13 Days 12 Nights
Bhutan
Attributes
3150 meters
Moderate to Warm
25° during the day
12 Days Cultural Tour
This 12-day tour package takes you through Bhutan’s important cultural and religious sites. You will enjoy a short hike through a pristine forest filled with vibrant Rhododendrons, visit the massive Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu, and explore the historic Punakha Dzong. Discover centuries-old temples like Kurje Lhakhang and Jamba Lhakhang in Bumthang, as well as Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.
Experience Bhutan’s rich heritage and unique architecture, witness vibrant religious festivals, and meet warm and welcoming people. Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the cluster of Druk Wangyel Stupa at Dochula pass, blue skies, and crystal-clear rivers while breathing the fresh mountain air. Witness the rare Black-necked Cranes performing their courtship dance in the Phobjikha valley. Finally, hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest, where Guru Rinpoche discovered the cave in the 8th century and meditated for three years after flying in from Singye Dzong on the back of a tigress. The tigress is believed to be the consort of Guru Rinpoche, who transformed into the sacred tigress. You will have unforgettable memories of your journey in Bhutan.
Itinerary
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1 - Arrival at Paro international airport
Day 1: Arrival at Paro international airport
Drive for 1.5 hours to Thimphu, stopping at Tacho Lhakhang, 14th century-built temple by the great saint Thangthong Gyelpo, en-route. Overnight stay in Thimphu, situated at an elevation of 2,200 meters.
Day 2 - Thimphu sightseeing
Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing
Visit: National Memorial Chorten, is a prominent religious monuments and it was built in 1974 in memory of the late third king of Bhutan.
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.
Optional places to visit and day hike around Thimphu:
Hike: 54 minutes hike to Chari and Tango Monastery from the road head. The monasteries are situated at an elevation of about 2,600 meters.
Visit: Zilukha Nunnery, also known as Zilukha Anim Dratshang, home to Buddhist nuns who follow the Drukpa Kagyu tradition. It was established to provide a place for women to practice Buddhism.
Visit: National Textile Museum. The Textile Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Bhutanese textile arts and heritage.
Visit: Institute of Traditional Medicine. Traditional medicine plays a significant role in healthcare and preserving cultural heritage.
Explore: Thimphu town
Day 3 - Thimphu sightseeing
Day 3: Thimphu sightseeing
Visit: Thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, collectively 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. Overnight stay in Thimphu
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: Simtokha Dzong, founded in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan, is considered the country's first dzong (fortress-monastery). Strategically situated on a ridge overlooking the Thimphu Valley.
Explore: Weekend market and Thimphu town. Overnight stay in Thimphu
Day 4 - Thimphu to Punakha
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha
Drive to Punakha via the scenic beauty of Dochula Pass, situated at an elevation of 3,150 meters, offers stunning view of clusters of Druk Wangyel Stupas and Himalayan snowcapped mountains on a clear day.
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, also popularly known as the Divine Madman. Overnight stay in Punakha. An elevation is approximately 1,200 meters.
Visit: Wolakha nunnery center situated on the hilltop and the overlooking the Wangdue Phodrang and Punakha Valley.
Optional
Visit: Talo Sanga Choling Monastery, which is an hour drive from Punakha. It is a significant religious site that hosts annual festivals known as Talo Tsechus depending on Bhutanese lunar calendar. These vibrant events bring together locals and international visitors to witness religious festival.
Day 5 - Punakha to Phobjikha
Day 5: 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 district administrative center. The annual Punakha Tshechu, held in its courtyard. Festival attracts both locals and international tourists. The dzong is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River). Then drive 2.5 hours to Phobjikha.
Optional:
Visit: Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, it was built in 1638 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. The dzong was tragically destroyed by fire in 2012, but reconstruction was completed in 2023. It is the third oldest dzong in Bhutan. Drive for 2.5 hours to Phobjikha for an overnight stay. An elevation approximately 2,600 meters.
Day 6 - Phobjikha to Trongsa
Day 6: Phobjikha to Trongsa
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 the Monastery.
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 November 11 to celebrate the arrival of the heavenly bird, Black-necked Cranes and to honor the birth anniversary of the Great Fourth King of Bhutan. Local communities organize this festival to welcome the birds to their wintering ground.
Visit: Black-necked Crane Information Center, then drive to Trongsa. Overnight stay in Trongsa.
Day 7 - Trongsa to Bumthang
Day 7: Trongsa to Bumthang
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.
Optional:
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.
Day 8 - Bumthang sightseeing
Day 8: Bumthang sightseeing
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, introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.
Visit Jamba Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country, built by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to subdue a powerful demoness. Jamba Lhakhang is not only revered as a sacred site but also serves as a significant cultural and historical landmark in Bhutan.
Explore the Swiss Farm area in Batpalathang, known for its cheese and beer production. The Swiss introduced dairy farming traditions and brewery culture to Bumthang.
Day 9 - Bumthang to Punakha
Day 9: Bumthang to Thimphu
The drive from Bumthang to Punakha takes approximately 6 hours, covering a distance of around 212 km. This journey offers breathtaking views of Bhutan’s diverse landscapes, passing through valleys, mountains.
Day 10 Punakha to Paro
Day 10: Punakha to Paro
Drive approximately 3 hours to Paro. Hike to Lhungchutse Monastery from Dochula Pass. The hike to Lhungchutse Monastery is one of the most enjoyable and memorable hikes through the century old Rhododendron Forest, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains on a clear day from the monastery. The hike takes around 2.5 hours uphill.
Day 11 - Paro Sightseeing
Day 11: 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 hearth of Paro valley, it is the oldest temple in the country, built by King Songtsen Gampo in 7th century to subdue powerful demoness.
Visit: Paro Rimpong 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 the Paro Penlop (District Governor). Today, it serves as the administrative center of the Paro district and residence for the monastic body.
Explore: Paro town and its traditional architecture and shopping. Overnight stay in Paro.
Optional:
Visit: Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress built in 1649 by Tenzin Drugdra under the orders of Zhamdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 and remained in ruins for many years. In 2016, restoration work began to restore the dzong to its former glory, using traditional architectural methods.
Day 12 Paro to Tiger's Nest
Day 12: Paro to Tiger's Nest
Hike: Approximately 3 hours uphill to Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, perched on a cliff, an elevation of 3,150m. The cave was discovered by Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have flown from Singye Dzong on the back of a tigress—his consort appearing in tigress form. Guru Rinpoche meditated in the cave for three years. The temples were built in the 17th century by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 13 - Departure from Paro international airport
Day 12: Departure from Paro international airport
Depart 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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