Short Bhutan Luxury Tour

Tiger's Nest Monastery Image
Buddha Point Image
Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge Image
Punakha Dzong Image
Tiger's Nest Monastery Image
Buddha Point Image
Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge Image
Punakha Dzong Image
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5 Days Trip Starting from
AUD 3750/ Person
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Duration
5 Days
Difficulty
N/A
Accomodation
5 Star Deluxe
Group Size
2-6 People
Meals
As Mentioned
Transport
On Private
Max Altitude
3700m
Start Point
Paro
End Point
Paro

Trip Overview

The five-day luxury tour in ''The Land of Thunder Dragon'’ is truly an exceptional experience that you won't want to miss. Bhutan is a captivating country renowned for its distinct culture, traditional practices, astonishing geography, and pure travel experiences. Check out the enchanting wonders of Bhutan, a country known for its happiness, during a 5-day Short Bhutan Luxury Tour. It is a simple yet glorious country with striking mythologies, rich traditions, and awe-inspiring festivals. It is filled with exciting historical landmarks that are intertwined with enticing tales. These national treasures have been perfectly preserved, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country's rich history. During your tour, you will explore some of the most stunning monuments and breathtaking landmarks in the country. You will also have the pleasure of staying in luxurious hotels and experiencing excellent service. This tour offers a chance to discover a new country while ensuring the utmost comfort throughout your tour of Bhutan, enhancing your travel experience to the fullest. 

Bhutan is known for its rich culture and abundant natural resources. The country takes pride in its vibrant culture and picturesque green valleys. Bhutan is renowned for its various names, one of them being "The Last Shangri-la’’. This title is fitting, as Bhutan boasts electrifying celestial landmarks and surroundings that truly capture the imagination. During your tour to Bhutan, you will visit three of its major cities: Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. These cities beautifully showcase the historical and natural beauty of Bhutan, leaving you in awe. The country is known for its Buddhist religion, and many of its attractions are religious sites like monasteries and chortens, as well as ancient monuments such as fortresses and dzongs.

Bhutan Tour Attractions

Bhutan is home to a collection of remarkable historical landmarks and wonderful sites that are worth exploring. You'll come across the captivating Bhutanese settlement while you're there, which features traditional architectural features drawn from the nation's rich history and art. During your sightseeing programme, you will explore these captivating historical and cultural sites with the guidance of a knowledgeable professional. Your guide will give you all the essential information about the history, rules, and regulations of the site. Some of the notable sites to visit include the following attractions:

Tachogang Lhakhang: It is a serene monastery situated on the outskirts of the Paro Valley. Its native name, "Temple of the Hill of Excellent Horses," reflects its rich cultural significance. The landmark was constructed by the legendary Great Iron Bridge Builder, Thangtong Gyalpo, who had a profound encounter during his meditation involving a horse named Balaha, believed to be a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara. Visitors must traverse the Pachhu (Paro River) through an iron bridge to access the monastery. The iron bridge is truly remarkable, constructed in the 14th century by the renowned architect Thangtong Gyalpo.

National Memorial Chorten: Standing out from regular monasteries, it serves as a memorial to the beloved King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The prominent memorial chorten was constructed in 1974 and is adorned with stunning golden pinnacles. Step inside the monument and behold the exquisite paintings, intricate mandalas, and captivating sculptures that pay homage to the king. The architecture is heavily influenced by the Tibetan style known as Jangchup, which signifies a sense of purification and harmony. 

Simtokha Dzong: Also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang, is a small monastery that has a rich history and deep spiritual significance. This Dzong is located in the southern region of Thimphu and is one of the rare monuments that was constructed in the early 17th century and remains completely preserved in its original form. Such architectural designs were not made in that period, making them unique. Simtokha Dzong is a highly popular attraction in Bhutan, known for its expertly crafted Bhutanese architecture.

