Duration : 6 Nights / 7 Days
Destination Covered : Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha
Tour Activities : Hiking, Museums, Sightseeing
Tour Themes : Hill Stations & Valleys, Religious & Pilgrimage, Culture & Heritage
Price on Request
Thimphu, Paro and Wangdue Phodrang Tour Overview
The Bhutan Classic Cultural Tour lets you see Bhutan with different and vibrant eyes; you will experience the vivid culture of the localities while moving with them. This tour covers the major places of attraction in Bhutan: Thimphu,Paro,Punakha & Gangtey. Starting from Paro, known for the various religious sites including the famous Tiger Nest, the tour proceeds to ‘U’ shaped- Gangtey valley via Thimpu, where you can soak yourself in its scenic grandeur.
You can take hikes through forest, try out a traditional hot stone bath with the game of Archery, eat a lunch by river side, meet the local familes & have farm dinner surrounded by hills and its latticed pattern. Try a white water rafting or meet a monk at the hilltop.
All these will definitely give you the feel of Bhutan’s rich and diverse Cultural heritage.
Tour Highlights
Visit the valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Gangtey
Hike to the infamous Tiger’s Nest/Taktsang Monastery
Visit Dochula Pass and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayas
Enjoy the Architectural grandeur of Tashichho Dzong and Punakha Dzong
Visit Landmark places such as Buddha Dordenma, Tachogang Lhakhang and Chimmi Lhakhang, and Gangtey Monastery
Check out the rural life at Yuwakha Village and the unique architecture of the houses
Walk through the Nature Trail at Gangtey
Visit Crane Information Center and if your visit to Gangtey falls in the right season you may enjoy sightings of the Majestic Black Necked Cranes.
Visit Lamperi and enjoy various species of blooming Rhododendron Flowers
Rejuvenate yourself with an herbal hot stone bath
Enjoy a farmhouse dinner and connect with Bhutanese locals
Thimphu, Paro and Wangdue Phodrang Tour Itinerary
Discover the majestic mountains speckled with sacred temples and monasteries on your journey from Paro to Thimphu.
On the way, stop at Tachog Lhakhang (the Iron Chain Bridge), a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built by Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo ,over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Devour yourself to the invigorating ambience of the cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags. The whole set up a feast to the eye.
Visit National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (”the father of modern Bhutan “) and a monument to world peace. It is a four-storey tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. The temple serves as an important place of worship for all Bhutanese.
Evening visit Tashichho Dzong the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before you enter the Dzong.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Visit the Takin sanctuary at Motithang to gaze upon Takin, the National animal of Bhutan.
The Takin, a large shaggy hoofed mammal, is closely related to the musk ox – so designated due to its prominent place in a popular Bhutanese myth from the 15th century .Drive further upwards towards Sangaygang where will have wonderful views of the Thimphu Valley from the hillside below the telecommunications tower (elevation 2685m), high above the town.
After lunch, drive to visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. It is also commonly known as Arts and crafts school or painting school. The institute offers a course ranging from 4 to 6 years on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
Visit Folk Heritage Museum.
General Post Office where you can make a postage stamp with your own picture which can be posted within Bhutan.
In the evening if not tired, visit local farm market, Immerse in a sensory experience at the Thimphu Weekend Farmer’s market before visiting the local archery ground where the locals celebrate the national sport of archery with dance and song with every hit.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.
If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Sip a cup of steaming coffee at the cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.
Set out to the beautiful alpine valley of Phobjikha. Observe the vegetation change from pine to alpine zone. The valley is popular for its scenic splendor and cultural uniqueness. Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the Black-Necked Cranes (Grus Nigricollis), that migrate from the Tibetan plateau. The birds can be observed from early November to end of March.
Upon arrival at Phobjikha valley visit 17th century Gangtey Monastery overlooking the gorgeous Phobjikha Valley. Take pictures of the monks with the exquisite carving and sculpture of the monastery.
Visit the Crane Information Center.
Listen to the bell calling the monks to the temple and you can also participate in morning/evening prayer with the monks at the Gangtey monastery.
Enjoy the tranquil environment of Phobjikha valley
Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.
Drive towards Punakha:
Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.
Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge – The 160 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.
Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.
Visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery where they brew many styles of beers considering the different drinking palates for taste, making sure that all beer-lovers are satisfied. This added to the innovative nature of craft brewers all over the world have taken the market by storm, allowing them always to brew something new.
Evening free or can visit the Paro town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.
Overnight at your Hotel in Paro
Tigers Nest Monastery or Taktsang Goemba is one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites of Bhutan and acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived at this place from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and blessed the entire place.
On your way back visit the Kichu monastery. It is the one of the oldest and the first ever Buddhist monastery to be built in Bhutan. It was built in the 8th century
Overnight at hotel in Paro
More Details about Thimphu, Paro and Wangdue Phodrang Tour
Inclusions
- Hotel
- A sustainable tourism Royalty (SDF) to the Royal Government of Bhutan which goes towards the economic developmental works such as in the education , health, roads, etc.,
- Bhutan Visa
- Accommodations in 3- star properties. (Can be upgraded to 4 & 5-star with additional Premium)
- All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide.
- All ground transportation
- All internal taxes and charges including Entry Fees
- Mineral Water while traveling
Exclusions
- Airfare (Can be arranged with us)
- Travel Insurance
- Any Expenses of Personal Nature
- Tips for Guide & Driver
Payments Terms
- * 20% Advance Percentage of total booking amount
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- * Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
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