13 day Cultural tour
9 Nights / 10 Days
Tour Highlights:
Historic Dzongs, Scenic Valleys, Cultural Festivals
Best Time to Visit:
March – May & Sep – Nov
IDYLLIC BHUTAN (13 DAYS TOUR)
Embark on the 13-day Idyllic Bhutan tour—a thoughtfully curated journey through the kingdom’s most captivating landscapes and cultural landmarks. Traverse from the vibrant capital of Thimphu to the serene valleys of Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang, each offering unique insights into Bhutan’s rich heritage. Highlights include hiking to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, exploring ancient dzongs, and experiencing traditional Bhutanese hospitality.
Itinerary
Arrival & Welcome
Your friendly tour guide will be waiting for you outside the exit doors at Paro International Airport.
As we drive along the Paa Chhu (river), we'll pass by the beautiful Tagchok temple (lhakhang), built in the late 13th century by the great Tibetan saint Drupthob Thangthong Gyalpo. If you wish, we can stop to take in the view and snap a few photos.
Arrive at your hotel in central Thimphu, and take some time to unpack and relax. There will be a welcome dinner where your tour guide will give you a brief introduction to the tour.
If time allows, we encourage you to take a stroll around town. Most shops close at 9 pm, and bars and nightclubs close around midnight. Your guide will be available to accompany you and offer advice.
Overnight: Thimphu
Today, we will explore some sites in and around the Thimphu valley.
After breakfast, we'll visit the Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang, which towers over the city of Thimphu. It is the largest sitting statue of the Buddha in the world, standing over 59 meters tall.
We'll also visit the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother in memory of the 3rd King, who passed away in 1972.
After lunch, we will visit the weaving center to learn about Bhutanese textiles. Then, we'll visit Zorig Chusum, the school of arts and crafts, where you can observe students practicing the 13 traditional arts.
Later, we'll visit the vegetable market to experience the local hustle and bustle.
At 5:30 pm, we'll regroup to visit Tashichho Dzong, the summer residence of Bhutan's Central Monastic Body and the seat of the government, which also houses His Majesty's office.
Overnight: Thimphu
After breakfast, we'll head back to the weaving center to learn more about Bhutanese textiles. Next, we'll visit the Takin Preservation Center, where you can see Bhutan's national animal.
We'll then stroll along the main street near the only traffic light in Bhutan, which is manually operated by a traffic policeman wearing white gloves. There are also shops selling traditional attire that your guide will be happy to show you. You may also want to visit the main post office.
For lunch, you can try some local food in town.
If you're up for it after lunch, there's an option for a short hike to Wangditse Monastery, located just above Thimphu town. After the hike, you'll have time to wander around the streets of Thimphu.
Overnight: Thimphu
The Lungchutse hike to the monastery is one of the best destinations around Thimphu, offering beautiful rhododendron forests and spectacular views from the peak (3600m) on a clear day.
From Dochula pass, we'll hike to Lungchutse Monastery (3300m).
A picnic lunch will be provided.
After returning to Thimphu, you'll have free time to explore the town.
Overnight: Thimphu
Onwards to Punakha Over the Mountain Pass
Today, we'll have an early start to head to Punakha. On the way, we'll pass Semtokha Dzong, built by Bhutan's founding father, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, in 1629. We'll continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to see the 108 stupas. On a clear day, you'll have a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayas.
We'll have lunch in Punakha.
After lunch, we'll visit the winter residence of Bhutan's Central Monastic Body, known as Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong is one of Bhutan's most beautiful dzongs, located at the confluence of two rivers. It is the second largest dzong in Bhutan, after Trongsa Dzong. We'll explore the dzong and its picturesque grounds.
We'll also visit the suspension bridge behind the dzong, a favorite spot for visitors.
Overnight: Punakha
After breakfast, we'll head to the upper Punakha valley and walk through lush paddy fields to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang temple. The leisurely hike to the temple will take about an hour. From there, you'll enjoy stunning views of the lush green valley and the winding river.
We'll have a casual picnic lunch by the river. After lunch, you can choose to go on a 1.5-hour river rafting adventure with our expert team down the Mo Chu (mother river), after the advanture, visit the Wolakha Nunnery, a Buddhist nun's college where nuns can study up to a master's level.
Overnight: Punakha
Beautiful Gangtey Monastery & Valley
After breakfast, we'll head east to the Gangtey valley, also known as Phobjikha valley, one of the most beautiful places in Bhutan. This broad glacial valley is the winter home of the black-necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau each year.
