Bhutan Cultural Tour with Day Hikes
- 6
days
The 6-day Bhutan Cultural Tour explores the culture, history, and natural beauty of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha districts in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
This overland and hiking tour begins from Paro, then a drive to Thimphu for a hike to Dodeydra Monastery. Drive to the beautiful Punakha for a hike to Lungchutse Goempa. Finally, drive back to Paro for a hike to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery.
This tour is best for you if you wish to explore Buddhist culture, traditions, the lush greenery, and the ancient heritage of three of the most important sites of western Bhutan in the shortest time.
The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.
Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.
Zoe Roberts
|
October 23, 2019
Aubri Massey
|
October 22, 2019
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at Paro, then drive to Thimphu - 1 hour (54 km) |
| Day 2 | Morning hike to Dodeydra and sightseeing tour in Thimphu - 2 to 3 hours hike (3.5 km) |
| Day 3 | Drive from Thimphu to Punakha - 2 to 3 hours (76 km), then hike to Lungchutse Goempa - 2 to 3 hours (3.5 km) |
| Day 4 | Drive from Punakha to Paro - 4 hours (120 km) |
| Day 5 | Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery - 3 to 4 hours (4.5 km) |
| Day 6 | Final Departure from Paro |
Paro International Airport
Your first destination will be Paro International Airport after a flight with brilliant views of the Great Himalayas to the north and the Lesser Himalayas to the east.
After meeting our representatives, and clearing customs and visa control protocols, depart for Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, and check in to your respective hotel. After having lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu and a 50m high Buddha Dordenma.
Next, drive to the Simtokha Dzong, which is the first dzong built in Bhutan. It was built to protect Thimpu from a demoness who transformed into a rock nearby. After visiting these sites, you will return to Thimphu and can spend the day familiarizing yourself with the Bhutanese culture.
Overnight stay in Thimpu.
After breakfast, start the initial leg of the hike to the Dodeydra Monastery, located on a hilltop in the northwestern region of Thimpu. The first 30 minutes are a grueling experience and challenging, but the scenic view of the Thimphu Valley is worth it. En route, you will come across various shrines and temples, and the vista of the green hills and valley becomes more splendid.
Finally, when you reach the top, you can start exploring the Monastery compound built in 1779 on a cliff face with an ancient Buddhist scripture known as Dodey Kezang. Additionally, statues of past and future Buddhas, a priceless mural of Avalokiteshvara, a mandala, and holy spring water nearby, can cure hearing impairment. After exploring, return to Thimpu and visit the Takin Reserve, a wildlife reserve for antelope and goats. If time permits, head to the Tashichho Dzong, hosting the king's throne room.
Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Tashichho Dzong
Take a scenic drive to Punakha and stop by the Dochula Pass (3,100m /10,170 ft). You will witness the 108 chortens, also known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens.
From Dochula Pass, start your two-hour hike towards Lungchutse Monastery, passing along high ridges and the views of the valleys. After reaching the temple, you can see the statue of Guru Rinpoche and explore the area.
Hike back to Dochula Pass to have your lunch, and then take a downhill drive to a stop at Metshina village. A 20-minute walk through the rice fields will take you to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman famous for his illusionary arts and unorthodox Buddhist cultural methods. Then, travel along the bank of the Punakha river to reach Punakha Dzong, the previous administrative center for the government of Bhutan, as well as the second oldest dzong in Bhutan, situated between two rivers.
Overnight stay in Punakha.
Engage in some souvenir shopping before taking a drive from Punakha to Paro. On the way, you can make brief stops at the Punakha Suspension Bridge built over the Po Chu river and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal, a Chorten built by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. On arrival in Paro, visit the National Museum of Bhutan perched over the Paro Dzong. Evening, you can stroll around the lively city.
Overnight stay in Paro.
On one of the most exciting days, you will visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery, also known as Taktsang Monastery or Paro Taktsang, located on a hillside with an altitude of 3,180m. You will be driven to the base of a hill and start the ascend. The view of the Paro Valley about 900 m below is splendid as well as the cool weather and chimes of prayer wheels add to the experience.
The Paro Taktsang was built around the Pel Phuk cave where Guru Rinpoche had meditated after being carried by a Tigress from Tibet to this cave on its back. Hence this is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. After exploring the Monastery and taking pictures, take a hike back down to the base, then drive to your hotel. As this is your last day in Bhutan, you could do some souvenir shopping and do not forget to try the Bhutanese Butter Tea, also known as Suja in one of the framhouses.
Overnight stay in Paro.
After packing is done, you will be escorted to the international terminal and bid farewell by our representatives. We hope you will plan yet another exciting trip with us in the future.
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