Bhutan Cultural Tour

As your flight approaches Bhutan, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, you will be greeted by a representative from our team who will transfer you to your hotel. After lunch, you will visit Rinpung Dzong, which means ‘Fort of a Pile of Gems’. Next, you will visit the oldest temple in the country, Kichu Lakhang. From here, you will visit Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders in the 1600s. On a clear day, you can see Chomolhari, Bhutan’s second highest mountain at 7,314 meters. Spend the night in Paro.

Maximum Altitude: 2,250m/7,382ft.
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort)
Meals: Dinner

Today you will visit a Buddhist monastery in Paro. Here, you will meet a learned lama (Buddhist teacher) who will help us immerse ourselves in the teachings of the Buddha that interest us the most. The lama is also open to answering any spiritual questions you may have regarding the teachings of the Buddha. Thanks to the lama, you will also have the opportunity to meditate and awaken your spiritual side. Spend the night in Paro.

Maximum Altitude: 2,250m/7,382ft.
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, you will go to Sang Choekor Buddhist University to meet your horses. You will climb for about two hours on a forested hill that will take you to a clearing. From here, you will get good views of both Paro and the Do Chu Valley below. You will continue on your way and reach Cho Tse Lakhang (temple) which has a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Himalayas. Then, you will climb through ruins, prayer flags and jungle and then reach a grassland filled with sacred chortens and prayer flags. You will set up your camp at a spot below Bumdra Monastery (Cave of a Thousand Prayers) and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Himalayan range.

Maximum Altitude: 3,500m/11,484ft.
Accommodation: Hotel (Homestay/Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On the spiritual retreat in Bumdra, you are expected to explore your inner self. Today is the day set aside for practicing meditation. Today is the second day where you can apply what you learn about meditation and spirituality. However, you will have to practice meditation on your own and rest throughout the day. Spend the night in Bumdra.

Hiking: 4 hrs Travel Distance: 7 km
Maximum Altitude: 3,500m/11,484ft.
Accommodation: Hotel (Homestay/Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast you will begin your trek on a winding path that will take you through ancient pine and rhododendron forests. You will descend for a while before seeing the golden roofs of the monasteries below. Your path winds along the mountainside between these monasteries and then reaches the garden of Jangto Pelri (heaven on earth). From here you can look down to the shore, directly under the ornate roof of Taktsang Monastery, which is perched on a cliff face. You will descend a steep path to a waterfall and then continue to the most revered Bhutanese monastery, Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). After visiting the monastery you will descend to the floor of the Paro Valley and drive to Thimphu. You will spend the night in Thimphu.

Maximum Altitude: 3,180m/10,434ft.
Accommodation: Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Your village walk begins on the Namseling road, which descends 30 meters to a bridge. From here, you will pass large farmhouses and arrive at a distinctive-looking giant mud house, with smoke-filled wooden windows and a golden peak. This was the place where the famous Bhutanese yogini Khandro Sonam Peldon was born in the 14th century. During the walk, you will also get a glimpse of the lifestyle of the local farmers. You will visit a small temple at 24,300 meters and admire the magnificent views of the Thimphu Valley. You will continue your walk for some time before returning to the city. You have the rest of the afternoon with us. Spend the night in Thimphu.

Maximum Altitude: 2,320m/7,612ft.
Accommodation: Hotel Migmar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, you will drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass (3,100m), where on a clear day you will have spectacular views of the Himalayas. Then, you will drive downhill through rhododendron, cedar and hemlock forests. On the way, you will visit Chimi Lakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the divine madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenli. Upon reaching Punakha, you will also visit Punakha Dzong which was built between 1637-1638 and is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.

Distance: 76 km Drive : 2-3 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 1,250m/4,101ft.
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast you will start your day-trip. You will start your trek on a flat path along the banks of the Mo Chu River before reaching the local village. You will spend some time visiting farm houses and meeting families. Your host will happily entertain you with a cup of butter tea. You will also enjoy a picnic lunch by the river. After lunch, you will hike to Khamsum Yule Namgyal Chorten, a picturesque 3-storey chorten looking down on the upper Punakha Valley. From here, the views of the entire valley and the surrounding snow-capped peaks are amazing. You will spend some time admiring the general splendor before calling it a day. After some time hiking, you will board your vehicle and return to Punakha. Overnight in Punakha.

Maximum Altitude: 1,250m/4,101ft.
Accommodation: Hotel Meri Puensum Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, you will return to Paro. After reaching Dochula Pass, you will visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, the only such monastery in the country that has detailed paintings depicting the lineage of the current monarchy and their visionary works. Spend the night in Paro.

Distance: 130 km Driving: 4 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,250m/7,382ft.
Accommodation: Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you will bid farewell to the small Himalayan kingdom and its friendly people. Druk Air usually departs early in the morning to avoid inclement weather. So, after breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your final departure in the morning.

Meals: Breakfast