6-Day Bhutan Culture and Nature Tour with Tiger's Nest Hike

6 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Discover Bhutan's rich culture and natural beauty on a 6-day journey through Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. Visit landmarks such as the National Museum, Rinpung Dz...

Duration: 6 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Cities: Thimphu, Wangdue, Paro, Punakha, Jomolhari · Languages: English, French, German, Hindi, Mandarin, Spanish

Know before you go: Every visitor to Bhutan requires a tourist visa. Exceptions are passport holders from India, Maldives, and Bangladesh.; Visas are only issued to tourists who book tour packages with local tour operators, either directly or through a foreign travel agent.; The visa application is submitted by the tour operator on behalf of visitors.; The visa is issued by the Tourism Council of Bhutan in Thimphu, Bhutan.; The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan, and these must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.; Accommodation in 4- and 5-star hotels may require an additional premium.; USD $200 per person per night for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.; USD $250 per person per night for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November.; On the day of departure, the 'local agents' host obligation is limited to providing breakfast only, and any extra requirements are payable on a usage basis.; The list of hotels and lodges approved to provide accommodation is listed on this website. If your accommodation is not listed on this website, then it is not licensed to cater to international tourists.; The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages to Bhutan. These must be paid in US dollars prior to arrival in Bhutan.

About Wangdue

Bhutan

Wangdue

The nerve center of Vajrayana Buddhism and one of the most mythical locations in the Himalaya, Wangdue and its great dzong rarely fail to impress. Get a local guide to show you around.

Explore Wangdue Bhutan All destinations

What's Included

A minimum of 3-star accommodation.
All meals.
A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay.
All internal transport, excluding internal flights.
Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours.

Not Included

Flight into Bhutan via Drukair
Flights on other airlines to connect with the Drukair flight
Meals at 4-5 star restaurants
Hotel stays outside Bhutan
Expenditure of a personal nature
Travel insurance
Tips for the guide and driver
Alcoholic drinks

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu

The Himalayan Kingdom welcomes you with your first glimpse of the Paro valley and its diverse geographical terrain. Your enthusiastic guide and professional driver will be waiting for you outside the airport. The Himalayan Kingdom welcomes you with your first glimpse of the Paro valley and its diverse geographical terrain. Your enthusiastic guide and professional driver will be waiting for you outside the airport. After a brief introduction, begin your first sightseeing tour with visits to the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels. After a brief introduction, begin your first sightseeing tour with visits to the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels. After a sumptuous lunch, head towards Thimphu, the capital city, along the Pachu glacier river, which flows from the second-highest peak in Bhutan. After a sumptuous lunch, head towards Thimphu, the capital city, along the Pachu glacier river, which flows from the second-highest peak in Bhutan. Stop on the way to see a huge iron bridge built by the Tibetan ascetic Drubthob Thangthong Gyalpo, as well as the temple on the knoll that is now cared for by his descendants. Stop on the way to see a huge iron bridge built by the Tibetan ascetic Drubthob Thangthong Gyalpo, as well as the temple on the knoll that is now cared for by his descendants. Check in to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Check in to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
2

Day 02

Cheri Monastery Hike and Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to the base camp of Cheri Monastery and enjoy a one-hour uphill hike. Be in awe of the scent of different plants, hear the gushing glacier water below the cantilever bridge, and listen to Himalayan birds chirping. Take in the best of nature with rhododendron flowers all around you, and keep an eye out for the Himalayan Ghoral near the monastery. After breakfast, drive to the base camp of Cheri Monastery and enjoy a one-hour uphill hike. Be in awe of the scent of different plants, hear the gushing glacier water below the cantilever bridge, and listen to Himalayan birds chirping. Take in the best of nature with rhododendron flowers all around you, and keep an eye out for the Himalayan Ghoral near the monastery. After lunch, begin your tour of the capital with a visit to the famous Memorial Chorten, consecrated on July 28, 1974, in memory of the third King. Chorten, or stupa, literally means "Mind of Buddha". After lunch, begin your tour of the capital with a visit to the famous Memorial Chorten, consecrated on July 28, 1974, in memory of the third King. Chorten, or stupa, literally means "Mind of Buddha". After that, visit the magnificent 51.5 m Buddha statue for panoramic views of the entire Thimphu valley. After that, visit the magnificent 51.5 m Buddha statue for panoramic views of the entire Thimphu valley. Walk around the farmers' market or take a stroll along the main street to visit some handicraft stores. Walk around the farmers' market or take a stroll along the main street to visit some handicraft stores. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
3

