9-day Cultural with Nature Bhutan Tour

Morning Visit to Buddha Dordenma Statue: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Buddha Dordenma, a massive, golden Buddha statue that sits atop a hill overlooking Thimphu Valley. This site offers panoramic views of the city and a serene atmosphere for reflection.

Explore the National Memorial Chorten: Pay a visit to this stupa, built in memory of the third Bhutanese king. It's a focal point of daily worship for the locals, offering insights into the spiritual practices of Bhutan.

Tashichho Dzong Tour: Discover the majestic Tashichho Dzong, a fortress and monastery that serves as the governmental and religious center of Bhutan. The architecture and artistry here are prime examples of Bhutanese culture.

Folk Heritage Museum: Delve into Bhutanese rural history at the Folk Heritage Museum, where you can learn about traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, farming practices, and ancient tools.

Textile Museum Visit: Bhutan is renowned for its textiles, and a visit to the National Textile Museum will showcase the rich tapestry of Bhutanese weaving, including traditional dresses and the intricate processes behind them.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a midday break with a meal at one of Thimphu's local restaurants, where you can sample more Bhutanese dishes and perhaps chat with locals.

Craft Bazaar and Local Markets: Spend your afternoon browsing the Craft Bazaar and local markets. This is a perfect opportunity to purchase Bhutanese handicrafts, from handwoven textiles to handmade paper, as souvenirs or gifts.

Evening Leisure Time: After a day full of exploration, the evening is yours to relax or take a leisurely stroll through the city. You might choose to explore more of Thimphu's dining scene or simply enjoy the amenities of your hotel.

Departure from Thimphu: After breakfast in Thimphu, set off on a 5-hour drive to Gangtey. The journey itself is an integral part of the day's experience, showcasing Bhutan's stunning natural beauty.

Dochula Pass: Your route will take you over the Dochula Pass, where on a clear day, you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range. The pass is also famous for its 108 chortens (stupas) built as a memorial by the Queen Mother.

Wangdue Phodrang: Along the way, pass through the town of Wangdue Phodrang, known for its majestic fortress and as a gateway to central Bhutan. It's an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs and capture some photos of the landscape.

Lunch En Route: Enjoy a lunch break at one of the local restaurants along the way, where you can taste more of Bhutan's culinary offerings in a scenic setting.

Arrival in Gangtey: Upon arrival in Gangtey, situated in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, you'll be struck by the vast expanse of greenery and the valley's natural beauty, which is a significant contrast to the urban vibe of Thimphu.

Gangtey Goemba Visit: Explore the Gangtey Goemba, an important monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, located on a hill overlooking the valley. The monastery is a spiritual center and offers incredible views of the Phobjikha Valley.

Nature Trail Walk: If time permits, take a leisurely walk on the nature trail through the valley. This area is renowned for its serene landscapes and is a winter home for the rare black-necked cranes.

Evening at Leisure: Settle into your accommodation in Gangtey. The evening is yours to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the valley, a perfect setting to reflect on the day's journey and the natural beauty of Bhutan.

Early Morning Departure: Start early from Gangtey after breakfast to make the most of the daylight hours. The drive to Bumthang is about 7 hours, offering a deep dive into Bhutan's diverse landscapes.

Trongsa Stopover: En route to Bumthang, you’ll pass through Trongsa, where you can visit the Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan. This architectural marvel provides insight into the strategic importance of Bhutan’s dzongs in the country's history.

Yotong La Pass: Cross the Yotong La Pass, which marks the boundary between central and eastern Bhutan. At an elevation of 3,425 meters, it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Lunch in Chumey Valley: Enjoy a lunch break in the picturesque Chumey Valley, one of Bumthang’s four valleys. The area is known for its weaving villages, and you might have the chance to see local weavers at work, producing the famous Bumthang Yathra, a woven woolen fabric.

Arrival in Bumthang: As you arrive in Bumthang, notice the shift in scenery to wide valleys and rolling hills, a stark contrast to the steep mountains of Gangtey. Bumthang is considered the spiritual heart of Bhutan and is home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Evening Exploration: Depending on your arrival time, take a gentle walk around the town or visit a local temple. Bumthang’s serene environment and rich cultural heritage make it a perfect place for evening exploration.

Rest and Acclimatize: Check into your hotel and take the evening to rest. Bumthang is higher in elevation compared to Gangtey, so it’s important to acclimatize and prepare for the next day’s adventures in this spiritual region.

Jakar Dzong Visit: Start your day with a visit to the Jakar Dzong, also known as the "Castle of the White Bird". Situated on a ridge above Jakar town, this dzong offers panoramic views of the valley and serves as the administrative center of the region.

Jambay Lhakhang: Explore one of Bhutan's oldest monasteries, Jambay Lhakhang, which dates back to the 7th century. It's one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.

Kurjey Lhakhang Complex: Visit the Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on a rock. The complex comprises three temples surrounded by 108 chorten walls, making it a site of great religious significance.

Tamshing Lhakhang: Discover the historic Tamshing Lhakhang, founded by Terton Pema Lingpa, a treasure revealer and one of the most important figures in Bhutanese religious history. The temple houses ancient religious paintings and artifacts.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese lunch at one of Bumthang’s local restaurants, giving you a taste of the region's unique flavors.

