Bhutan Cultural Discovery Tour
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Route: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Phobjikha – Paro
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival at Paro – transfer to Thimphu
Morning: Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our guide and driver. After completing immigration and customs formalities, proceed on a scenic drive to Thimphu.
- Distance: 54 km
- Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Accommodation: Asura Hotel (3-Star)
Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel and enjoy lunch.
Afternoon: Thimphu sightseeing
- Buddha Dordenma Statue – Commonly referred to as Buddha Point, this magnificent golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is located on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu city. Standing at 51.5 meters (169 feet), it is among the largest seated Buddha statues in the world.
- National Memorial Chorten – One of Bhutan’s most prominent religious monuments, situated in the heart of Thimphu. It was constructed in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), widely known as the Father of Modern Bhutan.
Hotel Menu:
- Continental and Bhutanese dishes
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 02: Full-day Thimphu sightseeing and cultural show
Morning: After breakfast, proceed for a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu.
- Royal Takin Preserve, Motithang – A wildlife reserve established to protect Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. According to local legend, the animal was created in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman,” by combining the remains of a cow and a goat.
- Changangkha Lhakhang – One of the oldest and most sacred temples in Thimphu, dating back to the 12th century. Located on a ridge above the city, it offers panoramic views and is traditionally regarded as the spiritual home for children born in the Thimphu Valley.
- Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim) – This museum provides insight into traditional rural Bhutanese life and is housed in a restored 150-year-old rammed-earth and timber farmhouse.
Lunch: Shark Restaurant
Afternoon: Continued sightseeing
- National Textile Museum – Also known as the Bhutan Textile Museum, it showcases Bhutan’s rich textile traditions and craftsmanship.
- Explore Thimphu Town
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese cultural performance featuring mask dances and folk shows that reflect the country’s vibrant heritage.
Accommodation: Same as previous night
Hotel Menu:
- Continental and Bhutanese dishes
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha via Dochula pass
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Punakha via the picturesque Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). Visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and admire breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. These stupas were built under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck in honor of Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in the 2003 military operations.
- Distance: 74 km
- Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours
Sightseeing in Punakha
- Chimi Lhakhang – Widely known as the Fertility Temple, this site involves a short walk-through villages and terraced fields. It is especially popular among couples seeking blessings for childbirth.
Lunch: Vintage Café
Afternoon:
- Punakha Dzong – Also called Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (“Palace of Great Happiness”), this impressive fortress stands at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male) and Mo Chhu (Female) rivers. Formerly the capital of Bhutan, it remains the winter residence of the central monastic body and the coronation site of Bhutanese Kings.
- Suspension Bridge – Walk One of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, offering an exciting experience due to its gentle sway and providing excellent opportunities for photography and birdwatching.
Accommodation: Meri Phunsum Hotel (3-Star)
Hotel Menu:
- Continental and Bhutanese dishes
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Overnight: Punakha
Day 04: Punakha – Phobjikha valley
Morning: After breakfast, depart for the serene Phobjikha Valley.
- Distance: Approximately 78.6 km
- Driving Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
- Gangtey Monastery – A prominent 17th century monastery located on a hill overlooking the glacial Phobjikha Valley. It is the largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan and is closely associated with the endangered Black-necked Cranes that winter in the valley.
Lunch: Dewachen Hotel & Spa
Afternoon:
- Black-necked Crane Education Center – Managed by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), this center highlights conservation efforts for the near threatened Black-necked Cranes.
- Phobjikha valley sightseeing
Accommodation: Dewachen Hotel & Spa
Hotel Menu:
- Continental and Bhutanese dishes
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 05: Phobjikha - Paro
Morning: After breakfast, drive to Paro through scenic valleys and forested landscapes.
- Distance: Approximately 171 km
- Driving Time: Approximately 5 hours
Lunch: Village Restaurant
Afternoon: Sightseeing
- Rinpung Dzong – Meaning “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels,” this impressive fortress-monastery serves as Paro’s administrative and religious center and is renowned for its architectural beauty and cultural importance.
- Paro Ta Dzong (National Museum) – Built in 1649 as a watchtower, this structure now houses Bhutan’s National Museum, displaying over 3,000 artifacts related to Bhutanese art, history, and culture.
Accommodation: Spirit of Bhutan Resort (3-Star)
Hotel Menu:
- Continental and Bhutanese dishes
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Overnight: Paro
Day 06: Paro - Tiger's Nest hike
Morning: After breakfast, begin the hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a sacred Vajrayana Buddhist site dramatically perched on a cliff above the Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave, subduing evil spirits.
Lunch: Taktsang Cafeteria
Evening: Optional traditional hot stone bath experience (available at an additional cost).
Accommodation: Same as previous night
Hotel Menu:
- Continental and Bhutanese dishes
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
Overnight: Paro
Day 07: Departure from Paro
Morning: After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
The tour concludes with cherished memories of Bhutan.
Tashi Delek!