Day 03

Dochula Pass and Journey to Punakha

After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass, 3,100 m above sea level. If the weather is calm and clear, the breathtaking Himalayan ranges can be seen floating above the dancing clouds, along with the majestic 108 stupas. Relax here with a hot cup of tea. After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass, 3,100 m above sea level. If the weather is calm and clear, the breathtaking Himalayan ranges can be seen floating above the dancing clouds, along with the majestic 108 stupas. Relax here with a hot cup of tea. Visit the Royal Botanical Park at Lampleri, where you will see different species of birds and plants. Visit the Royal Botanical Park at Lampleri, where you will see different species of birds and plants. Continue your drive to Punakha. This area is very rich in organic farming and is one of the leading rice producers in all of Bhutan. Continue your drive to Punakha. This area is very rich in organic farming and is one of the leading rice producers in all of Bhutan. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, built on top of a ridge. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, built on top of a ridge. Stop to see the local organic vegetable markets at Lobesa. Stop to see the local organic vegetable markets at Lobesa.
4

Day 04

Punakha Valley, Dzong, and Return to Paro

After a sumptuous breakfast, drive up to the upper Punakha valley, passing through paddy fields along the Mochu River, and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, which takes almost an hour. Enjoy views over the Yebisa valley as well as panoramic countryside scenery. After a sumptuous breakfast, drive up to the upper Punakha valley, passing through paddy fields along the Mochu River, and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, which takes almost an hour. Enjoy views over the Yebisa valley as well as panoramic countryside scenery. Visit Punakha Dzong, the Fortress of Great Bliss, which is also the winter residence of the monastic body and an important historical site for the monarchy. It hosted the crowning of the first king and the royal wedding. This fortress was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan, to defend against Tibetan invasion. Visit Punakha Dzong, the Fortress of Great Bliss, which is also the winter residence of the monastic body and an important historical site for the monarchy. It hosted the crowning of the first king and the royal wedding. This fortress was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan, to defend against Tibetan invasion. Experience a walk on the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning the Phochu River. Experience a walk on the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning the Phochu River. After lunch, drive to the Nunnery, where you can speak with an English-speaking nun and feel the breeze along the beautiful ridges flanked by the two valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. After lunch, drive to the Nunnery, where you can speak with an English-speaking nun and feel the breeze along the beautiful ridges flanked by the two valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. Overnight stay in Paro.
5

Day 05

Tiger's Nest Hike and Paro Cultural Experiences

After breakfast, drive early to the base of Tiger's Nest, one of the highlights of this tour. Taktsang, or Tiger's Nest, is one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the Himalayan Buddhist world and is also preserved as a heritage site. The monastery clings to a rock towering 800 m above the valley and stands at 2,950 m above sea level. It takes about 2 hours on foot to reach the monastery from the base. Its history dates back to the 8th century, when Guru Rinpoche flew on a tigress, transforming himself into the terrifying form of Guru Dorji Dorlo to subdue the evil forces that were obstructing Buddhist doctrine. Your guide will share many hidden stories and entertain you throughout the hike. After breakfast, drive early to the base of Tiger's Nest, one of the highlights of this tour. Taktsang, or Tiger's Nest, is one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the Himalayan Buddhist world and is also preserved as a heritage site. The monastery clings to a rock towering 800 m above the valley and stands at 2,950 m above sea level. It takes about 2 hours on foot to reach the monastery from the base. Its history dates back to the 8th century, when Guru Rinpoche flew on a tigress, transforming himself into the terrifying form of Guru Dorji Dorlo to subdue the evil forces that were obstructing Buddhist doctrine. Your guide will share many hidden stories and entertain you throughout the hike. After the refreshing hike, retrace your steps to the waiting vehicle and visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. This fortress of the victorious Drukpa was built in 1649 to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan armies in the 1950s. On a clear day, the peak of Mt. Jomolhari, at 7,314 m, can be seen from here. This mountain is also revered as a powerful goddess, borders Tibet, and provides a magnificent backdrop to the ruined Drugyel Dzong. After the refreshing hike, retrace your steps to the waiting vehicle and visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. This fortress of the victorious Drukpa was built in 1649 to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan armies in the 1950s. On a clear day, the peak of Mt. Jomolhari, at 7,314 m, can be seen from here. This mountain is also revered as a powerful goddess, borders Tibet, and provides a magnificent backdrop to the ruined Drugyel Dzong. In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse and experience a hot stone bath and Bhutanese cuisine. In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse and experience a hot stone bath and Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight stay in Paro.
6

Day 06

Departure from Paro

Transfer to the airport after breakfast or lunch. Your guide and driver will bid you farewell with fond memories of the Last Himalayan Kingdom. Transfer to the airport after breakfast or lunch. Your guide and driver will bid you farewell with fond memories of the Last Himalayan Kingdom.