During our stay in this sacred valley, we'll visit the magnificent Gangtey Monastery, built in the 17th century and home to the revered Nyingma Buddhist master, Gangtey Tulku. We'll explore the monastery grounds, meet the monks, and enjoy stunning views of the Phobjikha valley.
Afterward, we'll take a relaxed 2.5-hour hike along the Gangtey nature trail and visit the Crane Information Centre to learn more about these beautiful birds and their environment.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Trongsa to Bumthang
Today, we'll travel to Bumthang via Trongsa. On the way, we'll stop for a rest and lunch at the Drukwilling Café, located at the base of a waterfall.
In Trongsa, we'll visit the watchtower known as Ta Dzong, which houses an incredible collection of historical artifacts from the Royal Family.
Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan's oldest palaces and temples. Nestled beneath the magnificent Himalayan mountain range, the picturesque Bumthang valley boasts lush green meadows, fertile barley fields, and thriving apple orchards. It's no wonder this serene landscape is often compared to Switzerland.
Overnight: Bumthang
Excursion to a Sacred Lake and an Ancient Palace
Enjoy a day exploring some of the many sites around Bumthang. We'll drive to one of the four valleys in the Bumthang region, known as the Tang Valley. Here, we'll visit one of Bhutan's holiest lakes, Mebartsho (the Lake of Fire), where Pema Lingpa, the founder of the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism, is said to have found treasure hidden by Guru Rinpoche by diving to its depths while holding a burning butter lamp, which remained lit when he surfaced.
We'll then visit one of the oldest nunneries in the country, Tang Nunnery, before heading to the privately-owned Ugyen Choling Palace. The palace features a museum that provides an excellent overview of traditional rural life in Bhutan.
After returning to Jakar, we'll visit the Red Panda Brewery to see how they make the famous Red Panda beer and enjoy a drink or two.
Overnight: Bumthang
Scenic Drive
Today, we'll have a driving day, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. If we're lucky, we might spot the grey langur, one of several primate species found in Bhutan.
After a 2-hour drive, we'll arrive at Trongsa Dzong. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty, and its dzong is the largest in Bhutan.
On the way to Paro, we'll stop at the beautiful Chendebji Chorten.
Before reaching Dochu La, we'll stop at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Lampelri to stretch our legs.
Overnight: Paro
Sky burial hike, nunnery & cliff face monastery
Today we will drive to the pass between the Paro and Haa valleys which is at an altitude of 4000 metres. From this windswept location you will be able to experience stunning views of the Himalayas and the Haa valley.
From the drop off point we will hike to a sky burial site. In Bhutan the method of sky burial is used for children under the age of 8 years old as per the local Buddhist customs they should not be cremated. Once reaching the site we will descend to Kila nunnery where you will be able to mingle with the nuns.
Our driver will be waiting for us at Kila nunnery from where we will drive to Dzongdrakha Lhakhang which is a short walk from the roadside. The Lhakhang’s location is stunning and is known as the second Taktsang as it is also built into the cliff face.
After the hike, we will enjoy a traditional hot stone bath and the local hospitality of our hosts who will serve up a sumptuous Bhutanese dinner at one of the friendly homestays in the Paro valley.
Overnight: Paro
Taktsang Monastery
The big day has arrived! After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we will make our way to the base of the Taktsang hike. (Note: for those who don’t feel up to the hike there is an option to ride up to the viewpoint on a horse). For those going on horseback, you must alight at the viewpoint and walk the rest of the way if you wish to enter the temple, which involves a further short walk and a steep descent and ascent along steps. Most find this walk not too taxing as they are mesmerised by the stunning view of Taktsang monastery – one of Bhutan’s national treasures.
Taktsang monastery (Tigers Nest) clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at over 800 metres above the valley floor and where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demons followed by 3 months meditation in a cave still visible in the monastery. In 1998 the monastery was seriously damaged by fire and has since been painstakingly reconstructed to its original condition and consecrated by the 4th King in 2005.
On the way down we will enjoy lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria overlooking the Taktsang monastery.
Free time to roam around the town and for last minute shopping.
Overnight: Paro
Free time to relax this morning before we leave for the airport and onward flights.
In Bhutan we never say goodbye as we always believe we will have the good fortune of meeting again. So, from the team Adventures Journey, we sincerely hope you enjoyed travelling with us. Take care until next time.