Bhutan
is mountains, monasteries and magic
is a treasure house of Buddhist art
is the magic of monasteries
is the trek of a lifetime
Why I love Bhutan
“There is much to love about Bhutan, but it's the sacred side of the country that I enjoy the most. I love joining pilgrims as they look for the footprints of saints in a rockface, or explain monastery history in terms of flying tigers and unruly demons. On one hike alone, a reincarnated lama blessed me with a thangka made from the nose blood of a saint and then hit me on the back with the stone footprints of a divine...” Read More
Top experiences in Bhutan
Recent articles
Discover Bhutan by interest
Fitting in Like a Local
Himalayan Treks
Pampering Yourself
Wildlife & Wildflowers
Day Walks
Sacred Sites
Hidden Gems
Festivals
Arts & Crafts
Travel guides
Starting at $29.99
Bhutan activities
Private Kathmandu Full-Day Tour including Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath Stupa
You will be picked up from your hotel at 10am and begin your tour from Kathmandu Durbar Square. This area houses the royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom and represents the finest examples of Hindu and Buddhist architecture. Kathmandu Durbar Square held the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square surrounds quadrangles, revealing courtyards and temples. It is known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the palace.Next, proceed on 45-minute drive to the 2-tiered golden roof and silver doors temple of Lord Shiva - Pasupatinath. This structure is famous as a superb example of Newari architecture, situated near the banks of sacred Bagmati river. Pashupatinath is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world. Pashupatinath Temple is also listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. After that, continue to Bouddhanath Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This colossal and ancient Stupa, one of Nepal’s most unique monuments and considered to be the world's biggest, attracts Nepalese pilgrims from as far as Dolpo and Mugu as well as Tibet, Ladhak in India and Bhutan.Before seeing next monument - Swayambhunath Stupa you will make a stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the world’s most glorious, ancient, enigmatic and holiest Buddhist Chaityas, and it dates back more than 2,000 years. You will spend an hour around this Stupa and get a chance to watch over the valley from its western side. Swoyambhu is also known as Samhengu and the Monkey Temple because of the countless monkeys living in the premises. After this visit you will be transferred back to your hotel as this tour will be over.
4-Day Dochula Pass Tour From Paro
Day 1 Arrive in ParoOn arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.The Paro Dzong is probably Bhutan's best known and most iconic Dzong. This is probably the first building you will notice when you land at Paro International Airport and will probably be your first memory of Bhutan. The imposing Dzong is perhaps the finest example of Dzong architecture existing the world today, the massive buttered walls of the fortress dominate over the valley. Ta Dzong. The National Museum of Bhutan is housed inside the six storied circular Ta Dzong. The Ta Dzong is a medieval watch tower situated above the Rimpung Dzong.Overnight in Paro Day 2 Paro to Thimphu (2-hour drive)After breakfast you will drive to Thimphu. The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. The Dzong was built on the western bank of the river Wang Chu, and has historically served at the seat of the Druk Desi or the Dharma Raja of Bhutan’s government. After the kings assumed power in 1907 this post was combined with that of the king and Thimphu severed as the summer capital of the kingdom before becoming the full time capital of Bhutan.The folk heritage museum was open to the general public in 2001 upon completion. It treasures troves of culture and rich Bhutanese heritage provide rich insights into the Bhutanese ethos. Try to schedule your visit during the morning hours since the museum is less crowded at that time and there is plenty of sunlight to go around.The second important Museum that also opened its doors in 2001 is the National Textile Museum of Bhutan. During a trip to this museum you will get an up close and personal experience of the living national art of weaving. The National Memorial was built by Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is also known as the "father of modern Bhutan." He wanted to erect a monument carrying the message of world peace and prosperity. Overnight in Thimphu Day 3 Thimphu to Paro (hike to Taktsang Monastery)After an early breakfast you will drive to Paro. In the afternoon you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Day 4 Depart Paro
3-Night Best of Bhutan Tour From Paro
This tour will take you to few districts in Bhutan. You have the choice for a simple sightseeing tour or add little adventure to it. If you travel coincides with a festival then you will witness some unique festival in Bhutan. This tour is ideal for family and small group travel.Day 1 Arrive in ParoOn arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Rimpung Dzong The Paro Dzong is probably Bhutan's best known and most iconic Dzong. This is probably the first building you will notice when you land at Paro International Airport and will probably be your first memory of Bhutan. The imposing Dzong is perhaps the finest example of Dzong architecture existing the world today, the massive buttered walls of the fortress dominate over the valley. The Rinpung Dzong's names translates to the " Fortress on a heap of Jewels ".Ta Dzong ( National Museum ) The National Museum of Bhutan is housed inside the six storied circular Ta Dzong. The Ta Dzong is a medieval watch tower situated above the Rimpung Dzong. The Ta Dzong was constructed in 1656 with a purpose to give advance warning to the Paro Dzong in case of an approaching army, in fact the word Ta means 'to see' in Dzongkha. The future first king was imprisoned here for a brief period in 1872. In 1968 the Ta Dzong was converted into the National Museum of Bhutan. The Museum houses a priceless collection of textile, costumes, paintings, appliqué, wooden handicrafts, weapons, armour and jewellery. There is a small section dedicated to the natural history of Bhutan. There is a small chapel on the top of the building with icons representing Himalayan Buddhist traditions.Overnight in Paro Day 2 Paro to Thimphu (2-hour drive)After breakfast you will drive to Thimphu. Do the following sightseeing. Kuenselphodrang, Tashichho dzong, Folk heritage museum, National textile museums, National memorial chorten Overnight in Thimphu Day 3 Thimphu to Paro (hike to Taktsang Monastery)After an early breakfast you will drive to Paro. In the afternoon you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Day 4 Depart Paro
3-Night Local Home Stay Experience in Paro
Day 1 Arrive in ParoOn arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Rimpung Dzong The Paro Dzong is probably Bhutan's best known and most iconic Dzong. This is probably the first building you will notice when you land at Paro International Airport and will probably be your first memory of Bhutan. Ta Dzong The National Museum of Bhutan is housed inside the six storied circular Ta Dzong. Overnight in Paro in a farm house. You will stay tonight in a house in the village with a local family. You will eat and get to see the family go about their daily chore. Day 2 Paro to Thimphu (2-hour drive)After breakfast you will drive to Thimphu. Tashichho dzong The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. The Dzong was built on the western bank of the river Wang Chu, and has historically served at the seat of the Druk Desi or the Dharma Raja of Bhutan’s government. After the kings assumed power in 1907 this post was combined with that of the king and Thimphu severed as the summer capital of the kingdom before becoming the full time capital of Bhutan.Folk heritage museum. The folk heritage museum was open to the general public in 2001 upon completion. It treasures troves of culture and rich Bhutanese heritage provide rich insights into the Bhutanese ethos. Try to schedule your visit during the morning hours since the museum is less crowded at that time and there is plenty of sunlight to go around.National textile museums:The second important Museum that also opened its doors in 2001 is the National Textile Museum of Bhutan. During a trip to this museum you will get an up close and personal experience of the living national art of weaving. The changing exhibitions at the museum will introduce you to the major weaving techniques that the weavers employ to make these beautiful fabrics. It also gives you a chance to see the various styles of dressing of the men and women from different parts of Bhutan. National memorial chorten The National Memorial was built by Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is also known as the "father of modern Bhutan." He wanted to erect a monument carrying the message of world peace and prosperity. Overnight in Thimphu Day 3 Thimphu to Paro (hike to Taktsang Monastery)After an early breakfast you will drive to Paro. In the afternoon you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Day 4 Depart Paro
3-Nights Highlight Tour of Bhutan from Paro
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO (B, L, D)Paro SightseeingOur representative will meet you at Paro airport following customs formalities. After lunch enjoy sightseeing around Paro, including visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics. Next, visit the Rimpung Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Overnight: Tashi Namgay Resort (or similar) in Paro.DAY 02: PARO – THIMPHU (B, L, D)Paro - Hike to Taktsang Monastery and evening drive to Thimphu for halt.After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. Perched on a cliff-top, Bhutan's Taktsang monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest, is one of the most breathtaking temples in the world. The Buddhist place of worship is built on a rock around 3,000m (10,000ft) above sea level. The main temple complex was built in 1692 and is considered to be one of the holiest for the Bhutanese people. There are no proper roads and visitors have to trek for 2 hours to reach the temple.In the afternoon visit the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, the historic monument built to commemorate the ictory against invading Tibetans in 1644. Evening drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Overnight: Hotel Tashi Yoedling (or similar) in Thimphu.DAY 03: THIMPHU- PARO (B, L, D)Thimphu Sightseeing and evening drive to Paro for halt.Enjoy the full day of sightseeing, including, visit to the National Memorial Chorten. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization, and as a monument to world peace. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple and Drubthob monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery.Other sites to visit include: the School for Arts and Crafts ,the National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory displaying the Bhutanese paper making process, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashi-chhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’, initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Tashi-chhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Evening drive to Paro. Overnight: Tashi Namgay Resort (or similar) in Paro.DAY 04: DEPART PARO (B)After breakfast drive to airport for your onward destination.
6-Day Tour of Dragon Kingdom From Paro
Day 1: Upon pickup from your hotel or Paro International Airport (arrivals terminal after baggage claim), your driver will transfer you by private, vehicle to your 3-star accommodation to check in. The remainder of the day is free for you to rest or explore as you wish.Overnight: 3 Star Resort-Tashi Namgay Resort.Day 2: After breakfast at your resort, your guide takes you by private vehicle on a 4-hour drive to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan for sightseeing in the afternoon drive down to Punakha through Dochula pass.Overnight: 3 Star Meri Puensum Resort - Punakha. Day 3: Following breakfast at your resort, leave for day tour by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle; visit some of the Bhutan most interesting sight like Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lakhang, Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Stupa. Upon completion of tour, you’re transferred to your resort, where you can enjoy dinner and an evening at your leisure.Overnight: 3 Star Meri Puensum Resort - Punakha. Day 4: In the early morning, you’re driven to Jigme Dorji National Park.The Park provides sanctuary for 37 known species of mammals including several endangered, threatened or vulnerable species .Enjoy 3- to 4-hour drive over national park terrain, accompanied by a trained nature guide. In the afternoon drive towards Paro through Druk Wangyel Monastery.Overnight: 3 Star Resort-Tashi Namgay Resort.Day 5: After breakfast at your hotel in Tashi Namgyel Resort Paro, drive to Satsam Chorten. A hike for 2 hours brings you to the famous Taktsang Monastery , this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.Take off for an evening city tour of the Paro bazaar, where you can interact with locals and enjoy local food. Overnight: 3 Star Resort-Tashi Namgay Resort. Day 6: Following a delicious breakfast, you will be driven towards Paro international airport for your onward journey.