Cultural Heartlands 6 Nights - 7 Days Tour

Package Overview

Culture-rich journey through Western Bhutan with light adventure and valley scenery. Begin in Paro with a gentle orientation, the National Museum, Rinpung Dzong and a hands-on archery experience. Continue to Thimphu for the School of Traditional Arts, a studio visit with a contemporary artist, browsing the Centenary Farmers Market, and the evening ceremony at Tashichho Dzong to witness the unfolding of the National Flag. Cross Dochula’s 108 chortens into Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch. Travel on to Gangtey for its hilltop monastery and a serene nature walk across the glacial valley of Phobjikha (black-necked cranes in season). Conclude in Paro with the full hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) before departure. Ideal for first-time visitors seeking authentic culture, soft hikes, and memorable valley vistas.

Best Season
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) due to pleasant weather, clear skies for mountain views, and vibrant festival celebrations.

Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Paro

  Arrival at Paro International Airport: Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Orientation Walk: After check-in and refreshments, enjoy a gentle walk around Paro town, exploring its traditional shops, cafés, and handicraft stalls. Leisure Time: Relax at your hotel or stroll by the riverside to acclimatize and settle in.
  
  Check-in: Hotel in Paro.
  Overnight: Paro.
  
  Meals : D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 2 : Paro

  National Museum (Ta Dzong): Begin the day at Bhutan’s National Museum, housed in a historic watchtower, with exhibits on art, textiles, and natural history. Rinpung Dzong: Visit Paro’s iconic fortress-monastery, known as the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels,” overlooking the valley with beautiful wooden galleries and painted frescoes. Archery Experience: Try Bhutan’s national sport with a hands-on archery session, learning local techniques and enjoying the festive spirit of the game.
  
  Check-in: Hotel in Paro.
  Overnight: Paro.
  
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Museums
• Day 3 : Paro → Thimphu

  Morning Transfer: Drive from Paro to Thimphu (≈1–1.5 hrs), Bhutan’s bustling capital city. School of Traditional Arts (Zorig Chusum): Visit the institute where students train in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, from thangka painting to wood carving. Contemporary Artist Studio: Meet a local Bhutanese artist for an inspiring look at modern creativity rooted in tradition. Centenary Farmers’ Market: Explore Bhutan’s largest market, alive with locals trading organic produce, herbs, and spices. Tashichho Dzong: End the day at the grand fortress, seat of government and monastic authority; witness the unfolding of the National Flag ceremony at sunset.
  
  Check-in: Hotel in Thimphu.
  Overnight: Thimphu.
  
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 4 : Thimphu → Punakha

  Scenic Transfer via Dochu La (3,100 m): Drive ~2.5–3 hrs to Punakha, pausing at the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens for Himalayan views (weather permitting). Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility): Short village walk through rice fields to the 15th-century temple associated with Drukpa Kunley. Farm-to-Table Lunch: Enjoy a seasonal meal at a countryside farmhouse/eco-café featuring local produce.
  
  Check-in: Eco-Lodge in Punakha; evening at leisure.
  Overnight: Punakha.
  
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 5 : Punakha → Gangtey

  Scenic transfer: Drive ~2.5–3.5 hrs via Wangdue and Lawa La Pass (~3,360 m) into the glacial bowl of Phobjikha. Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goemba): Explore the 17th-century monastery and its courtyards; enjoy panoramic views over the valley. Nature walk: Gentle Gangtey Nature Trail (≈1.5–2 hrs, easy) through pine forests, meadows, and villages. (Oct–Feb: watch for the endangered black-necked cranes; optional stop at the Crane Information Centre.)
  Check-in: Lodge in Gangtey; evening at leisure by the fireplace.
  Overnight: Gangtey.
  
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Sightseeing
• Day 6 : Gangtey → Paro

  Early transfer: Depart Gangtey for Paro via Wangdue & Dochu La; drive ~5.5–6.5 hrs (photo/tea stops optional). Prep & lunch in Paro, then set out for the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) trailhead.
  Full hike: 4–6 hrs round trip (moderate–challenging); ~600 m elevation gain, monastery altitude ~3,120 m. Pause at the mid-way cafeteria viewpoint before the final steps. Monastery visit: Observe dress code and quiet conduct; no photography inside temples. Descend & transfer back to town.
  
  Check-in: Hotel in Paro; evening at leisure.
  Overnight: Paro.
  
  Meals : B, L, D

  • Themes Hiking
• Day 7 : Paro

  Departure from Paro International Airport
  Meals : B

  • Themes Sightseeing

Inclusions

• CP (Room + Breakfast)
• SDF, Visa Fees, Transportation in private vehicles, Experienced guide and trekking staff, All monument entrance fees and permits

Exclusions

• Insurance, Flight cost

Price & Rates

Package Start From

• Paro, Bhutan, Asia

Terms & Conditions

This Tour is Offered by

• 1st Floor, Ananda Hotel Building, Debum Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan - 11001
• XXXXXX8299 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@gmail.com View Mail ID
• https://www.apaxtravel.com

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