Bhutan Cultural Tour

Your Bhutan Tour begins upon arrival at Paro International Airport, where our local guide will warmly welcome you. From here we will drive to Thimphu passing the Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers, through peaceful valleys, traditional villages and forested hills, offering a wonderful introduction to Bhutan.

After checking into your hotel you will have free time to relax or to explore the capital at your leisure before beginning your sightseeing tour the following day.

Today you will learn about some of the most significant cultural sites of Thimphu. The attractions will be the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong and Folk Heritage Museum where you will get to know more about the Bhutanese history, religion and traditional lifestyle.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit local handicraft stores and traditional markets. Beautifully woven textiles, handmade crafts and local artwork provide a glimpse into Bhutan’s rich artistic heritage and allow you to experience the laid-back atmosphere of the capital.

We will leave Thimphu behind and spend a day at the scenic Dochula Pass, where there are 108 memorial chortens, and colorful prayer flags covering the top of the hill. On sunny days, the pass has great vistas of the eastern Himalayan range and then the adventure proceeds through woods and traditional villages.

Upon arrival at Gangtey, you will see the ancient Gangtey Monastery and afterwards enjoy your time at the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. During the winter months, this peaceful valley becomes the seasonal home of the endangered black necked cranes, making it one of Bhutan’s most important nature reserves.

This morning you will have time to explore more of the peaceful surroundings of Phobjikha Valley. You will get to learn about the unique ecosystem of the valley and have a chance to take a light nature walk after which you will proceed with the route to the central Bhutan.

We will later continue on a scenic mountain drive to Trongsa through forests, small villages and winding mountain roads. On arrival explore the Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest and most historic fortresses in Bhutan, then relax in your hotel in the evening.

Today’s drive follows a scenic mountain road to Bumthang, often regarded as the cultural and spiritual heart of Bhutan. The path crosses Yotong La Pass and is flanked by forests, open valleys, old settlements and leads to this lovely area with historic temples and monasteries.

Once there, you will explore some of the key cultural sites of Bumthang such as Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang. These religious locations have been significant in Bhutanese Buddhism over the centuries and provide a very interesting insight into the religious history of the country.

Today is dedicated to discovering the cultural highlights of Bumthang. You will also visit some of the major monasteries and temples like Tamshing Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong and Kenchosum Lhakhang. These ancient sites are a reflection of the strong Buddhist culture of Bhutan and serve as the places of centuries long religious history, architecture and local traditions.

The tour also includes time to explore Bumthang Valley, where traditional villages, farmland, and peaceful surroundings create a relaxing atmosphere. Where time will allow, you will get a chance to visit a local handicraft shop or small cottage industry and later go back to your hotel in the evening.

We will pass through mountainous terrain, forests, and ancient villages on the drive back to Punakha leaving central Bhutan behind. The road crosses a series of picturesque panoramas as it slowly descends into the warmer valleys of western Bhutan.

After arriving in Punakha, you will have time to visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong, located at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. When the time permits, it is also a good idea to give a quick tour to the nearby suspension bridge to enjoy the serene environment before you enter your hotel.

Today, we will proceed back to Paro, by an interesting road through the picturesque mountain passes and the Dochula Pass. The journey provides another opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Himalayan landscapes and traditional countryside that make western Bhutan so special.

You will have the afternoon to relax and explore the town of Paro at your own pace after arriving in Paro. You can visit the local handicraft stores, go to local cafes or just take a rest before the next day’s hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Today is one of the highlights of your 10 Days Bhutan Tour. The walk passes slowly through pine trees to the renowned Tiger Nest Monastery, one of the most significant religious sites in Bhutan. The monastery stands dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley which has been a source of attraction to pilgrims over the centuries.

If time permits, you will also visit Rinpung Dzong or the National Museum before enjoying your last evening in Bhutan.

Your Bhutan Tour comes to an end today. As per your flight schedule, we will transfer you to Paro International Airport to continue your journey.

Thank you for choosing Nepal Wanderlust Treks for your Bhutan Cultural Tour. We hope you return home with wonderful memories of Bhutan’s welcoming people, peaceful monasteries, beautiful valleys and rich cultural traditions. We hope to see you once again, in another Himalayan adventure.