Glimpse of Bhutan
4 days · 3 nights · Paro · Thimphu
Private cultural journey
Overview
Four days that show you the heart of western Bhutan: the capital’s dzong and markets, a dinner at our family home, and the hike to Tiger’s Nest.
- Pace
- Short and full, with a relaxed final evening
- Where you stay
- 2 places, 3 nights
- Flexibility
- Private and fully customisable
Highlights
- Trying on a gho or kira at the handicraft market
- Tashichho Dzong at the end of the working day
- Dinner at our family home in Thimphu
- The hike to Tiger’s Nest
- A hot stone bath in Paro
Planned by Tenzin and familyBorn in Tamshing village, Bumthang. We plan every trip ourselves and stay in touch with you throughout your journey.
Sample itinerary
Day by day
Day 01Arrive in Paro, drive to ThimphuOvernight: Thimphu
Your guide and driver meet you at Paro airport for the drive to the capital, stopping at Tachog Lhakhang and its iron chain bridge for tea. Lunch is your first taste of Bhutanese food. In the afternoon, browse the handicraft market and try on a gho or kira, then visit Tashichho Dzong as the working day ends. Stroll through the farmers market and town before dinner at our family home.
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Tashichho Dzong
Day 02Thimphu, then over to ParoOvernight: Paro
Light a butter lamp at the National Memorial Chorten, meet the takin, Bhutan’s national animal, and see traditional village life at the Simply Bhutan living museum. After coffee at Buddha Point, high above the valley, drive to Paro and spend the evening exploring the town.
- National Memorial Chorten
- Takin Preserve
- Simply Bhutan
Day 03Tiger’s NestOvernight: Paro
An early start for the hike to Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest, with tea halfway. In the afternoon, Kyichu Lhakhang, the National Museum and a walk down to Rinpung Dzong. A hot stone bath before dinner in town.
- Tiger’s Nest
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- National Museum (Ta Dzong)
- Rinpung Dzong
Day 04DepartureDeparture
After breakfast, the drive to Paro airport and a warm farewell from your guide and driver.
A sample plan: we shape the final day-by-day with you, with hotels and experiences, once we start planning your trip. Drive times and altitudes are approximate.
What’s included
Included
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels approved by the Department of Tourism, twin or double sharing
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Bottled drinking water throughout
- A licensed English-speaking guide
- A private vehicle with an experienced driver
- Airport welcome and farewell
- All sightseeing, activities and entrance fees in the itinerary
- Bhutan visa fee (US$40); we apply for your visa for you
- Sustainable Development Fee (US$100 per person per night)
- Help from our family team before, during and after your trip
- A hot stone bath
Not included
- Flights to and from Paro (we’re happy to book them for you)
- Travel insurance
- Drinks other than water
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Shopping and anything not listed as included
Questions
How active is this journey?
The Tiger’s Nest hike is the most active day: about 2–3 hours up, taken slowly, with a pony available for the climb. Other walks are short and gentle.
Can we change the plan?
Yes. Every journey is private, so we can add or drop days, swap visits, change the hotel standard or slow the pace. Tell us what you have in mind.
When is the best time to go?
March to May and late September to November.
What does the price include?
The visa fee, the Sustainable Development Fee, hotels, all meals, your own guide and driver, and entrance fees. We send a full quote for your dates and group size.
Can you book our flights to Paro?
Yes. Flights to Bhutan are limited, so we suggest booking early, and we’re happy to arrange them for you.
Start planning
Ask about Glimpse of Bhutan
Tell us your dates and who’s travelling, and we’ll send a tailored plan and price.