Grand Cultural Tour of Bhutan - 6 days

Grand Cultural Tour of Bhutan - 6 days


Grand Cultural Tour of Bhutan takes you to the major cultural sites of one of South Asia's best tourist destinations, Bhutan. 6 days of Grand Cultural Tour offers the perfect blend of historical excursions and cultural odysseys the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. This Bhutan tour package is specially designed to witness the soulful Vajrayana Buddhist culture and experience the fascinating local Bhutanese lifestyle.

Grand Cultural Tour of Bhutan gives you a unique chance to discover the countless historical legends and ancient treasures of ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, Bhutan. The 6 days itinerary covers incredible sightseeing in Bhutan's major cities, namely Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. The Grand Cultural Tour of Bhutan begins from the enthralling Paro valley and exquisitely includes a visit to classical monasteries, temples, and monuments. This 6 days tour undoubtedly offers you a memorable cultural treat.  
 

How Much Does This Trip Cost?

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.

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Trip Highlights

  • Fly to Paro International Airport and enjoy a breathtaking view of the abode of goddess Jumo, Mt. Julmohari, and its majestic companion Mt. Jichu Drake.
  • Enjoy spectacular sightseeing in the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu.
  • Dwell in the divine culture and tradition of Bhutan.
  • Spend some time interacting with the cheerful Bhutanese people.
  • Find out why Bhutan is marked as the country with the highest ‘National Gross Happiness Index’ in the world.
  • Admire the amazing natural vistas of the beautiful landlocked nation, Bhutan.
  • Enjoy the picturesque view of some glorious peaks and renowned summits of South Asia.
  • Visit one of Bhutan's most incredible religious attractions, King’s Memorial Chorten, and learn about the Third Dragon King of Bhutan.
  • Explore wide varieties of medicinal herbs and traditional Bhutanese medicines at the National Institute of Medicine.
  • Go through some exquisite collections of paintings and sculptures at the Painting School of Bhutan and learn about the distinctive Bhutanese art forms.
  • Get a glimpse of the Bhutanese way of life and traditional artifacts of rural Bhutan with a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum.
  • Pay a visit to the great Shakyamuni Buddha statue residing on the lofty mountains of Bhutan at the famous Buddha Point.
  • Closely observe the national animal of Bhutan, Motithang, held with high esteem at the Motithang Takin Preserve.
  • Visit the stunning Tashi Chhoedzong on the northern edge of the capital city of Bhutan.
  • Relish the scenic natural view and magical view of some Himalayas of Bhutan from Dochula pass.
  • Step into the sacred world of the famous Divine Madman’s Temple.
  • Visit the most blissful dzong of Bhutan, the Punakha Dzong, and witness beautiful Bhutanese wall paintings.
  • Stop at Dochula pass and reward yourself with a soulful visit to the 108 Memorial Chortens and Druk Wangyal Monastery.
  • Visit the noteworthy Paro dzong and see for yourself why the dzong is ranked as a High Point of Bhutanese architecture.
  • Immerse in the holy vibe of the oldest temple in the Buddhist Himalayas, Kichu Dzong.
  • Climb up to one of Bhutan's must-visit places, Taktsang Monastery, also famous as Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
  • Discover the ancient folklore of the monastery and overlook the captivating Paro valley.

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights
Day 1 Arrive in Paro and Drive to Thimphu - 1:30 hours (55km) drive
Day 2 Sightseeing in Thimphu
Day 3 Thimphu to Punakha, Stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m/10,200ft) and Sightseeing in Punakha - 2 to 3 hours (85km) drive
Day 4 Punakha to Paro - 3 to 4 hours (115km) drive
Day 5 Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery (3180m/1043ft) - 5 to 6 hours hike
Day 6 Final Departure from Paro

Trip Overview

Grand Cultural Tour of Bhutan takes you on a tranquil cultural odyssey through the unspoiled pockets of the Himalayas in ‘The Last Shangri-La,’ Bhutan.  This 6 days Bhutan tour package is ideal for exploring the numerous monasteries, fortresses, temples, and Bhutan's major tourist attractions.  Set off for a peaceful journey directly in the laps of enchanting Bhutan.

Famous as the ‘Mountain Fortress of the Gods,’ Bhutan is a small landlocked nation nestled in the mighty Himalayas of South Asia. Lanced by some deep ravines, the country is beautifully decorated by diverse flora and fauna. From dozens of spirited monuments to idyllic landmarks, Bhutan has a lot more to offer.          

Grand Cultural Tour of Bhutan begins with a scenic flight to the historic town of Paro. Drive to the enthralling Thimphu valley, home to over a hundred thousand locals, including Bhutan's Royal family. Take a quick walk in the city and observe the Bhutanese culture and lifestyle closely.

Visit the renowned King’s Memorial Chorten and get a real taste of medieval Bhutanese architecture. The splendid white stupa's view with the glistening shrine symbolizes world peace and definitely worth the visit. Discover the exotic collection of paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts unique to Bhutan at the School of Arts. Popularly known as ‘The Painting School,’ the school is the best learning place about Bhutan's notable thirteen distinctive art forms for painting enthusiasts.

