Note: Use this as a general guide to get an idea of the tour. Do keep in mind that there will be further customization on the given itinerary, depending on the season, your interests, group size and your preferred duration of the tour.

Tour Overview:

The Taktsang Express is a package for those who wants to visit Bhutan to check the Tiger’s Nest off the list and to get a brief glimpse of the natural beauty of Bhutan that is unique from the rest of the world. In Thimphu, we will visit historical, cultural and spiritual sites.  If you are up for it, we can have you witness and indulge in the night life activities in Thimphu, the most urbanized dwelling in Bhutan. The tour will end with the hike to Tiger’s Nest, the most famous travel attraction of Bhutan.

Tour Highlights:

• Witness spectacular bird’s eye view of the Himalayas while flying in/out from Paro.
• Explore Paro valley.
• Guided city tour of Thimphu.
• Visit the Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’- one of the most famous Buddhist sites in Bhutan.
• Kyichu Lhakhang – the oldest & most sacred Buddhist shrine in Bhutan.
• Experience Bhutanese culture, tradition and food

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival at Paro – To Punakha

Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatize you to the altitude. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel and lets have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine. After which, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten which is built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Thimphu Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan, is also the seat of the office of the King of Bhutan. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday most of the Thimphu population congregate on the banks of the Thimphu river where the Weekend Centenary Farmers’ Market is held. Here villagers from the valley and other nearby places come to sell their agriculture products. Thereafter, we will drive up to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha is located. It one of the largest statue of Buddha in the world. You can enjoy the night walking around Thimphu Town after dinner and may be walk into a bar for some local beer.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Thimphu and drive to Paro

After breakfast, our first stop will be at the National Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to preserving Bhutanese folk arts. This renovated 19th-century building is laid out like a traditional, rural household with three stories of traditional arts Es, cultural relics, and artifacts. Demonstrations are performed throughout the day to show how the Bhutanese people have lived over the centuries.

At the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, you will see the ancient practice of natural papermaking. Using the bark of two local tree species (Daphne and Dhekap), craftsmen demonstrate how to make the traditional paper Deh-sho. You can even try making your own paper for a special souvenir. Handmade papers were used by monks for writing prayers and woodblock printing.

Weaving is considered the national art of Bhutan, so at The National Textile Museum, you will learn all about the brightly colored and beautifully designed fabrics that are worn by the Bhutanese people. Thanks in part to our Queen Jetsun Pema, the fabrics of Bhutan are widely considered high fashion around the world. Due to the importance of this living art form, the Royal Government of Bhutan works to preserve and promote these traditional weaving methods.

We then take a drive to Motithang Takin Preserve, home to one of the strangest looking creatures on earth. The takin is a gentle moose-like animal that is described as looking like is was stung by a bee. Originally a small zoo, the king decreed that it was not in alignment with Buddhist practices to pen up animals, and they were released into the wild. The takin; however, refused to leave and began wandering the city streets in search of food. The preserve was established, and Bhutan’s national animal is now taken care of by royal decree.

We end the day with a visit to Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1629, it was the first fortress of its kind in Bhutan and features beautifully painted Buddhist murals and carvings inside. Simtokha means “demon stone” and legend has it that the fortress was used to contain a demon inside a rock which was terrorizing the region. Today, it is home to one of the premier monk-taught Dzongkha learning centers, the national language of Bhutan.

Day 03: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery

Are you ready? We will be making the hike up to one of the key highlights in Bhutan today! Tiger’s Nest aka Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang Monastery – A one hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage view whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. Prayer flags adorn the cliffs and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Kyichu Lhakhang – After a sumptuous local lunch, we will retrace our steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

Day 04: Paro – Depart

Today we will bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take an early flight back home or to your next travel destination. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek!

Package Cost:

On top of the SDF of USD 200 per person per night, there will be additional cost to cover hotel rooms, meals, entrance fees, guide and private tour vehicle. Send us a booking inqury and we will customize a package for you – as per your budget and interests.