7 Days – Bhutan Cultural Tour

1- Distinct world class architecture
2- Only carbon negative country in the world
3- Happy and contended people
4- Home to Himalayan range
5- Mountain forts and monasteries
6- Himalayan birding
7- Scenic and picturesque valleys
8- Food habit and culture of the Bhutanese people
9- Local Souvenir
10 – Every season have its own beauty

• Thimphu
• Punakha
• Paro

Day 01: Arrival in Paro to Thimphu (1.5 hrs drive)

Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival at Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where our dedicated team will welcome you with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and a half. The route will follow the Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards the Thimphu river taking us to the heart of the capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is scenic as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isuna, etc. until we enter the welcome gate in Thimphu. En route, we will stop over at Tachogang Lhakhang: En route to Thimphu, a stopover for a little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River, or enjoy the views from the roadside depending on your arrival time. We will explore the city by walking: If time permits, walking through the city gives you immense joy and understanding of the modern city. A good option for imported garments and local souvenirs, besides unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers a mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- the only city in the world without traffic lights.

Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – Half day City tour

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing

Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion, and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs, and shopping centers. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred to as a world-only city without traffic lights. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at the top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. Simply Bhutan: Simply Bhutan is a living museum and photo studio that gives a good guided introduction to various aspects of Bhutanese traditional lives. Visitors are greeted with a shot of local arra (rice spirit), before being guided through mocked-up village scenes. Along the way, you can dress up in traditional clothes, try out archery, and hear songs sung by Bhutanese women as they build houses out of rammed earth. Zilukha Nunnery: Built more than half a century ago, Zilukha Nunnery is also known as Druthob Goemba. Housing around 60 nuns in its premises, a visit to the site energizes the soul because of its peaceful surroundings, which lures one’s mind to never leave the site. From here, the spectacular view of Tashichho Dzong can be captured in a camera to make for a beautiful photo album. Kaja Throm: In the riverside Farmer’s Market, one can get fresh farm produce, food & snack stalls, and fun art installed by VAST Bhutan. A lively place to spend time.

Overnight in Thimphu

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – City tour

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (2 hrs drive)

Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over Dochula Pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places in Bhutan. Dochula Pass: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180-degree panoramic view of the Great

Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the

108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Punakha Dzong: Built-in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. This is one of the finest and must-see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between the meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge: Punakha Suspension Bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha, and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu River. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan. To access the suspension bridge from the dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground.

Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – City tour

Day 04: Punakha sightseeing

Punakha is often referred to as the second capital having the best Dzongs of Bhutan. Punakha is the perfect place to awaken the nature lover, take in the splendid views of the Himalayas, and listen to the sounds of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers that simply soak up the serene beauty of this gorgeous valley. Hike to Khamsum Yullay Namgyal Chorten: The temple stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. It is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic talent. The hike to the temple is about 45 minutes one way uphill. It offers amazing views of Punakha Valley and the Mochu River. Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery: Sangchen Dorji Lhendrub Choling is located above Wolakha on the way to Drolay Goemba which serves as a Shedra (Buddhist College) and meditation center scatter the grassy site, home to a small and friendly community of nuns.

Overnight in Punakha

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – City tour

Day 05: Punakha to Paro (3 hrs Drive)

As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom, and further to Paro. The entire stretch of the drive will refresh your mind and give you a second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. After our breakfast, retrace the drive back to Paro via Dochula and Thimphu. En route stop at Lamperi Botanical Park, which is a paradise for nature lovers. The visitors can view 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendron or spot some of the 220 species of birds. There are 21 animal species known in the park which include deer, tiger, leopard, red panda, and also the wildcat. Paro Airport View Point: It is located on the Hill overlooking the airport, this viewpoint offers the best view of the whole airport. Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer a lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan-made products, and grocery and imported garment shops besides having many small restaurants around.

Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – City tour

Day 06: Paro Sightseeing

This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more historical sites, high-end tourist resorts, and many souvenir shops for shopping including the world-famous Takstang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take a whole day to complete the hike.

Overnight in Paro

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activity – City tour

Day 07: Paro – End of the Tour

Departure from the Kingdom of Bhutan

Included –

1- visa fee for a single entry, per person for foreign nationals

2-Visa process and arrangement, only valid passports are accepted.

3-Sustainable Development Funds to the government

4-All accommodations on a sharing basis 

5-Buffet set breakfast & dinner in the hotel, Lunch in tourist standard restaurant

6-Full-time English-speaking guide will be provided

7-Transfers and sightseeing as per your itinerary

8-Complimentary a bottle of water per head

9-Gratuities to guide and driver

Excluded 

1-Flight Fare of any kind

3-Entrance/Monument visiting fees, directly payable at the site

4-Bank charges for payment transfers, if applicable only

5-Any alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages

6-Personal expenses/shopping etc

7-Travel Insurance

8-Unforeseen COVID expenses & Personal PPE

10-Outdoor activities (Cycling, River Rafting, Motor Biking, Horse Riding, Cultural Program, Traditional Sports, Costumes, Hotstone Bath etc.)

11- Accommodation for single occupancy at an extra cost

12-Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion is not included in the cost