12 Days Cultural Tour

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.

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.

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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: Day hike to Phajoding-Pumola from Thimphu offers a rewarding experience with stunning natural beauty. Phajoding is a sacred site located above Thimphu Valley, and its monasteries were built in the 17th century. The loop hike usually around takes around 7-8 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level.

Hike: 2.5 hours from Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) to Changangkha along the biking trail offers a scenic and enjoyable view of Thimphu city.

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.

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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.

Visit: Fork heritage museum to learn about Bhutanese cultural. The Fork Heritage Museum was established to preserve and showcase the history of the local community. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

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

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 shopping in Thimphu town. Overnight stay in Thimphu

Drive to Punakha via the scenic beauty of Dochula Pass, situated at an elevation of 3,150 meters, offers stunning view of clusters of Stupas and Himalayan snowcapped mountains on a clear day.

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 4 hours.

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.

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Visit: Wolakha nunnery center situated on the hilltop and the overlooking the Wangdue Phodrang and Punakha Valley.

Visit: Talo Sanga Choling Monastery, which is an hour drive from Punakha. It is a significant religious site that hosts annual festivals known as Tsechus depending on Bhutanese lunar calendar. These vibrant events bring together locals and international visitors to witness religious festival.

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Hike: Day hike to Kabji Hoka Tsho (Lake) perfect spot for nature lovers. The lake surrounded by pristine cloud forest.

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). Then drive 2.5 hours to Phobjikha.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

Explore: Swiss Farm area in Batpalathang, Bumthang, known for its cheese and beer production. Swiss people introduced dairy farming traditions and brewery culture to Bumthang.

Fly to Paro International Airport from Bumthang and explore Paro town or enjoy sightseeing if the flight arrives early.

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.

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Visit: Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress originally 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 until it was rebuilt in 2016.

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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.

Explore: Paro town and its traditional architecture and shopping. Overnight stay in Paro.

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.

You may have some free time in Paro for last-minute sightseeing or shopping depending on your flight schedule.