Tashichho Dzong: A historical fortress-like monastery nestled along the bank of the Wang Chu river in Thimphu. Tashichhoe was originally called Dho-Nyon (Blue- Stone) Dzong. Tashichho means "Fortress of Auspicious Doctrine" in its native language. The stunning beauty of this Bhutanese landmark is truly captivating, with its white painted walls and iconic red roofs that never fail to catch the eye of visitors. The beauty of the building is enhanced by the lush green valley and open space surrounding the site. In addition to being a popular tourist destination, it has also been home to several significant government seats since 1968. 

Buddha Dordenma Statue: Also referred to as Kuensel Phodrang or Buddha Point, is a remarkable sight. The statue is situated atop a hill, symbolising the prominent religion of the country, Buddhism. As you approach the Buddha Dordenma Statue, your eyes will be drawn to the vibrant prayer flags that adorn its surroundings. The Buddha Dordenma stands tall as one of the largest sitting Buddha statues, reaching an impressive height of 51.5 metres, crafted entirely from solid bronze. The size of the statue may initially intimidate some, but its presence exudes a sense of calm and reassurance, bestowing blessings upon all who visit. From this vantage point, you can take in the breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Thimphu valley. 

Motithang Takin Preserve: It is situated at an impressive elevation of 3,700m in Thimphu. The area is a forested preserve that closely resembles the natural habitat of the Takin, which is the national animal of Bhutan. Here, you can witness the magnificent national animal of Bhutan roaming freely in its natural habitat. These magnificent creatures can only be found in select locations, including Bhutan, which adds to their unique appeal.

Dochula Pass: It is an astounding mountain pass along the route from Thimphu to Punakha. The Dochula Pass is home to 108 chorten, which were built to honour the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, and the brave soldiers. This destination is a popular stop on the way to Punakha, allowing you to experience the jaw-dropping splendour of the Dochula Pass and enjoy a refreshing tea break. The Dochula Pass offers an amazing view of the valley and the endless mountain chains, thanks to its elevation of 3100 m. The chortens are arranged in three layers. The bottom layer consists of forty-five Chortens, the middle layer has thirty-six, and the top layer has twenty-seven. In total, there are 108 exquisite miniature chortens. 

Punakha Dzong: Also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, was constructed in 1637. This magnificent Dzong is a source of great pride as it stands as the second-largest and oldest landmark in all of Bhutan. The location is simply breathtaking, with the convergence of two significant rivers, Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu. The view is truly remarkable! The building is a testament to the exceptional architecture of Bhutan and the unparalleled skill of Bhutanese craftsmen. Experiencing the iconic place up close brings immense joy.

Taktsang Monastery/Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Taktsang Lhakhang, also known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery, is situated in the Paro district atop a majestic cliff. The monastery captivates visitors with its unique setting and captivating legends. The monastery holds a significant place in the hearts of religious pilgrims in the Himalayas. Located at an impressive elevation of 2,950m above sea level, this place is perfectly perched on top of a cliff. No visit to Bhutan would be complete without exploring this awe-inspiring monastery. Accessing the site requires navigating through a dense alpine forest. A comfortable 3-hour hike will lead you to the majestic monastery, allowing you to experience its beauty firsthand. As you stroll along, you'll notice prayer flags adorning the surroundings. As you continue upwards, the trees gradually give way, revealing a stunning monastery and an awe-inspiring valley.

Rinpung Dzong: Also known as the Paro Dzong, is a magnificent landmark in Paro. The Paro Dzong, also known as the Rinpung Dzong, is officially referred to as the "Fortress of Heap of Jewels." The construction of this building dates back to 1644, when it was ordered by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The heap of jewels is renowned for its extensive collection of precious buildings. The fortress is filled with courtyards, temples, administrative offices, and open areas, all enclosed by towering walls. As soon as you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you'll be greeted by a dazzling landmark. 

