This tour offers a deep dive into Bhutan’s ancient traditions, spirituality, and culture. Ideal for first-time visitors, this journey covers the key landmarks, giving you a taste of Bhutanese customs, architecture, and spiritual life.
Paro International Airport (Google Map)
Activities:
▪ Welcome at Paro International Airport with a traditional Bhutanese scarf.
▪ Drive to Thimphu (1.5-hour drive) through scenic landscapes of rivers, valleys, and mountains.
▪ En route, stop at Tamchog Lhakhang, a private temple accessed via a suspension bridge.
▪ Check-in at your hotel in Thimphu.
▪ Visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and monastic body.
▪ Evening stroll around Thimphu town for an authentic Bhutanese shopping experience.
◦ Overnight: Thimphu
Activities:
▪ Visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of Bhutan’s third king.
▪ Explore the Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, overlooking Thimphu Valley.
▪ Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient temple and monastery offering panoramic views.
▪ Visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (School of Traditional Arts) to observe students learning Bhutan’s 13 traditional crafts.
▪ Folk Heritage Museum to experience rural Bhutanese life.
▪ Visit the National Library, housing ancient manuscripts and religious texts.
▪ Evening free to explore local handicrafts and markets.
◦ Overnight: Thimphu
Activities:
▪ Drive to Punakha (3-hour drive), crossing the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100m). If the weather is clear, enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
▪ Visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens at Dochula.
▪ Descend towards the warmer valley of Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital.
▪ Visit the Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness,” situated at the confluence of two rivers.
▪ Take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kunley.
◦ Overnight: Punakha
Activities:
▪ Enjoy a peaceful hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful stupa offering panoramic views of the valley.
▪ Visit a local farmhouse to experience Bhutanese village life and sample traditional Bhutanese cuisine.
▪ Option for a rafting adventure along the Mo Chu or Pho Chu rivers (optional).
▪ Stroll through the picturesque rice terraces of the Punakha Valley.
◦ Overnight: Punakha
Activities:
▪ Drive back to Paro (4-hour drive), with stops along the way for photo opportunities and scenic views.
▪ In Paro, visit the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the ancient Ta Dzong, showcasing Bhutanese art, textiles, and religious artifacts.
▪ Visit Paro Dzong, a majestic fortress overlooking the valley.
▪ Walk across the traditional wooden bridge that connects Paro town to the dzong.
◦ Overnight: Paro
Activities:
▪ Begin your day with a hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most iconic site perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor.
▪ Enjoy a picnic lunch at the halfway point or at the monastery cafeteria.
▪ After the hike, relax at a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath (optional).
▪ Explore Paro town in the evening, visiting local shops for handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
◦ Overnight: Paro
Activities:
▪ After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your enriching Bhutan Cultural Essence Tour.
