Glimpse of Bhutan Tour - 5 Days

Bhutan 6 Night 7 Days Tour
Bhutan 6 Night 7 Days Tour
Bhutan 6 Night 7 Days Tour
Trip GradeEasy
Duration5 Days
CountryBhutan
Maximum Altitude3120 M
ActivitiesTour with Buddhism Culture
Group Size1-20
StartsParo
EndsParo
Best TimeFeb to May & Sep to December

Glimpse Of Bhutan Cultural Tour

The Glimpse of Bhutan Tour is a 5 days cultural tour package tailored for travelers with limited time but a dream of visiting Bhutan and witnessing its highlights. This Bhutan tour package is a trip by Attentive Holiday Tours designed specially as a shorter tour alternative to our Royal Bhutan Cultural Tour of 7 Days. 

A glimpse of Bhutan tour lets you experience the key attractions, scenic beauty, culture and tradition of the country. Unlike a simple Tiger’s nest tour, this short Bhutan tour takes you on a journey to Paro, Thimphu and Punakha for western valleys tour of Bhutan. It showcases Bhutan’s untouched natural beauty, preserved culture and rich Buddhist heritage which have been conserved by sustainable tourism values.

Your trip will begin after landing in Bhutan. Bhutan is a small landlocked country and it is located between two giant nations India and China. It is a Himalayan country similar to Nepal. Bhutan is a Buddhist country and is also known as the Land of Thunder Dragon. During your trip to Bhutan, you will land at Paro International Airport which is their only international airport. It is one of the most scenic airports in the world situated between steep mountains. Due to this it is also dangerous and only a few pilots are allowed to land at Paro airport. 

Once you land, your Bhutan tour will begin and we will take you directly to Thimphu. You will drive through valleys, rivers and traditional villages showcasing Bhutanese architecture. Your first day begins then with exploring Thimphu starting from the Memorial Chorten. Likewise, you will visit and witness several key landmarks across all the valleys during this Glimpse of Bhutan tour. In Thimphu, from the Buddha viewpoint, you will witness Buddha Dordenma which is a huge golden statue of Lord Buddha. Another main highlight which you will visit is the Tashichho Dzong of Thimphu.

Your journey then shifts to Punakha from Thimphu the next day which involves crossing the famous Dochula Pass (3,100m). Here you can witness panoramic views of Bhutan’s Himalayas as a backdrop to the 108 chortens which were built in honor of soldiers. You will make a visit to Punakha Dzong once you arrive in Punakha.

From Punakha you will return to Paro driving on the same roadway and crossing Dochula Pass again. In Paro you can explore local markets and streets, see monks and local praying in the evening and request to join their prayer if you wish to. During the day you will be visiting the Rinpung Dzong which is both a religious as well as administrative center of Bhutan. National Museum is the next tourist site you will visit where you can witness historical artifacts, crafts and traditional Bhutanese art.

As your final tourist place to visit in Bhutan during this short tour, you will hike to the iconic Taktshang monastery which is built on a cliff side. It is also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery as legends suggest that Gugu Rinpoche flew into the caves on the back of a tigress and meditated. You will explore the trail, witness the scenery while hiking and there is even a cafe in the midpoint of the hike for rest and best views.

Glimpse Of Bhutan Tour Highlights

  • Scenic flight to and from Paro International Airport, surrounded by Himalayan mountains
  • Vibrant capital city Thimphu and its attractions like Tasichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten
  • Dochula Pass crossing at (3,100m), 108 memorial chortens with panoramic Himalayan views of peaks like Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang and Jejegangphugang 
  • Punakha Dzong located between two Bhutanese rivers, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu
  • The longest suspension bridge, the Punakha suspension bridge of Bhutan
  • Rinpung Dzong, National Museum attractions in Paro
  • Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang) Monastery hike
  • Optional hot stone bath after Tiger’s nest hike for relaxation
  • Authentic exploration of Bhutan’s daily lifestyle and traditions

Glimpse Of Bhutan Tour Itinerary

Glimpse of Bhutan Tour 5 Days Itinerary
Days Activity
1 Arrival at Paro International Airport & Transfer to Thimphu
2 Thimphu Sightseeing & Transfer to Punakha
3 Punakha to Paro
4 Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike
5 Departure from Paro

Glimpse Of Bhutan Cultural Tour Cost

A Bhutan tour cost depends upon various factors such as customization and personalized upgrades. The cost of a Glimpse of Bhutan Tour at Attentive Holiday Tours and Travel is USD 1299 per person for the year 2026. If you have a big group, you can receive group discounts up to USD 100 off on the per person cost. We also provide early bird booking discounts to provide you the best value for you money. 

