The Glimpse of Bhutan Cultural Tour covers the most important sightseeing places of Bhutan. If you do not have much time but like to see most of Bhutan, then Glimpse of Bhutan is the best tour you can opt for.

Don’t go with the name, this tour will not just give you glances at the pure culture and amazing structures, monasteries, and religion; it will give you a wider view of Bhutan and covers all the best of Bhutan.

Discover wonders of Thimphu- Punakha & Paro valley. The tour initiates from Paro, which showcases its natural amazingness, elegance and customary-styled homes of the residents. Paro has become so famous due to its location which is surrounded by hills and its latticed pattern. Relishing at the remarkable views of the rising and falling mountains, while driving to Thimphu, you can stop by TachogLhakhang where you can get the feel of medieval time.

The next day, after looking at different local tourist spots like the giant statue of Buddha at Thimphu, we head towards Punakha valley via Dochula Pass where you can witness the grand Himalayas; you will be left with loads of memories and cherish-able experiences.

You can take the hike to the famous Divine Madman temple or try out rafting at Punakha. And on your last day, you will be visiting one of the top spots, The Tiger’s Nest; it is one of the traditional icons of the nation.

Duration:  3 Nights/ 4 Days

Location: Thimphu-Dochu La- Punakha- Paro

Day 01: Arrive At Paro Airport:  Paro – Thimphu (55kms/1.5hours)

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town offer a fine sight. Your guide and vehicle will receive you from the airport and drive to Thimphu along with scenic views and sightseeing on the way.

Discover the majestic mountains speckled with sacred temples and monasteries on your journey from Paro to Thimphu.

• On the way stop at Tachhog Lhakhang (the Iron Chain Bridge), a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Devour yourself to the invigorating ambience of the cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags. The whole set up a feast to the eye.

• Upon arriving Thimphu (2,300 meters), check-in your hotel and freshen up before visiting the exquisite massive structure of Thimphu Tashichoe Dzong– a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. Set into the Grand Kuenrey, the most splendid room of the Tashichho Dzong. The assemblies of monks perform their daily prayers here before the enormous statue of the Buddha.

• Visit the local archery ground where the locals celebrate the national sport with dance and song with every hit.

• Take a stroll in the evening around Thimphu town and absorb the magical atmosphere of the capital city while capturing the sight of the contemporary Bhutanese life.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 02: Thimphu- Punakha (71kms/3-4hours)

In the morning your guide and vehicle will come to pick you up from the hotel and proceed for sightseeing.

• Buddha Dordenma: Capture the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue in the early morning sunrise. Apart from the serenity of the place the view of the Thimphu city from this mountain is gorgeous. 

• On the way, we take a break at DochuLa Pass at 3,100 meters. Sip a cup of hot coffee at the DochuLa cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. If  skies are  clear, the  high  Himalayan  peaks towards the north east  will  be  revealed  in all  their  glory. Take in the 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the blue sky making the backdrop.

• On arriving Punakha; walk along the path through the traditional houses of Sopsokha village amidst agricultural fields of rice and mustard, leading to a hillock where the temple of the Divine Mad monk is located. Sopsokha village is a typical example of clustered settlement. You may witness unusual paintings of phallus on walls of the houses. The phallus paintings are traditionally believed to ward off evil influences and bad-mouth/gossips of others that bring bad luck.

• Punakha Dzong is just as striking inside as outside and it is arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Located magnificently between Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) confluence, the intricate carving and amazing architecture of the Dzong is a great source of inspiration. This famous structure built in 1637 has a lot to tell about the historical background and various Tibetan invasions won from this strategically located Dzong. It also houses the kingdom’s most sacred relic, the “Rangjung Karsa-pani”.

Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 03: Punakha- Paro (130kms/4.5hours)

Start your journey to Paro after a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Punakha.

• Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Hike (4-6 hours)

Venture through the pristine surroundings of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Be rewarded to an overwhelming sight monastery resting on the edge of a cliff at 900 meters above Paro valley. Tiger’s Nest Monastery or Taktshang Goemba is one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites of Bhutan and acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived at this place from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and blessed the entire place.

The hike can be broken down into various stages. The first stage is the trek to the cafeteria (where lunch will be served later today) which is situated on a rocky outcrop across a ravine from the monastery. This leg of the trek takes approximately 45 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on your level of fitness. At the Cafeteria we can stop for some tea or coffee and biscuits whilst pondering the journey ahead and looking at the monastery, the distance above us.

The 2nd stage of the walk is from the cafeteria to the lookout opposite of the monastery. This leg takes close to one hour. At this point some may be content to snap photos and return to the cafeteria. The next stage is the trek/climb down the 475 steps in the cliff face to the bottom of the ravine which crosses over a stream and a waterfall before the path again ascends another 300 odd steps to the entrance of the monastery. Once here we should be able to enter into the monastery and view the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated. 

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 04: Departure

Our team will drive you to the Airport and bid farewell.