8 Day Cultural Tour

Embark on an enchanting 8 day cultural sightseeing tour, immersing yourself in the captivating wonders of this mystical land. From the picturesque town of Paro to the vibrant capital of Thimphu and the serene beauty of Punakha, experience the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan. Marvel at the majestic Buddha Dordenma statue, visit ancient temples and monasteries, stroll through bustling markets, and embark on unforgettable short hikes, including the iconic Taktsang Monastery. With warm hospitality and unforgettable experiences, let Bhutan weave its magic during this 8 day journey.

Itinerary

Treasures of Bhutan

7 Nights / 8 Days 

Day 1: Airport to Thimphu( 1.5hrs drive)

After landing to Paro international airport meet with our local representative that’s your tour guide and driver and they will transfer you to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. Check in the designated hotel and prepare for the sightseeing to following places if the time permits you as official sightseeing timing is from 9am to 5 pm except Tashi choedzong the capital fortress that’s after office hours (5pm onwards).

  • Buddha point – the largest statue of lord buddha
  • Memorial chorten – the stupa built in the memory of 3 rd king of Bhutan who was referred as father of modern Bhutan.
  • Thimphu city- acclimatize yourself walking in the main city and don’t miss out to see the police man diverting the traffic in the replacement of traffic light as Thimphu city is without traffic light.

Overnight stay in Thimphu. 

Day 2: Thimphu  – Thimphu (Local Sightseeing in Thimphu)

After breakfast at hotel move on for day long sightseeing within capital to following places

  • Simtokha Dzong- Dzong means fortress in Bhutanese language which serve the purpose of administration and religious matter in every district of Bhutan and simtokha is the first fortress built by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel the first unifier of Bhutan
  • Textile museum- This is the academic and exhibition institution which showcase and preserve the textile diversity originated in Bhutan
  • Handmade paper factory- the place where practice of indigenous paper called desho is manufactured from the bark of alpine daphine tree.
  • Kaja throm – the market built under the command of 5 th king to promote local products like vegetables, handicraft products, agricultural products and food stalls. Interacts with local vendors and experience the market life in Bhutan
  • Takin preserve center- mini zoo that is established to preserve the Takin the national animal of Bhutan which is seen only in few parts of world.
  • Changlimithang- visit this place to witness the national game of Bhutan that’s Archery. The players shoot with Bow and arrow made from bamboo with the target range of 140 meter away, the shooting of compound bow and arrow is also practical now with the introduction of new innovation
  • Tashichoedzong- the office of secretariat of the king and summer residence of central monastic body. Its open to tourist only after 5pm, so please coordinate timing with your tour guide accordingly

Overnight stay at Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu  – Punakha (Local Sightseeing in Thimphu)

After breakfast check out from hotel and proceed journey to Punakha the old capital city and winter residence of central monastic body. The drive is approximately for an 2hrs via Dochula pass (3000mtrs).

After reaching to Punakha visit the following places 

  • Chimmi Lhakhang – the fertility temple blessed by great master known as devine mad-man
  • Punakha Dzong – built in seventeenth century by Zhabdrung and it initially served as first capital of Bhutan

Overnight stay at Punakha

Day 4: Punakha – Phobjikha

After checking out from hotel in punakha make a journey to Phobjikha valley which is approximately 3hrs drive through alpine mountain pass and pasture land for the yaks and other domestic animal. Phobjikha is alpine valley with great marshy plain landscape which is very suitable habitat for Tibetan migratory bird known as Blacked necked crane during winter seasons. After reaching to the phobjikha visit following places

  • Gangtey monastery – biggest monastery of Nyingmapa tradition in western Bhutan
  • Nature trail hike- the hike will take around 1.5hrs through blue pine forest and one can spot dancing of crane birds during winter season and it is considered to be one of the best and moderate hikes in the country. (alleviation 3000mtrs above sea level).
  • Leisure time at hotel or exploring the villages/ hot stone bath experience in local farm house

Overnight stay at Phobjikha.

Day 5: Phobjikha – Phobjikha

Plan A* Today you are going to explore whole of phobjikha valley which includes following places

  • Crane information center – detailed information and documentaries movie about importance of crane
  • Khewa Lhakhang- one of the oldest temples in the valley
  • Shechen nunnery – buddhist institute where women are living acetic life
  • Phobji gewog valley – drive to the extreme corner of valley and explore the rural parts of village like interacting with local and visiting their farms

B* If you are really interest in hiking you can choose the plan mentioned below

  • Hike to Longtoed valley- This route was mainly used by nomadic people from the phobjikha and Longtoed for the exchange of goods and communication during ancient times, passing through the alpine forests consisting of rhododendron, hemlock forest the hike will take around 4 hrs approximately gaining the altitude of 800mtrs heading to Kumbula pass in first phase. In the second phase you are going to decend to Longtoed valley passing in the middle of pasture of mountain animal the yaks.

Drive back to phobjikha visit places mentioned in option A if time permits you.

Over nights stay at Phobjikha

Day 6: Phobjikha – Paro (Approx 5 hrs drive)

Today you are going to return back to Paro with driving from Phobjikha passing through the valley of wangdue, Punakha and via Dochula pass. After reaching to Paro visit following places.

  • National museum- initially in seventeenth century this structure was built as watch tower for Paro fortress to protect against Tibetan invasion but later during the time of third king it was turned to National museum in order to protect and preserve the artifacts of Bhutan.
  • Rimpung Dzong- the administrative and religious center of Paro valley
  • Kyichu Lhakhang- the oldest temple in the country built in 7 th century
  • Paro – local markets and it’s also best for shopping of souvenirs from Bhutan

Overnight stay at Paro

Day 7: Paro – Taktsang (approx 6hrs hike round trip )

Dedicate your whole day to make hiking excursion to the most iconic place in Bhutan that’s to tiger’s nest. Tiger’s nest monastery is a stunning cliffside monastery perched at 3120m in Paro valley. Built in the 1692, it is renowned for its dramatic location on a vertical granite cliff and its sacred significance associated with Guru Padmasambhava in eighth century.

The picture and commentaries you have read will not do the justices rather gather all your motivations and make present their, so that you will have just wow feeling. Leisure time after hiking and try traditional hot stone bath in the local Farm stays.

Overnight stay at Paro

 

Day 8: Paro – Airport see off 

Finally, your tour is coming to an end so our team will ensure the necessary services for the airport drop and see off you.Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey, we hope you enjoyed the experience and look forward to welcoming you on future adventures.