12 Days Cultural Bhutan
Price from NZD 8271 / AUD 7444 per person twin sharing basis
Paro - Punakha - Bumthang - Trongsa - Thimpu – Paro
The opportunity to delve into the fascinating Cultural History of this unknown land. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you absorb the myths and legends with highlights including a trek to a Monastery for stunning views and a teahouse lunch, visit a typical Bhutanese village home, incredible scenic drives through Mountain Passes, visit the King’s Winter Residence, a mountaintop picnic, walk through local villages and purchase souvenirs at local shops.
Tour Highlights: Taksang Monastery, Visit to Local Village, Durkgyel Dzong Fortress, Thimpu City Tour, Memorial Chorten
Day 1: Paro (L/D)
Arrive at Paro airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon tour of Paro Valley showcases a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. Visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum, RinpungDzong and DurkgyelDzong.
Day 2: Paro Valley (B/L/D)
Drive north and take a short trek to the famed Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery. After lunch at the teahouse with magnificent views, trek downhill. Return to Paro and visit a typical Bhutanese village home.
Day 3: Paro - Punakha (B/L/D)
Drive to Punakha en route stopping in Thimphu to visit Tamchoe Lhakhang temple. Continue journey to Punakha across Dochula Pass, a scenic drive through changing vegetation and altitude.
Day 4: Punakha (B/L/D)
Morning tour into the idyllic countryside for a short trek to Crown Prince's stupa and Sonagasa, King’s winter residence and Punakha Dzong. From here, proceed to ChimiLhakhang temple to see bold Phallus symbols and paintings on the houses and temple.
Day 5: Punakha - Bumthang (B/L/D)
Drive from Punakha to Mt Chomolhari, Bhutan’s sacred peak before stopping at ChedebjiChorten for a picnic lunch. Continue to Trongsa where you may visit the inner courtyard of historical TrongsaDzong before driving on to Bumthang. Visit Chumey Palace, Prakar Monastery and Yathra weaving centre in Bumthang Valley.
Day 6: Bumthang Valley (B/L/D)
Today morning you will do a walking tour which takes you to JambayLhakhang, KurjeyLhakhang and TamshingLhakhang. Drive to Jakar.
Day 7: Bumthang- Day Excursion to Ura valley (B/L/D)
This morning drive across the Shertang Pass to Ura, the highest of Bumthang’s four major valleys. Walking tour before return to Jakar for the evening, en route visit Flaming Lake (MebarTsho).
Day 8: Bumthang-Trongsa (B/L/D)
Leave the Bumthang valleys on the twisting mountain road towards the Yotong and on to Trongsa. After lunch, visit the TrongsaDzong and the watchtower above the main Dzong. In the evening, wander around Tongsatownship.
Day 9: Trongsa - Thimphu (B/L/D)
Start your journey towards Thimphu passing through Wangdue and a tea stop at Dochu La Pass to view the peaks of the eastern Himalayas. Proceed to the Tibetan village of Hongtsho before arriving in Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu (B/L/D)
Enjoy a city tour of Thimphu and a visit nunnery, the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum. If time and weather permit, you may also visit a few temples - Changangkha and Zangthopelri before spending some time in the colourful weekend market. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre.
Day 11: Thimphu - Paro (B/L/D)
After breakfast, visit Cheri Monastery. You will have a picnic lunch before returning to Thimphu. In the evening drive back to Paro.
Day 12: Paro (B)
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight or extend your stay in India by choosing from various add on tours we offer.
Included: Accommodation for 11 nights, meals as per itinerary, transfers, sightseeing as indicated, local English-speaking guides, entrances and Bhutan visa
Departs: Daily (subject to flight schedules).