Bhutan Cultural Tour

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport. After a warm welcome, continue departure to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. On arrival check-in at the hotel and freshen up. Free day to explore Thimphu city. Overnight at hotel .

Today, you will enjoy discovering the serene and beautiful city of Thimphu, it is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the medieval fortress that houses most of the government offices and the throne room of the king. Next, visit the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museum and Bhutanese traditional handmade paper factory. You can also visit the National Library, which houses a wonderful collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After lunch visit Handicraft Emporium offering a wide variety of the beautifully handicraft emporium products, including the splendid Thangka paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous. You can also visit the School of Arts and Crafts, famous for traditional Thangka paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate design on fabric. Then, visit National Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Hotel accommodation

This morning embark on a short drive to Punakha, the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Enjoy the scenic drive across Dochu-la pass (3080m) which heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Take a photo stop and enjoy refreshments while taking in stunning views of the Himalayas. Continue to Punakha and upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and freshen up. In the afternoon visit Punakha Dzong dating back to the 17th century. Enjoy a stroll in the local market before taking a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, from where you can see beautiful views of the Mo-Chu River and villages below. Overnight at hotel

This morning, drive back to Paro. En route, stop for lunch at the beautiful town of Wangdue (Wangdiphodrang). Take a short stop to visit the local market famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone sculptures. After lunch, continue by drive to Paro, en route visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in the Kingdom which now houses the School for Religious and Cultural Studies. Upon arrival in Paro, check-in to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Early this morning, hike to Taktshang Monastery, popularly known as the Tiger's Nest, perched on a cliff, overlooking the Paro Valley. Trekking back journey takes approximately 5 hours, alternatively, if you do not wish to go for a walk, you can ride a pony. This is one of the most sacred places in Bhutan, visited by every Buddhist at least once in their lifetime. The climb is steep, so en-route, it is possible to stop for refreshments at a local cafe, located halfway along the way overlooking 'Tigers' Nest. Once we reach Tigers' Nest, enjoy the beautiful views and a waterfall along with a visit to the monastery. Next, we visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in the 17th century to commemorate Bhutan's victory over the Tibetans. Nearby visit a traditional Bhutanese farm house which offers an insight into the daily life of the local people. Also, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan, built in the 7th century. Overnight at hotel

This morning, we will visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong), which houses an interesting array of costumes, artefacts, Thangka paintings and world-renowned stamps, bringing to life the history of Bhutan. Also visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), the political and religious centre of Paro district, built in the 17th century. Then, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight for your onward journey.