Bhutan Cultural Tour

Trip Duration 11
Max Altitude 3400m
Group Size 2-20 pax
Best Time for Visit March to November

Trip Overview

Overview

Embark on a captivating Bhutan Cultural Tour to immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of this Himalayan kingdom. Discover a land where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modernity, where the pursuit of Gross National Happiness takes precedence over GDP. Your journey begins in the capital, Thimphu, a harmonious blend of tradition and urban development. Witness the revered Tashichho Dzong, a stunning fortress-monastery, and explore the National Memorial Chorten, a hub of spiritual devotion. As you venture into the serene Paro Valley, the iconic Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger's Nest, awaits your exploration. Perched precariously on a cliffside, this sacred site offers not only spiritual insight but also breathtaking views of the valley below. Traverse the breathtaking landscapes as you journey to Punakha, the ancient capital. Be awestruck by the Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture set against the backdrop of fertile valleys and glistening rivers. Your cultural sojourn also continues with visits to traditional villages, where locals proudly adorn their traditional attire and engage in age-old customs.

Enchanting Experiences on the Bhutan Cultural Tour: From Sacred Rendezvous to Artistic Immersion and Culinary Delights

Partake in a spiritual rendezvous at the Chimi Lhakhang temple, also known for its unique fertility blessings. This pilgrimage site offers a glimpse into the Bhutanese reverence for both religious practices and cultural symbolism. Your tour also includes an encounter with the rural idyll of Gangtey, nestled in the Phobjikha Valley. Here, witness the Black-Necked Crane Festival, a spectacle that celebrates the conservation of these majestic birds and showcases vibrant folk performances. The Bhutan Cultural Tour also ensures an immersion into the kingdom's artistry through visits to traditional crafts workshops, where intricate textiles, thangka paintings, and woodwork come to life. Engage with local artisans and gain insights into the craftsmanship that has been preserved for generations. Indulge your senses in Bhutanese cuisine, with flavorsome dishes like ema datshi (chili and cheese stew) and momo (dumplings) that reflect the nation's culinary heritage. Share meals with warm-hearted locals, fostering connections that transcend cultural boundaries.

Conclusion and Summary

As your journey culminates, reflect on the deep-rooted spiritual values, harmonious coexistence with nature, and cultural richness that Bhutan epitomizes. This transformative adventure also leaves an indelible mark on your soul, fostering a profound appreciation for Bhutan's commitment to preserving its cultural legacy amidst the currents of change.

 Trip Highlight

  • Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush meadows and valleys to dense forests.
  • Explore Bhutan’s central valleys, rich with ancient historical and sacred Buddhist sites.
  • Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
  • Experience Bhutan’s unique culture up-close with farmhouse visits and village excursions.
  • Drive over high mountain passes affording sensational views of the Himalayan peaks.
  • Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
  • 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.
  • Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.

Itinerary

Landing to Paro will offer you one of the best views of the Himalayas including Everest. On your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will assistance by Himalayan Wander Walkers’s representative. Our Guide and driver will help you to arrange your luggage in the vehicle and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. On the way you will visit three different sites; Tamchog Lhakhang which is built by Thang Thong Gyalpo of Tibet, Memorial Chorten, and Kuenselcholing View Point. In the evening relax for the day and stroll around Thimphu city.

After your breakfast, you will hike to Cheri Monastery which was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620 and the first monk body was established. It will take about an hour to and fro. The hike en route to the Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary, a chance to see different birds and raw deer.  After the hike, you will drive to Buddha Dordhenma, one of the world’s largest statues of Shakyamuni Buddha (54m/177 ft) which is dedicated to world peace. If you are lucky enough then you will experience the weekend market which held only three days a week; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Your today’s last tour will be Tashicho Dzong, the largest landmark in Thimphu that home to the Royal Bhutanese Government offices. On the way to Tashicho Dzong, you will visit the Bhutanese Craft Bazaar or market. Here you will find varieties of products with the touch of Bhutanese traditional design. The souvenirs from this market will cherish your Bhutan travel memories in the future.

Today you will drive to Trongsa after your breakfast. The road passes over the Dochu la and Pele La which will offer you magnificent views of the Himalayas. On the way, you will visit Druk Wangyal Chorten (108 stupas) and Chendebji Chorten. Before your arrival at the Trongsa hotel, you will see the Trongsa Dzong from the car. Trongsa is the home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty’s ancestors.

