Bhutan Cultural Tour

Trip Overview of Bhutan Cultural Tour

Bhutan Cultural tour is a similar tour as the Glimpse of Bhutan. An extra day hike to the popular Taktsang Monastery that, clings on a black granite cliff 3000 feet above the Valley of Paro. Legend has that, in the 8th century Guru Padmasambhava flew on a back of a tigress and meditated in the cave and subdue the local deities that were obstructing the spread of Dharma.

Bhutan is one of your ultimate travel experience and a journey to the destination. A tour to Bhutan will give you whole freedom to build a unique and personal trip in fulfilling your desire to travel and to discover your new self.

Detail itinerary of Bhutan Cultural Tour

  • DAY 1

    Arrive Paro by Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)

    The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting bhutandescent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas ; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Situated in western Bhutan, with the population of about 1,00,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

  • DAY 2

    Thimphu Sightseeing

    After breakfast, drive to visit Memorial Chorten. Also known as Thimphu Chorten, this stupa is located at the heart of the Thimphu city and was built in 1974 to honour the third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1928-1972) popularly known as Father of modern Bhutan. Afterwards visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). It holds one of the largest Buddha’s statue in the country of 169 feet (51.5m), made of bronze and gilded in gold. Visitors can also get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from this point. Then visit Changangkha Lhakhang. This temple is located above central Thimphu, built in 12th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo on a ridge overlooking the town. Local parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessing from the protector deity ‘Tamdrin’. Later drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Takin Preserve. The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drukpa Kuenley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories. Post lunch, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following : the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, Textile Museum, which provides deep insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form, Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connect people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. Conclude the day’s sightseeing with visit of Trashichhoedzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. This is one of the most impressive buildings situated along the right flank of the Thimphu river built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who unified Bhutan and was later reconstructed in 1962 by the third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. Evening at leisure in Thimphu city centre. Also explore the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts.Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

  • DAY 3

    Thimphu – Dochula Pass - Paro (95 km, approx 3.1/2 hours drive)

    After breakfast, drive to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) to view Druk Wangyal Chortens with colourful prayer flags surrounding the area. With Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck’s initiative, these chortens were built to honour His Majesty the 4th Druk Gyalpo and his people for their victory in the war fought in the southern region of Bhutan in 2003 and for the benefit of all sentient beings. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang bhutan(6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Then drive back to Paro, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro town towards the north end of the valley.En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629. The name Simtokha literally means ‘Atop a Demon’ and the legend associated with the dzong’s construction tells us that it was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing travelers in the region. Later in the day after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Evening take a stroll around interesting city centre of Paro .Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

  • DAY 4

    Paro Sightseeing

    After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. The hike to the monastery makes a splendid half day excursion. While return to the hotel, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

  • DAY 4

    Depart Paro

    After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.

Cost includes and excludes

Check the cost inclusion and exclucion of Bhutan Cultural Tour

Service Includes
  • Accommodation with all meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
  • All transportation by private vehicle.
  • Sightseeing tour with English speaking Guide as per itinerary including entry fee to museum.
  • Royalties and other taxes. Other than departure tax Bhutan entry visa fee US$ 20 and US$ 10.
Service Excludes
  • Airfares (Kathmandu- Paro, Calcutta- Paro, Dhaka -Paro, Delhi – Paro and Bangkok – Paro for one way and double for round trip flight by Druk Airlines.
  • Bhutan entry visa fees US$ 20, Paro airport tax US$ 10 & US$ 10 for TDF.
  • Hard and soft drinks during the trip.
    04.Surcharge, Insurance, Personal expense and Tips