Thimphu-Paro Cultural
Destination
Asia
Duration
4 days
This trip extends for an additional four days of extraordinary sightseeing in these two largest towns of Bhutan. Walk around Paro and savor the feeling of a country that seems to be existing in an earlier century. From the dress of the people to the traditional architecture, you know you are in a different kind of place than exists anywhere else on earth. Vist Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan for a close-up view of markets, craft-making, active Buddhist pilgrimage sites, bookstores and souvenir prospecting situations.
Itinerary
Day 1 Thimphu
Enjoy your evening meal in Thimphu. The area around your hotel is excellent for souvenir shopping and the main market is also nearby. Stay at a city hotel in Thimphu.
Lodging
Day 2 Thimphu - Paro Sightseeing
Spend the morning sight-seeing in and around Thimphu with guided visits to the Textile Museum, Heritage Museum, Handicrafts Emporium, Zilukha Nunnery, and Chang Gangkha Monastery. Other sights in the capital include the Painting School, an institution where children receive formal education in the art of traditional painting, sculpture and woodcarving. Thimphu has an excellent range of handicrafts, most notably woven cloth, wooden masks, thangkas, silverware, jewelry and bamboo craft, collected from all parts of Bhutan. If it is the weekend, you’ll visit the Weekend Market. Afterwards, make the estimated one hour drive to Paro and overnight at a Bhutanese style hotel.
Lodging
Day 3 Paro Sightseeing
Explore in and around Paro valley starting with a visit to Ta Dzong National Museum for more details about Bhutan’s culture, religion, social and economic life. There are thousands of religious artifacts, textiles, paintings, statues, and the famous national stamp collection. The lower galleries are for household items and natural history. The Ta Dzong used to be the watchtower for the Paro Dzong. After lunch visit Kichu Monastery, Drugyel Dzong and Dungtse Lakhang. Overnight hotel.
Lodging
Day 4 Paro- Onwards
Early this morning, you’ll be transferred to the Paro Airport for your onward flight to New Delhi, Bangkok, or Kathmandu.
What to Expect
Duration 4 days
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.