This Bhutan cultural tour is a step back in time and provides a fantastic glimpse into traditions and customs fast disappearing from the rest of the Himalayan world. The small kingdom of Bhutan is so traditional, so ancient and so completely culturally intact that it can seem almost surreal.

It is here you will find an independent people who have not rejected their spiritual heritage for modern ways. They live in a gentle land of winding country roads, forests of juniper, whitewashed farmhouses and verdant valleys dominated by thriving fortress-like monasteries.

A life built on the foundations of simplicity, faith and folk legends.

In a commendable effort to preserve the countries pristine environment and Buddhist inspired culture, while still enjoying the benefits of world tourism, the Royal Government has employed an ambitious and far-sighted policy of limited tourism. Allowing no more than 4,000 tourists world wide to enter the country, Bhutan is a truly unique destination. It is an unspoiled country crowned with magnificent mountains, a truly unique cultural heritage that has been preserved for many centuries, and an architectural style like no other. Bhutan is a land of warm hearted and friendly people who welcome visitors with enthusiasm and a pleasant smile. Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan, but English is widely spoken.

Tours of various length and departure dates are available. Please contact us for details and pricing.

Also, due to Visa requirements and limited airline seating, it is important to book your Bhutan tours at least one month in advance.

B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner

Day 1:
KATHMANDU – PARO - THIMPU (D)

Fly from Kathmandu, Nepal to Paro, Bhutan (flights are also available from Bangkok and Delhi - please contact us for prices and details). Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide at the airport and immediately begin your drive to the capital city of Thimpu, passing idyllic countryside, villages and paddy fields. Overnight in Thimpu.


Day 2:
THIMPU (B, L, D)

Today you will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Thimpu. There are many wonderful sites to visit such as the late king’s memorial Chorten, the nunnery at Zilukha, the traditional painting and craft school, the national library, the indigenous hospital, the colorful market, the folk heritage museum, the textile museum, the hand-made paper factory, Zangdopelri temple and the handicraft centers. Thimphu is also the best place to purchase gifts and souvenirs from Bhutan. In the evening take a stroll around the market area and soak up the amazing Bhutanese culture.


Day 3:
PUNAKAHA (B, L, D)

In the morning we drive to Punakaha via the spectacular Dochula Pass (10,170 feet - 3,100 m). The pass is marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten (monument) and prayer flags. The pass offers the most spectacular view of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. On arrival in Punakha explore the architectural wonder of the 17th century Punakha Dzong, at the confluence of Pho and Mo Chu Rivers. Punakha Dzong is the winter home of Bhutan's central monk body and is often considered to be one of the most attractive forts in Bhutan.

Punakha was once the winter capital and was here in part because Punakha is a warm valley with a relatively low altitude of 1200m, allowing for the production of two rice crops each year. Bananas, pomegranates, mangos and oranges are also grown here. It is possible to witness members of the Lasan ethnic minority herding their yaks into town for trade.


Day 4:
TRONGSA (B, L, D)

Today we take the 4 hour drive to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the present royal family and the central hub of the country. Our journey takes us up the black mountain winding its way up towards the Pele La Pass (3,400m) where we will take a break for views of the snow clad peaks, including that of Bhutan’s sacred peak, Mount Chomolhari. As we drive east, in places, the road is literally carved out of impressive cliff sides and the scenery is certainly stunning.

After arriving in Trongsa we explore the Trongsa Dzong, the largest fort in Bhutan and famous for controlling east-west trade for centuries. Home to some twenty odd temples, the Dzong's massive structure is built on numerous levels and perches on the side of the hill. We will also see the famous Ta Dzong, the watchtower which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from interior rebellions.


Day 5:
TRONGSA - BHUMTHANG (B, L, D)

After breakfast we drive to Bhumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Along the way we admire the beautiful countryside of Bhutan.


Day 6:
BHUMTHANG (B, L, D)

Bhumthang is the general name given to the combination of four valleys – Chumney, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 8,500 feet to 13,125 feet (2,600m to 4,000m). It is home to many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. In Bhumthang you will visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings and Jakar Dzong, the administrative entree of the valley. You will also visit Jambey Lhakhang, the first temple built by the king of Tibet. In the evening you can visit the local shops.


Day 7:
WANGDUE (B, L, D)

Leaving Bhumthang, your drive to Wangdu will again take you over the Pela Pass and down into the picturesque valley of Wangdue Phordrang. The pass is traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. During the clear weather you can view the high snow capped peaks of the Himalaya, especially Mount Chomolhari (24,355 ft / 7,314 m). In Wangdue you will have the opportunity to witness the majestic fortress of Wangdue, which stands majestically on a hill where the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers meet.


Day 8:
PARO (B, L, D)

In the morning we drive to Paro. The Paro Valley with its forests of blue pine is considered the most beautiful of Bhutan's main valleys and the vast white Paro Dzong dominates the skyline. It stands on the site of an old temple that was built in the 14th century and is an imposing five-storied structure complete with dungeons and a covered drawbridge. The small bazaar and the traditional shingle roofed houses of the local farming population give Paro a special charm.

In the afternoon you will explore the wonders of Paro. Visit the National Museum, housed in the round multi-storied Ta Dzong which dates back to 1656. Then continue on for a sightseeing tour of Rinphung Dzong, one of the country’s unique cultural treasures, and witness the first examples of Bhutan’s remarkable traditional architecture.


Day 9:
TAKSHANG MONASTERY (B, L, D)

Begin your excursion to the amazing Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Lair or Tiger’s Nest. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche flew here over the Himilaya from Tibet in the 7th century on the back of a flying Tigress and is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most photographed and famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. It is located on the face of a sheer 3,200 foot (1,000m) cliff above the Paro Valley.

It is an impressive sight but accessible only by trek or horseback. Hikers can enjoy a well-earned rest at the Taktsang Teahouse, the walk to the tea house is a steep one hour uphill ascent (approx. 1,100f / 340m). The trail becomes narrow as you reach the top. From the tea house (9,678f / 2,950m) the close-up views of Takstang are breathtaking. The group can take a rest at this point. Time permitting, for those interested in just a short rest, there is a further hike uphill that can be made which ascends steeply to a high observation point (10,300f / 3,150m), a chorton can be found by those that brave the hill. Overnight in Paro


Day 10
TRIP ENDS (B)

Today your tour of Bhutan ends. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Kathmandu (or other city). While in Kathmandu, why not try one of our Tibet, Annapurna or Mt. Everest adventures?