ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
DAY 02: THIMPHU
DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
DAY 04: PUNAKHA
DAY 05: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
DAY 06: THIMPHU – PARO
DAY 07: PARO
DAY 08: DEPART PARO
This cultural tour explores the heritage and traditions of Bhutan's timeless culture that still thrive today. This tour is specially tailored to provide a deeper insight into the lives of the diverse people of Bhutan. Based in the western valleys, you will be immersed the daily lives of Bhutanese, with exclusive activities including farmhouse visits, interaction with northern nomad tribes and participation in special Buddhist ceremonies. It also includes visits to Bhutan's many cultural highlights including Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong with its wooden cantilevered bridge and the infamous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) in the Paro Valley, The National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple and the National Library exhibiting ancient scriptures in Bhutan's capital Thimphu, and the Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakang in the sub-tropical Punakha Valley. The best time to do this tour is during the months of December to late March when the nomadic Laya people migrate south to Punakha for winter.
BHUTAN TOUR DATES:
All of our Bhutan tours are private, tailor-made journeys for independent travel on dates of your choosing. We can easily customise your Bhutan tour to spend more in the places doing the activities that you are interested in. Please click on the 'Tailor-Design This Bhutan Tour' tab above to begin customising this tour to your requirements. This tour can be experienced all year around.
WHAT WE INCLUDE IN OUR TAILOR MADE BHUTAN TOURS:
• Airfares in and out of Bhutan including taxes.
• Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
• All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
• Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
• Experienced driver.
• Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard goverment approved hotels & guesthouses.
• All meals in Bhutan.
• All entrance fees and permits.
NOT INCLUDED:
• All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
• Medical / Travel Insurance.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
DAY 02: THIMPHU
DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
DAY 04: PUNAKHA
DAY 05: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
DAY 06: THIMPHU – PARO
DAY 07: PARO
DAY 08: DEPART PARO
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our Bhutan Travel Bureau representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities.
Following lunch, visit Kyichu temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which was built in 7th century. Attend a special purification ceremony at the temple performed by monks. This ceremony is mainly performed to purify and to bring good luck to you for your trip in Bhutan. Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. Before dinner at the hotel there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 02: THIMPHU
Begin your day with a visit the handmade paper factory. Paper has been made in the Himalayas from a long period of time, traditionally to supply the Buddhist monasteries with paper for woodblock and manuscript books. The most common and popular papers of Bhutan are made from the bark of the de-nar plant, a variety of Daphne. It is a dark woody paper fiber found only in Bhutan. Bhutanese Handmade Paper is made without environmental damage to the land.
If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market to see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillies, fresh cheese and a variety of fresh greens. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. (This market is open only from Friday until mid Sunday). Later visit the Folk Heritage Museum featuringan exhibition of items and artifacts of Bhutanese villages and rural households. The museum also organizes demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits and customs, educational programs for children and research and documentation on rural life of Bhutan.
In the evening, your guide will demonstrate how to wear our national costumes (gho for men and Kira for women). It is an opportunity for the clients to try our national dress. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
Depart for Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. The road takes you over Dochu-La pass (3,100m) where you will stop to walk around the 108 stupas and, if the weather is clear, enjoy an incredible view of Himalayan peaks. Before reaching Punkha, visit Royal Botanical Garden in Lamperi. The park features a variety of forest types, spectacular scenery, natural rhododendron groves, endangered wildlife and a lake. Declared over an area of 47 square kilometres, the park serves as a biological corridor connecting Jigme Dorji National Park and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Continue your drive towards Punakha through beautiful countryside offering a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.
Check into your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang. Afterwards, visit Lhawang Tshering’s small incense making factory, the most successful and leading incense exporter in Bhutan. Incense, (poi) is one of the most essential elements in religious offerings. Its aroma, it is said, can help to soothe and calm a restless mind. After visiting the incense factory we will visit the small town of Wangduephodrang. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.
DAY 04: PUNAKHA
Morning visit Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness". It was built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. After visiting the dzong we will walk about 10 minutes to see the swing bridge built over Pho Chu river connecting people from Shengana village with Punakha Dzong. This is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan constructed around 2001.
Later explore around Punakha valley and look for semi-nomadic tribal people known in Bhutan as “Layaps” (Interaction with Layap people is possible only from Dec –end of March). They can be seen in and around Punakha valley during the winter months when they migrate southward from Laya to escape the extreme cold. After a picnic lunch nearby the Pho Chu river, we will drive back to Lobesa and to visit a farm house. Here we will see a Traditional Bhutanese cooking and farming demonstration. If possible, we may also visit a farm house where they perform an annual ritual ceremony known as “Choku”. The "Choku" is a two day annual religious ceremony held at the homes of Bhutanese families to offer prayers of thanks for the blessings of the past year and to ensure well- being in the future. Monks are invited to perform rites and rituals and ceremonies at the home (Dec- Feb month only). Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.
DAY 05: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
This morning we will drive back to Thimphu on the same road crossing over Dochula pass at 3150m. En route we will stop on the pass for hoisting prayer flags. A monk will perform a purification ceremony on the flags. One of the prayer flags, popular in the Himalayas and other Tibetan Buddhist practicing regions, is called "Lungta" - meaning Wind Horse. Hundreds of these flags can be seen flying atop and around homes; mountain passes hills, bridges, monasteries and temples.
