Glimpse of Western Bhutan Tour – 5 days
TOP
SELLER
SELLER
Budget
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
2-16
Duration
5 Days
Accommodation
Hotel
Best Time
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Max Alt
3,120m (10,236ft)
Need Help?
Talk to
trip expert
Trek Overview
Do you want to take a not-so-intense yet pretty complete overview tour of Bhutan? If your answer is yes, then Prime Holidays Travels and Tours warmly invites you to our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour, a thorough introductory tour to the enchanting land of Druk Yul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Located between India and China, Bhutan is a magical and mysterious Himalayan land that seems to have emerged from the storybook. Thanks to its progressive young king, Bhutan has significantly moved into the modern age.
However, it has still preserved its extraordinary culture and environment. The king’s Gross National Happiness is clearly flourishing as people here are more content than many of us around the world.
Therefore, during our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour, you can truly expect to see the clearly untouched and incredibly varied natural landscape, along with the traditions, religions, and cultural richness of Bhutan.
Right at the beginning of our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour, you will arrive in Paro encircled by the snowy ridges of the 7326 m high Jomolhari Peak.
Then, with our appointed Bhutanese guide and driver, you will head straight to Thimphu, the only capital city in the world that does not have a single traffic light.
This unusual yet gorgeous capital is filled with many Lamaist institutions, monasteries, and monuments. You will get an entire day in Thimphu, where you will visit the Memorial Chorten, a large stupa dedicated to Bhutan’s third king, and the Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortified monastery.
You will also explore the National Library of Bhutan, which holds ancient manuscripts, the towering 51 m Buddha statue at Kuensel Phodrang, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the National Textile Museum.
Our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour will then conclude in Paro, where you will undertake a breathtaking ascent through a fairytale forest to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Dramatically situated on a cliff, it is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Bhutan that represents the spiritual essence of the country.
You will also visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a cavalry garrison watchtower, Paro/Rinpung Dzong (Castle of the Heap of Jewels), Drukgyel Dzong, which honors Bhutan’s historic triumph over Tibetan invasion, and Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, which testifies to the introduction of Buddhism in the nation.
Thus, our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour is an easy introduction tour made for everybody that will take you into the mythical land of Bhutan, surrounded by numerous fables.
Note
Alongside our group Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour, we also create personalized tours made just for you. You can consult us, after which we will provide you with a travel quote that can meet your requirements.
Trip Highlights
- Immersion in the remarkably unique culture, customs, traditions, and nature of Bhutan in just 5 days
- A full-day tour of the beautiful capital of Thimphu and Paro Valley
- A mesmerizing short uphill hike to the astounding Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Travel comfortably in a private vehicle with stop whenever and wherever you desire
- Implementation and full support guarantee
- Overnight stay in very pleasant traditional standard accommodation
Trek Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
01
Today, we will arrive in Paro, the small Bhutanese town that contains the Kingdom’s only international airport, to begin your Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour.
At the airport, our English-speaking Bhutanese guide will welcome us and assist us with the airport formalities. Then, together, we will drive towards the unusually beautiful capital of Thimphu, 60 km away from Paro.
Our private transport will take us along the historic road of Bhutan from 1985. Eventually, we will reach Chunzom, where the rivers flowing from Paro and Thimphu meet.
We can look at the magical 15th-century structure of Tachog Lhakhang Monastery, founded by Gyalpo Thangthong. This monastery is enriched by the Nepalese, Tibetan, and Bhutanese-designed stupas.
En route, we will pass by the Bhutanese military checkpoint where our vehicle will be registered. Now, we will travel towards Simtokha Dzong (2250 m), founded in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Thimphu is now very near, the religious, economic, educational, and government capital of Bhutan. After settling in our appointed hotel, we can slowly venture out to get the first impression of this friendliest capital of the world.
Activity: 1-2hrs drive
Max. Altitude: 2,400m/7,874ft. ()
Meal: B L D
Accommodation: Hotel
02
A tour of Thimphu is planned on our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour itinerary. After breakfast, our guide will be right on the doorstep to take us to the magnificent architectural and religious treasures of Thimphu.
We will explore the National Memorial Chorten from 1974 AD, which resembles a Tibetan Stupa. It has a pyramid-like column that is crowned by the sun and the crescent moon.
This stupa honors the achievement of Jigme Dorjee Wangchuk, the third king and founder of modern Bhutan. The numerous tantric deities and the statue of Samantabhadra Buddha are the main highlights here.
Our excursion will continue to the medieval fort called Tashichho Dzong, built in 1216 AD. Once a Buddhist monastery, it now serves as the Bhutan government’s base and has contained the King’s throne room since 1952.
