Bhutan Unveiled: A 5-Day Journey into the Dragon’s Heart

Expedition Schedule

March – May
September – November

Trip Facts

Difficulty

Easy

Country

Bhutan

Duration

4 Nights / 5 Days

Altitude

3100 M

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge/Tent

Trip Start From

Paro – Thimphu

Trip Ends At

Thimphu – Paro (includes Paro Taktsang Hike)

Overview

Where Happiness is a Way of Life

Bhutan is not merely a destination. It is a feeling – a mystical, deeply spiritual kingdom where ancient traditions thrive, monasteries cling to sheer cliffs, and Gross National Happiness is measured not in wealth but in well-being.

This 5-day cultural odyssey offers the perfect balance of urban exploration, spiritual immersion, and physical challenge. From the bustling capital of Thimphu to the sacred fortresses of Paro, culminating in the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike, you will experience the essence of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Walk through centuries-old dzongs (fortresses) , spin prayer wheels at sacred stupas, witness monastic life, and stand in awe before one of the most photographed sites on Earth. This is not a tour. It is a pilgrimage into happiness itself.

Trip Highlights

Cultural & Spiritual

Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) – Iconic cliffside pilgrimage
Rinpung Dzong (Paro) – “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”
Ta-Dzong (National Museum) – 7 floors of Bhutanese history
Memorial Chorten (Thimphu) – Built in memory of the Third King
Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu) – Seat of Bhutan’s government
Buddha Dordenma – 169-foot bronze statue overlooking Thimphu Valley
Changangkha Monastery (15th century) – Ancient temple overlooking Thimphu
Folk Heritage Museum – Glimpse into traditional Bhutanese rural life

Scenic & Active

Druk Air flight – Panoramic Himalayan views on arrival
Mount Chomolhari (7,320m) – Views of Bhutan’s second-highest peak
Paro & Thimphu Valleys – Terraced fields, farmhouses, and prayer flags
Tiger’s Nest hike – 4-5 hour trek through pine forests
Dochula Pass (3,100m) – 108 chortens with Himalayan panorama
Local markets – Handicrafts, textiles, and Buddhist art
Traditional Bhutanese architecture – Whitewashed walls, red-and-gold woodwork
Ponies available – For those who prefer assistance on the Taktsang trail

Essential Information

Bhutan Visa & Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

All visitors to Bhutan (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian passport holders) require a visa.
Visas are pre-arranged by your tour operator – you do not apply at an embassy.

What to Pack

Item	Advice
Clothing	Lightweight layers for daytime, warm jacket for evenings. Modest attire for temples (shoulders/knees covered).
Footwear	Sturdy hiking boots for Taktsang; comfortable walking shoes for city sightseeing.
Sun Protection	Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat – UV is strong at altitude.
Medications	Personal prescriptions, basic first aid, motion sickness pills (for mountain roads).
Electronics	Camera, power bank, universal plug adapter (European-style outlets).

Cultural Etiquette

Custom	Advice
Temples & Dzongs	Remove shoes, hats, and sunglasses before entering. Do not point fingers at statues.
Photography	Ask permission before photographing monks or locals. Interior photography is often prohibited.
Prayer Flags & Stupas	Always walk clockwise around stupas, chortens, and mani walls.
Respect	Do not touch or climb on religious statues or artifacts.

Brief Itinerary

Day 01:

Arrive Paro → Drive to Thimphu (54 km / 1.5 hours) → Thimphu sightseeing: Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong

2,200m →
2,320m
Day 02:

Thimphu sightseeing: Changangkha Monastery, Folk Heritage Museum, Craft Bazaar → Afternoon free

2,320m
Day 03:

Drive Thimphu → Paro via Dochula Pass (3,100m) → Paro sightseeing: Drugyel Dzong, Ta-Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Monastery

2,320m →
2,200m
Day 04:

Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Hike – 4 – 5 hours round trip → Afternoon rest

2,200m →
3,120m
(monastery)
Day 05:

Transfer to Paro Airport → Departure

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Expedition Schedule

March – May
September – November

Easy

Easy to moderate hiking and trekking
Light packs (10kg)
Elevations often below 2500m
Easy terrain
Trek duration less than a week in high altitude

Package Details

Cost Includes:

Full package on room sharing basis, airport transfers in Bhutan.
All other transfer and sightseeing with an English speaking guide as per the program Visa fee, entrance fee.

Cost Excludes:

All expenses of personal nature, personal tips, alcoholic beverages, cold drinks and mineral water.
Travel insurance, personal medical expenses.
Any costs arising due to flight cancellation, political disturbance, natural disaster and deviation in programs.
Flight to/from Paro, Bhutan.