After your breakfast, you will visit the Trongsa Dzong which is the largest Dzong in Bhutan. In Trongsa Dzong, you will also visit the museum where the collection of Bhutan Royal family artifacts. Then drive to Bumthang which takes about 2 and a half hours, the heartland of the spiritual. After your lunch at Jakar, you will visit Jakar Dzong, Tamshing temple (one of the most sacred Lkakhang), and 7th centuries old Jambay temple.

Hiking Distance:  12 km

Walking hours:  4-5 hours

Ascent: 170m

Descent: Nil

The trail goes along the Chhugor Chu, a river familiar with the trout. After your pleasant hike in the forest reaches Thangbi Lhakhang for lunch. After lunch, you will trek to Ngang Yul, the land of swans. It was once occupied flocks of swans. And finally, you will reach your camp next to Ngang  Lhakhang.

Hiking Distance: 16 km

Walking hours: 6 hours

Ascent: 750 meters

Descent: 670 meters

Today the trek starts from the Draphe Dzong, the ruin of strategic fort in the past years. The trail climbs up through the bushes and bamboo forest. In between, you will walk on the treeless grassland which eases to views of the blue sky. Continue to ascend Phephe la which is marked by a stone cairn and praying flags at 3360 meters height. Then the descending from the pass via rich vegetation will lead to a Yak pasture. The camp will be ready overnight just behind the village of Tahung which is the best among other available campsites.

Hiking Distance: 16 km

Walking hours: 4-5 hours

Ascent: Nil

Descent: 230 meters

Today you will trek toward the south along the Tang Chu river, another river popular for trout on the way to Tang Rimochen Lhakhang.  After half, an hour of walk from the Mebar Tsho (the burning lake) will reach Tang Ogyencholing, the only museum own by a private family. You will see some of the Bhutanese artifacts. Later hike to the main road where your driver is waiting for you.

Today you will visit different places within the Bumthang valley. In the morning you will visit Swiss Farm where you will explore the procedures of brewing Red Panda beer (only native beer), sweet cheese, apple brandy, and other local dairy products. This project was first established by Fritz Maurer. Yoser Lham Shop is the main outlet for the Swiss Farm. Then drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival enjoy a stroll through the Punakha Township.

Today you will hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of fertility). It was built by the Divine Madman who is originally known for Lama Drukpa Kunley in 1499. The hike is about 30 minutes en route to the rice field. On the route, you will find wooden phalluses hanging in local houses and paintings on the wall of the house. This site is especially popular for the childless couple who come to pray for a child. Then drive to Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong is located between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It is the second-largest dzong of Bhutan and built-in remarkable structure. Later drive to Paro.

Today we will hike to the most important landmark of Bhutan. After your breakfast, your guide and driver will receive you from your hotel and drive to the hiking point. The hike will be about 5 hours both way up and down. Those who are difficulty with walking can hire a horse to ease your hike. Taktsang or Tiger Nest was beautifully lying on the edge of the rocky mountain which was burned by fire in 1998 and restored later. This is also a popular pilgrimage site of Guru Rinpoche (Tantric Master).  You can hire a horse also if it’s challenging to hike up. Later you will drive to Paro and invite for dinner at the farmhouse to experience the local dishes which are served and prepared by Paro farmers. This will provide you an opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of a farming family. A hot stone bath is an optional element for those who want to experience the traditional bath

Our team is saying goodbye as your journey to Bhutan comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 2 hours before your scheduled flight guide from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful countries of Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet.

Departures & Availability

The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.

Check Available Dates
Start Date Price Availability

All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.

Price include

  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Thimphu and Paro.
  • 2 nights in tented camp
  • Meals: All breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners
  • Airport transfers on by private vehicle
  • Professional English speaking guide and necessary transportation.
  • All park entrance fees, trekking permits, and taxes
  • All Government Royalties
  • Transportation during the trek.
  • Sightseeing and site entry fees as listed

Price Excludes

  • International flights
  • Personal travel insurance, trekking gears.
  • Aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Tips for guide and helpers.
  • Luxury hotels/resorts available on supplement cost
  • Specialized /language guides available on supplement cost
  • Travel / Medical Insurance

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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

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