The Bhutan tour package cost includes all the essentials like your transportation in Bhutan, accommodation and meals cost, tour guide cost, Bhutan Visa and other entry fees.

Bhutan follows their Sustainable tourism policy of "High Value, Low Volume" tourism activities. The Sustainbale Development Fee (SDF) represents their policy of sustainable tourism. Your Glimpse of Bhutan tour cost also includes this SDF fee which is to be paid per day for the number of days you are staying in Bhutan. You are required to pay the following amounts as the SDF:

  • USD 100 per person per night for adults
  • USD 50 per person per night for children aged 6-12 years
  • Free for children under the age of 6
Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all
Day 01:

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to Thimphu, the vibrant capital of Bhutan. The scenic drive, which takes about 1.5 hours, offers breathtaking views of lush valleys, winding rivers, and traditional Bhutanese villages. Upon reaching Thimphu, you will check in at your hotel and freshen up before starting your exploration. Your sightseeing begins with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a beautiful white stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s third king. Next, you will head to the Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden statue of Buddha sitting atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the city. The day concludes with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress that serves as the administrative and religious center of Bhutan. After an enriching day, you can explore the local markets or relax at your hotel for an overnight stay in Thimphu.

Meals: APAccommodation: 3 Star HotelDuration: 1-2 hoursDistance: 50 km
Day 02:

On the second day, after a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will explore Thimphu's cultural and historical landmarks. Your first stop will be the Folk Heritage Museum, where you can experience traditional Bhutanese rural life. Next, you will visit the National Library, home to ancient Buddhist manuscripts, followed by a stop at the Handicrafts Market, where you can browse locally made textiles, Thangka paintings, and other Bhutanese crafts.

After sightseeing, you will embark on a scenic drive to Punakha, crossing the stunning Dochula Pass (3,100m). Here, you can admire the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a cluster of 108 stupas built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Punakha, you will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, a fortress nestled between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Before heading to your hotel, you will walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan, offering stunning views of the valley. You will then check in to your hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening, followed by an overnight stay in Punakha.

Meals: APAccommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Day 03:

On the third day, you will wake up to the serene beauty of Punakha and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. After checking out, you will begin your scenic drive back to Paro, passing through lush valleys, rolling hills, and picturesque villages. Along the way, you may stop at Dochula Pass once again to take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Upon arriving in Paro, you will check in to your hotel and relax before starting your sightseeing tour. Your first stop will be the Rinpung Dzong, also known as the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.” This impressive structure, built in the 17th century, is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and serves as both a religious and administrative center. Next, you will visit the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in an ancient watchtower, where you can explore a fascinating collection of artifacts, historical relics, and traditional Bhutanese art.

In the evening, you will have free time to explore Paro town, stroll through its charming streets, visit local markets, and shop for souvenirs like handmade textiles, handicrafts, and Bhutanese incense. You can also try traditional Bhutanese cuisine at a local restaurant before heading back to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Paro.

Max Altitude: 1330 m Meals: APAccommodation: 3 Star HotelDuration: 2-3 hoursDistance: 70 km
Day 04:

On the fourth day, you will embark on an unforgettable journey to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), one of Bhutan’s most iconic and sacred sites. After an early breakfast, you will drive to the base of the monastery and begin your moderate 3–4 hour hike up the mountain. The trail winds through a dense pine forest, with fluttering prayer flags and breathtaking views of the Paro Valley. As you ascend, you will come across a small café where you can take a break and enjoy stunning views of the monastery perched dramatically on a cliffside, 3,120 meters above sea level.

