Overview

Paro and Thimphu Tour is a touring package in which you get to the Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan in which you tour two places in it, namely Paro and Thimphu for two nights and three days.

The Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan, in which you do the Paro and Thimphu, lies to the east of Nepal and is surrounded by India on three sides and the autonomous region of Tibet to the North. It is the only country with a negative carbon footprint on the earth. It gives more back to the earth than it does take. This is enshrined in its constitution in which it gross happiness as the marking point for growth rather than gross domestic production. This comes from the laying foundation of its faith being instilled in Buddhism and as a matter of fact, all walks of life, reflect it, whether it is civic duties, the religious attributes, or the architecture of the buildings, monasteries, Dzongs and palaces are all naturally integrated into the environment. Whether it is from the past or is from the contemporary period, it reflects all of this in whatever is done and in whatever is there. To keep what is its state, Bhutan, in which you do the Paro and Thimphu tour, has recently opened to the outer world to showcase what it has, so that, the mad rush seen elsewhere will not spoil its sublime environmental beauty, and the numbers allowed in are controlled. It seems like the Dragon Kingdom is truly a place to find happiness in this Paro and Thimphu Tour, initiated by us.

Paro and Thimphu tour might not be as longer in time duration as Best of Bhutan Tour Bhutan Highlights Tour and Bhutan Cultural Tour but nevertheless, you get to visit two of the most interesting places after making a dramatic entry in by plane to the airport at Paro. The flight takes you in from Nepal, giving you a taste of the Himalayan Mountains with their snow-covered peaks and the rolling hills below covered with lush green vegetation, periodic villages, fast flowing rivers, and the occasional gorges cut by the rivers, and glaciers oozing from the foot of the Himalayan mounts. Once in Bhutan, the Paro and Thimphu tour takes you places like Taktsang Monastery better known as Tiger’s Nest Temple in which you hike to it in 2.5 hours. It is perched on the walls of the hill overlooking Paro. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew on the back of a tigress to meditate here. Then it is the Paro Dzong, dzong means fort in which you get to see the medieval architecture of them with their colourful fresco, murals and painting in the Bhutanese artistic features. The National Museum is another aspect of Bhutan in which you get a line-up of features so close to Bhutanese life and history. Then in Thimphu, it is the memorial chorten, and Buddha Point which besides having a large statue of the Buddha, and from where you get a crystal clear view of the Thimphu Valley. The most significant part is the ever welcoming people of Bhutan. So much so, that when you have completed this tour package to Paro and Thimphu, you will only notice the difference in being in a world of its own from the rest in all aspects of a human manner.

What kind of Tour is this?
This basically a cultural tour where you are guided to those places of significance and hold value to the Bhutanese, in which a local guide takes you around to them and explaining and helping you to understand the virtues of them. You are kept in three-star lodging with all meals in them while in Paro and Thimphu.

Outline Itinerary for Paro and Thimphu Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2250m) – Thimphu (2350m)
Day 2: Thimphu – Paro (2250m) and hike to Taktsang Monastery (3120m)
Day 3: Depart Bhutan

Trip Highlights

Witness spectacular bird’s eye view of the Himalayas while flying in/out from Paro.
Explore Paro exploding with colors and tradition.
Guided city tour of the tiny capital Thimphu.
Visit Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’- one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan.
Experience Bhutanese culture, tradition and lifestyles of simple country high up in the mountains.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Paro (2250m) – Thimphu (2350m)

Today, you arrive at the airport in the Bhutanese National Carrier, where you are met by the touring staff. On completing lunch, you are driven to Thimphu in a one and a half hour ride. On the way, you pay a visit to the Tamchok Monastery that was owned by the bridge builder, Thangthong Gaylpo. Then we continue onto to Thimphu. Later on in the drive we stop off to visit Buddha Point, from where we get a crystal clear view of the Thimphu valley and what it looks like. This place is also the home of Bhutan National Animal, a strange looking animal called the Takin.
Once in Thimphu, we visit the Tashi Choe Dzong, which was built in 1641 and rebuilt King Jigme Dorgee Wangchuk in 1960. Then we visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which is actually a 300 year old house made into a Museum. Then you get the chance to visit farmers market and see the organic vegetable being sold. In fact, Bhutan is the only country that does total organic farming.
You stay the night at a hotel.

