Included in this package
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water
Not Included
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
Tour Overview
The package includes popular destinations and Bumthang valley. Bumthang is considered as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, the valley is shrouded in myth and legacies of great Buddhist saints and auspicious sites. As you descend Yotongla Pass and approach the valley, you will feel as though you're entering the inner sanctum of a sacred temple. On this trip, you will get to explore the unique customs and tradition of the people of Bumthang valley.
Tour Highlights
- Spiritual Bumthang Valley
- Tashichodzong – 17th century Fort
- Memorial Chorten
- Zorig Chusum
- Punakha Dzong
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Home stay experience
- Nature trail at Phobjikha
- Trongsa Ta Dzong Museum
- Chumey Yathra Weaving Center
- Chakar Lhakhang
- Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake)
Daily Itinerary for Cultural Safari (9 Days/ 8 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive in Paro & Transfer to Thimphu
Meet your guide and driver at the airport. Drive from Paro to Thimphu (54 Km, ~1 hour). After a quick stop at your hotel and lunch, spend the rest of the day exploring Thimphu.
Places and attractions: Buddha Dordenma, Centenary Farmers Market, Authentic Craft Bazaar, Memorial Chorten, VAST Studio, Tashichodzong, National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Hotel: Thimphu
Places and attractions: Buddha Dordenma, Centenary Farmers Market, Authentic Craft Bazaar, Memorial Chorten, VAST Studio, Tashichodzong, National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Hotel: Thimphu
Day 2: Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Drive from Thimphu to Dochula (31 Km, ~1 hour, 3100m) for panoramic mountain views and 108 memorial stupas. Lunch served en route. Continue to Punakha (63 Km, ~1.5 hours). Short hike to Chimi Lhakhang via Sopsokha village.
Places and attractions: Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong, Punakha Suspension Bridge, Chimi Lhakhang
Hotel: Punakha
Places and attractions: Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong, Punakha Suspension Bridge, Chimi Lhakhang
Hotel: Punakha
Day 3: Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha
Early drive to Phobjikha Valley (78 Km, ~3.5 hours). Enjoy the serenity and pristine nature. Visit Gangte Monastery, Black Necked Crane Information Centre, Gangte Nature Trail, and enjoy a hot stone bath.
Hotel: Gantey
Hotel: Gantey
Day 4: Drive from Phobjikha to Bumthang
Long drive (179 Km, ~8 hours) through rhododendron and oak forests, crossing Pele la pass (3351m) and Yotongla Pass (3425m). Explore Trongsa district: Chendebji Chorten, Ta Dzong Museum, Trongsa Dzong.
Hotel: Bumthang
Hotel: Bumthang
Day 5: Explore Bumthang
Spend the day exploring Bumthang valley: Mebar Tsho, Ura Village, Kurji, Jambey Lhakhang, Yathra Weaving Center.
Hotel: Bumthang
Hotel: Bumthang
Day 6: Option 1: Fly back to Paro | Option 2: Drive back to Thimphu
Option 1: 30 min flight to Paro (extra cost, subject to weather).
Option 2: Drive back to Thimphu (266 Km, ~10 hours).
Note: Last-minute flight cancellations due to weather are common in summer.
Places and attractions: Thimphu
Hotel: Thimphu
Option 2: Drive back to Thimphu (266 Km, ~10 hours).
Note: Last-minute flight cancellations due to weather are common in summer.
Places and attractions: Thimphu
Hotel: Thimphu
Day 7: Drive from Thimphu to Paro
Drive to Paro (54 Km, ~1 hour). Spend the day exploring Paro and nearby districts.
Places and attractions: Paro Rinpung Dzong, Paro Town, National Museum Paro Ta Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang
Hotel: Paro
Places and attractions: Paro Rinpung Dzong, Paro Town, National Museum Paro Ta Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang
Hotel: Paro
Day 8: Hike to Taktsang
Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. Enjoy pine forests, waterfalls, and spiritual ambiance as your guide narrates Buddhist mythology.
Places and attractions: Paro, Tiger's Nest Hike
Hotel: Paro
Places and attractions: Paro, Tiger's Nest Hike
Hotel: Paro
Day 9: Depart From Paro
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward journey.
End of Trip
End of Trip