In the heart of the eastern Himalayas lies a beautiful country with an extremely rich cultural heritage called Bhutan. With its iconic ancient fortresses, breathtaking landscapes, captivating history and legends, and warm hospitality, Bhutan is one of the fantastic holiday destinations. We have designed this short and quite adventurous Glimpse of Bhutan tour for 4 days for all individuals and families looking for a quick trip.
Bhutan is known as the land of Thunder Dragons. During this short Bhutan tour, you will get to know a lot about Bhutanese people, their lifestyle, beliefs, and practices. In just four days, you will visit numerous tourist sites that include ancient palaces, dzongs, temples, museums, factories, local markets, etc. Our Bhutan tour for 4 days starts from Kathmandu, and travelers from all around the world can join this tour.
Who can join the Bhutan tour for 4 days?
All age groups can do the Bhutan tour for 4 days. There is no specific requirement for this tour. You only have to be in good health. Our Bhutan tour from Nepal makes traveling to this country very seamless because of direct short flights from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Likewise, the visa and other document processing is also less complicated from here.
The team of Nepal Nirvana Trails will handle all the documents for your Bhutan travel and obtain the necessary permits. You will only be responsible for getting the Bhutan travel visa, and our team will help you with that as well. If you are already in Kathmandu and looking to join a short tour, you can choose this Bhutan tour or select from our different Bhutan tour packages.
Likewise, you can also customize the Bhutan tour itinerary with us, as per your time frame and budget. For more information, contact us or visit us at our office in Thamel.
What to expect during the Bhutan tour from Kathmandu?
Bhutan was opened in the mid-1970s to foreign travelers. Every year, only a limited number of travelers are allowed to enter the country under strict rules and regulations. So, it is better if you plan your Bhutan tour early and make all the required documents ready for the journey on time. It is also quite expensive to travel to Bhutan, given pricey permits, hotels, meals, transportation, etc.
Once you land at Paro International Airport, our representatives will take care of you from there. They are trustworthy individuals as we have been working with them for many years. You can rely on them for anything you need during the Bhutan tour 4 days. You will use a private vehicle to travel between the cities and the monuments.
The tour guide will introduce you to the sites and explain the history and stories behind them. If you have any questions regarding the place, feel free to ask them. Be polite and respectful towards locals and the monuments. Ask permission before taking pictures inside temples and monasteries. Do not disturb monks if you see them chanting or meditating.
The Bhutan tour 4 days itinerary summary
The Bhutan tour begins with flying from Kathmandu to Paro. It is a very beautiful flight that offers views of the Himalayan ranges. Once you land at the airport in Paro, our representatives will welcome you. You will then drive to Thimphu. On the way, you will visit Ta Dzong and Paro Dzong.
Ta Dzone was built in the 17th century. It used to be a traditional watchtower and now serves as a museum that showcases the battle regalia of ancient Bhutanese warriors. You will also see statues, old stamps, Buddhist paintings, and religious relics here. Likewise, Paro Dzong (also known as Rinpung Dzong) is an ancient fortress built by the founder of Bhutan. Today, it is an administrative office and a monastery.
In Thimphu, you will spend two nights. Take a couple of hours rest and freshen up. You will then stroll down the bustling markets, explore souvenir shops, and try Bhutanese delicacies. On the second day, you will spend the whole day exploring tourist sites in Thimphu. Have a delicious breakfast in the morning, and get ready to leave your hotel for an exciting tour day.
If it is a weekend, you will first visit the Centenary Farmers Market at the bank of a river, where locals gather to sell different handmade crafts and products. You will then visit the National Folk Heritage Museum. It connects Bhutan to its past as the museum holds different exhibitions and demonstrations and also showcases artifacts. The National Folk Heritage Museum dates back to the 19th century.
Your next stop is the National Textile Museum. Here, you will see the Bhutanese art of weaving and learn about the significance of textile design. The Royal Government has preserved it as it is one of the significant art forms for the Bhutanese. The tour continues to the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974. It is constructed to honor the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
The Chorten is a hemispherical-shaped memorial stupa also used for meditation. The next place you will visit is the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. Learn about the craftsmanship of Deh-sho papermaking here. In Bhutan, locals use this specific paper to write prayers and do woodblock printing. Further, visit the Simtokha Dzong and Thimphu Tashichho Dzong.
Simtokha Dzong is the oldest fortress in Bhutan, located just outside of Thimphu. The legends say it was built to imprison demons. This dzong houses ancient Buddhist paintings and carvings. Similarly, Thimphu Tashichho Dzong is a fortress and a monastery. It is famous for its distinctive Bhutanese architecture. You may also visit places like the Traditional School of Arts & Crafts, Zangdopelri Temple, Takin Sanctuary, Indigenous Hospital, etc, as per available time.
On the third day, you will drive back to Paro early in the morning and then visit the popular Tiger's Nest. This place involves two hours of scenic hike. Tiger's Nest is also known as Taktsang Monastery. It is perched graciously on the edge of a cliff, more than 10,000 feet above sea level. The location is very beautiful and photogenic.
The Tiger's Nest is famous because the Guru Padmasambhava (Rinpoche) is believed to have flown on the back of a tiger to meditate in a cave. Later, the monastery was built to preserve the cave. If the hike is tough for you, you can opt for a horse ride. The breathtaking panorama, along with colorful prayer flags makes the hike quite mesmerizing.
After exploring Tiger's Nest, you will visit the Drukgyel Dzong. It was built by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1647. This dzong was made to fight the intruding Tibetan armies. In 1957, a fire destroyed the dzong, and it was left as a reminder of the glorious past military victories of the Bhutanese. If the day is clear, you can see the stunning view of Mt. Chomolhari from here.
The last place you will visit on this tour is Kyichu Lhakhang. It is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gambo. It was built in a single day to hold down the giant demoness who was preventing the spread of Buddhism. Spend the evening exploring the local market and buying souvenirs as it is your last day here.
What makes Bhutan special?
- Unique approach to development: Bhutan's guiding philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which prioritizes the well-being of its citizens over material wealth, is a distinctive feature. This approach ensures sustainable development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation.
- Natural beauty: Bhutan is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, from lush valleys and rolling hills to towering, snow-capped peaks. Its terrain offers a wide range of adventure opportunities, including trekking, hiking, and wildlife exploration.
- Cultural richness: Bhutan's cultural heritage is captivating. It boasts ancient monasteries, fortresses (known as dzongs), and vibrant festivals. The annual Paro Tsechu and Thimphu Tshechu are among the most celebrated, offering a glimpse into Bhutan's vibrant culture.
- Sustainable tourism: Bhutan has been mindful of the impact of tourism. To preserve its culture and environment, the government imposes a minimum daily tariff on tourists and regulates visitor numbers, ensuring a high-quality and sustainable travel experience.
