9 days cultural tour
Highlights of this 9 days cultural tour includes cultural sightseeing in three of the major western districts, nature hike to Phajodhing with a night camping. If luck favors, the star gazing experience at night during clear sky from Phajodhing is priceless. The highlight also includes visits to some of the prominent landmarks and sacred spiritual sites including a visit to the all-time famous Tiger’s Nest monastery or Taktsang as it is known locally.
Day 1: Arrive Paro international airport.
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and take you to Thimphu which is 54 km from Paro Airport and about 45 minutes’ drive. Later in the afternoon visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); Changgangkha Monastery; visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu.
After breakfast, visit Buddha statue, School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school); Traditional paper factory, visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, visit weaving centre, Semtokha Dzong. Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha
Day 4: Punakha – Trongsa.
After early Breakfast you will start your drive to Trongsa. You will reach Pelela pass( 3300m) and stop for few minutes for the photo and stretch your muscle. Your next stop will be at chendabjee for lunch. After lunch continue your drive Trongsa, you will visit Trongsa Dzong. . Overnight at hotel in Trongsa.
Day 5: Trongsa to Bumthang.
After early Breakfast you will start your drive to Bumthang. On the way you will cross Yontongla pass(3450m) and after pass you will enter in to Bumthang region. ). Along the way you will stop at the Yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the Yathras are designed with unique Patterns that have been conserved long way back in Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. After lunch you will visit Kurjey Lakhang, where Guru Rinpochee left his body imprints inside cave. You will also visit Jambay lakhang, Tamshing lakhang, . Evening you can stroll freely in the town. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang , Jambay Lakhang Festival.
Enjoy full day of festival dances and celebrations with the people of Bumthang and nearby villages. Overnight at hotel in Bumthang
Day 7: Bumthang – Excursion to Tang Valley.
Today, you will make an enjoyable excursion to the Tang valley, which is the most remote valley in Bumthang. While in the Tang, you will visit 16th century Ugyen Chholing Palace or the country manor, which is now turned into a museum. The well-captioned exhibits offer insights into lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. You will also explore nearby villages. On the way back to town, you will see Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche’s treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. Overnight hotel in Bumthang
Day 8: Bumthang – Phobjikha.
After early breakfast you will be driving to Phobjekha valley which is a famous for winter roosting place for Black necked crane. In Phobjekha valley you will be hiking Gangtey Natural Trail.
The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Ganagtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjkha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hike places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds Black Neck Cranes. . Overnight hotel in Phobjekha.
Day 9: Phobjikha – Paro.
After early breakfast Drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula for lunch . After lunch proceed towards Paro. You will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century . Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 10: Paro. Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Departure.
Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
Inclusions:
- ~ Government Royalty: USD 65 per Person per Night.
- ~ 2% Government Tax per Person per Night.
- ~ All Meals.
- ~ Daily Mineral Water.
- ~ English Language Speaking Guide.
- ~ Comfortable and Luxurious Imported Cars for Internal Transportation with Skilled Driver.
- ~ Entrance fees for Museums.
- ~ The Government set package rates are valid for accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- ~ A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
Exclusions:
- ~ Airfare international & Domestic.
- ~ Travel Insurance.
- ~ Personal shopping.
- ~ Alcohol.
- ~ Laundry.
- ~ Tips for Guide & Driver.
Related Trips.
- ~ 5 days cultural tour.
- Druk path trek.
- ~ 8 days cultural tour.
- ~ Jomolhari round trek.
- ~ 10 days cultural tour.
- ~ Textile.
- ~ 15 days Bhutan tour.
- ~ Botanical trip.
- ~ Bumthang cultural tour.
GOT INQUIRY
Talk to one of our booking managers for availability!