Get a deep insight into the traditional medicinal herbs and plants collected from the colossal Himalayas of Bhutan at the Institute of Traditional Medicine. Visit the Folk Heritage museum located right in the heart of the largest city of Bhutan, Thimphu. Organized in the rural Bhutan setting, the museum is dedicated to connecting visitors to Bhutan's way of life. Explore the numerous household items and artifacts at the museum and acquire more knowledge about the Bhutanese lifestyle.

Pay a visit to one of the world’s biggest Buddha statues, the Buddha Dordenma statue. Famous as the ‘Buddha Point,’ the golden 169-foot Buddha statue is home to 125 000 smaller Buddhas. The admirable Buddha statue resides on top of a hill and allows you to enjoy a spectacular view of the Thimphu valley. Buddha Point is sure to captivate anyone with its astounding beauty and serene vibes.

Take a closer look at Bhutan's national animal, Takin, with a visit to the Motithang Takin Preserve. Explore the rich biodiversity and wilderness of the lush green forest that beautifully decorates the entire preserve. Witness one of the idyllic samples of the artistic Bhutanese architecture, Tashi Chhoedzong. Situated at the bank of Wang Chhu River, the Chhoedzong encompasses the King of Bhutan's throne room and office.

Enjoy a short drive to one of the most scenic destinations of Bhutan, Punakha. Soak up the alluring beauty of the gorgeous Punakha valley and mystic Himalayas at the Dochula Pass. Visit Chimi Lhakhang residing atop a small hill and commonly known as ‘Divine Madman’s Temple.’ The temple holds great religious significance among the Bhutanese communities as the sacred temple of fertility.

Visit one of the top choice Buddhist monasteries of Bhutan, Punakha Dzong. Tucked at the junction of two major rivers of Bhutan, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, the Punakha Dzong is the administrative as well as the religious center of the valley. The Punakha Dzong is the ideal place for overlooking the enthralling Punakha valley, dramatic mountain views, and Bhutanese craftsmanship all at the same time.

On the way back to Paro, stop at the Dochula Pass to visit the 108 Memorial Chortens constructed in loving memory of the valiant Bhutanese soldiers. Immerse in the holy vibes of Druk Wangyal Lhakhang carpeted by red Rhododendron gardens. Arrive in Paro and enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisine.

See for yourself the surreal beauty of the ‘Fortress of the Heap of Jewels,’ Paro Dzong. Built-in 1645, the dzong serves as the monastic home to the Bhutanese monks and major tourist hubs. Visit another remarkable Himalayan Buddhist temple built back in the seventh century, Kichu Lhakhang. Regarded as one of Bhutan's most majestic worship sites, the temple surely swirls you up in its soulful world.

Climb up through dense pine forests to the famous Taktsang Monastery nestled in the upper Paro valley. Famous as ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the Taktsang Monastery is acclaimed as one of the country's most sacred religious sites and welcomes thousands of tourists all year round. With a history that dates back to the eighth century, the Monastery stands artistically on the side of a cliff. Discover the Taktsang Monastery's angelic beauty and breathe the fresh air while overlooking the enthralling Paro valley.

The mesmerizing trip to Bhutan finally ends on the sixth day as you depart from Paro International Airport.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Paro and Drive to Thimphu - 1:30 hours (55km) drive

Arrive at Paro International Airport, Paro. Upon arrival, our Bhutanese guide will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. After lunch, drive to Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan. Check in to the hotel and embrace the warm welcome by the hospitable hotel staff.

Take a quick orientation walk through the lively streets of the city. Feel the fresh air and calming vibe of the town away from the chaos of other cities around the world.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2
Sightseeing in Thimphu

Budha Dordenma Buddha Dordenma Statue- The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold which symbolizes indestructibility

Wake up early in the morning and set off for an exhilarating full day of sightseeing in Thimphu with a side visit to the famous King’s Memorial Chorten and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Explore the traditional arts and crafts unique to Bhutan at the School of Arts.

Look into the 19th-century traditional house wonderfully set into the Folk Heritage Museum. Get a quick insight into rural Bhutan and the unique Bhutanese lifestyle. Step into the peaceful world of Buddha point while relishing the stunning view of the Southern entrance of Thimphu.

Observe flocks of Takin and explore flora and fauna at the Motithang Takin Preserve. Visit Tashi Chhoedzong in the evening. Famous as the ‘Fortress of Glorious region,’ the fortress is a noteworthy masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3
Thimphu to Punakha, Stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m/10,200ft) and Sightseeing in Punakha - 2 to 3 hours (85km) drive

Punakha Dzong Bhutan Punakha Dzong - Second oldest and second biggest dzong of Bhutan

Enjoy a scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha. While driving to Punakha, stop at Dochula mountain pass. Overlook the pristine Himalayas. Arrive at Metshina Village and take a short 20 minutes to walk through the rampant rice and mustard fields to Chimi Lhakhang. Famous as ‘Divine Madman’s Temple,’ the Chimi Lhakhang is regarded as the temple of fertility in Bhutanese society.