After the ceremony is over we will continue our drive to Thimphu. Check into the hotel for lunch followed by a tour of the The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century and the Choki Traditional Art School. Evening walk in the town and enjoy tea or coffee in local café. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 06: THIMPHU – PARO
Morning visit to the National Memorial Chorten, first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernisation, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple and Drubthob monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery.
Following lunch, depart for Paro. On arrival Enjoy a stroll through downtown Paro before checking into the hotel. Afterwards, participate in some unique Bhutanese recreational activities including
Khuru, a Bhutanese dart game, Archery, The National Game of Bhutan and Degor, a throwing competition. If possible, we will arrange a story teller to entertain you with Bhutanese folktales before dinner. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 07: PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments.
In the afternoon return to Paro for some sightseeing including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Upon your return to the hotel, enjoy a traditional hot stone bath.
Alternatively, day 7 could be spent on a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelila Pass, Haa Valley is characterised by its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
DAY 06: DEPART PARO
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Tashi Delek!
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS BHUTAN TOUR
The 'Living Culture of Bhutan' explores the heritage and traditions of Bhutan's timeless culture that still thrive today. This tour is specially tailored to provide a deeper insight into the lives of the diverse people of Bhutan.
• Experience Bhutan's unique culture up-close with farmhouse visits and village excursions.
• Attend a special purification ceremony at the temple performed by monks.
• Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
• Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
• Participate in a religious village ceremony and prayer flag hoisting.
• Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
• Marvel at the elaborate and ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
• Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.
• Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.
For information on locations visited, please click on the tabs below.
Paro
Paro (2,250m), the site of Bhutan’s only airport, is set amongst the pastoral beauty of Paro Valley, a broad valley fertile with paddy, wheat, millet, potatoes, apple and seasonal vegetables grown as the main crops. Located close to downtown Paro is the imposing Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Unifier of Bhutan). Located on a hill behind the Paro Dzong is Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient 17th century watchtower and featuring a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Another Paro Valley highlight includes the incredible monastery of Taktsang, also known as the Tiger's Nest perched on a sheer rock cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. The Tiger’s Nest owes its name to the 8th century saint Guru Rinpoche who, according to myth, visited here mounted on a flying tiger. Other interesting options are the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong with its magnificent views of Mount Jumolhari and 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang.
Haa Valley
The Haa Valley is one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. An ideal day trip from Paro beyond the beautiful Chelila Pass, Haa is the ancestral home of the Royal Grandmother and the Dorji family, and is characterised by its rugged and mountainous terrain. Legend says that the Haa valley was previously dominated by animist traditions before the tantric master Padmasambhava visited the valley in the 8th century and transformed their beliefs into peaceful Buddhist traditions. In addition to its natural beauty, Haa also features a number of interesting sites including Chhundu Lhkhang, dedicated to the valley's protecting deity, 7th century Lhakhang Karpo (white) and Lhakhang Karpo (black) and Haa Dzong. Haa's annual summer festival provides a fantastic opportunity to participate in the nomadic lifestyle of the Haaps, including savouring their delicious delicacies. You may also compete in the traditional game of khuru, archery and soksum and try hitting the bull’s eye.
Thimphu
Bhutan’s capital city of Thimphu (2,350m) is a fascinating blend of the old and the new. Zoning regulations have retained the forms and motifs of Bhutan’s traditional architecture giving the city a wonderful structural harmony. The capital’s most striking visual landmark is Tashichhodzong, the seat of the Royal Government and Central Monastic Body. Semtokha Dzong is the kingdom’s oldest Dzong, whilst The National Memorial Chorten is an important temple completed by The Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. The Royal School of the Performing Arts, the School of Traditional Painting and the Institute of Traditional Medicine offer visitors an amazing insight into Bhutanese culture. Other attractions include 12th century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob Monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery, the National Library housing a rare collection of Buddhist scriptures, the lively weekend market and the 169 foot bronze statue of Buddha overlooking the city. Nearby sites include Tango and Cheri Monasteries.
Punakha
Punakha (1,310m) is Bhutan’s ancient capital, and remains the winter seat of the Central Monastic Body due to its sub-tropical climate. The drive to Punakha from Thimphu travels over Dochu-La Pass, marked by a beautiful scene of 108 Chortens, wind-blown prayer flags and the recently built Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. In clear weather the view of the Himalayas is stunning. The Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel is situated on a triangular spit of land at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan's first king was crowned. Other highlights include Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten with its complex Nyingmapa iconography and Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to Bhutan’s popular saint Drukpa Kuenley, otherwise known as the “divine madman” due to his unorthodox religious teaching.
Wangduephodrang
Wangduephodrang (1,800m), or Wangdue, is a bustling market town located half an hour away from Punakha. Buffeted by afternoon winds, Wangdue is an important gateway to the far flung districts of Eastern Bhutan. The formidable Wangduephodrang Dzong stands strategically perched on a precipitous cliff above the Dang Chhu. Built in 1639, the Dzong held a powerful position during the pre-monarcy days.
Legend has it that Wangdue was once a desert, hence the cacti grown in profusion. But some believe the cacti were planted with a reason to discourage invaders from climbing the steep slope. The Jigme Dorji National Park extends into the northern part while a major portion of the dzongkhag falls under Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.
