Culture Tour for 7 days

Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang

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Tour snapshot

Duration:
7 days

Tour Type:
Cultural Tours

Language(s):
English

Highlight:
Top-rated experience

Overview

Discover Bhutan's cultural treasures and natural beauty on this 7-day journey through Thimphu, Phobjikha, Punakha, and Paro, featuring ancient monasteries, scenic valleys, majestic dzongs, and the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery.

Included Services

Hotel, Meals, Transport, Guide

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day journey through the mystical Kingdom of Bhutan, where ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and spiritual heritage come together in perfect harmony. Your adventure begins with a spectacular flight into Paro, offering panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas, including some of the world's highest peaks. From Paro, travel to the charming capital city of Thimphu, stopping at the historic Tachog Lhakhang and the famous Iron Chain Bridge built by the legendary Thangtong Gyelpo. In Thimphu, explore the National Memorial Chorten, witness the impressive Tashichho Dzong, and experience the city's unique blend of tradition and modernity. Discover the highlights of Thimphu, including the magnificent Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the valley, the Takin Preserve, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, the Folk Heritage Museum, and local markets that showcase Bhutan's living culture and craftsmanship. Journey across the scenic Dochu-La Pass adorned with 108 chortens before descending into the enchanting Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan's most beautiful glacial valleys and winter home of the endangered Black-Necked Cranes. Visit the revered Gangtey Monastery and immerse yourself in the valley's tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy a scenic nature hike through pine forests and traditional villages before driving to Punakha, Bhutan's ancient capital. Explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, majestically situated at the confluence of two rivers, and walk across the country's longest suspension bridge spanning the Pho Chhu River. Return to Paro via the picturesque Lamperi Botanical Garden and spend time exploring the traditional streets of Paro town. The highlight of the journey awaits as you hike to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang), dramatically perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley. One of Bhutan's most sacred sites, the monastery is believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche, who arrived here on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Complete your cultural exploration with a visit to the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest Buddhist temples. This carefully crafted tour offers an ideal combination of cultural exploration, spiritual discovery, scenic landscapes, and authentic Bhutanese hospitality. From sacred monasteries and ancient fortresses to pristine valleys and Himalayan panoramas, this journey promises memories that will last a lifetime.

What's Included

Inclusions

A Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per person per night to the Government of Bhutan which goes towards the development of the country.
Bhutan Visa
Accommodation in certified 3-star proprieties based on the availability:

Thimphu: Forest Boutique /Pemaling Villa/Similar properties
Paro: Hotel Gawaling /Paro Grand/Similar properties
Punakha: Pema Karpo/Punakha Residency/Similar properties
Phobjikha: Phobjikha Resort/Farmhouse/Similar properties

(We select hotel for their quality, character, and location. If you prefer specific hotels or options like homestays or monastic stays, just let us know. Upgrades to 4-star or 5-star hotels are available for an additional cost.)

All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide.
All ground transportation
All internal taxes and charges including Entry Fees
Mineral Water while traveling

Exclusions

International and domestic airfare.
Bar bills, Shopping and Tipping to guide, driver and service giver.
Insurance and rescue of any form.
Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides and reasons beyond our control.
Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost.
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

Additional information

Confirmation is sent at the time of booking
Please provide your arrival details so pickup can be arranged
Some sites may close at short notice for religious or official events
The itinerary may change based on weather and local conditions

Itinerary

1

Day 1: ARRIVE AT PARO AND DRIVE TO THIMPHU (54KM/1:30 HOUR)

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. If you get a seat on the left side of the plane and the weather favors, you may have spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas, mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, the highest peaks in the world as well as peaks in Bhutan such as Jhomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Gang. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forest hills with the silvery Pa Chhu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Discover the majestic mountains speckled with sacred temples and monasteries on your journey from Paro to Thimphu. On the way, stop at Tachog Lhakhang (the Iron Chain Bridge), a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built by Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo, over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Devour yourself to the invigorating ambience of the cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags. The whole set up a feast to the eye. Visit National Memorial Chorten, built by Her majesty the Queen grandmother Azhi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuk for the remembrance of the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1974. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before you enter the Dzong.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
2

Day 2: EXPLORE THIMPHU VALLEY

After breakfast drive up to the Buddha point (Buddha Dordema) statue to the early morning sunrise. Apart from the serenity of the place the view of the Thimphu city from this mountain is gorgeous. Visit the zoo at Motithang, National animal of Bhutan. The Takin, a large shaggy hoofed mammal, is closely related to the musk ox - so designated due to its prominent place in a popular Bhutanese myth from the 15th century. After lunch, drive to visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. It is also commonly known as Arts and crafts school or painting school. The institute offers a course ranging from 4 to 6 years on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Visit Folk Heritage Museum. Bhutan Post Office where you can make a postage stamp with your own picture which can be posted within Bhutan. In the evening if not tired, visit local farm market.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.
3

Day 3: THIMPHU- PHOBJIKHA (133KM/4:25 HOURS)

After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,100m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108 Chortens, the pass between Punakha and Thimphu, the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen, Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), and Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Sip a cup of steaming coffee at the cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. Set out to the beautiful alpine valley of Phobjikha, observe the vegetation change from pine to alpine zone. The valley is popular for its scenic splendor and cultural uniqueness. Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the Black-Necked Cranes (Grus Nigricollis), that migrate from the Tibetan plateau. The birds can be observed from early November to end of March. Upon arrival at Phobjikha valley visit 17th century Gangtey Monastery overlooking the gorgeous Phobjikha Valley. Visit the Crane Information Center and enjoy the tranquil environment of Phobjikha valley.
Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha.
4

Day 4: GANGTEY- PUNAKHA (63 KM/1:55 HOURS)

After breakfast, hike from the hotel to Gangtey Monastery. The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from Khewa temple and ends at the Chorten, stone wall to the north of the Gangtey monastry. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hiking places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds–Black Neck Cranes. After your lunch, drive towards Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha Dzong serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Visit Pho Chhu (Male River) Suspension Bridge - The 200 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha.
5

Day 5: PUNAKHA- PARO (130KMS/5HOURS)

After breakfast, checkout and visit Chimi Lhakhang, 15th century temple built by Lam Drukpa Kinley, (Divine madman) and drive towards Paro and on the way stop at Lamperi Botanical Garden, and further move to Paro and at evening free or can visit the Paro town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
6

Day 6: HIKE TO THE TIGERS NEST MONASTERY (4-6HOURS)

Get your energy up at breakfast this morning to hike up to the iconic Taktsang Monastery. Venture through the pristine surroundings of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Be rewarded to an overwhelming sight monastery resting on edge of a cliff at 900 meters above Paro valley. Tigers Nest Monastery or Taktsang Goemba is one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites of Bhutan and acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived at this place from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and blessed the entire place. On your way back visit the Kichu monastery. It is the one of the oldest and the first ever Buddhist monastery to be built in Bhutan. It was built in the 8th century
Overnight at hotel in Paro.
7

Day 7: DEPARTURE

Our team will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell.