The Kingdom of Bhutan is also known as the last Shangri-La. Nestled high in the tranquil Himalayas, it is a travelers’ haven due to its rich bio-diversity, vibrant cultures, unique arts and architecture, and mesmerizing sceneries. Still kept well preserved, when you come across the humble and highly religious people and their cultures and day to day lifestyles you will feel as though life hasn’t been touched by modernity. Bhutan Cultural Heritage Tour boasts most, if not all, of Bhutan’s best experiences with the visits to many famous cultural, historical and naturally beautiful sites, dzongs and fortresses.
With options open to alteration, Bhutan Cultural Heritage Tour certainly provides you with deeper insight into Bhutan’s culture, history, lifestyle and majestic scenery. Hence, based on your interest and time constraint, we provide you with the trip that best serves your requirements.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro, Bhutan. Welcome and pick up from airport and transfer to hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing in and around Paro and drive to Thimphu
Day 03: Sightseeing in and around Thimphu
Day 04: Drive from Thimphu to Gangtey/Phobjikha
Day 05: Drive from Gangtey to Bumthang
Day 06: Sightseeing in and around Bumthang
Day 07: Drive to Punakha via Tronga
Day 08: Sightseeing in Punakha with a drive to Paro
Day 09: Sightseeing in and around Paro
Day 10: Departure day. Transfer to airport and fly back to onward destination
Day 01: Arrival in Paro, Bhutan
The flight to Bhutan offers scenic views of some of the highest peaks in the world. Paro is at an altitude of 2280m above sea level. We will greet you upon your arrival and welcome and offer traditional Khata to wish you a wonderful stay in Bhutan. Transfer to hotel and briefing about the trip. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing in and around Paro and drive to Thimphu
Visit the Ta Dzong which houses the National Museum and visit Paro’s Rimpung Dzong, and on the way down we cross the 16th century cantilever bridge followed by the visit to the Drugyel Dzong victory fortress, built in 1647 which is 18 kilometers from the Paro town. On a clear day one can also view the sacred mountain Mt Jhomolhari, from the northern battlements. You will then visit a farm house and observe the traditional Bhutanese way of living. In the evening enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 03: Sightseeing in and around Thimphu
Sightseeing in and around Thimphu valley includes the visits to the National Library, which holds a collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, as well as the institute for Zorig Chusum commonly known as Painting School, textile and Folk Heritage Museum which provides an insight into Bhutanese material culture and everyday way of life. Also visit the National Memorial Chorten, Trashichho dzong an impressive monastery, Bhutanese Handicrafts center displaying a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. Explore Thimphu market in the evening. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 04: Drive from Thimphu to Gangtey/Phobjikha
Drive to the glacial valley of Phobjikha via Dochula. This pass offers panoramic view of Bhutan’s Himalayan Ranges. Along the slopes you will come across the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. This quiet and remote valley is the winter home of the black necked cranes. Exploring Gangtey village and Phobjikha valley will let you know more about Bhutan’s cultural and natural heritages. This valley is also known for the unique black necked crane festival that is held every November. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 05: Drive from Gangtey to Bumthang
After an early breakfast, drive to Tongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m). The pass is more beautiful with white chorten and many fluttering prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop at Chendebji Chorten which was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of evil spirit subdued at this spot. Finally reaching towards Trongsa you can view the stunning Trongsa Dzong from a distance.
Bumthang is still 68 kms away from Trongsa which takes about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m). The road winds steeply up to the pass, then runs down through coniferous forest before entering into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley. Bumthang is famous for yathra a distinctive strip of woven woolen fabric in numerous colours and patterns mostly made using ancient dyeing techniques. The Road follows the valley down and it climbs through blue pine forests to Kiki La (2,860m). The road then descends down to the Choekor Valley, central of Bumthang. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 06: Sightseeing in and around Bumthang
The Bumthang valley comprises four valleys namely Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitudes varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. The valley homes to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. The sightseeing includes the visits to the Jakar Dzong built in 1667 and Bumthang. Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in the country founded in 7th century by the Tibetan king Songsen Gampo followed by visit to Kurje Lhakhang where the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan subdued a local demon and left the imprint of his body and to Tamshing founded in 1501 by Terton (Treasure Revealer) Pema Lingpa the incarnation of Guru Rinpoche. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhisattvas) in Bhutan. Visit a farmer’s house for refreshments and observe the traditional way of living. Take a leisurely walk in Chamkhar town. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 07: Drive to Punakha via Tronga
Leaving Bumthang, head towards Tronga where you will visit the Trongsa Dzong which was built in 1648. It is the biggest of all the fortresses in the country. Drive to Punakha via Wangdi Phodrang followed by a walk through the Wangdi market. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 08: Sightseeing in Punakha with a drive to Paro
Start the day with a drive towards north to visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 which occupies the land between the two rivers Phochu and Mochu. At Present the Dzong serve as the district administration and judiciary office as well as the winter home for Bhutan’s spiritual leader Je Khenpo and the monks of Thimphu and Punakha. You will then drive to Lobesa where you take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple. Located on a hill top, this temple is dedicated to the great Yogi known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as Divine madman of the 14th century. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. Drive to Paro. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 09: Sightseeing in and around Paro
One of the highlight days as you will hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful Pine and rhododendron forests. Stopping at the tea house for rest and refreshments and enjoying the magnificent up close views of the tiger’s nest, continue the hike for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the imposing Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900m into the valley below. History states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic master who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger and meditated here for three months. It’s obviously one of the most sacred and venerated cultural heritage sites in Bhutan. People from all over the Himalayan Diaspora frequent this place on the pilgrimage trip to Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 10: Departure day
A marvelous trip comes to an end. Transfer to airport for your flight to onward destination.
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