Central Bhutan Cultural Tour

Detailed Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Our representative will receive you from Tribhuvan International Airport and drop you off at your hotel. You will end the day in Thamel, a bustling district offering vibrant markets, shops, and restaurants, to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Kathmandu.

Day 02: Arrival at Paro - Transfer to Thimphu

On your first day, you will arrive at the lush valley of Paro with a scenic view of the magnificent country of Bhutan. After arrival at Paro airport, our representative will receive you and take you to Paro town for lunch. Likewise, you will visit Ta Dzong, which now serves as the National Museum, and highlights a fascinating collection of artefacts. 

You will also explore Rinpung Dzong, an ancient fortress converted into an administrative centre and a monastic school.

In the afternoon, you will get on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which will take approximately 1.5 hours. Thimphu is a unique capital with a small population and no traffic lights.

In the evening, you will visit the Handicrafts Emporium, where you can buy a variety of Bhutanese handicrafts. You will spend the night at Hotel Jumolhari in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu  - Punakha

The following early morning, you will visit the Weekly Outdoor Market in Thimpu, a few kilometres beyond the monastery. You can dive into the vibrant atmosphere and stroll to find fresh local produce and other food items. 

Besides, the market has colourful stalls selling traditional Bhutanese items like yak tail dusters, butter tea cups, turquoise jewellery, and musical instruments.

Next, you will explore the Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases the rural Bhutanese lifestyle by displaying household items and artefacts. The Textile Museum is another highlight, exhibiting the traditional art of weaving and housing a collection of old textiles known for their rich colours and designs.

You will visit the National Memorial Chorten, a religious shrine built in honour of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Zilukha Nunnery, a serene Buddhist nunnery, will offer insights into Bhutanese nuns' spiritual life.

Before lunch, visit the Bhutanese Handmade Paper Factory for various handicrafts. Afterwards, drive through scenic landscapes to Punakha, where you'll explore the historic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers (open to visitors in summer).

You will visit Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress at the confluence of the female Mo Chu and male Pho Chu rivers. It serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and holds historical significance as the ancient capital of Bhutan. You will spend the night at Hotel Meri Puensum in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha   -  Trongsa  -  Bumthang

Today, you will embark on a fascinating journey to the central valleys of Bhutan. The drive to Bumthang via Trongsa will take approximately 7 hours, crossing the picturesque Pele La Pass and Yotongla Pass. 

Meanwhile, this route, known as "The Central Road," has brought significant changes to the communities in central Bhutan since its completion 30 years ago. 

Along the way, you will stop in Wangdue to admire the dramatic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, situated on a hill at the confluence of two rivers. As you ascend through varying vegetation, you will reach the alpine environment of Pelela Pass, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, including the majestic Jhomulhari peak. You will also encounter Chendebji Chorten, an ancient structure built to subdue a demon. 

After lunch, you will visit the remarkable Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the ruling family, and explore the Ta dzong, an intriguing watchtower with a display of Mongol armour. 

Finally, you will drive to the enchanting Bumthang Valley, one of the most beautiful spots in the Himalayas, and spend the night at Rinchenling Lodge.

Day 05: Bumthang

Today is the day you will explore the breathtaking Bumthang Valley. It is one of the majestic valleys in Bhutan but also holds deep significance in Buddhism. It is known as the heartland of Buddhism; monks meditate and pray.

In the morning, you will embark on a hike to explore Tamshing Monastery, one of the oldest monastic schools established by Terton Pema Lingpa, and Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche killed a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. 

Additionally, you will visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century, and Jakar Dzong, the district's administrative centre. 

In the afternoon, you will hike to Thangbi Valley, cross a suspension bridge, and visit the 14th-century Thangbi Lhakhang. You will spend the night at Rinchenling Lodge, immersing yourself in the serene ambience of the valley.

Day 06: Bumthang -  Gangtey  -Wangdue

The drive from Punakha to Wangdue, with a stop in Gangtey, takes around 7 hours. Gangtey is on the eastern side of Punakha and Wangdue, nestled in the Black Mountains. 

Besides, you will find the ancient Gangtey Gompa monastery, dating back to the 17th century. You will reach the captivating Phobjikha Valley a few kilometres beyond the monastery, renowned as "the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas." 

The valley is the winter habitat for black-necked cranes, which migrate from the northern arid plains to enjoy the milder and lower climate. Your overnight stay will be at Kyichu Resort, which allows you to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the area.

Day 07: Wangdue - Thimphu  - Paro

After enjoying breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive from Punakha to Thimphu through the Dochola Pass. In Thimphu, you will visit significant landmarks such as the National Memorial Chorten, a sacred shrine built to honour the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. 

Additionally, you will explore the tranquil Zilukha Nunnery. Later, you will depart from Thimphu and make your way to Paro. Your overnight stay will be at Hotel Olathang, a charming accommodation nestled amidst dense pine forests with a serene and natural ambience.

Day 07: Paro

After breakfast, you will drive to Drukgyal Dzong, a historic fortress that once defended the valley against Tibetan invasions. You will also be able to visit a local Bhutanese farmhouse in Drukgyal, which offers a firsthand experience of everyday Bhutanese life.

As you continue the journey, you will drive beyond Satsam Chorten. Later, begin a hike (or horse ride) to the iconic Taktsang monastery, Tiger's Nest. The horse ride to the cafeteria takes approximately one and a half hours. 

From this viewpoint, you can admire the breathtaking sight of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have arrived on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Afterwards, you will walk back to the road point and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

Your overnight stay will be at Hotel Olathang, a comfortable and relaxing accommodation option in Paro.

Day 08: Paro - Kathmandu

Our Bhutanese representative will accompany you to Paro Airport to bid you farewell in the morning. They will express their goodbyes and wish you a pleasant journey back to Kathmandu

                                                      “End of our services”