06 DAYS CULTURAL TOUR
Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Wangdi - Trongsa - Bumthang
Cultural Tour
Easy
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
This cultural tour explores the wonderfully diverse environment of Bhutan’s western valleys as well as their cultural heritage. Drive over high mountain passes and through rapidly changing vegetation from pine forests to hills covered in rhododendrons, magnolias and dwarf bamboo – abundant with birds and wildlife. This tour also visits ancient fortresses, temples, monasteries, farm houses and museums, National Memorial Chorten of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Haa valley.
Day 01: Arrive Paro – Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha
Day 03: Punakha – Paro
Day 04: Paro – Chelela – Paro
Day 05: Paro: Hike to Taktshang
Day 06: Departure
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO AND TRANSFER TO THIMPHU
As you land in the land of the Thunder Dragon, our officiating staff will be waiting for you at the exit door to welcome you. Then you will transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival visit Bhutan National Post Office, where you could make stamps with your own photos (remain open on weekdays and Saturday half day only). Next explore Memorial Stupa built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan‘s third King. People of all ages offer prayers and butter lamps. Later drive for 15 minutes from town to visit Buddha Point, the world’s tallest Buddha statue from where you could get superb view of Thimphu city. After that clients can enjoy playing Archery Game, the national sports of Bhutan. In the evening visit Trashi chhodzong “fortress of the glorious religion”. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. If the flight to Paro is early, we could also add some more sightseeing and interesting program.
DAY 02: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA (70KM-3HOURS)
Today after breakfast we will drive to Punakha (1300m/4265ft) the former capital of Bhutan. On the way after 45 minutes’ drive from Thimphu will reach at highest pass between Thimphu and Punakha the place called Dochula pass (3140m) where you can have a superb view of the Eastern Himalayas on clear day. Proceed to Ritsa Village, where Rice farming is another attraction of Punakha Valley where both red and white rice are grown along the river valleys. Take a glimpse into the everyday life of the locals at a typical village. Houses here are made of pounded mud with stone foundations and the gardens usually have fruit bearing plants like oranges and papaya among the organic vegetables. Then walk up for about 10-15 minutes to the temple to pay homage. Chhimi Lhakhang an extraordinary temple popularly known to be the fertility temple among many and is frequented by childless couples and others alike for blessings. It was built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley who was popularly known as the ‘Divine Madman. We will arrange a Hot Packed Picnic lunch. A private picnic lunch with local foods is likely to help you refresh and enjoy. We arrange your picnic lunch based on your requests and will find a nice base for you to set up your relaxed lunch at Zomlingthang, Punakha at the side of the river. After lunch explore, Punakha Dzong a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River) rivers, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan which houses some rich Buddhist collections.
DAY 03: PUNAKHA TO PARO (125KM-4½ HOURS)After breakfast drive to Paro. On arrival visit the oldest and the most sacred Temple Kichu Lhakhang. Later visit Paro Museum an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum, with abundant culture relics. Next visit Paro Dzong built in 1646, perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture as well as a local religious administrative Centre. Then walk down through the Cantilever Wooden Bridge to take a good snap. In the evening explore Farm House to experience the living culture and tradition of Bhutanese people. And also taste the locally brewed wine known as Ara.
DAY 04: PARO –HAA VIA CHELELA AND BACK TO PARO
After early breakfast drive to Haa via Chelela Pass to get a spectacular view of Jomolhari Peaks, Himalayan Mountain Peaks and Haa Valley. Then raise Prayer Flags on the hill top and windy area to lift up by the wind and carry our wishes for compassion, peace and healing around the earth. Prayer flags encourage us to live more mindfully and help us to restore our own inner calm. This spot and the activities give you the best opportunity to take Pictures. Next, further drive to Haa Valley catching the striking view of Himalayan Mountains, traditional Houses, Fascinating people, lovely farmland and farmers were working in their field. As you come across those lovely attractions, you may stop for a while and take good pictures of them. Haa Valley is a gorgeous place with peace and undisturbed environment. You could also taste their local food ‘Haap Hentey’, made out of flour with 9 ingredients of local species. On the same day drive back to Paro for next day hike to Tiger’s nest.
DAY 05: HIKE TO TAKTSHANG (DISTANCE 3-4HOURS WALK ROUND TRIP).
After breakfast hike to Tiger’s Nest. “Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktsang”, says one tourist. Indeed it’s true as the journey there fills you with spiritual bliss. It is located atop an 800 meter cliff. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 ½ hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take another 1 ½ hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory.
DAY 06: DEPARTURE FROM PARO
Service Included
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
- Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
- Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
Service Excluded
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone.
- Tips to guide and driver.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
- Adventure and sport fees
- Luxury Hotel cost
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