Red Panda Brewery and Swiss Cheese Factory: For a change of pace, visit the Red Panda Brewery and a Swiss cheese factory, where you can sample locally produced beer and cheese. This unique experience showcases the fusion of Bhutanese and Swiss cultures in Bumthang.

Wangdichholing Palace:

Conclude your day with a visit to the Wangdichholing Palace, the first palace in Bhutan that was not designed as a fortress. It was the summer residence of the first king of Bhutan and offers a glimpse into the country's royal history.

Evening at Leisure: Spend your evening relaxing or take a leisurely stroll through Bumthang's town center. It's a great opportunity to reflect on the day's explorations and absorb the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.

Bumthang – Punakha (205 KMS / 07 HRS DRIVE)
Early Departure from Bumthang: After an early breakfast, begin the approximately 7-hour drive to Punakha. Starting early maximizes daylight for the journey and potential stops along the way.

Crossing Yotong La Pass Again: Traverse back over the Yotong La Pass (3,425 meters), offering another chance to admire its stunning views and perhaps witness different weather conditions that change the landscape’s appearance.

Trongsa Brief Stop: Depending on timing, make a brief stop in Trongsa again. This could be an opportunity to visit anything you might have missed on the outward journey or simply enjoy a stretch and refreshment break.

Lunch at Chendebji Chorten: Stop for lunch near the Chendebji Chorten, a Nepalese-style stupa situated in a picturesque spot, making for a peaceful lunch break location.

Peleg La Pass: Experience the beauty of Peleg La Pass, another significant mountain pass offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, marking your transition from central to western Bhutan.

Arrival in Punakha: As you arrive in Punakha, notice the change in elevation and climate. Punakha, known for its more temperate climate, showcases a valley rich in agricultural lands and is home to one of Bhutan’s most majestic dzongs.

Evening Leisure or Exploration: Depending on your arrival time in Punakha, spend the evening at leisure in your hotel, or if time permits, take a gentle walk along the riverside. Punakha’s pleasant climate and beautiful scenery make it a wonderful place to explore on foot.

Rest and Prepare for the Next Day: After the long journey, take the evening to relax and rejuvenate. Prepare for an exciting day of exploration in Punakha, a region known for its significant historical and religious sites.

Morning Visit to Punakha Dzong: Begin your day with a visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong (the palace of great happiness or bliss), beautifully located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It's a prime example of Bhutanese architecture and holds great historical significance.

Chimi Lhakhang Visit: En route to Paro, make a stop at Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, founded by the “Divine Madman”, Lama Drukpa Kunley. It’s a short and pleasant walk through fields to reach the temple, which is known to bless couples who seek fertility.

Scenic Drive to Paro: The approximately 4½-hour drive to Paro will take you through some of Bhutan’s most scenic landscapes, including mountain passes and valleys that showcase the country’s natural beauty.

Lunch Stop: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants along the way. This is a great opportunity to savor Bhutanese cuisine while enjoying views of the Himalayan landscape.

Arrival in Paro: Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel and take some time to relax after the journey. Paro, with its lush valleys and historic sites, offers a tranquil setting to unwind.

Paro Rinpung Dzong: If time allows, explore the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery that overlooks the Paro valley. It’s a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and offers insight into the country’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Evening at Leisure: Spend the evening at leisure in Paro. This might be a perfect time to explore the town, visit local shops for last-minute souvenirs, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful valley.

Prepare for the Next Day's Adventure: Get a good night’s rest in preparation for the following day's adventures, which include the iconic hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a highlight for many visitors to Bhutan.

Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) Hike: The day begins with an early morning hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, Bhutan's most famous and sacred site. Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley, the monastery is said to be where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to meditate. The hike is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering breathtaking views and a profound sense of achievement.

Lunch at the Cafeteria: Midway through the hike, stop at the cafeteria for lunch or refreshments, where you can enjoy stunning views of the monastery from a distance.

Kyichu Lhakhang Visit: After descending from the hike, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. Dating back to the 7th century, this temple is a testament to the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Paro Dzong Exploration: Explore the Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong, which serves as a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and art. It's an important administrative and religious center in the valley.

National Museum of Bhutan: If time permits, visit the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the Ta Dzong, a watchtower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars. The museum offers insightful displays on Bhutanese culture, including art, artifacts, and the natural environment.

Evening Leisure Time: Spend your final evening in Bhutan at leisure, reflecting on the journey and exploring Paro’s quaint town center. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a traditional Bhutanese meal at a local restaurant, capturing the flavors and memories of Bhutan.

Preparation for Departure: Use this time to pack and prepare for your departure the next day, cherishing the memories and experiences of a lifetime spent in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

• Drive Duration: 30 minutes to Paro International Airport

• Meals: Breakfast

• Highest Altitude: Paro – 2,200 m

• Accommodation: Not included (Departure Day)

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some leisure time in Paro town for last-minute shopping or photography. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also take a short stroll around the town to soak in the tranquil atmosphere of Bhutan.

Later, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to Bhutan, carrying with you unforgettable memories of its spiritual heritage, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural traditions.