Cultural tour with day hikes in Bhutan-14 days

Clowns - called as Atsara by the Bhutanese entertaining spectators during festival

Paro Dzong

Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan

Tiger's Nest Monastery

10% OFF on MONSOON OFFER !!! (Valid from 15th June to 31st Aug )

Trip Introduction

The 14-Day Cultural Tour in Bhutan takes you to an unforgettable sightseeing cultural tour of Bhutan, also famous as the 'Dragon Kingdom', and the last remaining Mahayana Buddhist Kingdom in the world. Experience why everything revolves around spiritualism and philosophy in Bhutan and why the Bhutanese pride themselves with their own Gross Happiness Index - a unique Bhutanese method of measuring ‘pursuit of happiness’. Bhutanese call themselves 'Drukpa' people, their country Druk Yul or the "land of the thunder dragon" and the country officially follows the Druk School of Buddhism with their own trademark of Mahayana Buddhism, exotic monasteries and lifestyle. Moreover, the country is also home to UNESCO's 10 centers for bio-diversity, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in sub-tropical to Arctic-like climate.

This cultural tour combines Bhutan’s cultural and natural grandeur including cultural tours as well as day hikes to the monasteries. Beginning the tour from the scenic Paro Valley, we also visit Punakha, Bumthang, Wangdue and Thimphu with unique Bhutanese culture and lifestyle. Moreover, enjoy the hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery - Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3120 m/ 10200 ft. Besides the unique Bhutanese culture, you will experience breathtaking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan.

Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro (2250m / 7382ft):
Crossing over the Himalaya Mountains, the flight to Paro offers spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by the guide and transferred to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, you can visit shops in Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Excursion to Chele La Pass (3810m/12,115 ft):
After breakfast, we begin an exciting excursion to Chele La Pass, a scenic drive of 22 miles from Paro. Walking along the high ridges dotted with colorful Buddhist prayer flags offers us stunning views of Mount Jumolhari and other mountains, plus incredible vistas into the valleys below the pass. Enjoy a picnic lunch while walking at the pass. After lunch, hike further down the ridges to the Kila Goempa Nunnery, which is nestled in a craggy patch on the mountain site below the pass and perched precariously along the rock face. Walk for a few miles through the coniferous forests to the road head, where the car will be awaiting to return you to Paro. Overnight in Paro.

Day 3: Drive Paro-Thimphu (2320m/7610 ft): 54 km/1 hr
In the morning, we visit the Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower that is now the National Museum. The museum has wide assortment of ancient paintings, armors, philatelic display and “field of Buddhas”, which helps one to visualize while meditating. Then we visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. After lunch, we drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro Valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzoum(confluence). Three different styles of Chortens adorn the confluence. A short way beyond, on the left is the Tachogang Lhakhang built in 15th century by Thangthong Gyelpo, a trader who first introduced Iron Bridges in Bhutan. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu (Elev. 2320m)
After breakfast, you will visit Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changangkha Monastery, Takin reserve, Nunnery temple and Folk Heritage Museum. After relaxing lunch, you will visit traditional paper factory, majestic Tashichhodzong and giant Buddha statue on a hill overlooking Thimphu which is reputed to be the largest Buddha Shakymuni in the world. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu city and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 5: Drive to Punakha (1250m/4100 ft): 76 km/2-3 hrs
Morning scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. Traversing through rice field and driving along the bank of the Punakha River, we arrive at Punakha. After lunch, we visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 6: Punakha Village Tour
Today we make a sightseeing tour of the Punakha Village. Walk across a suspension bridge this morning, follow the road past farmhouses and gradually climb into the Dompola Hills. Enjoy spectacular views of the Punakha Dzong, the Phochu and Mochu Rivers and the surrounding village set amidst chir pine forest. Climb for another two hours to Limbhukha. Limbhukha is a village that is known for its love, peace and tranquility. Legend says that during the medieval wars the “limpus” or the people of Limbhukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. You can tour the village to learn about daily life – perhaps visiting a farmhouse or two for a cup of butter tea or an “ara” local wine. Continue walking to a nearby road where your vehicle is waiting to transfer us to our hotel in Punakha. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 7:: Punakha-Bumthang (2850m/9350 ft): 214 km/7 hrs
After an early breakfast we drive to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of the country. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La pass, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. We stop in Trongsa for lunch. After lunch visit to Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Then proceed to Bumthang with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way we stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and we can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 8: Bumthang Sightseeing
Today's sightseeing in Bumthang includes Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley; Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan; and Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rinpoche, a great 8th century spiritual master left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. After lunch, you will also have a chance to tour Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. In the evening you can visit local shops. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.