Day 2 :

Thimphu – Paro (2250m) and hike to Taktsang Monastery (3120m)

After breakfast, we will drive back to Paro. In which we get to the base of Taktsang from where we take the 2.5 hour hike to the Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This the monastery in which the Guru Rimpoche rode a tigress to meditate here as it is believed. Getting back to the road, we then drive to Drukgyal Dzong the fort which once defended the Valley from the Tibetans in the seventeenth century. We also visit the farm houses around to see how food is cultivated here. Then later on we go to the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Then we just stroll around in Paro Bazaar do what we might please us. We stay the night at a hotel in Paro.

Day 3 :

Depart Bhutan

Today, we are transferred to the airport and bid farewell where we board the Bhutanese National Carrier and flown to our next destination.
At Breakfree Adventures, we only hope that we were able to provide you with a once in a life time tour with this Paro and Thimphu Tour of 2 Nights and 3 Days, where we take your comfort and security of high value.

FAQs

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Where is Bhutan located in Asia?

Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalayas and a landlocked country. Bhutan is surrounded by three sides by India with The Tibetan autonomous region of China in the north. The three sides that connect Bhutan with India are Arunachal Pradesh in the east, Assam and West Bengal in the south and Sikkim in the West. Bhutan is ruled by a king and only one Buddhist nation in the world.

What is Paro and Thimphu Tour?

It’s the short tour of Paro City and the capital Thimphu including do the ever popular hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’

When is the best time of year to visit Bhutan?

The best time to visit Bhutan is spring (March-May) and Autumn/fall (September-November). It will be clear weather and great climate in spring with Varieties of flowers and plants in bloom. Autumn has mild weather with cold mornings and evenings. Summer (June-August) and winter (December to February) also draw tourists to Bhutan. Winter season (December to February) is less crowded and it may snow with temperature level going down below freezing point.

Do I need visa to enter Bhutan?

Visa to enter Bhutan is required for any international travelers. Visa needs to be applied through a licensed Bhutanese travel agent of one of it’s international partners. One can’t individually apply for Bhutan visa. But Indian nationals including Bangladesh, Maldives citizens won’t require a visa.

How much does Bhutan visa cost?

Bhutan visa fee is US$40 per person which must be paid including your entire tour cost before your Bhutan arrival. Afterward, a visa clearance letter is sent to you and the actual visa will be stamped on your passports only upon arrival in Bhutan.

How can i get to Bhutan?

You can either get to Bhutan by flight or overland. Only two airlines fly to Bhutan, Druk Air- the national flag carrier and Bhutan Airlines – private company. They also fly from only certain cities like Kathmandu, Delhi, Bangkok, Singapore, Dhaka. Via overland is from Indian border only – Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

Is travelling solo in Bhutan possible

Travelling solo in Bhutan is possible but one must book/come through a tour operator that means you can’t individually travel or apply for visa like in other countries. You can either join a group or have your private tour.

What is Bhutan travel cost per day?

Bhutan travel cost per day is $200 per night (low season) and $250 per night (high season) per person. It includes 3 star accommodations, costs for food, an experienced guide and transportation (with driver). This cost also includes $65 per day royalty that goes towards free education, free healthcare and poverty alleviation.

Is there a limit on the number of tourists entering Bhutan each year?

There is no limit on the number of tourists entering Bhutan each year. The Bhutanese government has adopted a strict policy of “High Value, Low Impact Tourism” to protect it’s culture, traditions and natural environment. This policy is aimed to attract discerning tourists who will respect Bhutan’s unique culture and values of the Bhutanese people.

What type of currency is used in Bhutan?

Currency is used in Bhutan is called Ngultrum. Its value is tied up to the Indian Rupee which is also accepted as legal tender. Ngultrum is divided into 100 smaller units called Chetrum (Ch). The latest series of Ngultrum has the denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. Coins are available in denominations of Ch1, Ch5, Ch10, Ch25, Ch50 and Nu1.

What is the food like in Bhutan?

Bhutanese cuisine specialty is its spiciness. Nearly every dish has chilies and most Bhutanese won’t enjoy a meal without the spiciness. Rice is the main part of Bhutanese meal which is accompanied by one or two side dishes of meat or vegetables. Most often pork, beef or chicken is eaten. You can also find many restaurants with a great selection of western and Indian foods.

I am a vegetarian, is it okay?

No worries. Most of the hotels will serve good vegetarian dishes though there are very limited vegetables in operation.

Can I stay at the farmhouse or home-stay?

Yes, you can and farmhouse or home-stay is available and you need to inform your travel agent during booking your tour.

Are there luxury hotels in Bhutan?

There are many luxury hotels in Bhutan at places like Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang. They are world-class 5 star luxury hotels with state of the art facilities. Such hotels include Taj Tashi, Amen Kora, Uma Paro, Uma Punakha, Le-meridian etc. Plus there are also several 4 star hotels which are equally great.

