DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU

Your flight into Paro offers spectacular views of the Himalayan landscape, with snow-capped peaks stretching across the horizon and, on a clear day, views towards Mount Everest. Upon arrival, our representative will welcome you at the airport. Drive about 1.5 hours towards Thimphu, the capital city. On arrival, check in to the hotel, and later stroll around the city. Overnight: Thimphu

DAY 02: THIMPHU – CULTURAL EXPLORATION

Begin your day at Buddha Dordenma, overlooking the Thimphu Valley and offering sweeping views of the capital. Continue to the Institute for Zorig Chusum, the School of Arts and Crafts, where Bhutan’s traditional arts are preserved and passed on to a new generation. Visit the Simply Bhutan Museum to discover how traditional Bhutanese families lived, worked and celebrated in earlier times, followed by the Bhutan Post, the museum of ancient Bhutan postal system. After lunch, visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, and the National Memorial Chorten. Later, explore local handicraft shops or simply wander through the streets of Thimphu. Overnight: Thimphu

DAY 03: EXPERIENCE THIMPHU TSHECHU

Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Thimphu Tshechu. The festival brings together monks, families and communities from across Bhutan. Within the historic festival grounds, witness sacred mask dances, religious rituals and traditional performances, each carrying stories and teachings rooted in Bhutanese Buddhist tradition. Among the dances traditionally associated with the festival are the Shinje Yab Yum, Shanag Nga Cham, Jug-Ging, Durdag, Dri-Ging, Nga-Ging and Shawa Sachi, although the programme varies by festival day. Look beyond the performances and observe the people themselves, families gathering together, elders and children dressed in their finest gho and kira, and the colourful social atmosphere surrounding the sacred celebration. Overnight: Thimphu

DAY 04: THIMPHU FESTIVAL – PARO

Spend the morning at the Thimphu Tshechu, witnessing the final festival performances and traditional songs and dances. After lunch, leave the energy of the festival behind and journey towards Dochula Pass (3,100m). The pass is famous for its 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens and panoramic views of the Himalayan range on clear days. Take time to walk around the chortens, visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang and enjoy the changing landscape between the mountains and valleys. Return to Thimphu for your final evening in Bhutan. Continue to Paro for 1.5 hours. On arrival, visit to the Mandala Display Center, where you will discover the intricate world of Bhutanese Buddhist mandalas. Learn about the symbolism, geometry and spiritual meaning behind these sacred designs and participate in a mandala creation experience under the guidance of an expert. Overnight: Paro 

DAY 05: TAKTSANG – THE TIGER’S NEST

After breakfast, drive to the trailhead and begin your hike to Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest. The trail climbs through pine forest and prayer-flag-lined paths before revealing the monastery dramatically perched on the cliff face, around 800 metres above the Paro Valley. According to Bhutanese tradition, Guru Padmasambhava arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated in the sacred caves. Take time to explore the monastery and its surroundings before descending to the valley. Return to Paro for a relaxed final evening. After the hike, unwind with a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath. Heated river stones are immersed in a wooden tub of warm, herb-infused water, creating a soothing experience to relax tired muscles and experience a cherished Bhutanese wellness tradition. Overnight: Paro

DAY 06: DEPARTURE

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.

Package Inclusions

• Airport transfers and standard transportation throughout the tour.
• Accommodation in comfortable 3-star hotels.
• All meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Bottled drinking water during sightseeing and transfers.
• An experienced English-speaking guide throughout the journey.
• Bhutan visa and visa processing fees.
• Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and applicable government taxes.
• Sightseeing and entrance fees for monuments and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
• Short hikes and packed lunches where required.

Package Exclusions

• International and domestic airfares.
• Accommodation upgrades to 4-star or 5-star hotels.
• Vehicle upgrades.
• Travel insurance.
• Beverages and bottled water consumed at hotels or outside the included meals.
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and other service providers. These are entirely at the guest’s discretion and may be given based on the quality of service received.
• Personal expenses and any services not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions.
• Bank/wire transfer fees and credit card transaction or processing fees.
• Anything that not mentioned in the inclusions

Cancellation Policy

To confirm your Bhutan tour booking with Rustic Frontiers, a minimum of 50% of the total tour cost must be paid upon confirmation and prior to your arrival in Bhutan.

In the event of cancellation, refunds will be processed after deducting the applicable cancellation charges outlined below. Bhutan Airlines, Drukair and luxury hotels may have separate reservation, cancellation and refund policies, which will apply in addition to the tour cancellation policy. Any bank or wire transfer charges associated with a refund will be deducted from the refundable amount.

Cancellation Charges

Important: All cancellation requests must be submitted to Rustic Frontiers in writing by email and are subject to confirmation and approval by Rustic Frontiers. The applicable cancellation period will be determined by the date the cancellation request is received and approved.

Airline tickets, luxury hotel reservations and other services with separate cancellation policies will be subject to the respective supplier’s terms and conditions.