Kyichu Lhakhang: It is thought that Kyichu Lhakhang, which was built in the 7th century, is Bhutan's oldest temple. It's in the northern part of Paro town. It's also known as Lho Kyerchu or Kyerchu, and Bhutan sees it as its holy jewel. For Tibetan Buddhists, it is as important a place to visit as the greatest Buddhist temple in Lhasa, the Jokhang. A lot of people think this holy spot is the spiritual centre of the country. The area around the temple is quiet, and most of the people who are there are older and are doing their routines. The pilgrimage area contains two temples that were built at different times but share a similar architectural design, giving them the appearance of twins. 

What to Expect? 

The Short Bhutan Luxury Tour offers a truly comfortable and awe-inspiring experience in the mesmerising kingdom of Bhutan. Discover the breathtaking beauty of this mysterious land like never before. This tour offers a unique travel experience where you can enjoy both the comfort and the beauty of the trip without any compromises. On this tour, you'll immerse yourself in the wonders of Bhutan, exploring its stunning nature, rich culture, and overall travel experience. Throughout your trip, you will be immersed in nature, as Bhutan is known for being one of the greenest countries, with approximately 71% of the country covered in forests. During the trip, you will immerse yourself in a rich blend of cultural, natural, and travel experiences. Additionally, you can expect top-notch accommodation facilities that will enhance your overall travel experience. 

From the moment you arrive at the airport, you'll notice the strong commitment to preserving Bhutan's rich culture and tradition. Your guide will greet you in their traditional attire, a beautiful representation of the country's heritage. After meeting your guide, you will head to Thimphu, where you will spend the night. Throughout your stay, you will explore numerous captivating attractions and experience the awe-inspiring national treasures of Bhutan. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with exceptional, private, and personalised services. 

Discover the captivating artistry of Bhutan's distinct architectural design as you visit on your sightseeing programme. The places you will visit are mainly historical sites, including ancient palaces, fortresses, stupas, and memorial sites, as well as some iconic monasteries. During your journey, you will be accompanied by a highly knowledgeable guide. They will ensure that you are well-informed about the regulations and guidelines that must be followed when visiting religious places, as each country has its own set of rules. The glorious beauty and rich history of this place are truly fascinating. The interesting stories and the exquisite art only enhance its overall appeal. Bhutan is renowned for its captivating festivals. If you have the opportunity to witness them, you will be mesmerised by the vibrant colours showcased in the traditional dances and energetic events. In addition to sightseeing, you will also go on a short day hike towards the Tiger's Nest Monastery. This magnificent structure is perched atop a cliff and can only be reached by a short hike. During this hike, you will observe the rich vegetation and native fauna while also enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the Paro Valley once you reach the top. After the hike, you can indulge in a traditional hot stone bath and unwind, or explore the market area to discover unique souvenirs and immerse yourself in the daily lives of the locals. This Bhutan Luxury Tour is a captivating itinerary for you and your loved ones to experience the beauty of Bhutan and immerse yourself in its mysterious allure, all while ensuring your utmost comfort and providing the very best. 

This Short Bhutan Luxury Tour is perfect for those seeking a comfortable and up-close experience of Bhutan's beauty. During the trip, you will witness the breathtaking beauty and immerse yourself in the captivating history of the country from various perspectives, all while ensuring your comfort is never compromised. Experience the jaw-dropping beauty of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha as you explore their iconic monasteries, Dzongs, stupas, and ancient landmarks. Soak yourself in the rich natural and cultural wonders of these three remarkable places. Experience the unparalleled beauty of Bhutan firsthand and go on a serene journey through its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Discover the most luxurious accommodations with exquisite amenities and exceptional service, ensuring an unforgettable travel experience in Bhutan.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Bhutanese art, Culture, and unique traditions. 
  • Sightseeing at three major cities of Bhutan - Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.
  • Soak in the exotic culture in the Land of Thunder Dragon
  • Luxurious experience throughout the stay at Bhutan.
  • Short day hike to one of the most iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Outline Itinerary

DAY 01: Arrival in Paro, Drive to Thimphu. 

DAY 02: Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass.

DAY 03: Journey to Paro, Visit National Takin Preserve.

DAY 04: Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike.

DAY 05: Departure, Have a Safe Journey!

