Bhutan Cultural Tour - 5 days

Enjoy phenomenal views of sacred Bhutanese peaks - the snowcapped Jumolhari and Jichu Drake- while flying into Paro. Bhutan has only one international airport located in Paro. Your guide will meet you at the airport terminal. Have lunch or some refreshments at a restaurant before heading to Ta Dzong, and an ancient watchtower now converted into the National Museum. The museum houses armors used by Bhutanese warriors in the bygone days, ancient thangkas (scroll paintings), old stamps, festival masks, manuscripts, etc. 

Afterward, head down to Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong or the ‘Heap of Jewels Fort.’ The exhibits at this ancient fort include exquisite paintings depicting the life of Lord Buddha. ‘Little Buddha,’ a movie by Bernardo Bertolucci was filmed here. Later take a scenic drive to Thimphu, the country’s capital.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Head to one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the valley Changkha Lakhang. The temple is about eight hundred years old and sits high above the city of Thimphu. Parents of newborn babies bring their infants to this temple with the hope that they could get an auspicious name from one of the resident monks.

Later head down to the main city and try dressing up like the locals. Your guide will take you to a shop where you can rent a traditional dress. The male’s traditional attire is known as ‘Gho’ while the female's is known as ‘Kira.’ The shop’s attendant will help you get dressed. Take pictures and commit this moment to memory. Later visit the local market or the school of traditional arts.

Late afternoon, bid goodbye to Thimphu and drive to Punakha, the winter residence of Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and his council. En route, stop briefly at Dochula Pass and enjoy mesmerizing views of Himalayan peaks. The pass is dotted with 108 memorial chortens built by the Queen Mother. After a brief stopover, continue driving towards Punakha. Head to a traditional local home where you will spend the night.

Overnight in Punakha.

Enjoy a traditional Hot Stone Bath before heading to Punakha Dzong. The Hot Stone Bath is taken in a traditional wooden or stone tub where hot stone slabs are immersed in the bathwater to heat it. After the traditional bath, head to Punakha Dzong, a traditional fortress dating back to the 17th century. This grand whitewashed monument lies at the Mo Chhu (silent mother) confluence and Pho Chhu( noisy father) rivers. Cross a wooden cantilever bridge to enter the dzong. One of the most beautiful and ancient dzongs in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong, now houses a monastery and a government office.

Later drive to Paro. On the way, stop at Lobesa and walk past traditional farms and mustard and paddy fields to Chimi Lakhang Temple. The temple is dedicated to a Buddhist ascetic named Drukpa Kuenley, or the ‘Divine Madman,’ who lived during the 14th century. He is known as the ‘Mad Saint’ or ‘Divine Madman’ for his unconventional methods of preaching Buddhism. After visiting the temple, you continue driving towards Paro. Cross the picturesque Dochula Pass and the capital Thimphu before finally arriving in Paro. Upon reaching Paro, head to a hotel and take a well-deserved rest.

Overnight in Paro.

This day is packed with adventure. Have an early start and drive to the starting point of Taktsang Monastery Hike. The monastery hangs precariously on a rocky cliff 3000 feet above Paro valley, and It is a steep ascent right up to the monastery. Pony rides are available till the halfway point. Though the hike up to the monastery may be tough, you are rewarded with astounding 360-degree views of the Paro valley and the surrounding peaks once you reach the top.

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

Overnight in Paro

After a delightful stay, it’s time to bid farewell to Bhutan. Your guide will drive you to the airport on time to catch your international flight.