Duration

8 Days 7 Nights

Country

Bhutan

Maximum Traveller

Min Pax

Attributes

Height

3,150 meters

Weather

cold to moderate

Temperature

8 Days Rhododendron and Cultural Tour

Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang Rhododrendon Tour

Bhutan is home to 46 species of Rhododendrons and stands as a haven for Rhododendron enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The spectacle begins as early as late December, when early-blooming species like Rhododendron arboreum and Rhododendron grande start to flower in the lower valleys. As the days grow warmer and spring arrives, April and May emerge as the peak flowering months. During this time, the Bhutanese countryside is transformed into a breathtaking tapestry of colors, with hillsides and forests bursting into bloom with a vibrant array of rhododendrons, primulas, magnolias, and other wildflowers. This floral display not only enhances the natural beauty of the landscape but also attracts nature lovers, photographers, and botanists from around the world.

The Annual Rhododendron Festival is a vibrant celebration hosted by local communities from April 22nd to 24th, inviting both international tourists and locals to enjoy the festival and the beauty of nature at Lamperi Botanical Park.

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Day 1 - Arrival at Paro international airport
Day 1: Arrival at Paro international airport
Elevation of 2,200 meters.
Drive for 1.5 hours to Thimphu. Birding or relaxing depending on your flight schedule. Thimphu is situated at an elevation of 2,200 meters.
Day 2 - Thimphu sightseen
Day 2: Thimphu sightseen
Visit: Takins preserve, takin is a national animal, unique mammal with a goat-like appearance and is revered in Bhutanese culture and folklore.

Visit: National Memorial Chorten, is a prominent religious structure and it was built in 1974 in memory of the late third king of Bhutan

Explore: Buddha Dordenma, a massive golden Buddha statue 51.5 meters tall, it is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Situated on a hill overlooking Thimphu city.

Visit: Visit the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, known as Zorig Chusum, which have been practiced for centuries and are highly valued for Bhutanese cultural significance

Visit: Folk Heritage Museum to learn about Bhutanese culture. The Fork Heritage Museum was established to preserve and showcase the history of the local community.

Explore: Weekend market (if your visit coincides with the weekend) and shopping in town. Overnight stay in Thimphu
Day 3 - Thimphu to Punakha
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
Drive for 2 hours to Punakha via Dochula Pass at the levation of 3,150 meters. The scenic beauty of Dochula Pass and stunning view of cluster stupas and Himalayan snowcapped mountains on clear day. Hike to Lhungchotse 3,600 meters from Dochula Pass, which takes 4 hours, through a century-old Rhododendron Forest.

Visit: Rhododendron Garden, and the festival at Lamperi Botanical Park if the tour coincides with the festival. Overnight stay in Punakha. 1,200m
Day 4 - Punakha to Phobjikha
Day 4: Punakha to Phobjikha.
Visit: Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), was founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. It serves as the winter residence for the central monastic body and houses the district administrative offices. The annual Punakha Tshechu, held in its courtyard, festival that attracts both locals and tourists. The dzong is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) at elevation of 1,200 meters.

Visit: Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, situated on a hilltop in Punakha. This monastery is well-known as a fertility temple, where couples come to seek blessings for fertility and chilbirth. The monastery was founded in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel to honor the teachings of Drukpa Kunley, who is also known as the Divine Madman. Drive for 2.5 hours to Phobjikha for overnight stay. An elevation of 2,600 meters.

Visit: Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangtey Gonpa, offers a glimpse into Bhutan's rich cultural and religious heritage. The monastery was founded in the 17th century by Gyalse Pema Thinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa, the monastery belongs to the Nyingma lineage. The Gangtey Tshechu, a religious festival that typically takes place in autumn, showcasing vibrant masked dances and religious rituals.

Hike: Short hike from Gangtey to Phobjikha valley the largest marshland in the country which takes around 1.5 hours. This valley is also the winter home for over 600 vulnerable, Black-necked Cranes. The Black-necked Crane Festival is held on 12 November, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the Great Fourth King of Bhutan. Local communities organize this festival to welcome the heavenly birds to their wintering grounds.

Visit: Black-necked Crane information center. Overnight stay in homestay in Phobjikha to experience Bhutanese culture.
Day 5 - Phobjikha to Paro
Day 5: Phobjikha to Paro
Drive 5 hours to Paro. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 6 - Paro sightseeing
Day 6: Paro sightseeing
Visit: National Museum, also known as the Ta-dzong (Watchtower). It is a prominent cultural institution that showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of Bhutan. The museum displays a wide array of artifacts, artworks, textiles and household items that highlight Bhutanese history, religion, and culture.

Visit: Kyichu Lhakhang located in the Paro valley, it is the oldest temple in the country. Temple was built 108 temples in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo to subdue powerful demoness. In Bhutan, there are two temples built by him, Jambay Lhakhang situated in central Bhutan, Bumthang and Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro in western Bhutan. Both Jambay Lhakhang and Kyichu Lhakhang are not only revered as sacred sites but also serve as significant cultural and historical landmarks in Bhutan, attracting visitors from around the world.

Optional:

Visit: Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress originally built in 1649 by Tenzin Drugdra, under the guidance of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and remained in ruins until it was rebuilt in 2016.

Visit: Paro Rimpong Dzong, Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, is a historic fortress-monastery built in 1646 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. It was constructed by Tenzin Drukdra, who served as the Paro Penlop (District Governor). Today, it serves as the residence for the monastic body and the administrative center of the Paro district. Overnight stay Paro.
Day 7 - Paro sightseeing.
Day 7: Paro sightseeing.
Hike: For approximately 3 hours uphill to Tiger’s Nest. Tiger’s Nest is one of Bhutan’s iconic landmarks, perched on a cliff. The cave was discovered by Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who flew from Tibet riding on a tigress, believed to be his consort appearing in the form of a tigress. Guru Rinpoche meditated in the cave for three years. The temples were built in the 17th century by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. An elevation of 3000m)

Explore: Paro town and its traditional architecture and shopping. Overnight Stay in Paro
Day 8 - Departure from Paro international airport
Day 8: Departure from Paro international airport
You may have some free time in Paro for last-minute sightseeing or shopping depending on your flight schedule.

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Attributes

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 - Arrival at Paro international airport

Day 1: Arrival at Paro international airport

Day 2 - Thimphu sightseen

Day 2: Thimphu sightseen

Day 3 - Thimphu to Punakha

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha

Day 4 - Punakha to Phobjikha

Day 4: Punakha to Phobjikha.

Day 5 - Phobjikha to Paro

Day 5: Phobjikha to Paro

Day 6 - Paro sightseeing

Day 6: Paro sightseeing

Day 7 - Paro sightseeing.

Day 7: Paro sightseeing.

Day 8 - Departure from Paro international airport

Day 8: Departure from Paro international airport

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