Magical Bhutan Cultural Tour

Paro – Thimphu

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. After clearing customs and immigration, you will be greeted by your Bhutanese hosts. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatize to the altitude. Drive to Thimphu, check in to the hotel and let's have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine.

• General Post Office – Get personalized stamps with your photo for 500 Ngultrum. Imagine the pleasant surprise of your family and friends when you send them a postcard with your face on the stamp!
• Simply Bhutan – A 'live' Museum where tourists can experience traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, including a mud-rammed house of the medieval period and preserved ancient household items.

Thimphu

A full day exploring Bhutan's capital city, where tradition seamlessly meets modernity.

• National Memorial Chorten – Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation. Consecrated in 1974 in memory of the Third King, this 'Seat of Faith' is adorned with fantastic Buddhist paintings and sculptures.
• Buddha Point – The 169-foot bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world with panoramic views of Thimphu.
• Tashichhodzong (Thimphu Dzong) – The 'fortress of the glorious religion' built in 1641, houses ministries, His Majesty's secretariat, and the central monk body.
• Centenary Farmers' Market – On weekends, villagers from across the valley sell agricultural products, handicrafts and local produce along the riverbanks.
• Takin Enclosure – Visit the home of Bhutan's unusual national animal, the Takin.
• Sangaygang (BBS Tower) – Drive to this hillock for beautiful panoramic views of Thimphu city.
• Handmade Paper Factory – Observe the ancient art of Deh-sho papermaking, a tradition since 1990 that exports to the US, Europe, Japan, India, and Nepal.
• Around Thimphu Town – Shop and stroll through Thimphu's markets and streets.

Thimphu to Punakha

Set off early from Thimphu, crossing the breathtaking Dochula Pass at 3,050m with its 108 stupas, then wind down into the warm fertile Punakha valley — the ancient capital of Bhutan.

• Dochula Pass – At 3,050m, this beautiful pass with 108 Bhutanese stupas was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother to commemorate victory and liberate souls of lives lost.
• Chhimi Lhakhang – Visit the temple of the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kinley, renowned for its fertility blessings. Japanese and American couples have been miraculously blessed with children after visiting.
• Punakha Dzong – Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This is where the first King was enthroned in 1907. Witness the highest standards in Bhutanese woodwork.
• Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge – Cross the 160-metre suspension bridge, the longest in Bhutan, for spectacular views of the Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.

Punakha to Gangtey

Ascend to the glacial Phobjikha Valley, the famous winter home of the endangered Black-necked Cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau from November to March.

• Gangtey Goempa – The largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan, founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay. An architectural marvel perched above the valley.
• Nature Hike along Phobjikha Valley – The 90-minute 'Gangte Nature Trail' from the Mani stone wall to Khewa Lhakhang, offering stunning valley views.
• Black-Necked Crane Information Centre – Learn about the cranes through informative displays, use powerful spotting scopes, and browse the library and handicraft shop.

Punakha to Paro

Travel to the beautiful Paro Valley, home to many of Bhutan's oldest monasteries and temples, and the country's only international airport.

• Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) – Explore the 'fortress of a heap of jewels', built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Cross the traditional cantilever bridge (Nemi Zam) over the Pa Chu for a perfect photograph.
• National Museum (Ta Dzong) – Originally a watchtower, inaugurated as Bhutan's first National Museum in 1968. Features art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts.

Paro – Tiger's Nest Excursion

The crown jewel of any Bhutan journey. Clinging to a granite cliff 800 metres above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is the most iconic landmark in the Kingdom.

• Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) – 6 hours total. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress and meditated in one of the caves, performing meditation in eight manifestations. A challenging but deeply rewarding pilgrimage.
• Kyichu Lhakhang – One of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. A reservoir of peace where you will truly feel at peace.

Departure

Today we bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country. We hope you have made some friends and kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan. We look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless enchantments! Tashi Delek!