We will also engage in a small tour of the National Library, which has an impressive collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts. We will then proceed to admire the 51-meter-high Buddha statue at Kuensel Phodrang.
If time allows us, we will also look around the Crafts Emporium, known for its one-of-a-kind thangka paintings, the Folk Heritage Museum that exhibits traditional items of rural Bhutan, and the National Textile Museum, admired for its collection of royal crowns, dresses, and accessories from the Wangchuck Dynasty.
We may also visit the School of Arts and Crafts, and the Takin Reserve to see the national animal of Bhutan, which seems like a blend of cow and goat.
Max. Altitude: 2,400m/7,874ft. ()
Meal: B L D
Accommodation: Hotel
03
After breakfast in Thimphu, we will head back to Paro once again. Once well-rested, we will engage in a short tour of the Paro Valley. We will go to the Ta Dzong, originally the cavalry garrison watchtower of 1641.
It became the National Museum in 1968, exhibiting the exquisite collections of textiles, household artifacts, armor, weaponry, thangkas, and much more.
Then, we will ascend the sharp trail that leads to the Paro/Rinpung Dzong (Castle of the Heap of Jewels). This remarkable 1646 monument was built by Shabdrung Ngawan Namgyal, who still narrates the historical tales of Bhutan.
With 14 temples, altars, and the monastery belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, the dzong today serves both monks and the public. We may stay till sunset to see the alluring beauty of its surrounding landscape.
We will then return to our hotel and rest early, as we have a very special event planned for you tomorrow morning.
Activity: 1-2hrs drive
Max. Altitude: 2,200m/7,218ft. ()
Meal: B L D
Accommodation: Hotel
04
We will experience the best part of our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour today: the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, aka Taktsang Lhakhang Monastery. It is perhaps the most iconic monument of Bhutan that was built in 1692 atop approximately 1000 m ravine to an elevation of 3120 m.
According to the Bhutanese tale, Guru Padmasambhava flew here on a tiger in the 8th century BC, fought the demon, established Buddhism, and then meditated in one of the caves. Thus, the monastery got its name as Tiger’s Nest.
To reach here, we will drive for around 15 minutes from our hotel. After parking, we will start walking through the enchanting deep forest. On the midway, we will come across a refreshment center where we will grab a bite and some rest.
Then, we will ascend the 700 vertical stone steps to ultimately reach the monastic ground above the cliff. Once inside, we can see the Hall of Thousand Buddhas where the stunning legendary tigress statue sits beside.
There is another chamber there that holds a sacred text and dark caves that reveal the dim silhouettes of the bodhisattva images.
Please note that if you find the long ascent quite difficult, you can also ride a horse or mule to get to the monastery at an extra payment not included in our service fee.
After some time of immersion in the monastery and its surroundings, we will head to Drukgyel Dzong. It is a remarkable historical site built in the 17th century to honor the victory of Bhutan over the Tibetan invaders.
Our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour will be incomplete if we don’t see the Kyichu Lhakhang Temple. This 7th-century ancient temple was built by Songtsen Gampo and is regarded as one of the 108 significant temples in Bhutan that mark the rise of Buddhism in the country.
Ending the tour, we must take a relaxing hot stone bath in herbal-infused water in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse.
Activity: 4-5hrs hike
Max. Altitude: 3,120m/10,236ft. ()
Meal: B L D
Accommodation: Hotel
05
Our 4 nights 5 days Western Bhutan tour has now concluded. On your scheduled time, our Bhutanese guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport and help you with your luggage. Have a nice journey back home or to your other planned destination.
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Trip Information
Climate and Best Season
A temperate continental climate envelops western Bhutan, characterized by the summer temperature of up to 26°C, and winter temperature of up to -6°C.
Spring, extending between March to May, and autumn between September to November generally experience daytime temperatures ranging from 18 to 24°C.
Thus, the best season for our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour is spring and autumn. Spring brings the dry weather and the colorful blooms of the wild flowers, while autumn offers excellent visibility with the radiance of the Tshechu festival.
Days of winter (December-February) offer warm, pleasant sunny days with brisk mornings and evenings, while monsoon (June-August) blankets the entire Bhutan in heavy rain.
Who is the 4 Nights 5 Days Western Bhutan Tour made for?
Our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour is a very pleasant, easy, and short natural and cultural adventure that reaches a maximum elevation of just 3120 m at Tiger’s Nest Monastery for just a brief moment.
The ascending hike to the monastery is also easy enough for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Please note that climbing is voluntary, and you can always choose to ride a horse or a mule for an additional charge.
