Bhutan Culture Tour – 8 Days

General Information

Start/ End: Paro/ Paro
Duration: 8 Days/ 7 Nights
Tour Route: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
Tour Customizable: Definitely! ( Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Brief Itinerary

Day 01: Paro Arrival
Day 02: Transfer to Chele La Pass
Day 03: Paro – Thimphu
Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha/ Wangdue – Wangdue Festival (September 22nd–24th)
Day 05: Hiking trip in Punakha
Day 06: Punakha – Paro
Day 07: Taktsang Goemba Hike
Day 08: Paro Departure

Full Itinerary

Day 01: Paro Arrival

As you arrive at the Paro International Airport, our representative will be waiting to warmly greet and escort you to the hotel. If your flight is in the morning you will visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. It has a long and fascinating history. You can see fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore along the wooden galleries which line the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong. You will walk downhill till the road point crossing the traditional wooden bridge. Your vehicle will be waiting here to take you to Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 02: Transfer to Chele La Pass

Today you will begin an exciting drive to Chele La Pass, which is at 3990 meters. The pass is dotted with colorful Buddhist prayer flags and offers incredible vistas into the valleys below. From the pass, you will walk along the ridges each higher than the last. On clear weather, you can see stunning views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake on your right and Mount Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, the world’s third-highest mountain, on your distant left. You will hike till the highest ridge, Kungkarpo which stands at about 4200 meters, the spot for sky burial. You can take well-deserved rest and enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas. Later you will hike back to your vehicle and drive to Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Paro – Thimphu

After breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu. Sightseeing in Thimphu includes the Folk Heritage Museum and the School of Arts and Crafts. In the afternoon head to Kuensel Phodrang overlooking Thimphu valley and where giant Buddha statue is located. The 169-feet statue is renowned to be the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Evening visits the Tashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress-monastery, which houses most of the Government’s office and Kings’ Throne Room. In the evening, you can stroll in Thimphu city and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha/ Wangdue – Wangdue Festival ( September 22th-24th)

Today you will drive to Wangdue via Dochula pass at (10,170 feet), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. You will stop for some time here before driving to Wangdue. Attend full-day festival dances and celebrations. The festival is an honor to the teachings of Guru Rinpoche who came to Bhutan in 746 AD and introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. People of all ages put on their best attires and come to marvel at the festival. It is a good opportunity to mingle with the locals. Later you will drive to Punakha for night halt. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Hiking trip in Punakha

After breakfast, you will go for a village hike. You will cross a suspension bridge, which is the longest in Bhutan, and walk along the Mo Chu River. After spending some time strolling around, you will come to a local village. You can spend some time visiting farmhouses and meeting families. Your host, without a doubt, will be happy to offer you a cup of butter tea.

Lunch at the local house and then, you can hike further to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a delightful 3-story chorten that looks down on the upper Punakha Valley. The scenery of the valley and the snow-capped mountains surrounding are impressive. You can linger here for some time relaxing and simply appreciating the harmonious beauty of the location. Later in the evening, you will hike back till the road point where your car will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 06: Punakha – Paro

Today, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Later you will drive to Paro via Dochula Pass again. En route, you will stop at Lobesa to hike through rice paddies up to the Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple itself is dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century – Drukpa Kuenley, or the “Divine Madman,” who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. Continue to drive and overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Taktsang Goemba Hike

This morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is the most renowned monastery in Bhutan, perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at Cafeteria restaurant located up on the mountain. After having explored the monastery, you will have back to Paro. This is an awesome conclusion to your stay in Bhutan! Today you will visit a farmhouse to enjoy a traditional hot stone bath. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 08: Paro Departure

Time to say goodbye Bhutan. Enjoy your last time in Bhutan with breakfast at the hotel and morning at leisure until getting transferred to the Paro International Airport for a flight coming home. The trip ends. Hope you had a memorable trip and wish that you would go with Go Bhutan Tours once again.