How is road transportation in Bhutan?

Transportation in Bhutan is getting better with rapid growth in it’s infrastructures. Earlier it was difficult with no proper means of transportation and only mule/horse are available or traveling has to be on foot. But modern Bhutan is now connected with highways and Different luxurious cars, SUVs, buses and coaster buses are available for tourists.

How is shopping in Bhutan?

One can find many things for shopping in Bhutan which include handicrafts, fabrics, textiles etc. Major Bhutanese cities have many shopping stores. These goods are manufactured in Bhutan showcasing it’s unique culture and traditions. Items on sale will be handwoven fabrics, carved masks, woven baskets, wooden bowls, handmade paper, postage stamps, finely crafted metal objects, thangkha paintings, bamboo bowls, handmade papers, prayer beads, singing bowls incense, prayer flags, ornaments etc.

What are the major festivals in Bhutan?

Festivals in Bhutan are called ‘Tschechu’ which is attended by locals and tourists alike. Major festivals of Bhutan include Paro Tschechu, Thimphu Tschechu, Punakha Tschechu, Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Black-necked crane festival among many festivals celebrated round the year in Bhutan.

What are Places to Visit in Bhutan?

Most popular and visited Places to Visit in Bhutan are Paro – where Bhutan’s only international airport is, Thimphu – the tiny capital, Punakha – the old capital as well as Gangtey – where the beautiful Phobijikha Valley is located then further up to Bumthang. Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ located outskirts of Paro town is the major highlight of any Bhutan travel.

What’s the communication system in Bhutan?

Basic communication facilities are available in most of the major towns and cities. These includes telephone, faxes and internet services. Wi-fi and internet are available at most of the big hotels. Bhutanese sim card can also be bought. Bhutan postal service sends or receives any parcels from outside. DHL or FedEx is also there in the capital city.

What is the packing list for Bhutan trip?

Packing list for Bhutan trip depends upon your time of travel. In October, November, December, January and February very warm clothes are required. It’s warm during April, May, June, July, August and September so carrying light cloths is recommended. Rain gears are highly recommended during the rainy season (June-August). Since Bhutan is a religious country so shorts, skirts, tight clothing, sun caps need to be avoided at monasteries or temples. For any trekking programs, your tour operator shall provide the necessary trek equipment as per the trekking grade.

Trip Information

Bhutan Visa Information:
The citizen of Bangladesh, Maldives and India do not require VISA to enter Bhutan. People from other countries except from Bangladesh, Maldives and India need a VISA permit while traveling to Bhutan. The VISA processing for Bhutan requires a readable color copy of passport via email that has at least six month of validity from the date of exit from Bhutan. The file Scan Copy should be forwarded to via email in JPEG or PDF format. The passport number and picture of the applicant should be visible in the e-document.

The application should be processed at least 10 days prior to the date of entry to Bhutan. The tourism council of Bhutan then issues a VISA clearance letter and fax or email it to the local travel agent. Please note that the VISA service is not offered in Bhutan, travelers have to buy full service package from the local tour operator. Travelers traveling by air are required to produce a printed VISA clearance copy at the time of check-in for Druk Air flight. People traveling by land to enter Bhutan via Phuentshoking or Samdrup Jonkhar are required to produce a VISA clearance letter at the immigration center. The actual VISA is stamped in your passport on your arrival in Bhutan.

Flights to Bhutan:
There are several cities that have direct flights to Bhutan. There are two airlines Druk air and Bhutan airlines running the flights to Bhutan. Druk air is the national carrier of Bhutan. With its fleet of Airbuses A319-115 and ATR 42 the airlines fly from different Asian countries to the Paro international airport, Paro (PBH); which is only the international airport in Bhutan. There are daily direct flights from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to Paro International Airport.

The flights from Indian cities to Paro International Airport with the airport name and their codes are listed below:
Bagdogra Airport, Bagdogra (IXB)
Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL)
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU)
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (BOM)

Likewise, there flights from other countries with the codes are as follows:
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand (BKK)
Shahjalal International Airport, Bangladesh (DAC)
Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore (SIN)

Note: The flight schedule and timings are subject to change. If you want to know more about the flight schedules and tour to Bhutan please feel free to contact us. We can also help to find you the cheapest fares available.

Best time to visit Bhutan:
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan lies in south Asia between China and India. Climate and weather vary according to the altitude, season and place of visit. Bhutan is open all year around for the visitors but it is better to make the travel arrangements as per your preference and nature of visit.