Therefore, our 4 nights 5 days Western Bhutan tour is made for all age groups, including kids, families, and seniors with varied interests. With three-star lodging, private transport with the support of an English-speaking Bhutanese guide and driver, the tour is also very economical and affordable.
Plus, there is no risk of altitude sickness since we stay at comfortable elevations all the time in the tour.
Safety during the Glimpse of Western Bhutan Tour
Bhutan ranks as one of the safest countries around the world, with a literacy rate of over 70%. The streets here are guarded by disciplined police officers who keep a watchful eye. The country also has a very developed medical infrastructure.
Thus, our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour is among the safest tours that you can take. And, as our commitment to your safety and comfort, we offer you a very efficient team of our guide and driver who will assist you with everything so you have a 100% safe travel experience.
Also, the occurrence of altitude sickness is very unlikely, so even if you are in moderate health, you can take part in this tour. However, we advise pregnant mothers or those having existing severe illnesses to check with their doctor before joining our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour.
Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS
As stated earlier, the likelihood of experiencing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on our 4 nights 5 days Western Bhutan tour is quite low. However, some of you may feel very mild effects from the altitude of 3120 meters of the monastery.
Symptoms such as a mild headache and nausea are common but will generally fade once you descend from the monastery. We therefore recommend that you take adequate rest and sleep, along with drinking plenty of fluids during the tour.
In our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour, taking Diamox (an antialtitude diuretic medicine) may not be necessary, so whether or not to take it is your personal decision. However, we do not suggest using this medication due to its side effects.
Accommodation, Food, and Drinks
We will accommodate you in a tastefully furnished three-star hotel in Paro and Thimphu approved by the National Tourism Association of Bhutan. You will have an in-room bath with hot and cold water all the time.
If you like to upgrade to a suite or a five-star hotel, we can certainly make the arrangement for you at a very small extra fee. Likewise, we will cover your three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) along with the provision of bottled drinking water in the vehicle.
Please note that other beverages will not be included in our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour package cost.
You will find rice as a staple diet served with vegetables or meat. Although the locals prefer spicy food, but hotels also offer buffet meals with Continental, Indian, Chinese, and local dishes, keeping the Western taste in mind.
As for drinks, you should not miss out on trying the local Druk Lager beer.
Transportation
All your travels during our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour, including your Paro International Airport transfers, will occur in a cozy, air-conditioned, spacious private vehicle, provided with a guide and a licensed local driver. However, you will have to organize your own flights to and from Paro.
How to travel to Bhutan?
Most of the travelers prefer to get into Bhutan by air, while you can also choose to enter and exit Bhutan by land transport.
If you choose air transport, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate the flight once daily to and from Paro from the following cities:
- India: Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Guwahati, and Mumbai
- Nepal: Kathmandu
- Thailand: Bangkok
- Singapore: Changi
- Bangladesh: Dhaka
If you opt for land transport, then you must choose to stop en route at the southern border at Phuentsholing in West Bengal, India. The only land border crossings available for tourists are Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Bhutan Entry Procedure and Guidelines
Bhutan, although it thrives on the economy from tourism, still implements some strict guidelines that every tourist must stick to. The young king of the country has implemented the goal of High Cost and Low Impact Tourism.
Its main aim is to attract more and more tourists who respect and honor the kingdom’s unique nature and culture. We have listed here a few key points that you must understand before engaging in our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour:
- Traveling inside Bhutan on your own is not possible and is not permitted.
- You must purchase a pre-planned, pre-paid, and guided package tour like our 4 nights 5 days Western Bhutan tour through a government-certified travel agency.
- All tourists (except Maldivians, Indians, and Bangladeshis) need a tourist visa to enter. Unlike the consulates or embassies, you can get this visa only through a registered travel agency like Prime Holidays Travels and Tours.
- The Bhutan Government has also permitted the online visa application process for its Western tourists.
- You will not get the visa in advance, but it will be issued by the authorities at the Paro Airport upon your arrival for a fee of USD 40 per person (one-time).
- The Bhutan government also charges a daily fee throughout your stay in Bhutan, which is called the SDF (Sustainable Development Fee), which is US$100 per tourist. This fee was previously US$200 until 2023, but it has now been reduced to increase tourism in the country after COVID.
- If your children are between 6 and 12 years of age, they will get a 50% discount on the SDF, while those under 6 are exempt from the fee.
Prime Holidays will look after your one-time visa fee and SDF charge during our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour.
How to get the Bhutan Tourist Visa through us?
