Bhutan Cross-Country Cultural Tour

Overview

Combine the vibrant hues of Bhutan’s Western, Central, and Eastern Valleys with the wildness of its unspoiled woods and the thick tangle of its tropical rainforest. The variety of its plants will astound you in such an apparently little and distant Kingdom. The only parts of the voyage that never vary are the people’s friendliness and the breathtaking vistas that thrill at every bend of the road.

Our journey across this emerald gem of the Kingdom begins in the west, passing via Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. Then go through Bumthang’s cultural heartland. As you journey farther and further back in time, savor the different regions of the land. Make your way to the Kingdom’s easternmost outpost, including the isolated settlements of Trashiyangtse. Exit into India through Assam, a lovely and little-visited state.

Highlights of the Tour

• • • Explore some of the Himalayas ‘ most holy Buddhist monasteries and temples.
    • Visit various cultural sites, like medieval castles (Dzongs), marketplaces, and museums.
    • Hike up to Taktsang Monastery, which is situated on a rock 900m above the valley level.
    • In Dzongs and temples, marvel at the intricate and old murals and sculptures.
    • Explore stunning scenery ranging from verdant meadows to thick woods.
    • Include a Value-Added Option, such as a cooking class or a meditation session with a monk.

Places visited: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Phobjikha – Bumthang – Mongar – TrashigangSamdrupJongkhar

Day 01: Arrival: Paro

After landing, you will be welcomed by your guide and driver and taken to your hotel. After some rest at the hotel, visit the Bhutan National Museum, which was established in the 17th century to protect the ParoDzong. Later, go to ParoDzong, which means “fortress of the heap of gems.” In the evening, take your time exploring Paro.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 02: Paro – “Hike to Tiger’s Nest”

Hike to Tiger’s Nest after breakfast. Later the afternoon, visit KyichuLhakhang. Visit a rural farmhouse in the evening for an authentic Bhutanese traditional living experience.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 03: Paro – Thimphu

After breakfast, you’ll take a two-hour journey to Thimphu, stopping along the way to see a few historic monuments. Visit Buddha Point, Memorial Chorten, TashichhoDzong, Thimphu Town, and Bhutanese Authentic Local Craft Bazaar after arriving.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 04: Thimphu

Hike to Cheri Monastery after breakfast (2hrs round trip) Lunch on the banks of a raging river among the Cheri and Tango monasteries. After lunch, visit the School of 13 Arts & Crafts, the National Textile Museum, and the Centenary Farmer’s Market (Open: Thursday – Sunday)
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 05: Thimphu – Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the country’s historic capital. On the way, make a stop at Dochula Pass (3150mts). Hike to ChimiLhakhang, often known as the “temple of fertility,” after lunch. Visit the PunakhaDzong, which is linked by a traditional suspension bridge. You may spend the evening casually exploring Punakha Town.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 06: Punakha – Phobjikha

Drive to Phobjikha after breakfast. The home of the Black-necked Crane, an endangered bird species. After arriving, pay a visit to Gangtey Monastery. Later, hike the Gangtey Natural Trail (1.5hr). Later, stop by the Black Neck Crane information center, which is located on the outskirts of the forest and marsh along the main road of the Phobjikha valley.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 07: Phobjikha – Bumthang via Trongsa

Drive to Bumthang, the land of holy monuments, after breakfast. Visit ChendbjiChorten (Stupa), TrongsaDzong, and the Museum Ta Dzong on the way. In the evening, take your time exploring Bumthang Town.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 08: Bumthang – Sightseeing

After breakfast, go to KurjeyKhakhang, a huge, busy, and important temple complex named after Guru Rinpoche’s body print (Kur – body, Jey – brint), the saint who brought Buddhism to the nation. Later, visit a nearby farmhouse for a taste of real Bhutanese culture and the unrivaled hospitality of a Bhutanese host. Here you may have lunch with your family (optional). After lunch, go to TamshingLhakhang, which is located across the river from KurjeLhakhang and was erected in 1951 by TertonPemaLingpa (treasure discoverer). In the evening, take your time exploring Bumthang Town.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 09: Bumthang – Mongar

After breakfast, drive to Mongar through the 4,000-meter-high Thrumshing Pass. Visit Ura Village on way. After arriving in Mongar, check into your hotel and see the MongarDzong. Evening: Take your time exploring Mongar.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 10: Mongar – Day Excursion to Lhuntse

After breakfast, drive to Lhuntse, one of Bhutan’s most remote and secluded districts. After arriving at LhuntseDzong, which was erected in the 17th century. Later, go to Takila to see the world’s highest statue of Guru Rinpoche. This monument stands 173 feet tall, with a 40-foot-tall Lion Throne and a 19-foot-high Lotus seat (Pema). Explore Khoma Village, which is well-known for its excellent weavers and unique fabrics. Drive back to Mongar in the dusk for the night hold.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 11: Mongar – Trashigang

After breakfast, drive to Trashigang, the country’s biggest district. When you arrive in Trashigang, check into your hotel and explore TrashigangDzong. Explore Trashigang Town slowly in the evening.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 12: Trashigang – Day Excursion to Tashiyangtse

Drive to Trashiyangtse after breakfast. On way, stop in GomKora. Visit ChortenKora after arriving in Tashiyangtse. Later, pay a visit to TrashiyangtseDzong. Drive back to Trashigang in the dusk for the night hold.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 13: Trashigang – SamdrupJongkhar

After breakfast, drive to Trashigang, the country’s biggest district. On the way to Sherubtse College, the country’s first university. After arriving, check into your hotel and unwind for the day.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 14: SamdrupJongkhar – Guwahati airport by flight

After breakfast, go to SamdrupJongkhar airport to take your flight to your next destination.