Cultural Tour Of Bhutan

On arrival at Paro Airport, meet our representative and be transferred to Thimphu (7,710 ft), the capital city of Bhutan. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to relax at the hotel or take a leisurely walk around Thimphu City.
Overnight stay at Thimphu.

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour. Visit Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma), which offers an excellent view of the Thimphu valley and houses the largest Buddha statue in the country, containing over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues. Continue to the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, and the Folk Heritage Museum.
In the afternoon, visit Sangaygang View Point for a panoramic view of Thimphu, then stop at the Takin Preserve Centre to see Bhutan’s national animal. Next, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a popular temple where parents seek blessings for their newborns. Its interiors are filled with murals depicting various stories.
In the evening, explore Tashichho Dzong, initially built in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. It houses the seat of the national government and the central monastic body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).
Overnight stay at Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha/Wangdue (4,298 ft). En route, stop at Dochu-La Pass (10,334 ft), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha, which offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is home to 108 chortens (Druk Wangyel Chortens) adorned with colorful prayer flags.
Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Formerly the seat of government, the Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo. Continue with a short and easy hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Temple of Fertility,” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Madman.”
Overnight stay at Punakha/Wangdue.

Option 1: Gangtey Excursion
After breakfast, start a full-day excursion to Gangtey Valley (9,842 ft). Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes, local villages, and scenic stops. Visit Gangtey Goemba, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, established in the 17th century. Explore the stunning Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley and winter roosting ground for the rare Black-necked Cranes from Tibet. Optionally, enjoy a hike around the valley. Return to Punakha by evening.

Option 2: Punakha Local Exploration
After breakfast, hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a 45-minute easy uphill walk offering breathtaking views of Punakha Valley. Then visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan. Later, visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a serene temple and nunnery perched on a ridge overlooking Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys.
Overnight stay at Punakha/Wangdue.

After breakfast, drive to Paro (7,483 ft.). On the way, stop at Lamperi to visit the Royal Botanical Park. This park is a treat for nature lovers, with 36 species of exotic rhododendrons and approximately 220 species of charming birds that will make your day unforgettable. On arrival, check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong – the National Museum with an excellent collection of art, relics, religious thangkas, etc. Then visit Rinpung Dzong – meaning “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.” The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro.
Rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to the base of the Taktsang Monastery, known as the “Abode of the Gods and Monks.” The monastery is a 2–3 hour uphill hike from the base. One feels truly blessed upon reaching the monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rinpoche’s meditation cave in 1684, clinging to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress, which gives the monastery its name “Taktsang,” meaning “Tiger’s Nest.”
In the afternoon (if time permits), visit Drukgyel Dzong. Built in 1647, the dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as a powerful reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and enjoy an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan.
Overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Paro Airport for your onward journey with happy memories.