From Paro: Thimphu Day Trip with Lunch & Entry Tickets

Discover Bhutan's rich cultural heritage on a full-day trip from Paro to Thimphu. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, explore the Motithang Takin Preserve, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Begin your day with a scenic drive from Paro to Thimphu, stopping at Tachog Lhakhang, a historic temple associated with Thangtong Gyalpo, a renowned 15th-century Buddhist master, engineer, and bridge builder. Learn about the bridge-building legacy of Thangtong Gyalpo, admire the surrounding landscape, and visit the temple if access is permitted.

Continue to Chuzom, where the Paro Chhu meets the Wang Chhu, also commonly called the Thimphu River. See the traditional chortens, representing different architectural and religious influences. Learn about the cultural significance of stupas in Bhutan and the importance of rivers in the country’s geography and settlement patterns.

After this stop, continue the scenic drive towards Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of the most prominent religious landmarks in Thimphu. Observe Bhutanese people circumambulating the monument clockwise, turning prayer wheels, and reciting mantras as part of their spiritual practice.

Continue to the Motithang Takin Preserve, often referred to as the Takin Zoo. It is a forested sanctuary dedicated to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. According to a popular Bhutanese legend, the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley, created the takin by joining the head of a goat to the body of a cow after being asked to perform a miracle. This story reflects Bhutan’s rich tradition of religious folklore.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can choose from traditional Bhutanese, Indian, or continental cuisine. For an authentic Bhutanese experience, try ema datshi, the country’s famous dish of chilies cooked with cheese, served with red rice and seasonal vegetables. Other dishes may include kewa datshi (potatoes with cheese), shamu datshi (mushrooms with cheese), and local meat dishes.

After lunch, visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum designed to introduce visitors to Bhutanese traditions and everyday life in an engaging, interactive setting. Rather than simply displaying historical objects, the museum recreates elements of a traditional Bhutanese village. Explore traditional house designs, learn about local customs, and experience aspects of Bhutanese hospitality.

Learn about the gho worn by men and the kira worn by women. Discover how Bhutanese houses are built and decorated using local materials and distinctive designs. Experience traditional songs, dances, and customs, depending on the activities available. Learn about archery and other cultural activities associated with Bhutanese life.

Per garantire la disponibilità, prenota il prima possibile. La prenotazione anticipata è consigliata soprattutto se stai pianificando il viaggio durante l'alta stagione come le festività pubbliche o i fine settimana.

Questa escursione può essere annullata senza costi fino a 24 ore prima dell'inizio del viaggio. Se la annulli dopo 24 ore o non ti presenti all'escursione, ti verrà comunque addebitato il prezzo intero dell'attività. Essere in ritardo al ritiro o alla partenza sarà considerato come non presentarsi.