7 Days 6 Nights
Bhutan
Attributes
3100 Feet
Moderate to Warm
7 Days Cultural Tour
The 7-Day Cultural Tour in Bhutan begins with your arrival at Paro International Airport, followed by a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital. Over the next few days, you will explore significant cultural sites such as the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma, and Tashichho Dzong. Optional hiking opportunities include the Phajoding-Pumola trek and visits to local monasteries. Day three focuses on Thimphu’s traditional arts and crafts, alongside the Folk Heritage Museum and Simtokha Dzong. The tour continues with a drive to Punakha, where you can visit the famous Punakha Dzong and the fertility temple, Chimi Lhakhang, while enjoying breathtaking views from Dochula Pass.
On day five, travel back to Paro to visit the National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. The highlight of the tour is a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff at 3,150 meters. The final day allows for some last-minute exploration or shopping in Paro before departure. This itinerary offers a rich blend of cultural immersion, stunning landscapes, and spiritual experiences, making it a comprehensive introduction to Bhutan’s unique heritage and natural beauty.
Itinerary
Itinerary Expand All
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 Exploration
Day 2: Thimphu Exploration
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: Takins preserve, Takin 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:
Hiking: 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 typically takes around 7-8 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level.
Hiking: Day hike 2.5 hours from Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) to Changangkha along the biking trail offers a scenic and enjoyable view of Thimphu city.
Hiking: Day hike to Chari and Tango Monastery, which is about 45 minutes hike from road head, The monasteries are situated at an elevation of about 2,600m.
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 Medicin. Traditional medicine plays a significant role in healthcare and preserve the cultural heritage.Day 3 - Thimphu sightseen
Day 3: Thimphu sightseen
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 is established to preserve and showcase the history of the local community.
Visit: Simtokha Dzong. 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 the weekend market and shopping in town. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day 4 - Thimphu to Punakha
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha
Drive 2.5 hours to Punakha via the scenic beauty of Dochula Pass (Dochula situated at an elevation of 3,150m.) offers stunning view of clusters of 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, who is also known as the Divine Madman
Visit: Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Built by Zadruga Ngawang Namgyel in 1637-1638, it is one of Bhutan's most beautiful and historically significant fortresses. The dzong serves as the winter residence for the Central Monk Body and houses the district administration. The annual Punakha Tshechu, held in its courtyard, is a festival that attracts both locals and tourists. Overnight stay in Punakha, an elevation of 1,200m
Optional places to visit and hiking:
Hiking: 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: Wolakha nunnery center situated on the hilltop and the overlooking the Wangdue Phodrang and Punakha Valley.
Visit: An hour drive to Talo Sanga Choling Monastery, situated an hour's drive from Punakha, 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 traditional masked dances.
Day 5 - Punakha to Paro
Day 5: Punakha 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 Sontsen 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
Optional:
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.
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 in Paro.
Day 6 - Paro to Tiger’s nest
Day 6: Paro to Tiger’s nest
Hiking: Day hike for approximately 2.5 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 complex of temples were built in the 17th century by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. An elevation of 3,150 meters.
Explore: Paro town and its traditional architecture and shopping. Overnight Stay in Paro
Day 7 - Depart from Paro international airport
Day 7: 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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