Bhutan Cultural Tour

• Day 1: Arrive Paro and drive to Thimphu (55 km / 1½hr)

  The visual experience of this tour to Bhutan, begins even before you arrive in to Paro, since, you get a chance to take in a wonderful visual of the mighty Himalayas even as the aircraft is descending through the forested mountains of the Paro Valley in to Paro airport. Flying into Bhutan is an amazing experience. On arrival at the Paro airport, you will be driven to Thimphu, a distance of approximately 55 kms. Later, after lunch, sightseeing of Thimphu including visits to the Memorial Chorten National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage museum, and the National Library. Also visit the Memorial Chorten, the stupa constructed in the memory of Bhutan’s third king, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1974. The Late King was popularly known as the Father of modern Bhutan. Beautiful paintings and statues inside the monument provides a deep vision of the Buddhist philosophy. After the visits you could also spend some time shopping for traditional Bhutanese handicrafts and jewelry. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.

• Day 2: Tour of Thimpu

  After breakfast, a short drive to visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, it is beautiful fortress, like a temple and a monastic school, on a ridge above Thimpu, South of Motithang. For amazing views of Thimphu valley, drive to the BBS Tower, followed by a visit to the mini zoo or the Taking Preserve- it is the National animal of Bhutan, and it is a cross breed between cow and a goat. Finally visit the AnimDratshang (nunnery) at DrubthoGoemb On your way back visit the Trashichhodzong: an impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.

• Day 3: Thimphu - Gangtey (150 kms/4 hrs)

  This morning you drive over the high mountain pass of the Dochu La, at an altitude of over 10000 ft, driving through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees, enjoying beautiful views of the Phobjikha valley, on your way to Gangtey. After checking into the hotel in Gangtey, walk around the Gangtey village and visit the only Nyingmapa monastery in the region, Gangtey Gompa. Few kilometers down the Nyingmapa monastery, on the valley floor is the Phobjikha valley. This small and quiet valley is the winter home of the migratory Black necked Cranes, who come all the way from the dry plains of Tibet to the warmer climate of Bhutan. Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtey.

• Day 4: Gangtey - Punakha (75 km /3 hrs)

  Drive to Phunakha via Wangduephodrang, after short nature walks in the Phobjikha valley, enroute stopping at the Wangdue Dzong which is balanced on a spur at the meeting point of two rivers. The Dzong is placed remarkably, as it covers the spur and commands an impressive view over both the north-south and east-west directions. Wangdue district is well-known for its bamboo work, slate and stone carving. Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha.

• Day 5: Punakha

  After a relaxing breakfast, trek up through the vegetable and paddy fields along the banks of the Mo Chhu river to the upper end of the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a magnificent monument constructed and blessed in1999 by the Queens. On your way back visit the home of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his associates. Later, on the banks of the Punak Chhu River, enjoy a picnic lunch, followed by a quick drive to the Talo village for a beautiful walk in the grounds of the village temple and finally visit the home of the kingdom of Four Queens. Evening at leisure or explore around. Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha

• Day 6: Punakha – Paro (125 km/4hrs)

  After the night stay at Punakha, drive back to Paro, following the same track of Dochu La, Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before reaching the Paro town. On your arrival at Paro, check in at the Hotel and visit the Bhutan’s National Museum, Ta Dzong which was once a watchtower, constructed during the inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Ta Dzong holds intriguing collections of religious Thangkha paintings, art, relics and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. After visiting the beautiful museum walk down a hillside to visit Rinpung Dzong which has an elaborate history. This large monastery was constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first ruler of Bhutan. The entrance to Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called NemiZam. A walk through the bridge, gives a beautiful view of the architectural marvel of the majestic monastery and the life around Dzong. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

• Day 7: Paro

  After a relaxing breakfast, you can take an excursion to the Taktshang Monastery (5hrs trek). Taktshang Monastery is one of the famous monasteries of Bhutan. The Taktshang Monastery is balanced on a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche reached here on the back of a tigress and meditated here at the monastery and so it’s called the’Tiger’s nest’. The Bhutanese atleast once in their lifetime visit this sacred monastery. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor. Those not keen to trek can visit the Chele-la pass (alt 4200 meter). The beautiful road hikes up towards the pass through blue pine & rhododendron forest for about 45 km. The Chele La view point offers outstanding view of 7314 meter Chomolhari peaks &Jichu Drakey. It is about one and half hour drive from Paro city to the pass. A short walk around the view point can be taken to smell the grand view of Eastern Himalayan range. On your way back to Paro, visit Drukgyel Dzong, it, is a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to honor his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

• Day 8: Depart Paro

  Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a transfer to Paro Airport in time for your flight home, where your Bhutan tour ends.

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