Wonders Of Bhutan
Although Bhutan is a tiny Kingdom tucked away on the high reaches of the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan’s culture is diverse and profound. The Wonders of Bhutan – Cultural Tour offers a rare chance for you to discover a secret world infused with wonderful vistas; magnificent Buddhist monasteries; timeless traditional villages, and extremely friendly and kind people permeating its vibrant & living culture.
Bhutan is ranked as one of the safest destinations for tourists in the world. If you are looking for a stunning destination with a living culture that goes back centuries, visit the enthralling Kingdom of Bhutan and discover the wonders of this kingdom before it becomes just another beautiful place to visit.
Discover Bhutan with this 4 nights Bhutan Cultural Tour package.
Duration: 4 Nights/ 5 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: Thimphu- Punakha (71kms/3-4hours)
In the morning your guide and vehicle will come to pick you up from the hotel and proceed for sightseeing.
- Buddha Dordenma: Capture the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue in the early morning sunrise. Apart from the serenity of the place the view of the Thimphu city from this mountain is gorgeous.
- On the way, we take a break at DochuLa Pass at 3,100 meters. Sip a cup of hot coffee at the DochuLa 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 making the backdrop.
- On arriving Punakha; walk along the path through the traditional houses of Sopsokha village amidst agricultural fields of rice and mustard, leading to a hillock where the temple of the Divine Mad monk is located. Sopsokha village is a typical example of clustered settlement. You may witness unusual paintings of phallus on walls of the houses. The phallus paintings are traditionally believed to ward off evil influences and bad-mouth/gossips of others that bring bad luck.
- Punakha Dzong 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”.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
Day 03: Punakha- Paro (130kms/4.5hours)
Start your journey to Paro after a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Punakha.
- Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Hike (4-6 hours)
Venture through the pristine surroundings of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Be rewarded to an overwhelming sight monastery resting on the edge of a cliff at 900 meters above Paro valley. Tiger’s Nest Monastery or Taktshang 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.
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.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 04: 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.
After the hike, we will stop at the ancient Kichu Lhakhang dating back to the 7th century.
In the evening you can try a traditional hot stone bath to relax your muscles from the hike and try your skills on local game archery.
We will also be having a Farmhouse dinner tonight
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 05: Departure
Our team will drop you at the airport and bid you farewell.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the valleys of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.
Hike to the secluded Tiger’s Nest Monastery nestled on a cliff at 900 meters above the Paro valley.
Take in the panoramic Himalayan peaks at Dochu La while admiring the 108 stupas.
Discover the medieval Tachog 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.
Take an enchanting hike to Lungchutse through the forest of hemlock and rhododendron
Delve in a wholesome experience of the vibrant culture of Bhutan
Enjoy Farmhouse dinner, traditional hot stone bath and local archery game
PACKAGE COST FROM
$ 1160
Package cost :
USD 1160 per Person basis on double sharing basis
Single Room Supplement:
USD 40 per Person and per Night
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