Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2,250m / 7,382ft)\n\nParo Taktsang - As our flight nears Bhutan, we can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will take us to our hotel. Today, we will visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 and now houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and Drugyal Dzong, built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s.\n\n### Paro to Thimphu (2,320m/7,610ft): 54 km, 1 hour, hike to Taktsang Monastery\n\nTashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong) - After breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. This afternoon, we will drive to Thimphu, and spend the night.\n\n### Sightseeing in Thimphu\n\nThimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten) - In the morning, we visit Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), nunnery temple, mini zoo to see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Today, we also visit other landmarks of Thimphu including the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Bhutanese traditional painting school, folk heritage museum, the majestic Tashichho Dzong and the traditional paper factory. However, some of the landmarks are closed in the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Therefore, if we are in Thimphu during the weekends, we explore the Weekend Market instead. \n\n### Final Departure\n\nDruk Choeding - Today we bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people. After early breakfast, we leave Thimpu for Paro airport which will take us around 1 hour. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after taking breakfast, we will be taken to the airport in the morning for final departure.

• Pickups and drops from hotels and airports
• All meals, tea and snacks
• Bhutanese visa fee included
• Transportation in comfortable private vehicles
• Expert English speaking local guide and staff
• Admission to all monuments and museums
• Stay in government approved A and B category hotels, twin-shared basis

• Airfare for international flights to and from Bhutan
• Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry, etc.)
• Extra night accommodation
• Trip cancellation and medical/evacuation insurance
• Tips for staff (guide and driver)
• Travel insurance

On the ‘Brief Bhutan Tour’, we will explore notable Bhutanese sights in Paro and Thimphu. In Paro, we explore Rinpung Dzong, the national museum, and Kichu Lhakhang - the oldest temple in Bhutan, followed by a hike to the stunning Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery the subsequent day. The Thimphu leg of the tour includes popular landmarks such as the Memorial Chorten, nunnery temple, traditional Bhutanese painting school, and folk heritage museum, among others. Our 4-day compact tour in Bhutan ensures we get acquainted with the diverse culture and picturesque scenery of the country.

• Hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified by the government as grade A, B and C. These government approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels elsewhere. Based on availability at the time booking, A grade hotels will be provided in this trip. We use Tashi Namgay Resort in Paro and Hotel Namgay Heritage in Thimphu. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost USD 210.
• Minimum of 2 weeks prior time for tour booking confirmation.
• Passport copy is required at the time of booking.
• As the trip also involves 4-5 hours of short day hike the minimum age requirement is 12 years old.
• Anyone who is above the minimum age requirement and physically fit (can walk up to 4-5 hours on both uphill and downhill terrain) can take the trip.
• Vegetarian meal is available. Please mention this during the time of booking.
• Minimum group size of 3 people

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.