12 Days
11 Nights
Cultural Tour
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01. Arrive Paro fromBangkok/Delhi/Kathmandu. ( Thimphu, 2hours drive)
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalaya Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon you can visit the following places:
— Paro Rinpong Dzong (fort)
— National Museum (watchtower)
— Kyichu Lhakhang (oldest monastery)
In the evening you will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2. Thimphu – Thimphu.
In the morning you will drive 12km north of Thimphu and then hike to Tango monastery. Tango Monastery is the residence of the Desi Tenzin Rabgye who is the reincarnation of the 16th-century monk who built Tango monastery. The hike is about 45 minutes to the monastery. You can take pictures of the courtyard of the monastery, which is colorfully painted. Explore around the monastery. Today Tango is home to the nine-year-old reincarnate Lama Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye and the Buddhist collage. After a picnic lunch you will hike to Cheri monastery. Afterward, if you wish, you can wander through Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3. Attend the Thimphu festival, afternoon drive to Wangduephodrang (3-hour drive)
You will attend a half day of the Thimphu festival, which is performed by local people and monks. The festival’s performances recount the history of Bhutan and Guru Rinpoche. Watching a tsechu is an act of building karma in your life. Many families get together and come out with their best dress to witness the festival.
After lunch you will drive to Wangduephodrang. The drive takes you across the Dochula Pass (10,230 ft), which is marked by a large Bhutanese chorten (Buddhist monument) and prayer flags. You will stop on the pass for tea, and if the weather is clear, you will take in beautiful views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The road to Wangdue winds down from the pass, meandering through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests, giving you a glimpse of some of the most picturesque countryside in Bhutan. Overnight in Wangdue.
Day 04. Wangdue to Trongsa (5-6 hour drive)
You will begin the day by driving to Gantey. You’ll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gantey village, where you’ll visit Gantey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gantey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjika Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. From there you’ll head to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and at certain times of year it’s possible to see yaks. You can browse through the Trongsa shops and town in the afternoon. Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 05. Trongsa to Bumthang (3-hour drive)
In the morning you’ll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you’ll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. After lunch, you’ll proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. You can spend the evening strolling through Bumthang town. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 06. Bumthang – Bumthang
Petsheling Monastery, under the guidance of Petsheling Tulku, is located about three hours’ hiking distance above the Swiss Guesthouse on a steep incline. It offers fine panoramic views of the central Bumthang valley. You can also hike beyond the monastery across the ridge and feel the spirit of the mountains and monastery. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 07. Bumthang sightseeing
After breakfast you will visit the following places:
— Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley
— Udee woodcarving factory in Jakar
— Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan
— Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places
— Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake, where some of the treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa). In the evening you can explore Bumthang town. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 08. Bumthang to Wandgue (6-hour drive)
You’ll begin the day at the Bumthang market and then head to Wangduephodrang. In Wangduephodrang you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.
Day 09. Wandgue to Thimphu (3-hour drive)
In the morning you will drive to Thimphu. After lunch, you will tour the Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum, the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school), and the handicraft emporium. In the evening you can explore Thimphu town. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day. 10. Thimphu sightseeing (Paro)
* Memorial Chorten to King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
* Changgangkha Monastery
* Takin Reserve (see national animal, the takin)
* Radio Tower (view of Thimpu Valley)
* National Library
* Paper-making factory
* Simtokha Dzong (oldest fortress in Bhutan)
In the evening you will drive to Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Day 11. Paro – Paro.
After breakfast you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. Later you will visit Drugyal Dzong (victory dzong). In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse, and, if you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in Paro.
Day 12. Departure.