Bhutan Cultural Tour

Enjoy stunning views of the snowcapped Bhutanese peaks, Jumolhari and Jichu Drake, as you fly into Paro. Paro has Bhutan's only international airport. Your guide will meet you at the airport. You can have lunch or refreshments at a restaurant before visiting Ta Dzong, an old watchtower that is now the National Museum. The museum displays armors used by Bhutanese warriors, ancient thangkas (scroll paintings), old stamps, festival masks, manuscripts, and more.

Next, visit Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong or the "Heap of Jewels Fort." This ancient fort includes beautiful paintings that show the life of Lord Buddha. Part of the movie "Little Buddha," directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, was filmed here. After that, take a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

You will spend the night in Thimphu.

Visit Changkha Lakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the valley. This temple is about eight hundred years old and is located high above Thimphu. Parents with newborns bring their babies here to receive an auspicious name from the monks.

Afterward, head down to the city and try on traditional local clothing. Your guide will take you to a shop where you can rent a dress. Men wear a ‘Gho,’ and women wear a ‘Kira.’ The shop attendant will help you dress. Take photos to remember this moment. Later, you can visit the local market or the school of traditional arts.

In the late afternoon, leave Thimphu and drive to Punakha, where the Chief Abbot and his council stay in the winter. On the way, stop briefly at Dochula Pass to enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. You will see 108 memorial chortens built by the Queen Mother. After this short stop, continue your drive to Punakha. You will stay overnight in a traditional local home.

Overnight in Punakha.

Enjoy a traditional Hot Stone Bath in a wooden or stone tub. Hot stone slabs heat the water for your bath. After relaxing in the bath, visit Punakha Dzong, a fortress from the 17th century. This beautiful whitewashed building stands at the meeting point of the Mo Chhu (silent mother) and Pho Chhu (noisy father) rivers. To enter the dzong, cross a wooden cantilever bridge. Punakha Dzong is one of the most stunning and oldest dzongs in Bhutan and now serves as a temple and government office.

Next, drive to Paro, it will take about 3-4 hours. On the way, stop at Lobesa and walk through traditional farms and fields of mustard and rice to reach Chimi Lakhang Temple. This temple honors Drukpa Kuenley, known as the ‘Divine Madman,’ a Buddhist saint from the 14th century. He gained this nickname for his unique ways of teaching Buddhism. After visiting the temple, continue your drive to Paro.

Cross the scenic Dochula Pass and pass through the capital, Thimphu, before arriving in Paro. Once in Paro, check into a hotel and take a well-deserved rest.

Overnight in Paro.

This day is full of adventure. Start early and drive to the beginning of the Taktsang Monastery hike. The monastery is located 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley, clinging to a rocky cliff. The hike is about 5-6 hours and it's steep until you reach the monastery. You can ride a pony to the halfway point. While the climb may be difficult, you will be rewarded with amazing 360-degree views of the valley and surrounding mountains when you arrive at the top.

Visit the monastery and pay respect to the guardian deities. It is believed that Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, blessed this place. The monastery is called Tiger’s Nest because, according to legend, Padmasambhava flew to this cliff on a tiger and meditated here.

Overnight in Paro.

After a wonderful stay, it's time to say goodbye to Bhutan. Transfer to Airport for your onward journey.