and daily worship by Bhutanese people. The chorten was built as a memorial to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928-1972), known as the "Father of Modern Bhutan," It's a Tibetan-style stupa with a unique vase-like design, flaring outward instead of forming a dome. Unlike many stupas, it doesn't enshrine human remains, but instead features a portrait of the king in ceremonial attire. The chorten has richly painted annexes facing the cardinal directions, and features elaborate mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the king. It is surrounded by prayer wheels and dedicated worshippers. For many Bhutanese, it is a focus of daily worship, with people circumambulating (kora) the chorten and lighting butter lamps. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering a glimpse into Bhutanese religious practices.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Thimphu Sightseeing
6 stops
3
Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass, located at 3,100 meters in Bhutan, is a culturally significant mountain pass connecting Thimphu and Punakha. Its 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupas) honor soldiers who died in a 2003 military operation against Assamese insurgents, commissioned by Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The site features vibrant prayer flags symbolizing peace and natural elements, set against panoramic Himalayan views including Mt. Gangkar Puensum (Bhutan’s highest peak). Key features: Cultural landmarks: The chortens and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple reflect Bhutanese spirituality and historical valor. Natural beauty: Clear winter skies offer breathtaking vistas, while trails like the Dochu La Nature Trail attract hikers. Festivals: The annual Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival celebrates Bhutanese traditions with performances and rituals.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Motithang Takin Preserve
Is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the national animal, the takin, and other native species, offering visitors a chance to observe these unique creatures in a natural setting. Here's a brief overview: Purpose: To protect and showcase the takin, a unique animal resembling a mix of goat and cow, and other Bhutanese wildlife. The takin is believed to have been created by a Tibetan saint, Drukpa Kuenley, by combining the body of a cow and the head of a goat.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
5
Simply Bhutan Museum in Thimphu is an interactive living museum designed as a traditional Bhutanese village, offering immersive cultural experiences. Visitors engage with daily life demonstrations, including archery, traditional dress trials, and folk dances, while sampling local cuisine like butter tea and ara (rice spirit). The museum features mock village scenes, artisan workshops, and exhibits on rituals, crafts, and historical practices.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
6
National Textile Museum
The National Textile Museum in Thimphu, established in 2001 under Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck’s patronage, showcases Bhutan’s rich textile heritage through six themed galleries: Royal Collection: Features historic artifacts like crowns, royal garments, and Shabdrung Jigme Dorji’s bedding. Weaving Techniques: Demonstrates thagzo (weaving) and tshemzo (embroidery), with live demonstrations by artisans. Religious and Cultural Significance: Highlights textiles’ role in rituals and social events.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
7
The Authentic Bhutanese Craft Bazaar in Thimphu is a half-kilometer stretch of bamboo stalls along Norzin Lam, established in 2011 to promote rural artisans. Spanning ~80 shops, it showcases traditional handicrafts like thangka paintings, wooden carvings, handwoven textiles (gho/kira), and religious items. Key features: Purpose: Supports rural communities by providing a platform for artisans to sell heritage crafts. Products: Includes yathra wool items, brass statues, handmade paper, and embroidered boots
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
8
Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, Bhutan, is a Buddhist fortress-monastery serving as the seat of government and a religious center. Built in 1216 and rebuilt multiple times due to fires and earthquakes, it was renovated in 1962 by the third king to accommodate the capital’s shift from Punakha. Key features: Architecture: Whitewashed two-story structure with golden-roofed towers and a central utse (tower), blending traditional Bhutanese design with administrative functionality. Function: Houses the throne room, royal offices, cabinet secretariat, and monastic residences. Cultural significance: Hosts the annual Thimphu Tshechu Festival and preserves artifacts like a colossal Sakyamuni Buddha statue and mandala-adorned assembly halls. Historical resilience: Rebuilt after fires in 1771, 1869, and 1897, with its current form consecrated in 1969. The dzong’s name translates to “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” reflecting its dual role as a symbol of governance and spiritual heritage.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Paro-Sightseeing
3 stops
9
Paro Taktsang
Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang) in Bhutan is a sacred Buddhist site perched dramatically on a cliffside in Paro Valley. Rooted in 8th-century legend, it commemorates Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who allegedly flew to the site on a tigress’s back to meditate and subdue evil spirits, introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Key details: Architecture: Built in the 17th century (reconstructed after fires in 1951 and 1998), the monastery features four temples with intricate murals and statues of Guru Rinpoche. Spiritual significance: Pilgrims hike to the monastery as a test of devotion, seeking blessings and meditating in the cave where Guru Rinpoche spent three years in contemplation. Legacy: Despite destructions, the site remains a symbol of Bhutan’s cultural resilience and a cornerstone of its Buddhist identity
4 hours • Admission ticket included
10
Ta Dzong Museum
Paro Ta-Dzong, now the National Museum of Bhutan, is a historic watchtower built in 1649 to protect Paro Dzong from invaders. Its cylindrical, conch-shaped design with 2.5m-thick stone walls and traditional windows made it earthquake-resistant, surviving major tremors in 1714 and 1896. Converted into a museum in 1968 under King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, it houses over 3,000 artifacts spanning 1,500 years, including bronze statues, thangkas, royal relics, and natural history exhibits. Key features: Architecture: Built without nails, featuring an underground tunnel linked to Pa Chhu River for wartime water supply. Exhibits: Highlights include a mule egg, ritual daggers, royal artifacts (e.g., Queen Ashi Choden’s silk kira), and sacred dance masks
2 hours • Admission ticket included
11
Paro
Explore the Paro Modern and traditional mix type city.
1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

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