Bhutan Culture Tour

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Day 1: To Thimpu Take a spectacular flight over the Himalayas to Paro, on a clear day some of the highest Himalayan peaks can be seen. On arrival, drive to Bhutan’s laid back capital Thimpu for 1 night. Depending on flight times, we may have time to explore Thimpu and visit the Takin Sanctuary. If this is not possible, we will try to fit this in tomorrow.

Day 02Day 2: To Punakha Morning walking tour of Thimpu, visiting the National Memorial Chorten, the temple of Changgangkha Lhakhang with lovely views and the interesting Arts & Craft School. Later, journey over the Dochula Pass passing 108 stupas commissioned by the Queen with great views of the Eastern Himalayan range. Arrive in Punakha for 2 nights.

Day 03Day 3: Punakha Valley Drive to Kabisatake for a walk past rice fields and small villages to the Khamsun Yuelley Namgyal Stupa, for great views of the Mochu valley. In the afternoon visit the Punakha Dzong, dating from 1637 with a spectacular location on the confluence of the Pho-chu (male) and Mo-chu (female) rivers.

Day 04Day 4: To the Phobjikha Valley Arrive in the Phobjikha Valley, a stunning glacial valley and a haven for Himalayan wildlife, for a walk to Gangtey Monastery. In November it is possible to see rare black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. We spend the night here in the Phobjikha Valley.

Day 05Day 5: To Trongsa An invigorating day in the beautiful untouched Bhutanese countryside. Today we will drive close to the Black Mountains crossing the Pele la Pass. Reaching Trongsa we are greeted by panoramic views over the town and its Dzong. We arrive early afternoon in Trongsa, giving us time to enjoy a leisurely walk around the town. Tonight we stay in Trongsa, in the centre of this very traditional part of Bhutan.

Day 06Day 6: To Bumthang Morning walk around Trongsa and Trongsa Dzong, perched spectacularly above a roaring gorge. Later head into the Jakar valley, stopping at the Yotongla pass and the town of Chumey, known for its traditional ‘yathra’ weaving. Arrive in Bumthang for 2 nights.

Day 07Day 7: Bumthang The Bumthang valley offers some wonderful walking areas, full of interest and with beautiful scenery all around. Walk to Ngang Lhakhang through villages, fields and forest to ‘Swan Land’ and ‘Swan Temple’ and the Burning Lake. After some time to relax in this bucolic area, there will be an evening stroll through town.

Day 08Day 8: To Paro A short flight takes us to Paro , one of Bhutan's most historical centers. Short afternoon walks to the National Museum and in the surrounding area (dependent on flight time).

Day 09Day 9: Paro walking and sightseeing Wind through the pine forests to the peace and tranquility of the Tse-tho Monastery. We explore Dzongdrakha, an unusual village built precariously on a rock face, with beautiful views of Bondey village and the valley below. OR take day excursion at Haa valley. Haa is scenically one of Bhutan’s most enchanting places. It also offers countless monasteries and other sites for its visitors. The small village of Dumchoe even boasts two large temples: The White (Lhakhang Karpo) and the Black (Lhakhang Nagpo) Temple. These are well worth a visit, join the pilgrims to there on foot.

Day 10Day 10: Taktsang Monastery Take the hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, which clings to the cliffs high above the valley floor. The ascent has a number of places to stop and admire the views, and is taken steadily. The first buildings date from around 1680 and legend says that Guru Padmasambhava, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, arrived here on the back of a flying tigress.

Day 11Day 11: Departure. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to home country.