Country VAcation-Bhutan
With this Bhutan Cultural Tour, explore the rare life on farms of Bhutan’s countryside.
Bhutan is known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon- the Hidden Shangri-La, the Roof of the World. No travel destination on earth is more remote or beautiful to explore than Bhutan. Nestled on the high Himalayas, this tiny kingdom fiercely protects its traditional ways of life and guards its isolation like no other country (Bhutan had no roads until 1962, and no television until 1999). This unique tour offers a rare chance to discover a secret world, explore ancient monasteries, and experience pristine Buddhist culture as it has existed since time immemorial.
- Be one of the lucky few to visit this uniquely isolated kingdom!
- Visit timeless traditional villages tucked away in pristine mountain landscapes
- Explore ancient monasteries and experience Buddhist culture in its most ancient, unadulterated form.
The Bhutanese landscape consists of dense forests, shimmering glaciers, and crystalline rivers flowing through lush green meadows. If you’ve always wanted to journey to the ends of the earth, there can be no doubt that Bhutan is that place.
Duration: 8 Nights/ 9 Days
Location: Thimphu-Dochu La- Phobjikha-Bumthang-Punakha- Paro
Day 01: Arrive At Paro Airport: Paro – Thimphu (55kms/1.5hours)
Experience the breathtaking view of 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 below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight.
Our representative will receive you at the airport and drive to Thimphu. Discover the mountains speckled with sacred temples and monasteries on your way 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 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.
Upon arriving at Thimphu (2,300 meters), check-in your hotel and freshen up before visiting the exquisite massive structure of Thimphu Tashichho Dzong- a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. Set into the Grand Kuenrey, the most splendid room of the Tashichoe Dzong. The assembly of monks performs their daily prayers here before the enormous statue of the Buddha.
Visit the local archery ground where the locals celebrate the national sport with dance and song with every hit.
Take a stroll in the evening around Thimphu town and absorb the magical atmosphere of the capital city while capturing the sight of contemporary Bhutanese life.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu- Phobjikha (134kms/6hours)
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.
Journey to Phobjikha, on the way break at Dochu La- Pass at 3,100 meters above the sea level. Sip a cup hot coffee at the Dochu La cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. Take in the 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the blue sky back drop.
On arriving Phobjikha valley pay your respect and get blessed from Gangtey monastery. Admire the craft and sculptors of the monastery.
Gangtey Nature Trail Hike. The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the Mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hike places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds – Black Neck Cranes
Enjoy the tranquil environment scenery of Phobjikha valley while soaking in traditional hot stone bath.
Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha
Day 03: Phobjikha- Bumthang (180kms/7hours)
Today’s journey onward to Jakar (Bumthang) is perhaps long, but certainly memorable with dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys, and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only east-west highway that has been ingeniously carved out of the mountain faces
- Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which according to belief was built to cover the remains of a demon spirit, you will carry on to what was the original home of the royal family.
- Upon reaching Trongsa you may take time to stroll this quaint village and official business time permitting, perhaps visit the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch where you will often find novice monks reciting mantras or practicing on sacred horns, flutes, or drums.
- The drive onward to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La and down into the Chumey Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang/Homestay.
Day 04: Discover Bumthang
Bumthang is the general name given to a group of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura, with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000m (8,530-13,125ft). This area is home to many ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries.
- You start to visit Choekhor valley, approximately 1 ½ hrs drive from the lodge. You have a choice to further explore our neighboring palace, Wangdichhoeling, home to the 2nd King, and the auspicious prayer wheels next door. Heading up the valley, you will take in the grand Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom as Bhutan’s “patron saint”, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here.
- After lunch, we will visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Later stroll through Bumthang’s market area before returning to the lodge.
- Later, stop at the charming Thangbi Mani Lhakhang that is situated in a serene valley surrounded by lovely mountains.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang.
