Bhutan Cultural Journey
Overview
This 13-day Bhutan tour offers a journey through the country’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Visit the vibrant Thimphu and Punakha valleys, explore the peaceful Haa Valley, and discover the beauty of Phobjikha Valley. Continue to Trongsa with its majestic dzong, before heading to the historical Bumthang region, known for its sacred temples and Jakar Dzong. The tour culminates with a trek to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, offering breathtaking views and spiritual insights.
Tour Highlights
- Thimphu: Visit Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, and the National Memorial Chorten.
- Punakha: Explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong and the scenic valley.
- Haa Valley: Discover the tranquil beauty and unique cultural heritage of this hidden valley.
- Phobjikha Valley: Visit the Gangtey Monastery and enjoy the valley's stunning landscapes.
- Trongsa: Explore the majestic Trongsa Dzong and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
- Bumthang: Experience the sacred temples and historical landmarks like Jakar Dzong.
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Conclude your journey with a trek to the iconic cliffside monastery with breathtaking views.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport
- Get blessings at the oldest temple Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
- Visit Paro Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
- Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
- In evening drive to Thimphu (drive 1hr). Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.
- Free to roam around Thimphu town on your own or with your guide.
Overnight Thimphu (Alt; 2320m).
Day 2: Discovering Punakha & Wangdue
- En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range.
- Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple).
- On arrival, visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river.
- Walk on the 200m suspension bridge above Phochu river to Gidagom village
- Easy hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple”
- Overnight Punakha & Wangdue (Alt; 1240m)
Day 3: Trongsa Getaway
- In morning, drive to Trongsa, stopping for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m).
- As you reach Rukubji valley, the houses are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat.
- En route circumambulate Chendebjichorten, a large white stupa beside a stream.
- Visit Trongsa Dzong; a white fortress that appears to grow directly up from the narrow green ridge.
- The ancient Watch Tower which is now turned into a historical museum.
- Walk around the sloppy town of Trongsa.
- Overnight Trongsa (Alt; 2180)
Day 4: Bumthang Landscape Tour
- Drive to Bumthang via the Yotong La pass (3425m) to Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan.
- En route visit Yathra weaving centre in Chumey valley. The hand-woven woolen cloth produced locally.
- Visit Bumthang Bewery. A local beer produce called Red Panda
- Wangdichholing Palace; the first palace of the present Wangchuk dynasty and also the first palace that was not designed as a fortress.
- Kharchu Draktsang, the biggest Buddhist college of the country.
- Stroll down from the monastery to the river bank and stroll around the peaceful town of Bumthang.
- Overnight Bumthang (Alt; 2580m)
Day 5: Bumthang Spiritual Sightseeing
- After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong (fortress of the White-bird). It is one of the biggest Dzongs in Bhutan with the surrounding walls about 1 km in circumference.
- Hike along a series of ancient and important sites such as, Jambay lhakhang, Kurjey lhakhang & Pema Sambha lhakhang (These temples have many mythical stories linked to its origin and dates back as early as 8th century. Your guide will unfold its mystery as you visit these sites).
- Visit the Red Panda local beer factory. The manager will show you how beer is brewed followed by a visit to Swiss & local cheese factory in Chumey valley.
- In evening time at your leisure, free to roam around the villages and valley.
- Overnight Bumthang
Day 6: Gangtey Rural Expedition
- On arrival, visit Gangtey gomba; the largest Nyingma Monastery of the kingdom.
- Drive on different vegetation of alpine, subtropical and glacial. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the north western tip of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes.
- On arrival, visit Gangtey gomba; the largest Nyingma Monastery of the kingdom. Interact with the monks and sit silently in the prayer room. Visit the Crane Info Centre.
- In evening, free to roam around this beautiful village/ rest at your hotel or in nature.
- Overnight Phobjikha (2900m)
Day 7: Longtey Hike
- Begin your journey with a scenic drive to the Charming Village of Longtey, the starting point of this picturesque hike.
- Set off on a four-hour moderate trek towards Gangtey Goenpa, an impressive 17th-century Buddhist monastery. The trail takes you along a sloping pathway lined with towering jade-hued bamboo bushes, leading to a small cluster of traditional Bhutanese homes.
- Pause along the trail for a Bhutanese-inspired lunch while soaking in breathtaking views of the glacial Phobjikha Valley and its sacred monasteries.
- Descend to the tranquil village of Kumbu, where you can choose to conclude your hike or extend it further to the valley floor, ending at the Shedra—a renowned center for Buddhist teachings.
- Return to your hotel after a fulfilling day immersed in nature and culture.
- Overnight Phobjikha
Day 8: Gangtey & Thimphu Sojourn
- At dawn, walk out into the green valley to enjoy the sunrise.
- After breakfast, Embark on the Nature trail hike across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kewa village (1.5hr hike). Try homemade tea & snacks at village home.
- Stop at Drukwangyel Cafe for lunch and mountain-view and head to Thimphu.
- After check in your hotel and some rest; Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world.
- Circumambulate Memorial chorten (huge stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their devotion.
- In evening, time at your leisure.
- Overnight Thimphu (Alt; 2320m)
Day 9: Thimphu Cultural Tour.
- Drive to Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity.
- Visit the General Post Office. You can create personalized postage stamps with your own photo for souvenir or sent home on postcard.
- Zorig Chusum “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts” followed by a visit to Craft Bazaar for authentic local handicraft and souvenir.
- Visit the Farmer’s Weekend Market for organic fruits & nuts
- The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
- In the evening walking tour, in Thimphu city
- Overnight Thimphu
Day 10: Getaway to Haa Valley
- On rise drive on a scenic countryside to the pristine Haa Valley
- Scenic drive to Haa Valley via Chelela Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. (3988m)
- Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Jomolhari and surrounding peaks.
- Visit Black Dove & White Dove temple
- In evening, walk around the local town and talk to villagers
- Overnight Haa (Alt; 2670m)
Day 11: Escape to Kila Gomba & Paro Valley
- Drive to Paro. Walk below the sky burial and hoist Lungdhar (prayer flags) near Blue poppy area.
- Easy walk on the ancient trail amidst tall Alpine trees to the solitary Kila Gomba. Kila is the oldest nunnery of the kingdom. The hike to this oldest nunnery takes about 1.5hrs round trip/ Drive up to monastery, optional.
- In evening, time at your leisure. Free to shop for souvenir in Paro’s local town.
- Overnight Paro (Alt; 2280m)
Day 12: Excursion to Mystical Taktsang
- After a wholesome breakfast,hike up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5hrs round trip.
- Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
- Authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
- Overnight Paro
Day 13: Depart from Paro International Airport
Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport. TashiDelek!
Included
- Visa Fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Accommodation in 3 star hotels on twin sharing
- All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner )
- Entrance fees for monuments and cultural sites
- Licensed English speaking guides
- Airport transfer and all transportation
- Bottled water during the tour
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International airfare to/from Bhutan
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, shopping, etc.)
- Alcoholic and specialty beverages
- Tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff
- Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional expenses due to unforeseen events (weather, flight cancellations, etc.)
Good to know
We currently offer two payment methods for tourists to transfer payments for Bhutan tours: Wire Transfer and Wise. However, both methods incur a wire transfer fee of $40 to $50, as Wise payments also require a final transfer to Bhutan via wire.
- More than 45 days before the tour: Free cancellation
- Within 30 days: 35% of the total cost
- Within 21 days: 50% of the total cost
- No-show in Bhutan: 100% of the total cost
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