The ideal time to visit Bhutan is spring (March-May) and Autumn/fall (September-November). These are considered to be the best time to visit Bhutan to get the maximum adventure and trouble free experience. Summer and winter also have their own specialties that could draw the attention of tourists during these seasons. During the spring the weather mostly remains clear and climate is fantastic. It is also the best time to visit for the nature lovers to experience the mystifying beauty of nature. Varieties of flowers and plants bloom in this season that makes your adventure an exotic one. The route opens for Jomolhari and Druk Path treks from mid-April to May.

Summer (June-August) in the other hand could get tricky at times due to the early arrival of monsoon. The month of June would be great for traveling if the monsoon is pushed further. Usually monsoon is in full swing by early July. Travelers who would strive to get some trekking experience on muddy trail while witnessing swollen rivers, green forests and flourishing paddy field could choose late summer to plan their adventure. The view of open clear blue sky after the rain is something that strikes you with its mystifying beauty.

Fall (September-November) is another favorable and crowded season after spring. The weather gets mild despite cold mornings and evenings. Tourists from all around the world thong to Bhutan during this season to witness Black-Necked-Crane festival. The month of October has its own significance and the valley turn into a shade of gold as the farmers prepare to harvest their rice crops during this month.

Winter season (December to February) is not that crowded with tourists in comparison to other seasons. Planning your adventure during the winter could be a better idea if you want to avoid the hustle-bustle of the peak season. During the winter Bhutan may see some snow fall. The temperature level goes down (even below freezing point) during some winter days.

VACCINATION FOR BHUTAN:
No vaccinations are presently required However, the following vaccinations are recommended:
Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a virus that infects the liver. The disease is distinctly unpleasant, with profound nausea, loss of appetite, and weakness.
Tetanus: Tetanus bacteria can infect small wounds and cause a fatal infection.
Typhoid Fever: Typhoid fever is caused by infection with Salmonella typhi bacteria, passed in human feces and acquired by eating contaminated food or water.

WEATHER IN BHUTAN:
Bhutan lies in South Asia between China and India in the Himalayas, weather in Bhutan depends upon the altitude. In the northern parts of the country where mountains rise up to 7,000m, weather conditions are similar to arctic. Southwards, closer to India, the weather is hot and humid in the summer and cool in winter. The monsoon rains are usually heavy. Winters can be a good time to visit the lower parts, but then the highest areas are freezing.

The best times to visit Bhutan are spring (March-May) and autumn (late September – November) when the weather is warm, dry and sunny but always throw in a couple of warm clothes into your travelling gear when you travel to Bhutan regardless of the season.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING:
Layering Clothing
Bring your clothes according to the season and region of your travel. Based on your activity and the weather, you can make quick adjustments, by putting on more clothing if it is cold or taking off layers as it warms up. In the summer time, days can be quite warm, especially in the lowlands of Punakha and Phuentsholing, light cotton clothing is recommended for day time. But in most of the tourist and trekking areas, light woolen clothes for evenings and heavy woollens / down jackets for winter are necessary. A waterproof windbreaker is important for trekking and outdoor activities.
Comfortable and Sturdy shoes.
You have a lot of opportunity to walk around in Bhutan, you will be glad you wore sturdy shoes that keep your feet comfortable. Good shoes will let you explore the rural and allow you to have a long day walk. Bring sandals or slip ons to take off easily when entering temples.
Long pants / skirts
Wear particularly conservative clothing in the towns, women should wear long pants or long skirts, men should wear long pants and shorts are not appropriate for anyone. In the dzongs and temples, the legs and arms must be covered, and even threequarter-length capri pants are not acceptable for women.
Rain gear
Be prepared for occasional shower. A folding umbrella is a good idea to bring with.
Hat, Sunglass, Sunscreen & lip protection.
The sun can be scorching in Bhutan. Be sure to apply sunscreen in the morning and throughout your day.

Other requirements:
A quality sleeping bag.
Waterproof gators.
A headlamp torch and a normal torch. (Including spare batteries.)
Binoculars and Camera.
Small day pack.
Water bottle
Towel
Small medical kit that includes aspirin, motion sickness tablets, diamox.(The guide carries a larger Medical kit but please bring own travel medications)
Antiseptic hand gel for disinfecting hands without water.
Mini-flashlight

DIFFERENT CURRENCY ACCEPTED BY BHUTAN BANK:
Credit cards are accepted only in major international hotels and high-end shops in Bhutan.

Paro and Thimphu Tour

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Faqs

Trip Info

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Overview

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Itinerary

Cost

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