After lunch, continue your drive to Punakha. Upon arrival at Punakha, visit one of the most beautiful Buddhist monasteries of Bhutan, Punakha Dzong.

Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4
Punakha to Paro - 3 to 4 hours (115km) drive

Rinpung Dzong Rinpung Dzong - Built in 1646 by Zabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a hill above Paro valley

Drive back to Paro from Punakha. Visit the 108 memorial Chortens and the popular Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple to increase the beauty of the Dochula pass. Arrive in Paro and enjoy a relishing Bhutanese cuisine for lunch.

After lunch, set off for incredible sightseeing in Paro. Visit the acclaimed Paro Dzong. Also known as ‘Rinpung Dzong,’ the fortress was built on the foundation which the acclaimed Guru Rinpoche laid under the command of Zabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The fortress was actually constructed to keep an eye on the invasion activities of Tibet.

Visit one of the oldest sacred sites of Bhutan, Kichu Lhakhang. Take a quick walk through the streets of the town in the evening and grab some authentic Bhutanese souvenirs.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 5
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery (3180m/1043ft) - 5 to 6 hours hike

This day marks the most exciting part of the trip as you will hike to the iconic tourist hub of Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery. The monastery is built on the side of a rocky cliff about 900m above the Paro valley. Famous as the ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the Taktsang monastery falls under the top 20 must-visit places in the world.

Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding lofty mountains and the Paro valley from the peak point of the monastery, and explore the beautiful paintings depicting the stories of the eternal deities. Discover the great Bhutanese history and the famous belief of the monastery's formation by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).            

The hike to the Taktsang Monastery is a moderate graded hike. Anyone with a good health condition and average fitness can easily do this hike. The trail is quite steep at some places but does not require any technical climbing. The entire hike can be completed within 5 to 6 hours. Make sure that you walk at your own pace, and bringing hiking poles can be helpful. Wear sturdy hiking boots and keep yourself hydrated.

The climb up to the Taktsang Monastery starts on a dirt trail at the foot of a mountain with gravel and rocky patches along the way. The trail is uphill the entire way. You can rest and eat some snacks at the cafeteria at the halfway mark. The trail thereof levels up, making the second half of the hike quite easier than the first. The final part of the hike includes a series of 700 stone steps and a bridge.

The visit to the famous Tiger Nest’s Monastery is a perfect end to your stay in Bhutan.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 6
Final Departure from Paro

Paro Airport Bhutan Paro International Airport and Druk Air

Our Bhutanese guide will transfer you to Paro International Airport on the sixth day and bid you farewell. Return to your destination with amazing memories and a lifetime experience that will remain in your heart forever.

If required, Third Rock Adventures is always prepared to extend the tour to Bhutan and other neighboring countries, namely Tibet, India, and Nepal.

Moreover, if the present itinerary does not suit you, you can go through our other Bhutan packages such as Western and Central Bhutan Tour -9 days and Glimpse of Bhutan Tour -4 days



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Latest Trip Reviews

Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.

Nedrun Lakin
flagsUnited States of America
Oct 19, 2019

The best cultural tour experience in Bhutan

The most exciting part of the trip was exploring and learning about Bhutan’s history and culture. A private tour with excellent guides that were extremely attentive to our every need, and fun to spend time with. Wonderful fresh food, even though it was most often served at a hotel buffet style. Third Rock Adventures arranged everything with care and love. We also hiked to the Tigers Nest. Great way to get some exercise because most of the trip was being driven from site to site. All communication with company before trip was prompt and professional. Thank you everyone who were involved in making the tour successful.
Scout Felch
flagsUnited States of America
Oct 16, 2019

Bhutan cultural tour was amazing

We just completed our 6 days amazing trip to Bhutan with Third Rock Adventures. Everything from the pick up at airport, transportation, food and accommodation were just perfect. Our guide and driver were friendly and attentive to each and every requirements of ours. They were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We enjoyed every bit of the tour and services provided by this company. Bhutan is really a nice country with natural beauty as well as happy people. We loved this experience and would recommend this services to others as well. Thank you.
HeiSon Chiu
flagsHong Kong, China
Oct 09, 2019

Cultural trip to Bhutan

I loved the trip to Bhutan and will never forget this experience with Third Rock Adventures! The scene was so beautiful, the people were so nice, the food was so healthy, the air was so fresh, the dogs were so free and especially our guide and driver were so lovely. They brought a lot of joy during the journey. They were so attentive and knew what we needed. With his accompany, we needed not to care everything but just enjoyed every moment in Bhutan freely. This is a real holiday! No worry and just happy! Thanks to everyone. Will again come back back for other trips in future.
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