Upon reaching Tiger’s Nest, you will explore the monastery, which is believed to have been the meditation site of Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. The serene atmosphere, intricate murals, and the breathtaking location make this a truly spiritual experience. After taking in the beauty of the site, you will hike back down to the base and return to Paro town.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore Paro at your own pace. You can visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, or simply stroll through the town, enjoying the peaceful ambiance. In the evening, you can indulge in a traditional hot stone bath to soothe your muscles after the hike. You will then return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and overnight stay in Paro.

Meals: APAccommodation: 3 Star HotelDuration: 1-2 hoursDistance: 50 km
Day 05:

On the final day of your Bhutan journey, you will wake up in the serene surroundings of Paro and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. After checking out, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. As you drive to the airport, take in the last glimpses of Bhutan’s stunning landscapes, traditional architecture, and peaceful way of life.

Before your flight, you can reflect on the beautiful experiences and memories made during your trip—from the spiritual journey to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the cultural richness of Thimphu and Punakha, to the breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Our representative will assist you with the departure formalities and bid you a warm farewell, ensuring you leave Bhutan with a heart full of unforgettable experiences.

Meals: Breakfast
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Cost Details
Included
  • Bhutan Visa
  • All required permits and entry fees
  • Bhutan government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • Private transport as per the itinerary
  • Accommodation in 3 Star hotels
  • Full board meal plan (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Licensed, experienced and friendly english speaking guide
Excluded
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses like laundry, telephone
  • Meals and beverages outside of the itinerary
  • Cost incurred due to reasons beyond our control like political obstruction, natural disaster, etc.
  • Tips and gratitude to staff
  • Any kind of donation made to temples, schools, monasteries (if any)
Additional Info

Best Time for Glimpse of Bhutan Tour

The best time to visit Bhutan for a glimpse of Bhutan tour is during the Spring and Autumn seasons. These seasons will provide you with the most optimal conditions for travelling and sightseeing.  Favourable weather conditions and clear skies give you pleasant weather and mountain views.

Spring brings mild temperature from around 10-20°C which is optimal for touring and moving from one cultural site to another. This season also brings vibrance as wildflowers and rhododendrons bloom all over the place. The days are warm, skies are clear and its the plantation season which makes the whole landscape greener.

Autumn brings moderate temperatures from 15-20°C perfect for sightseeing. It is neither hot nor cold. During autumn, the days are bright and longer, and the skies clear up after monsoon. You will experience crisp air and crystal-clear visibility. You can see several unclimbed snow capped mountains of Bhutan which are considered sacred. It is also the harvest season during autumn which turns the whole landscape into a hue of golden and yellow.

How Difficult is the Bhutan Cultural Tour?

Glimpse of Bhutan Cultural tour is a easy to moderate trip, which makes it perfectly suitable for all age groups from children to senior citizens. The tour and sightseeing activities are easy. It doesn't require long trekking or walking days. You will travel in a private vehicle from one place to another for your sightseeing. 

The only challenge during the Glimpse of Bhutan tour can be the hike to Tiger's nest monastery. It is a uphill hike which takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach the top. It can be a bit tiring for travelers with below average fitness level. Regardless, you can complete the hike slowly at your own pace or even stop at the cafe located in the midpoint of the trail. If you are not able to hike any longer, the Taktshang Cafeteria, is a perfect viewpoint of the monastery while you rest. 

Another option is you can hire a pony ride which takes you to the halfway point of the trail which conserves your energy. From there you can walk and reach to the top where the Tiger's Nest Monastery awaits you.

Permits Required for the Glimpse of Bhutan Tour

You don't need any special permits like the ABC trekking permits for a Bhutan tour package. What you will need is your Bhutan Visa that acts like your entry permit which must be pre arranged by a licensed tour operator. For a Bhutan trip, you will need documentations to prove your identity and legality by following Bhutan's sustainable tourism policies. 

  • Bhutan Visa
  • Route Permits (required beyond Paro/Thimphu)