7-Day Bhutan Cultural Tour with Tiger's Nest and Punakha Dzong

7 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on an immersive journey through Bhutan, from Paro and Thimphu to Phobjikha and Punakha, discovering the country's spiritual landmarks, living culture, an...

Duration: 7 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Phobjikha · Languages: English

Know before you go: Visa and Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates.; Health Check-Up: Consult with your healthcare provider for a general check-up and any recommended vaccinations for travel to Bhutan.; Fitness Preparation: Engage in regular physical activities, such as walking or hiking, to comfortably participate in treks and explorations, especially for the hike to the Tiger's Nest.; Cultural Research: Familiarize yourself with Bhutan's rich cultural customs and traditions to enhance your respect and appreciation for the local lifestyle.; Financial Planning: Carry local currency for small transactions, as credit and debit card acceptance might be limited in less urbanised areas.; Open Mind: Embrace the opportunity to experience new things, from tasting unique local dishes to participating in traditional activities.

About Thimphu

Bhutan

Thimphu

Living in isolated mystery on the edge of the Bhutanese Himalaya, Thimphu is crowned with the Tashichho Dzong and some great Buddhist heritage museums. Get a local local guide to show you around.

Explore Thimphu Bhutan All destinations

What's Included

Accommodation on a twin-sharing or single-room basis, according to traveller number
Breakfast and dinner at the hotel, and lunch at local restaurants
All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
English-speaking accompanying guide
Government royalty and taxes
Visa fees and travel insurance
Entrance fees
2 water bottles per person per day in the vehicle

Not Included

Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Personal expenses
Airfare and airport tax

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Paro and Introduction to Thimphu

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, our company's representative will welcome you to the kingdom of Bhutan. Then, drive towards Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Upon reaching Thimphu, rest for some time to acclimatise to the weather. Then we shall visit the National Memorial Chorten. This stupa is the central landmark of the Thimphu Valley and was built in honour of the 3rd King of Bhutan and for world peace. Then, we will drive toward Kuenselphodrang to witness the 169-foot-tall Buddha Dordenma statue. This is one of the tallest of its kind. The site provides a magnificent view of the Thimphu Valley. Towards the evening, stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.
2

Day 02

Thimphu Heritage and Valley Views

Today, we shall drive toward the Royal Takin Preserve, located in the northern part of Thimphu, to say "hello" to the takin - the national animal of Bhutan. Then, visit Sangaygang, a hilltop in Thimphu where you will be amazed to see the entire Thimphu Valley. After lunch, we then drive down to the Folk Heritage Museum. This small museum showcases the authentic and traditional lifestyle of the Bhutanese. Then visit the Zorig Chusum, the institute of 13 traditional arts and crafts. Towards the late afternoon, we shall visit Tashichhodzong, the central administrative office of the Thimphu Valley. It also houses the office of His Majesty the King. Then in the evening, visit Kaja Throm, a new set-up in town. Stroll around and visit some of the handicraft shops. Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.
3

Day 03

Scenic Drive to Phobjikha Valley

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Thimphu and drive towards Phobjikha. En route, stop at the scenic Dochula Pass. On a clear day, this pass offers a beautiful view of the entire eastern Himalayan range. Take photographs and get connected with nature. Then resume our drive towards Phobjikha. Upon reaching your hotel, check in and rest for some time. Then we shall take a nature hike, which will take you along the conifer forest and valleys below. This is considered one of the best hikes to get associated with Himalayan nature. Dinner and overnight stay in Phobjikha.
4

Day 04

Punakha Valley and Sacred Sites

With your breakfast amidst valleys and mountains, today we shall drive towards Punakha, the ancient capital city of Bhutan. On the way, we shall visit Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the "temple of fertility". Then visit Punakha Dzong. This dzong, or fortress, is one of the best in its architectural design. Then after lunch, we shall visit the longest suspension bridge. Dinner and overnight stay in Punakha.
5

Day 05

Return to Paro via Dochula and Museums

After breakfast, we shall drive to Paro via Thimphu. On the way, we shall again stop for a while at Dochula Pass. Take photos and continue our drive. Lunch will be served at Thimphu. Then drive to Paro. Upon reaching, we shall visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan. This museum has quite a collection of ancient arts, artefacts, and other important history of Bhutan. Then visit Rinpung Dzong, the central administrative office of the entire Paro Valley. Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.
6

Day 06

Tiger's Nest Hike and Kyichu Lhakhang

Our day begins after an early breakfast for the hike to view one of Bhutan's most famous pilgrimage and holy meditation sites, the Taktshang, popularly known as the "Tiger's Nest". The hike offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a sheer rock face 900 meters above the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche arrived in the Paro Valley more than a millennium ago on the back of a tigress. We begin hiking by foot or on a pony ride to the cafeteria, which serves as a midway point and has wonderful views of the Tiger's Nest. From here, it's about an hour's walk through some stunning landscape to reach the monastery. Returning back, we stop by the cafeteria for lunch. After lunch, we begin our descent to Ramthanka base and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple built in the 7th century by a Tibetan king named Songtsen Gempo. Evening free time or arrange a hot-stone bath. Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.
7

Day 07

Departure from Paro

After breakfast, we shall drive to Paro International Airport for departure.