Day 05: Explore Ura Valley- Bumthang
- Ura valley is best known for its photographic sites and the age-old traditional architecture. This village is positioned at a height of 3100 meters from sea level and is also one of the highest valleys in the country. This village is situated close to Chamkar and it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach there. In the winter season, this village gets covered with snow and becomes an eye-catching view. During the spring the whole surface of the valley gets covered with flowers. Ura has also got many trekking sites which is a center of attraction for many hikers. The feeling of calmness and divine happiness emerges from the heart when someone visits this heaven on earth. When you pay a visit to these exotic places one of the major things which you will notice is the positive attitude of the villagers.
- Ura Valley Hike:
- Your vehicle will drop you at Shelthang La (Pass); from here walk down through the beautiful meadows along the old walking trails where you can get in touch with the virgin forest and the wonderful view of the valley below. The walk is all downhill so it is not a strenuous one. In fact, it will be a good break to get out of the car and breathe in the crisp mountain air while stopping to take pictures at your own pace. The stunning landscape, high mountains, and vibrant sky are what attract people to this place. At the end of the hike, you will arrive at the Ura Lhakhang and the medieval setup of the Ura village consisting of 40 to 50 traditional Bhutanese houses. Your vehicle will be waiting for you at the Ura Village.
On the way back, just below the main road junction visit Tang Mebartsho (Burning lake), This lake is very sacred and is visited by many Bhutanese during auspicious days to offer butter lamps.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang
Day 06: Bumthang- Punakha (210kms/8hours)
After Breakfast proceed to Punakha. Today’s journey back to Punakha will be a lengthy one, taking lunch en route. We will then drive on through the mountains.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
Day 07: Punakha- Paro (130kms/5hours)
- In the morning visit Punakha Dzong. It is just as striking inside as outside and it is arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Located magnificently between Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) confluence, the intricate carving and amazing architecture of the Dzong is a great source of inspiration. This famous structure built in 1637 has a lot to tell about the historical background and various Tibetan invasions won from this strategically located Dzong. It also houses the kingdom’s most sacred relic, the “Rangjung Karsa-pani”.
- Visit the Khuruthang Stupa shaped like Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal.
Travel from Punakha to Paro. Elevation at Paro is 2,200 meters.
Paro is a beautiful valley located in Western Bhutan with an area of 2800 square kilometers. Breathtaking Lhakhangs and monasteries are perched on mountain hills. Two sacred rivers with their respective source at Jumolhari and Chumo Phug Mountains make their way through Paro valley enhancing their beauty and grandeur
- Visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery in an authentic Bhutanese setup and try different flavors of local beer.
- Take a stroll through Paro town, a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 08: Paro Taktsang (4-6hours)
We have saved the best for the last. Get your energy up at breakfast this morning for a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Venture through the pristine surrounding of the monastery resting on a cliff.
Hike up to Tiger’s Nest – one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrim sites. Be rewarded to the overwhelming sight of the monastery perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters above sea level and 900 meters above Paro valley.
Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months. He blessed and preached tantric Buddhism in Bhutan.
Visit the ancient Kichu Temple dating back to the 7th century.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 09: Departure
Our team will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell.
HIGHLIGHTS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the western regions of Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha.
Visit Bumthang Valley, the most beautiful and the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Known as the “Switzerland of the East”, it is home to some of the greatest Buddhist teachers.
Visit Dochula Pass, a wonderful sight at 3100 metres elevation, the infamous landmark of a 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens”. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the snow-laden Himalayas.
Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery or the Taktsang Goemba. Perched on a mountain cliff at 900 meters off the ground, a stunning sight to behold. And regarded as Bhutan’s most religious site and iconic landmark.
Enjoy the architectural grandeur of Tashicho Dzong, Punakha Dzong and Trongsa Dzong.
Visit historical sites of Jambay Lhakhang, Tamshing, and Chimmi Lhakhang
Try out Farmhouse dinner
Visit the scenic village of Ura and meet the locals
PACKAGE COST FROM
$ 2280
PACKAGE INCLUSION
Sustainable Development Fee to the Government of Bhutan which goes towards the development of schools. hospitals. etc.,
Bhutan Visa
Accommodations in 3- star properties. (Can be upgraded to 4 & 5-star with additional Premium)
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
Complimentary from company:
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
PACKAGE EXCLUSION
Airfare (can be arranged with us)
Travel Insurance
Any Expenses of Personal Nature
Tips for the guide and driver