Bhutan Cultural Tour

Today, you will be exploring the chief places of interest in Thimpu after having your sumptuous breakfast. A visit to the National Library, which is a store-house of precious Buddhist manuscripts, is a wonderful experience. You will then visit the Traditional Medicine Institute where ancient healing arts like acupuncture and herbal therapies are still performed. Other attractions of Thimpu include the Painting School, where youthful monks are trained in the knack of Buddhist thangkas; the Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. In the Motithang area, you will also visit the oldest temple of Bhutan – the Changangkha Lhakhang built in the 12th century. Later, you will make a short visit to the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory to see the production of paper using the traditional Bhutanese techniques. In the evening, you have time to visit the Local Crafts Bazaar where you may explore through Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Overnight in Thimpu.

After breakfast today, you will board on a private vehicle and drive over the Dochu La pass which proffers astounding views of the Himalayan peaks. Stopping momentarily at the pass for a cup of hot beverage, you get the opportunity to savor the implausible sights of the Himalayas. Continuing the pleasant drive to Punakha along the countryside, you will be able to witness the daily life of the people of the distant areas of Bhutan. After reaching Punakha, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is known as the palace of great happiness and is situated at the confluence of the Mo and Pho Rivers. Punakha is the town where the first king of Bhutan was crowned in 1907 and supposedly was the ancient capital city of the nation. After lunch, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple, a Buddhist Monastery which is more popularly known as the temple of the Drukpa Kuenley, the divine madman who had powers to bless infertile women with offspring. This renowned monastery stands on a small hilltop near the Lobesa village. Overnight in Punakha.

The day’s adventure starts with another scenic drive through the Pele La Pass towards Trongsa amidst spectacular views of Wangdue Phodrang. You will make a brief stop to visit Chendebji Chorten near the Chendebji village. You will also visit the Trongsa Dzong which is also known by the name of Cheokhor Rabdentse – one of the largest and the most remarkable Dzongs in the entire country. Driving through dense oak forests and pine trees crossing the quaint village of Nobding, other tiny dispersed settlements, uncluttered meadows, and the scenic valleys of yak herders, you will reach Trongsa. Overnight in Trongsa.

After breakfast today, you will drive all the way through the Yutong La Pass and head towards Bumthang. En route, you will visit the Yathra Weaving Center at Zugney village prior to reaching Bumthang and spend some time there. Once you arrive at Bumthang, you will visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the temple of the good message. From here, you will gently hike to Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery. Another short walk from here will lead you to the Jambey Lhakhang Temple – one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. From here, you will drive for about 10 minutes to reach Jakar Dzong, the castle of white bird, located above Jakar village in the Chamkhar valley. This fortress is the administrative center of the valley and also the summer residence of the monks of Trongsa. Overnight in Bumthang.

Today, you will drive towards the exquisite Phobjikha valley after breakfast. The drive takes you through a high pass, serene forested area, and splendid countryside scenes. A scenic drive accompanied by miraculous views of the massive and distant Phobjikha valley amidst the black mountain ranges will culminate in Gangtey village. On arrival at this village, you will visit one of the oldest monasteries of the country – the Gangtey Monastery. Exploring the majestic valley to witness villagers living a traditional rural lifestyle, you will proceed to visit the Black Necked Crane Information Center. At the Center, you will have the opportunity to spot cranes through a powerful telescope from the observatory deck. After the visit, you will go back to your hotel room and relax. Overnight in Gangtey.

Starting your drive from Gangtey after a pleasing breakfast, you will cross the Dochu La pass one more time today and head out towards Paro. En route, you will visit Kuensel Phodrang, famously known as the Buddha point that provides a fantastic view of the entire Thimphu valley. Here, you will find the largest statue of Buddha in Bhutan – you may offer prayers, walk around and savor the majestic views. Then, you will continue to drive to Paro. On arrival at Paro, you will be transferred to your hotel where you may rest and relax for some time. In the evening, you may dawdle in the local Paro market until dinner time. Overnight in Paro.

You will begin the day after a stocky breakfast and drive to the starting point of the captivating hike to Taktshang Monastery, better known as the Tiger’s Nest. Settled on the side of a cliff 800 meters above Paro valley, Tiger’s Nest is one of the most admired monasteries of Bhutan, and one of the items on the bucket list of almost every Bhutan traveler. On completion of the intriguing hike, you will explore the Kyichu Lhakhang, the Jowo Temple which is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. After lunch, you will visit Ta Dzong, the national museum filled with an extensive collection of antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, armors, and historic artifacts. After this, you will walk to visit Rinpung Dzong, also known as the Paro Dzong, and a must-visit place in Paro. Later in the evening, you may stroll around the streets of Paro, visit shops and local markets for some souvenir shopping. Overnight in Paro.

Your Bhutan Cultural Tour concludes today and you will be flying out of Paro to your onward destination or to your native land. You will have your breakfast at your hotel and when it is time, one of our representatives will be there to drop you off to the airport for your further journey. Flying out of Bhutan with ample memories of the wonderful experiences in the dragon nation, you could perhaps draft another exciting trip with us, either in Tibet, Bhutan or Nepal.