Bhutan Introductory Tour

Day 01: Fly to Paro, transfer to Thimpu and  Thimpu Introductory Tour

Paro Altitude: 2,200m

Thimpu Altitude: 2,300m

Distance: 54 km approx.

Driving time: 1+ hour approx

Your 2-night, 3-day Bhutan Introductory Tour begins with your flight landing at the Paro International Airport in Paro, Bhutan. This airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. Your pre-arranged visa will help you proceed through the Bhutan immigration at the airport. Then, collecting your luggage, proceed through customs formalities, before meeting your English-speaking Bhutanese guide at the airport, outside the arrival area. As the guide traditionally welcomes you to his beautiful country, you can feel an immediate sense of calm and connection to something timeless. 

From the airport, you will now enjoy a scenic drive to the capital of the country, Thimphu, which takes around an hour. This drive is an immersive introduction to the country’s natural splendor. Leaving the charming Paro Valley behind, as you continue to Thimpu, the road gently winds through lush pine forest, traditional villages and the clean and gushing Paro River (known as Paro Chhu in Bhutan) and Thimpu River (known as Wong Chhu in Bhutan), you will get the firsthand glimpse of Bhutan’s pristine landscape, with views of towering hills draped in evergreens, Bhutan’s signature terraced fields, vibrant wildflowers of spring and a rich golden hues of autumn (depending on the season) and local wildlife and Himalayan bird species. 

On the way, shortly before reaching the Chhuzom (confluence of Paro and Thimpu River) bridge, you will stop to visit the bygone century (15th) temple Tachog Lhakhang (also popular as the Tamchog Lakhang). As the temple is located on the left bank of the river, the only way to get there is by crossing the traditional suspension bridge, built by Thangton Gyalpo, who is known as “the Iron Bridge Builder of the 15th Century”. This visit offers a deep, authentic glimpse into Bhutan’s spiritual heritage, cultural identity and historical roots, helping you connect with a local way of life and understanding the values that shape the nation. 

Shortly after visiting the temple you will continue your journey to Thimpu. In Thimpu, you will check into the lodge, have lunch and then set out on an introductory-tour of this vibrant capital. 

The tour begins with a drive to the Great Buddha Dordenma. Located 5 kilometers from the city, set  atop a hill on the former side of Kuensel Phodrang palace ruins, within a forested nature park of nearly 943 acres, this 51.5 meter bronze and gold masterpiece is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Built to commemorate the 60th birthday of Bhutan’s 4th King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, this stunning symbol of peace and devotion also fulfills two ancient prophecies dating back to 8th and 12th centuries. The statue houses around 125,000 miniature Buddha Statues made of bronze and gilded in gold that look like Buddha Dordenma Statue itself. A visit to this site introduces travelers to a living testament of Bhutan’s devotion, prophecy-driven spiritual visions, cultural reverence, wealth of craftsmanship and harmonious relationship with nature. 

Next you will drive to Motithang Takin Preserve. Located 5 to 5.5 kilometers from the site of Great Buddha Dordenma, this site is home to Bhutan’s wildlife, including the national animal of the country, the Takin. Takin is a rare animal found mostly in the Eastern Himalayas. Its appearance matches a mix of a cow and a goat and is tied to a famous Bhutanese legend involving the 15th-century “Divine Mandman”, Lama Drukpa Kunley. After driving to the site, you will explore the site on foot. This Takin preserve has a well maintained and peaceful walking trail that goes through the forest of Pine and Rhododendron, providing a great nature photography opportunity. As you walk through the forest, you can spot Takin in a forested enclosure that mimics their natural habitat. Additionally, you can also spot other animals, such as sambar deer and barking deer that are also native to Bhutan and birds like Monal and Tragopan. This visit and exploration, apart from introducing you to the national animal of the country, also highlights Bhutan’s conservation values and “high value, low impact” tourism model. Nevertheless, the visit most importantly highlights the blend of wildlife, folklore and national identity- all in a quick accessible setting. 

From here you will now drive to Centenary Farmer’s Market, a vibrant local market that showcases Bhutan's agricultural diversity. Here locals from all over the country come to sell their produce and products that range from local seasonal fruits, vegetables, chillies, grains to yak cheese and dried fish. This is a great place to observe Bhutan’s commitment to organic farming, self-sufficient and sustainable food practices and the everyday rhythms of Bhutanese  life- what people eat, how they shop and how they interact. After exploring the market, you will now move onto your next destination.

About 10 minutes walk from the market will take you to Changlimithang National Stadium, a multipurpose stadium that is a living monument of Bhutan. This stadium that stands at the battlefield of Changlimithang (the battle took place in 1885 and helped unify Bhutan under monarchy) was originally built for the coronation of the Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and was later used for the coronation of the Fifth King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. For this reason the stadium is now a significant cultural and historical landmark. In the present day, the stadium is primarily used for football matches, archery tournaments (the national sport of Bhutan and an important part of Bhutanese festivals and traditions), and for public ceremonies, concerts and national celebrations. Thus, blending sport, community and the royal history, this visit offers tourists a unique introduction to modern Bhutanese life.  

Next, you will quickly visit the National Memorial Chorten, which is a combinaiton of stupa and memorial (built in memory of the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk- the Father of Modern Bhutan). This is a living center of spiritual activity where you will be introduced to everyday religious life, Buddhist practice and a beginner-friendly insight into Vajrayana Buddhism offering deep cultural connection. (If you are running out of time to visit the Tashicho Dzong, you will visit this chorten the following day before breakfast.)

You will wrap up this day’s tour by visiting Tshicho Dzong to witness the national flag lowering ceremony. Here, you will first witness the ceremony and then explore the dzong. This Dzong represents the heart of the nation’s spiritual and political life. Serving as the seat of the King’s office and central monastic body, it incorporates the country’s unique dual system of governance that balances religion and monarchy. The Dzog also hosts national festivals like Tsechu and the daily flag lowering ritual offers a powerful, symbolic experience that reflects Bhutan's deep sense of patriotism, reverence for the  monarchy and commitment to tradition.  

You will now get back to the hotel in Thimpu for dinner and overnight stay. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03: Departure day

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport, as per your airport reporting time to help you catch your flight to onward destination. For hassle-free experience, your guide will accompany you to the airport. 

Meals: Breakfast