Detailed Itinerary

Expand all
Day 1

Arrival in Paro, Drive to Thimphu.

Jen Pa Ley Sho (Welcome) to the Land of Thunder Dragon. After landing at Paro International Airport, finish with your airport formalities and baggage collection. Outside the airport, your guide will be waiting for you; after meeting them, they will drive you to your hotel in Thimphu. 

After driving from Paro to Thimphu, check in at your hotel, rest your bags, and get ready to be thrilled by the beauty and culture of this amazing country. Start your journey by exploring the National Memorial Chorten built in the loving memory of the third Dragon King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Here you get to see a beautiful circumambulation ritual around the Chorten. After that, move towards yet another culturally rich monument, Simtokha Dzong, and soak in your first culturally immersive day in Bhutan. This Dzong mainly serves as an institute of language and culture studies and houses several sculptures and traditional paintings of various religious figures and deities.

To end your day, visit the most admired Tashichho Dzong. This building is not only an attraction site but also serves as one of the important political capital buildings. In the evening, the whole building is lit with beautiful lights. The base of the building shines like snow, and the top of the building is lit with an iconic red colour. You will see the true beauty of the building along with the pretty ambience.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 2

Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass.

Have your warm breakfast at the hotel and enjoy the Bhutanese cuisine before you go out to explore the history, culture, and myths of the country. Today, you'll be heading to Punakha, but before you reach your destination, you'll visit Kuensel Phodrang, also known as the Buddha's Point, in Thimphu. Overlooking the celestial backdrop of Thimphu Valley, which is one of the iconic valleys of this country, Bhutan. The giant figure of the Great Buddha Dordenma, is one of the biggest statues of a sitting Buddha in the world. Next is Tachogang Lhakhang, a serene monastery situated besides the Wang Chu River. To access the historic site, you will need to cross an ancient iron bridge.

Note: If you like adventure, you can cycle from Kuensel to Changangkha in Thimphu. This picturesque route lets you experience the valley's beauty. The well-maintained trail offers amazing views and a fun ride. You'll get two hours to enjoy the stunning countryside throughout your bike journey. You can walk or cycle, but keep in mind that this is an optional activity. 

On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 m), where you will have tea and explore the pass. DochuLa Pass is a collection of 108 memorial chortens in honour of the late soldiers. Besides having a deep history, this place also provides exquisite views of the snow-laden Himalayas, followed by the green valleys. After visiting DochuLa Pass, drive towards Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple. This Monterey is well-known throughout Bhutan as a fertility-inducing centre. Thousands of people visit the monastery to get blessings from saints. Last but not least, visit the most iconic landmark, Punakha Dzong, which is the second largest and second oldest landmark present in Bhutan. It takes around 3 hours to drive from Thimphu city. This majestic building lies between the two main rivers, Mo Chu (Female) and Pho Chu (Male). In the spring season, this place looks out of the world with all the flowering trees around the landmark.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 3

Journey to Paro, Visit National Takin Preserve.

Today, you'll be heading back to Paro, and along the way, you'll visit some of the captivating attractions. To reach Paro, you will travel along the Thimphu highway and explore some nearby attractions along the way. 

After breakfast, you will depart from your hotel and drive towards Changangkha Lhakhang, which is a significant temple for children born in Thimphu, as it is believed that the protective deity of children resides in the particular temple. The children are blessed by the Phurba (Ritual dagger) and given a sacred thread. The next stop is Motithang Takin Preserve (3,700m). The area is a forested preserve that mimics the Takin’s natural habitat. Here you will see the national animal of Bhutan free in its natural habitat. Not only does the preserve allow you to see these animals up close, but you also get a panoramic view of the nearby valley. 

Note: If you want to watch Takin up close, visit the preserve at feeding time when the takings are close to the fence.

