Duration

11 Days 10 Nights

Country

Bhutan

Maximum Traveller

Min Pax

Attributes

Height

3988 meters

Weather

Cold to Moderately

Temperature

11 Days Rhododendron and Cultural Tour

Bumthang, Paro, Punakha, Thimphu Rhododrendon Tour

Bhutan is home to 46 species of Rhododendron 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 - Arrive at Paro international airport
Day 1: Arrive at Paro international airport
Drive for approximately 1.5 hours to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. Birding or relaxing depending on your flight schedule. Thimphu is situated at an elevation of 2,200 meters.
Day 2 - Paro to Bumthang
Day 2: Paro to Bumthang
Fly to Bumthang from Paro International Airport to Bathpalathang Domestic Airport, 45 minutes flight.

Visit: Kujee Lhakhang, the oldest and most sacred temple in Bhutan, where you can still see the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche in the main temple. Guru Rinpoche, also known as Guru Padmasambhava, he introduces Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. This site attracts both pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual blessings.

Visit: Jambay Lhakhang, located in central Bhutan, it is the oldest temple in the country. King Songtsen Gampo built 108 temples in the 7th century to subdue powerful demoness. In Bhutan, there are two temples built by the king: Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang and Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, 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.
Day 3 - Bumthang to Prumshingla Pass
Day 3: Bumthang to Prumshingla Pass
Drive for approximately 6-7 hours, enjoy the serene landscape of Rhododendrons inside Prumshengla National Park. Drive back to Bumthang for an overnight stay. Overnight stay in Bumthang.
Day 4 - Bumthang to Phobjikha
Day 4: Bumthang to Phobjikha
Drive 4-5 hours to Phobjikha for a cultural site visit along the way.

Visit: Trongsa Museum, popularly known as Ta-Dzong. Built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the first governor of Trongsa, it originally served as a historical watchtower to guard the Trongsa Dzong. Ta-Dzong was converted into a museum in 2008. It is situated on hill overlooking Trongsa Dzong and town.

Visit: Trongsa Dzong, a fortress-monastery built in 1644 by Chogyel Minjur Tempa under the guidance of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. The dzong is impressively situated in central Bhutan and serves as a residence for monk bodies and a district administrative center. Overnight stay in Phobjikha.
Day 5 - Phobjikha Sightseeing
Day 5: Phobjikha Sightseeing
Visit: Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangtey Gonpa or Gangtey Sangngak Choling, offers a glimpse into Bhutan's rich cultural and religious heritage. The monastery founded in the 17th century by Gyalse Pema Thinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa, the monastery belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Gangtey Tshechu, a religious festival held in autumn.

Hike: Short hike from Gangtey to Phobjikha Valley, 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, then drive to Trongsa. Overnight stay in Trongsa.

Overnight stay in a homestay in Phobjikha to experience Bhutanese culture.
Day 6 - Phobjikha to Punakha
Day 6: Phobjikha to Punakha
Drive 2.5 hours to Punakha

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 district administrative center. The annual Punakha Tshechu, held in its courtyard. Festival attracts both locals and tourists. The dzong is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River)
Day 7 - Punakha to Thimphu.
Day 7: Punakha to Thimphu.
Approximately 2 hrs drive. Visit Rhododendron Garden and festival at Lamperi Botanical Park if the tour coincides with the festival. Hike to Lhungchotse from Dochula Pass (2.5 hrs uphill, hiking through a century-old Rhododendron Forest). Elevation: approximately 3,600m above sea level.
Day 8 - Thimphu Sightseeing.
Day 8: Thimphu Sightseeing.
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: 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: Takins preserve, is a national animal, unique mammal with a goat-like appearance and is revered in Bhutanese culture and folklore.

Visit: Handmade paper factory, established to preserve the ancient’s Bhutanese tradition of paper making.

Visit: Tashichho Dzong, Trashichho Dzong houses the throne room of the King of Bhutan and serves as the summer residence of central monastic body and administrative center.
Day 9 - Thimphu to Paro
Day 9: Thimphu to Paro
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. King Songtsen Gampo built 108 temples in the 7th century to subdue powerful demoness. In Bhutan, there are two temples built by the king Songtsen Gampo, Jambay Lhakhang in central Bhutan, Bumthang and Kyichu Lhakhang in western Bhutan, Paro. 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.

Explore: Paro town and its traditional architecture and shopping. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 10 - Paro to Tiger’s nest
Day 10: Paro to Tiger’s nest
Hike: 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 3,150 meters. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 11 - Depart from Paro international airport.
Day 11: Depart from Paro international airport.
You may have some free time in Paro for last-minute shopping or birdwatching around Paro Valley, depending on your flight schedule.

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Attributes

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 - Arrive at Paro international airport

Day 1: Arrive at Paro international airport

Day 2 - Paro to Bumthang

Day 2: Paro to Bumthang

Day 3 - Bumthang to Prumshingla Pass

Day 3: Bumthang to Prumshingla Pass

Day 4 - Bumthang to Phobjikha

Day 4: Bumthang to Phobjikha

Day 5 - Phobjikha Sightseeing

Day 5: Phobjikha Sightseeing

Day 6 - Phobjikha to Punakha

Day 6: Phobjikha to Punakha

Day 7 - Punakha to Thimphu.

Day 7: Punakha to Thimphu.

Day 8 - Thimphu Sightseeing.

Day 8: Thimphu Sightseeing.

Day 9 - Thimphu to Paro

Day 9: Thimphu to Paro

Day 10 - Paro to Tiger’s nest

Day 10: Paro to Tiger’s nest

Day 11 - Depart from Paro international airport.

Day 11: Depart from Paro international airport.

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