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Bhutan Cultural Tour

6 Days / 5 Nights
An Ancient Culture Awaits to be Discovered

Tour Overview

The Bhutan Cultural tour package includes an opportunity to explore the medieval fortresses. Take a leisurely walk in and around the ancient structure and examine the traditional architectural designs of the majestic Dzongs. The Dzongs (fortresses) served as the seat of the central Government, housed the central monk community and during the times of war, the Dzongs were used as military barracks. The original mural adorned on the walls of the fortresses dates back to 17th century. The paintings are well preserved and tell a tale of the Buddhist mythology. The trip often culminates with a visit to a shrine graced with meticulously sculpted statues of Buddhist gods.
The tour also includes a once in a life time experience of spending a night at a village homestay. The experience is a gateway to understanding the authentic Bhutanese-lifestyle. Typical villages in Bhutan are secluded and immune from the distractions of modern lives and thus offer a serene experience of a simpler lifestyle. Visitors will get a chance to dine with the local host. The interaction with the host and the family over a hearty authentic Bhutanese Cuisine reveals visitors a glimpse of a true Bhutanese aspirations and values. Unwind the day with a traditional hot stone bath.

Tour Highlights

Daily Itinerary for Bhutan Cultural Tour (6 Days)

Day 1

Arrive at Paro International Airport and Drive to Thimphu

The final approach to Paro International Airport requires skillful maneuver and experience to safely glide the plane through the mountainous terrain before aligning the runway. A voice from the cockpit will advise the visitors to look out your window to catch a glimpse of the Mount Everest before making the final descent. The whole landing experience is a like a roller coaster ride on steroid. The assigned tour guide and driver will pick up the visitors from the airport and drive to Thimphu city. It will be an hour drive to Thimphu from Paro Airport.

In the afternoon, visitors will explore Thimphu City and visit some of the most popular attractions.

Places and attractions:
Thimphu Memorial Chorten Folk Heritage Museum National Institute for Zorig Chusum Tashichhodzong Motithang Takin Preserve

Accommodation options:
Tashi Yoedling

Day 2

Drive to Punakha

Visitors will take an early drive towards the mountain village of Punakha. It will be a two hour drive to Punakha from Thimphu. Half hour into the journey, visitors will arrive at the Dochula Pass. It has an elevation of 3100 meters and offers a panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan range including the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mount Gangkar Puensum. After a brief stop, visitors will continue their drive to Punakha. After lunch visit the popular attractions in Punakha village including the Fertility temple and the Punakha Dzong.

Visitors will spend the night at a farm house in Punakha. The highlight of the night includes an authentic Bhutanese cuisine dinner, traditional hot stone bath and interaction with the local family.

Places and attractions:
Punakha Dochula Pass Chimi Lhakhang - The Fertility Temple Punakha Dzong - The Palace of Great Bliss Punakha Suspension Bridge

Accommodation options:
Dhensa Boutique Resort Drubchhu Resort

Day 3

Drive back to Paro

After breakfast, visitors will drive back to Paro. It will be a 3 hour drive to Paro from Punakha. In the afternoon, visitors will explore cultural attractions in Paro including the National Museum, Paro Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temple in Bhutan. In the evening, visitors can choose to explore Paro town.

Places and attractions:
Paro National Museum Paro Ta Dzong Paro Rinpung Dzong Kyichu Lhakhang Paro Town Dungtse Lhakhang

Accommodation options:
Gangtey Palace Hotel Hotel Olathang

Day 4

Day Excursion to Haa Valley

Visitors will drive to Haa district west of Paro valley. Haa valley like Punakha has most of its traditional architecture intact. Majority of the population are farmers. Visit to Haa valley includes visit to the community temples and villages.

One of the highlight of the trip is the stop over at Chelela Pass. Chelela Pass is the highest motor able point in Bhutan 3900 meters and the pass divides the Paro and Haa valley. If the weather permits, visitors can catch an unobstructed view of the Mount Jomolhari.

After the exploration, visitors will drive back to Paro for the night. It will be a two hour drive back to Paro valley from Haa.

Places and attractions:
Haa Chelela Pass Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo Hike to Kila Nunnery

Accommodation options:
Hotel Olathang Gangtey Palace Hotel

Day 5

Hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro

The last day of the trip is the hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery. Owing to the monastery's significant history which dates back to the 7th century, today it is one of the most sacred religious site for the Buddhist pilgrims. The monastery itself is over 3 centuries old. But what has made this iconic destination popular among the tourists could be of its architectural achievement. The monastery is perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley and the only way to get to the top is a two hour hike from the base.

Visitors will be driven to the base of the monastery early in the morning and will begin the hike. Lunch will be served at popular cafeteria on the way back. It offers an amazing view of the monastery and the valley below.

Places and attractions:
Paro Tigers Nest Hike

Accommodation options:
Hotel Olathang Gangtey Palace Hotel

Day 6

Depart From Paro

The End of the Trip

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Payment Terms
  • The approval of tourists VISA is contingent on the full payment of the tour
  • Flight ticket payment is subject to the Ticketing Time Limit issued by the airlines
Tour Cancellation and Refund Policy
  • 30 to 15 days prior to arrival - 20% of the total tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
  • 14 to 7 days prior to arrival - 50% of the tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
  • Less than a week prior to arrival - 100% cancellation charge will be levied as cancellation fee
Flight Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy
  • Subject to the cancellation terms of the Airline
Rescheduling Tour Dates:
  • There are no charges for rescheduling your trip. However the minimum daily tariff, hotel rates, airline charges are subject to change depending on your new travelling dates.