Stop by a restaurant and have lunch before you go any further sightseeing. After lunch, visit Zilukha Nunnery, locally known as Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery. It is a small and traditional nunnery that is located in the hills of the Himalayan country of Zilukha, Thimphu, overlooking Tashichho Dzong. This nunnery houses around 60 nuns. After that, explore yet another impressive monastery, Rinpung Dzong, also known as the ‘’Fortress on the Heap of Jewels’’. This majestic landmark dominates the valley with its glamour. This building is considered to be the most beautifully designed Dzong when it comes to Dzong. Afterwards, head towards the hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner and wrap up your day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 4

Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike

Today, you will go on an exciting journey to the Tiger's Nest Monastery through a short day hike. A trip to Bhutan is incomplete without a visit to the most iconic monastery in the world, Taktsang Monastery/Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,120 m), most commonly known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. You will have an early morning breakfast, stretch your legs, and get ready for a short hike. You will drive up to the hike start point, and from there, you will start walking towards the monastery.

This hike is challenging, which is the primary reason why this wonderful destination remains uncrowded. Once you've passed the dense forest, you will get a fantastic glimpse of the shiny monastery, somehow aggressively pressed on the wall over the valley floor. Take a tour of the monastery inside and out, along with a panoramic view of the Paro Valley. This quiet spot was used as a meditation cave in the 8th century and later as a monastery in the 17th century. 

After completing your hike, you'll visit a nearby temple, which holds great significance in Bhutan as one of its notable monuments. The location is approximately 8 km away from the starting point of the hike, which can be reached by car in about 15 minutes. Kyichu Lhakhang is a twin temple and also one of the oldest temples built in the 7th century. This place is also known for its mysterious orange tree that bears oranges throughout the year. In the evening, savour your free time at the pub, visit the local markets of Bhutan, and enjoy your time collecting souvenirs and memories in the hypnotic streets of Bhutan. Or just relax and enjoy the hot stone bath (optional), as it is the most popular and admired thing to do before you leave this mysterious country.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.

Day 5

Departure, Have a Safe Journey!

Today is the final day of your trip to Bhutan. You will be free until your flight time. Our local representative will drop you off at Paro International Airport 3 hours before your flight. Carry loads of souvenirs, memories, and lifetime experiences back home, and Have a safe home return! We hope you enjoyed the trip! If you decide to stay longer, we at Altitude Himalaya will do everything we can to make your stay unique and fun. 

Meal: Breakfast Included.

Our Trip Includes

  • All airport pickup and drop-offs on a private basis.
  • Bhutan visa fee. (visa on arrival)
  • A private A/C vehicle for all the mentioned transportation and sightseeing. 
  • All (04 nights) hotel accommodations at the mentioned luxurious hotels at respective places. 
  •  All mentioned sightseeing entrance fees. 
  • Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotel. 
  • Lunch at the government-allowed tourist restaurant. (as mentioned) 
  • All Bhutan government and local tourism taxes.
  • A government-licensed well-experienced tour guide throughout the trip. 
  • Government allowed driver and guide’s allowance, salary, fuel cost, and toll/taxes.
  • Bhutan Sustainable Development fee USD 100/night effective from 20 June 2022.

Our Trip Excludes

  • Personal expenses.
  • International flights. (To and from Paro)
  • Services that aren’t mentioned above. 
  • Travel Insurance to visit Bhutan. (Travel insurance is compulsory to visit Bhutan)
  • Tips to driver and tour guide. (Not required but recommended)

Travel Guide and Tips

The information provided about the Short Bhutan Luxury Tour Package is comprehensive. Please feel free to contact us 24/7 for any assistance you may need. We will be available on WhatsApp to assist you instantly. You can write an email if this trip doesn't fit your vacation schedule and requirements. Altitude Himalaya aims to offer the best possible travel experience to customers. Depending on the needs of the visitors and the size of the group, we customise each vacation package. We will put together a bespoke itinerary just for your private group.