Day 9:: Excursion to Tang Valley
We make an exciting excursion to the Tang valley, which is the most remote valley in Bumthang. From the road head, hike to the 16th century Ugyen Chholing Palace or the country manor, which is now turned into a museum. The well-captioned exhibits offer insights into lifestyle of a Bhutanese noble family. You will also explore nearby villages. On the way back to town, you will see Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche's treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.

Day 10: Bumthang-Wangdue (1240m/4068 ft): 197 km/ 6 hrs
Begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangdue. Along the way visit the typical Bhutanese town of Wangdue with its dramatic Dzong perched on a ridge at the bend of a river. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings. Overnight hotel in Wangdue.

Day 11: Wangdue-Thimphu: 70Km/3 hrs
Today, we return to Paro. On the way, we stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Devine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. If you wish, receive the blessing from the Lama’s wooden phallus! Lunch will be served at Dochula. At Dochula, you can also visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country, with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. Then continue drive to Thimphu. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 12: Drive Thimphu-Paro: 54Km/1 hr
In the morning, we drive back to Paro. If it is weekend (Friday, Saturday or Sunday), we'll catch a busy weekend market at the bank of Thimphu River where people from nearby villages come here to sell their farm products. You can stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to wander the aisle, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. Perhaps this market scene offers wonderful opportunity for photographs and to mingle with local people. A Few minutes' walk toward south of Weekend Market is Chnaglingmithing Archery Range. If you are lucky, you will come across archery tournament in progress. In the afternoon, you will drive back to Paro. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 13: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (3120 m/ 10200 ft)
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery - Bhutan's most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. It is absolutely breathtaking, situated at 10,400 feet and perched on the edge of a steep cliff about 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Guru Rinpoche (great spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch is served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. Explore the monastery and hike down to the valley floor. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 14: Depart Paro
Drive to airport for departure. Today we bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after taking breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in the morning depending on the flight schedule and your destination.

What's Included

All meals, tea & snacks
Government approved A and B category hotels on twin sharing basis
All airport pick up and drop
Ground transport in comfortable private vehicle
Experienced English speaking guides and local staff
All city tour with permits, entrance fees for museums and monuments
Government taxes
Bhutan Visa Fee

What's Not Include

Airfare to/from Paro, Bhutan
Items of personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet , laundry etc.)
Trip cancellation and Medical/Evacuation Insurance
Tips for Staff (guide and driver )

Tour Cost

1-2 people = USD 4810 per person
3-12 people = USD 4160 per person
( Note! above price valid until end of 2013 )

Accommodations

Hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified by the government as grade A, B and C. These government approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels elsewhere. Based on availability at the time of your booking, we provide grade A hotels and B category hotels in Bhutan Cultural Tour-14 days. We use A category hotel in Paro and Thimpu. We use Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort or similar in Paro and Hotel Migmar or similar in Thimpu. We use Meri Puensum Resort or similar (B category) in Punaka. Since the Bhutan Cultural Tour is designed on twin sharing basis, you share room with your fellow traveler but in case you prefer single rooms we charge USD 650 as single supplement.

Meals

All your meals included during your stay in Bhutan. A variety of meals are available in most hotels – the most popular being Indian, Chinese, and the more common continental food. Non vegetarian dishes are generally available in most parts of Bhutan - pork, beef, chicken, and fish. The best advice is to ask the hotel and restaurant to recommend what is fresh and in season.

Equipments & Packing List

While packing for Cultural tour with day hikes in Bhutan certain equipments are essential. Please Click here for this trip's comprehensive checklist.

Trip Start Dates

We will organize this trip on the dates requested by you. Please contact us for your customized departure date. You can join our Bhutan cultural Tour Program as per your convenience. Spring season (March to June) and in the autumn season (September to November) are the best time to visit Bhutan. The months of April and May offer the natural grandeur of rhododendron blooms. The spring season also observes the biggest festivals of Bhutan.

Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.

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