Bhutan Cultural Tour (5 Nights/6 days Package).
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…
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 Highlights
- Visit some of Punakha Dzong’s most significant historical sites and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
- Explore the breathtaking Haa Valley countryside.
- Visit Bhutan Museum of Handicrafts.
- Experience and celebrate some of Bhutan’s popular festivals such as Paro Tshechu, Thimphu Tshechu and Punakha Tsechu.
- Visit Aberula Pass & enjoy the stunning Himalayan Bhutan panoramic view.
- Excursion through Punakha & Wangdue Valley.
Itinerary
Travel with Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, from the Kathmandu International Airport to Paro. Our representative will be pleased to welcome you to Paro airport. Travel from Paro to Thimphu which is Bhutan’s capital and Bhutan’s modern city has about 90,000 inhabitants. Today you’ll see the National Dog, Golden Takin, Zuleika nunnery, National Handicraft Emporium and walk to the city of Thimphu at night. Dinner at Thimphu and overnight stay.
Take a flight to Paro International. Bhutan only has one International Airport in Paro. The airport is located in a beautiful area surrounded by green rolling hills. Enjoy the view of the verdant mountains on the runway before the plane lands. Your guide awaits you at the terminal at the airport. Travel over to a lunch / refreshment restaurant. Finally, visit two historical landmarks in Paro-Rinpung Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang. Rinpung or Paro Dzong is an ancient 17th-century fortress built on the base of a monastery founded by Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche. The fortress is also known as the’ Heap of Jewels Fortress.’ It now houses an office of government, and a monastery. At Rinpung Dzong some portion of the Hollywood film ‘ Little Buddha’ was filmed in. Kichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest temples of Buddhism. The temple was built by the Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo and dates back to the 7th century. Kichu Lhakhang holds some of the oldest and most precious religious relics of Bhutan. Turn over to your hotel after your sightseeing tour.
Get started early, and travel to Thimphu. A short drive from Paro takes you down to the capital city. As soon as you reach the city, your sightseeing tour begins. Visit the Chorten Memorial (built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorje Wangchuk), and the Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery, a Buddhist nunnery. Head later to Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient Buddhist temple which dates back to the 12th century. The temple is set on top of a hill overlooking the town. Newborn parents come here to have their babies blessed and named by the monks residing in the temple. See also Simtokha Dzong, the oldest remaining traditional palace and fortification designed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in Bhutan. Amble through the vibrant Bazaar crafts and souvenir shop. Bhutanese textiles can be purchased; bamboo, traditional paper and wood pieces, traditional Bhutanese jewelry, tankha, etc.
Your visit to Thimphu is incomplete in this Bhutan Culture tour package from Kathmandu, without a trip to Tashichho Dzong. Step into this imposing building and witness the palace’s royal splendour. The dzong houses the secretariat to the government and the space to the king’s throne. Wind up your sightseeing tour with a short drive to the vantage point of the hilltop where a large Buddha statue watches over the valley. The 51-meter-high statue known as Buddha Dordenma is installed on the remains of an old Changri Kuensel Phodrang palace. You’ll be drive to your hotel after the sightseeing tour.
Start early and drive to Gangtey Valley, the endangered Black-Necked Cranes nesting site. Your drive will take you past the picturesque Dochula Pass, from where you can enjoy a 360-degree Himalayan peak panorama. The pass is adorned with chortens or Buddhist memorials dedicated to the Bhutanese army-men who in the line of duty lost their lives. Drive downhill to the sleepy town of Wangduephodrang, lined with terraced farms and a few homes. Phobjikha is a valley with glaciers situated in central Bhutan. Through Tibet each winter hordes of black-necked cranes migrate into that valley. Such birds are sacred to those Bhutanese who consider them the symbol of longevity and also the main part of Bhutan Cultural tour which is must to feel. The first of these birds entered Bhutan during their annual migration circle the Gangtey Monastery three times before heading to the marshlands, according to local legend. Upon returning to your hotel in Gangtey, freshen up and take some rest. Afternoon, go for a walk down the village. Go back to your hotel afterwards for a well-deserved rest.
Wake up early and head to the Monastery at Gangtey. The monastery is located atop a hill, built in traditional Bhutanese architecture style. The stunning monastery is a joy to a photographer. Splendid design of the artful façade, ornamental balconies, and multi-tiered roofing. The monastery lies surrounded by a traditional village where Gomchens, the monastery’s caretakers, stay. Each winter the courtyard of the monastery becomes the location for the Black-Necked Crane Festival. Annually the festival is held to mark the arrival of Tibet’s black-necked cranes. Constructed in the 17th century, the monastery is Bhutan’s largest Nyingmapa monastery. Visit the shrine inside, and speak with the little monks. Take a few hours’ drive to Punakha afterwards. The drive takes you past verdant birch and pine trees, and wild rivers that flow down past the green hills. The Bhutan Tour route also involves a visit to one of the’ Divine Madman’s’ most holy temples. Head to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a Buddhist saint of the 14th century known for her fertility blessing women. As Drukpa Kuenley is considered as Bhutan’s patron saint this is one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage sites.
Before driving towards Paro, visit the famous Punakha Dzong. The traditional fortification lies at the confluence of rivers Po (Father) Chhu and Mo (Mother) Chhu. To enter the dzong the wooden cantilever bridge has to be crossed. The fortress contains offices of government, sacred Buddhist relics, and temples. During the winter months Punakha Dzong acts as the winter capital and the religious head of the country and his assistants stay at the dzong. Take a scenic drive to Paro, after the sightseeing tour. Once in Paro you are guided to a local farm. Meet and communicate with your host Family. You’re going to enjoy a local’ home-stay’ tonight.
Your amazing journey in Bhutan finishes today. Bid farewell to this beautiful country, and to the people you have friends with. To catch your flight, you will be driven to the international airport in time. It’ll be time to say goodbye to the guide and porter after breakfast, and take a flight back to Kathmandu
What's Included
- All Meals [Breakfast /Lunch/Dinner]
- Accommodation [Twin Sharing]
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Royalty & Govt. Taxes.
- Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments.
- Visa Fee.
- English speaking Local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
What's Excluded
- Druk Air fares.
- Insurance Premiums
- Payments for services provided on a personal basis
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”
- The cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, and political unrest.
- Personal expenses in items such as laundry, soft drinks, and Camera Charges.
- Incidentals, Portage, Bellboy charges tips or any other services
Trip Information
- Best Price Guarantee
- Hassle-Free Booking
- No Booking or Credit Card Fees