The royal Route
This Bhutan Cultural Tour covers 2 nights in Thimphu, 1 night in Punakha and 2 Nights in Paro; and the tour ends with an amazing hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery.
Bhutan is a small kingdom nestled in the mighty mountains of the world. It is a place of dramatic landscapes; sacred Lhakhangs and Dzongs situated on high mountains. It’s a place where Buddhism can be seen strongly engraved in its ancient cultures that are still alive and vibrant.
It is a place where happiness is pursued as a national goal and the Gross National Happiness is prioritized more than Gross Domestic Product.
It is a place where red rice with chilies and cheese are a major part of the meal.
Come visit Bhutan and with this 6 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour and discover the cultural essence of this kingdom.
Duration: 5 Nights/ 6 Days
Location: Thimphu-Dochu La- 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.
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.
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 the contemporary Bhutanese life.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 02: Explore Thimphu Valley
On the second day, you have the option to hike to Tango & Cheri Monastery or explore attractions in and around Thimphu city:
After a good breakfast, drive to the Northern end of Thimphu valley and hike an hour up to the Cheri monastery; a place of tranquility and overwhelming quietness. If you are still energetic we can continue our hike to Tango Monastery and capture images of red-robed monks on hilltop monastery.
In the evening we will visit Buddha Dordenma and Capture the vibrant Buddha statue in the sunset. Apart from the serenity of the place, the view of Thimphu city from this mountain is gorgeous.
However, if you are not a hiking person then we can do some other multi-day tours like visiting the National Institute of Zorig Chusum, National Folk Heritage Museum, National Handicraft Emporium, or visit Centenary Farmers Market.
In the evening, you are free to stroll in Thimphu town on your own.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu- Punakha (74kms/3-4 Hours Drive)
Drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan.
Dochula Pass: On the way make a stop at DochuLa at an altitude of 3,100 meters above sea level. Sip a cup of hot coffee at the cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges which can be seen on a clear day. Click amazing pictures of the 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the snow-capped Himalayan ranges behind.
As we reach Punakha we will head toward Wolokha Nunnery. We can light some butter lamps at the monastery or take photos of the photogenic Punakha valley from there.
We will have an organic lunch at Leki Wangmo homestay in the beautiful village of Lapsakha.
We will also stop at Talo Goemba before checking into the hotel.
Overnight at a hotel in Punakha or if you like we can try a homestay.
Day 04: Punakha To Paro (130kms/4-5 Hours Drive)
In the morning we will take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang and discover the tale of Phallus. We will also pay a visit to Punakha dzong.
After completing the sightseeing at Punakha take a scenic drive back to Paro. On the way back you can drop by Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi. It is a breathtaking 125 acres’ botanical garden with 46 species of rhododendron flower. The best time to visit this place will be between April and June. The annual rhododendron festival is held here.
The park also has trekking routes, walk around the Barisho Lake, tree house and camping space for visitors.
Evening free or can visit the Paro town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 05: Paro Taktsang Hike (4-6 Hours)
Today you will be hiking to one of the famous sites called the Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) perched 900m above the Paro valley. It is a pilgrimage site which the Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this site and meditated in a cave here for 3 months, hence its name, ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
The hike can be broken down into various stages. The first stage is the trek to the cafeteria (where lunch will be served later today) which is situated on a rocky outcrop across a ravine from the monastery. This leg of the trek takes approximately 45 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on your level of fitness. At the Cafeteria we can stop for some tea or coffee and biscuits whilst pondering the journey ahead and looking at the monastery, the distance above us.
The 2nd stage of the walk is from the cafeteria to the lookout opposite of the monastery. This leg takes close to one hour. At this point some may be content to snap photos and return to the cafeteria. The next stage is the trek/climb down the 475 steps in the cliff face to the bottom of the ravine which crosses over a stream and a waterfall before the path again ascends another 300 odd steps to the entrance of the monastery. Once here we should be able to enter into the monastery and view the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated.
Visit the ancient Kichu Temple, one of the oldest temple build in 7th century by Emperor Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in his mission to built 108 temples in a day through his miraculous power over the Himalayan ranges in order to suppress a giant ogress and to spread the Buddha Dharma.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 06: Departure
Our team will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell.
HIGHLIGHTS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the wonders of Bhutan in Thimphu, Punakha & Paro valley.
Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Take an enchanting hike to Chari in the Northern end of Thimphu
Capture Dochu La adorned with 108 stupas.
Discover the medieval Tachog Lhakhang & Talo monastery
Discover The Tale of Phallus at Chimi Lhakhang
Capture the exquisite sculptor and architecture of the marvelous Punakha and Thimphu Dzong.
Catch the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue in the early morning sunrise.
Enjoy organic farm house lunch at Lapsakha villlage
PACKAGE COST FROM
$ 1440
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