The Bhutan Classic Cultural Tour lets you see Bhutan with different and vibrant eyes; you will experience the vivid culture of the localities while moving with them. This tour covers the major places of attraction in Bhutan: Thimphu,Paro,Punakha & Gangtey. Starting from Paro, known for the various religious sites including the famous Tiger Nest,the tour proceeds to ‘U’ shaped- Gangtey valley via Thimpu, where you can soak yourself in its scenic grandeur.

You can take hikes through forest, try out a traditional hot stone bath with the game of Archery, eat a lunch by river side, meet the local familes & have farm dinner surrounded by hills and its latticed pattern. Try a white water rafting or meet a monk at the hilltop.

All these will definitely give you the feel of Bhutan’s rich and diverse Cultural heritage.

Duration:  6 Nights/ 7 Days

Location: Thimphu-Dochu La- Phobjikha-Punakha- Paro

Day 01: Arrive At Paro Airport:  Paro – Thimphu (55kms/1.5hours)

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town offer a fine sight. Your guide and vehicle will receive you from the airport and drive to Thimphu along with scenic views and sightseeing on the way.

Discover the majestic mountains speckled with sacred temples and monasteries on your journey from Paro to Thimphu.

• On the way stop at Tachhog Lhakhang (the Iron Chain Bridge), a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built 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: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (”the father of modern Bhutan “) and a monument to world peace. It is a four-storey tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. The temple serves as an important place of worship for all Bhutanese.

• Upon arriving Thimphu (2,300 meters), check-in your hotel and freshen up before visiting the exquisite massive structure of Thimphu Tashichoe Dzong– a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. Set into the Grand Kuenrey, the most splendid room of the Tashichho Dzong. The assemblies of monks perform their daily prayers here before the enormous statue of the Buddha.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 02: Explore Thimphu Valley 

• Buddha Dordenma: After a hearty breakfast drive up to the vibrant 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 Takin sanctuary at Motithang to gaze upon Takin, the 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 .Drive further upwards towards Sangaygang where will have wonderful views of the Thimphu Valley from the hillside below the telecommunications tower (elevation 2685m), high above the town. 

• 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.
• General 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, Immerse in a sensory experience at the Thimphu Weekend Farmer’s market before visiting the local archery ground where the locals celebrate the national sport of archery with dance and song with every hit.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu- Phobjikha (134kms/6hours)

Drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108 Chortens, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate 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 from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, 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. Take pictures of the monks with the exquisite carving and sculpture of the monastery. 

• Visit the Crane Information Center.

• Listen to the bell calling the monks to the temple and you can also participate in morning/evening prayer with the monks at the Gangtey monastery.

Enjoy the tranquil environment of Phobjikha valley

Overnight : Hotel in Phobjikha.

Day 04: Gangtey- Punakha (78kms/3hours)