Please go through all the travel details of our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour before finalizing the trip. Once satisfied, please confirm your seats by making the necessary advance payment. Then, you should submit to us:
- Your passport digital copy in color
- Your passport-sized most recent digital photos (two in number) in JPEG format
Once we get these documents, we will forward them to our licensed travel partner in Bhutan with all the tour details. They will then forward them to the Bhutan Tourism Department for approval.
Once we receive approval, the immigration authorities will issue an invitation letter (Visa Clearance Form), which we will send to you. Remember, you must carry this letter with your other travel documents and show it at your point of entry.
You will have your actual visa upon your arrival at Paro Airport. Please remember, your visa duration will be for 15 days, and if you would like to stay longer, you can also apply for 15 days extension when in Bhutan.
The processing time for the visa may take around 15 office days, so we request that you confirm our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour one month ahead of your chosen departure date.
Online Application Process for the Bhutan Tourist Visa
- Open the official website of the Department of Immigration of Bhutan at https://immi.gov.bt/home.
- Sign up with your valid email account
- Complete the application form, providing all the requested details
- Upload a digital format of your passport and photos
- Pledge for the environmental protection of Bhutan
- Pay the USD 40 fee for the visa
- Get the Visa at Paro Airport
Travel Insurance
The Bhutan tourism department no longer necessitates the compulsory presence of travel insurance. However, we highly suggest you purchase one as Bhutan travel is often subject to uncertainties and delays due to weather and changing policies.
Additionally, the medical services in Bhutan are based on a more traditional and herbal system. There are modern health care systems present in Thimphu and Paro, but they are not free for tourists.
Therefore, it is wise that you buy the travel insurance with the coverage for medical and accidental assistance and costs, along with the tour delays, postponements or cancellation, added stay, and baggage damage or loss.
We also suggest you include air ambulance coverage in case of any medical emergencies that may require you to be transported immediately to your country.
Vaccination
As of now, there are no mandatory vaccinations needed for getting into Bhutan. However, if you are traveling from a yellow fever-prone country, you may need to show the yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Still, we encourage you to get the vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid before you travel to Bhutan.
Currency Exchange and Payment
Bhutan uses the Ngultrum (BTN) as its national currency, where 1 Ngultrum is equal to 100 Chetrums. Bhutan markets also accept the Indian rupee, US Dollars, and Euros.
You can use the money exchange services of reputed banks like Bank of Thimphu, Bhutan National Bank, and Citibank, which operate on weekdays (Monday to Friday) from 10 AM to 1 PM.
You can also change your currency at Paro Airport, which will offer you the best rates. Remember to keep the exchange receipt safe, as Bhutanese currency is not accepted elsewhere, and you will need to reconvert it before you leave Bhutan.
If you have the currency under USG 10,000, then you don’t have to declare it at the Paro Airport. As for ATM booths, they are widely available in Paro and Thimphu, but be alert about the high fees per transaction.
In terms of credit cards, MasterCard, Diners, and Visa cards are widely accepted in Thimphu’s large stores and hotels.
TOP
SELLER
SELLER
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
2-16
Duration
5 Days
Accommodation
Hotel
Best Time
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Max Alt
3,120m (10,236ft)
Got questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Glimpse of Western Bhutan tour is the preliminary tour of the western region of Bhutan, where we will take you on an exploration tour of Thimphu and Paro valleys.
The national language of Bhutan is called Dzongkha, and yes, most locals can communicate in English, Nepali, Hindi, and Chinese as well.
You can get cellular services in Bhutan through the eSIM or physical SIM Cards of TashiCell or B-Telecom (Bhutan Telecom). TashiCell offers you 4G while Bhutan Telecom will offer you 5G services that will work excellently in Paro and Thimphu.
You can get free WiFi in hotels and many public places in Thimphu and Paro. However, the speed can be quite unreliable, so it is better to use the mobile data connectivity.
Do not smoke when you are in public spots such as monasteries, temples, heritage sites, and hospitals. Respect the monarchy in Bhutan and the customs of the people. Dress appropriately for the tours around the city and take off your hats and shoes before entering any religious site. If you like, you can also donate a small amount to the temples and monasteries.
The images of phallics on the walls of the homes of the locals can be bizarre to you. But for them, it is the act of distancing the evil spirits from their homes.
Wall hangings, wooden dhapa bowls, Bangchung (the round bamboo basket), dragon figurines, and images of national symbols are some of the items that we suggest you buy.
Yes, you can make your own custom-made stamps at the National Post Office in Thimphu.
Yes, you can tip them if you are happy with their services, which is generally expected as well, but it’s not obligatory.
You can bring one to be on the safe side, but generally it is not needed, as Bhutan also uses similar plugs that you will find in Nepal and India.
Mahayana Buddhism, in the Tantric form, is the religion in Bhutan.
