Bhutan Cultural Tour - 5 Nights 6 Days

Arrive at Paro International Airport and then transfer to Thimphu.

Thimphu-Bhutan travel

Paro is situated in a beautiful valley at 228 meters and is a fitting introduction to this charming kingdom. The Traveler Trails Team will receive, and take you on a short one-hour drive along the Paro and Thimphu River valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, at 2320 meters.

You can stop on the way to take in the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder.

Overnight in Thimphu

Activities : Sightseeing

Thimphu sightseeing Bhutan

We will visit the revered Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point – the statue of Buddha Dordenma, which commands a tremendous view of Thimphu valley. The huge 3-story throne holds several chapels and the body itself is filled with 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha.

And then Takin Reserve – showcasing the unique national animal and National Library and the School of Traditional Arts

In the afternoon you can take in more of the sights and culture of the capital, with the option of a trip to Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, dating from 1629 AD).

And, browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Museum or visit the Folk Heritage Museum

If you would like to view or buy Bhutanese handicrafts you may like to visit the new market opposite Taj Tashi hotel which has an array of stalls run by local handicraft shops selling purely homemade articles with no imports. Tell your guide what takes your interest.

Overnight in Thimphu

Activities : Museums

Punakha-Bhutan tour

In the morning drive, approximately 3 hours to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochu La pass at 3050 meters, where we will stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan ranges. You will notice the change in climate and vegetation as we approach low-lying Punakha at 1250 meters.

Take a pleasant walk for an hour or so across the terraced fields of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley).

Then we will visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu.

Overnight in Punakha

Activities : Sightseeing

Thimphu sightseeing -Bhutan

Today we return to Paro, a drive of approximately 4 hours. In the afternoon you can start your culture tour of Paro valley by visiting the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.

And, then the National Museum, it has a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artifacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles, and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps.

Overnight in Paro

Activities : Museums

Tiger Nest hike

Take a day’s walk to the ‘Tiger’s Nest’, the sacred Taktsang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 meters above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress.

He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries.

You can have lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.

Overnight in Paro

Activities : Sightseeing

Departures

Early in the morning, your guide will accompany you to the airport to see you off to your flight and wish you Tashi Dalek (goodbye and good luck).

Activities : Sightseeing