6-Day Bhutan: National Memorial Chorten – Rinpung Dzong – Paro Valley
Tour highlights
Experience the profound tranquility of the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" on this enchanting Himalayan retreat that balances spiritual immersion with breathtaking mountain vistas. Your journey begins with a spectacular flight into Paro, where the crisp mountain air welcomes you before a scenic drive to Thimphu, the world’s only capital city without traffic lights. Discover the soul of Bhutanese heritage at the Institute for Zorig Chusum, stand in awe before the massive Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley, and join locals in prayer at the National Memorial Chorten. The adventure intensifies as you explore the ancient Simtokha Dzong and the "heap of jewels" at Rinpung Dzong, culminating in a legendary hike to the Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang Monastery)—a sacred complex perched precariously on a 900-meter cliff. From the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang to the fortress-monastery of Trashichhoedzong, this itinerary offers a rare glimpse into a kingdom where ancient traditions and modern peace coexist in perfect harmony.
Itinerary Overview
The expedition begins with a flight into Paro and a transfer to Thimphu, featuring a stop at the Chuzom river confluence. In the capital, you will visit the Painting School, the colossal Buddha Point, and the Memorial Chorten before exploring the majestic Trashichhoedzong fortress. The journey then winds back toward Paro with a visit to Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress) and the architectural masterpiece of Rinpung Dzong, including a walk across the traditional Nyamai Zampa cantilever bridge. The highlight of the trip is a dedicated excursion to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery, followed by a visit to the historic Kyichu Lhakhang, before a final morning transfer to Paro Airport for your departure.
Travel Period Up To: March 31, 2027
Booking Period: Until Slots Last
Travel Itinerary
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. On arrival in Thimphu check-in to the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Situated in western Bhutan, with the population of about 100,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu City Centre.
Morning after breakfast, proceed to visit nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum: commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School (closed on Sat, Sun; Government Holidays), the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. Afterwards visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu City Centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu Valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. King & Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Later visit to Trashichhoedzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body. Back to hotel.
Terms of Service
Tour Schedule: Daily explorations typically commence at 8:30 AM. The Tiger’s Nest hike is a rigorous 5-hour round-trip excursion requiring an early start.
Pick-up & Drop-off: VIP transfers are provided from Paro International Airport and between all hotels in Thimphu and Paro.
Duration: Standard sightseeing days average 7–9 hours; any significant delays or requested overtime will be managed by your private guide.
Note: Itineraries are subject to change based on mountain weather conditions or royal government events.
Important: Please note that the Arts & Crafts School is closed on weekends and Government Holidays. The National Museum remains housed in a temporary hall near the Ta Dzong due to structural preservation.
Price Includes
- 4 Nights hotel accommodation based on 4* hotel
- Thimpu: Osel hotel
- Paro : Tshang Tshang Villa
- Breakfast and Dinner at Hotel
- Lunch at selected local restaurant
- All the sightseeing tour and transfers as per the itinerary
- Private transfers as per the above program with comfortable vehicle
- English Speaking knowledgeable guide
- Bhutan visa fee
- Entrance fee in Bhutan where applicable
About the Operator
Ark Travel Express is one of the largest travel and tourism companies the Philippines. We have been in business for over 41 years and have multiple awards from international and domestic organizations under our belt. The company is headed by Maria Paz R. Alberto, a veteran in the travel and tourism industry with decades of valuable experience in management discipline. We are complete travel assistance center accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Department of Tourism, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Bureau of Immigration. We are also a member of the Philippines IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA) and Philippine Tour operators Association (PHILTOA). We intend to help our clients live out their passion for exploration by becoming their partner of choice in creating the most unforgettable trips suited for them. We make it our business to understand our clients and the world so that we could make good on our commitment to continued innovation of our travel and tourism services offered at the best possible prices and delivered to our clients with a personal touch. Our client’s experience is our greatest priority, and this drives us to strive for excellence and integrity in the way we work. We make sure that every aspect of our business – and this extends to our partners – come together to make travel planning easier, more secure, and more economical for you. We are Ark Travel Express, Inc. Let’s discover the world together.
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