Trip Booking Process: To book a trip, please send us your travel requirements via email or WhatsApp message. Once we review your requirements, we will provide you with a quotation for the trip based on the information you have provided. You can then either confirm the booking or make any desired changes. Afterwards, we will need some of your information, including your travel date, passport, and travel insurance. This will allow us to book your accommodations and other necessary arrangements. Please proceed with the payment by sending us the advance amount. Once the advance payment is received, we will provide you with the vouchers. Once you have completed your trip, you can travel and enjoy your holiday as outlined in the itinerary. Afterwards, we will provide you with a review website where you can share your feedback and suggestions for any positive changes we can make. Your input is mandatory and greatly appreciated.

Travel Insurance: It is essential to have travel insurance in place before starting a journey to a new destination, particularly when it involves adventurous activities. Travel insurance provides coverage for various risks, including the loss of personal belongings and unforeseen expenses. Travel insurance provides coverage for unexpected medical emergencies, including accidents. It is crucial to have travel insurance when visiting other countries. When travelling to Bhutan, travel insurance is mandatory, particularly for trips to Bhutan.

Packing List Suggestions: Properly packing for a trip is crucial for a smooth travel experience. Deciding what to pack for a trip can be quite a challenge. It's important to prioritise comfort while travelling. Bhutan boasts a unique geography, characterised by varying elevations that greatly influence the temperature and climate. Therefore, when travelling to Bhutan, it is essential to pack appropriate and comfortable clothing that suits the different seasons. When it comes to packing clothing items, it's best to opt for layered garments instead of thick ones. Layered clothing offers more versatility and comfort compared to a few bulky items. It's important to consider the season you're travelling in to ensure you pack appropriately. 

Do’s  And Don’t:

  • Select the ideal time to travel. 
  • Select a reputed tour/ travel organisation. 
  • Efficient packing is the key. 
  • Carry all the necessary paperwork.
  • Listen to the guide and follow the rules and regulations.
  • Ask for permission before taking pictures and videos of people and places.
  • Remorse shoes before entering the religious landmarks.
  • Avoid wearing hats and sunglasses inside religious places. 
  • Respect the culture and people of the area.
  • Travel for experience and not for the sake of travelling.
  • Don’t litter, put trash in its place. 

Weather In Bhutan

The ideal time to visit Bhutan is during the months of October to December, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear and sunny. The months of January and February bring colder temperatures; starting from March until April, the weather becomes dry and pleasant. As spring arrives, the valley is adorned with a breathtaking display of colourful rhododendron blooms. If you enjoy the rainy season, you have the option to plan your trip for July and August or consider postponing it until September. 

Why with Altitude Himalaya?

Altitude Himalaya is one of Australia’s growing travel companies, providing excellent service to its clients. We believe in providing quality experiences and memories. We are concerned about maintaining and following our own standard service, which includes a private transfer and at least 3-star hotel accommodation. Additionally, we also operate our trips in Nepal, India, and Tibet.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there any unique cultural activities or events included?

    Yes, there are special cultural experiences like trying on traditional Bhutanese clothing and taking a hot stone bath, which is a common and customary practice in Bhutan which are optional and will cost an extra add-on. However, this tour does not have any particular festivals or events because its dates change every year. If you wish to take part in or witness Bhutan’s festivals, you can schedule your trip around the dates of the festivals. 

  • How does the tour highlight Bhutanese culture?

    Our Short Bhutan Tour offers an incredible experience of Bhutanese culture as it takes you to significant cultural and religious sites such as monasteries, chortens, and traditional landmarks where historical events took place. You will visit the historical landmarks with an expert guide providing rich context and insights into the country’s heritage. This journey will allow you to experience Bhutan’s unique cultural practices and historical beauty firsthand.

  • Are there any adventure activities to do in Bhutan?

    Adventure lovers can enjoy a wide range of thrilling activities in Bhutan. One of many is riding a bicycle from Kuensel to Changangkha in Thimphu, which is one amazing journey. You can enjoy a well-maintained trail and the natural splendour of the valley as you stroll along this charming route. The journey lasts for around two hours, and it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. This extra excursion is a terrific way to spice up your trip to Bhutan, whether you decide to walk or cycle; however, it will cost extra add-ons.