BHUTAN HERITAGE TOUR
CULTURAL TOUR / BHUTAN HERITAGE TOUR
Bhutan Heritage Tour
Embark on a journey back in time as you explore Bhutan’s most iconic heritage sites, from ancient dzongs and sacred temples to remote monasteries nestled amidst pristine landscapes. Delve into the heart of Bhutan’s cultural legacy as you witness age-old customs, colorful festivals, and the enduring spirit of its people.
Day 1 Arrival Paro – Thimphu
Welcome to Bhutan! Your first day in the magical Land of the Thunder Dragon! Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, on arrival, you will be greeted by one of our guides. We start your journey by heading over to Thimphu city, the capital of Bhutan. Visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong, a monastery that houses the workplace of the King and numerous departments of the government. Explore the National Memorial Chorten and gain perception into Bhutanese religious practices. Stroll thru the colourful streets of Thimphu and explore local handicraft shops.
Day 2 Thimphu
Visit the National Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connecting Bhutan to its past with exhibitions, demonstrations, and artifacts. At The National Textile Museum, you will witness the art of weaving and learn about the significance of textile design. Bhutanese weaving is considered a living art form. Visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where you will witness the art of papermaking. Craftsmen demonstrate how Deh-sho paper is made using the bark of two local tree species. Buddhist monks use Deh-sho to write prayers and for woodblock printing. Outside Thimphu is Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. The first fortress of its kind, it features beautiful Buddhist paintings and carvings. Thimphu Tashichho Dzong, a traditional fortress which is the largest in the city. Featuring distinctive Bhutanese architecture, the structure serves as the current seat and office of the King of Bhutan. Then visit Buddha Dodernma statue. Overnight at a Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3 Thimphu (Tango Hike)
Embark on a day’s excursion to Tango Buddhist College. Tango monastery is situated in solitary hill covered by forest and is one of the best places to study Buddhism. The hike to Tango monastery takes about one and half hours and the Chari Goemba takes about two and half hours. After visiting the holy sites, you can spend some time meditating in the temple and in the serene environment.
Day 4 Thimphu – Punakha
We continue our trip further east to Punakha today after breakfast. We are headed to Dochula Pass – The 108 chortens was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. After spending some leisure time at Dochula, we continue to Punakha valley which is one and half hours driving downhill. Our first stop in Punakha is to visit Punakha Dzong built in the year 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the monastic body, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. Overnight stay in a Hotel.
Day 5 Punakha – Gangtey
Before we head towards Gangtey valley, we visit one of the most mysterious temples in Bhutan. The Chhimi Lhakhang is 20 minute’s walk across terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in 15th century after the ’divine Madman’ Drukpa Kuenlay built a small chorten in the place. We continue driving towards Gangtey valley passing Wangdue phodrang district, one of the major towns and district capital of Western Bhutan. Located south of Punakha, Wangdue is the last town before central Bhutan. The place is famous for its fine bamboo work and its slate and stone carving.
Day 6 Gangtey – Paro
Early morning, we pay visit to GangteyGoenpa monastery which is a special monastery whose history dates back to 7th century. The monastery is believed to possess sacred relics and religious texts from ancient masters. After a relaxed morning session, we than continue our journey towards Paro valley that can take upto 4 hours. Then we visit Drukgyel Dzong and stay overnight at a hotel in Paro town.
Day 7 Paro
We will take a two-hour hike to Taktsang Monastery, arguably one of the most photographed monasteries in Bhutan. Accessible only by foot, this sacred site was built precariously on the cliff’s edge, more than 10,000 feet above sea level. This is where Guru (Rinpoche) Padmasambhava, the father of Bhutan Buddhism, is said to have flown on the back of a tiger to meditate in a cave. An exhilarating climb to holy place is decorated with colourful prayer flags and provides breathtaking views of the valley. We end our tour with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro town.
DAY 8
Souvenir shopping in Paro Town and Transfer to Paro International Airport to bid farewell to Bhutan and embark on your next journey.
Welcome to Bhutan! Your first day in the magical Land of the Thunder Dragon! Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, on arrival, you will be greeted by one of our guides. We start your journey by heading over to Thimphu city, the capital of Bhutan. Visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong, a monastery that houses the workplace of the King and numerous departments of the government. Explore the National Memorial Chorten and gain perception into Bhutanese religious practices. Stroll thru the colourful streets of Thimphu and explore local handicraft shops.
Day 2 Thimphu
Visit the National Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connecting Bhutan to its past with exhibitions, demonstrations, and artifacts. At The National Textile Museum, you will witness the art of weaving and learn about the significance of textile design. Bhutanese weaving is considered a living art form. Visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where you will witness the art of papermaking. Craftsmen demonstrate how Deh-sho paper is made using the bark of two local tree species. Buddhist monks use Deh-sho to write prayers and for woodblock printing. Outside Thimphu is Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. The first fortress of its kind, it features beautiful Buddhist paintings and carvings. Thimphu Tashichho Dzong, a traditional fortress which is the largest in the city. Featuring distinctive Bhutanese architecture, the structure serves as the current seat and office of the King of Bhutan. Then visit Buddha Dodernma statue. Overnight at a Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3 Thimphu (Tango Hike)
Embark on a day’s excursion to Tango Buddhist College. Tango monastery is situated in solitary hill covered by forest and is one of the best places to study Buddhism. The hike to Tango monastery takes about one and half hours and the Chari Goemba takes about two and half hours. After visiting the holy sites, you can spend some time meditating in the temple and in the serene environment.
Day 4 Thimphu – Punakha
We continue our trip further east to Punakha today after breakfast. We are headed to Dochula Pass – The 108 chortens was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. After spending some leisure time at Dochula, we continue to Punakha valley which is one and half hours driving downhill. Our first stop in Punakha is to visit Punakha Dzong built in the year 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the monastic body, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. Overnight stay in a Hotel.
Day 5 Punakha – Gangtey
Before we head towards Gangtey valley, we visit one of the most mysterious temples in Bhutan. The Chhimi Lhakhang is 20 minute’s walk across terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in 15th century after the ’divine Madman’ Drukpa Kuenlay built a small chorten in the place. We continue driving towards Gangtey valley passing Wangdue phodrang district, one of the major towns and district capital of Western Bhutan. Located south of Punakha, Wangdue is the last town before central Bhutan. The place is famous for its fine bamboo work and its slate and stone carving.
Day 6 Gangtey – Paro
Early morning, we pay visit to GangteyGoenpa monastery which is a special monastery whose history dates back to 7th century. The monastery is believed to possess sacred relics and religious texts from ancient masters. After a relaxed morning session, we than continue our journey towards Paro valley that can take upto 4 hours. Then we visit Drukgyel Dzong and stay overnight at a hotel in Paro town.
Day 7 Paro
We will take a two-hour hike to Taktsang Monastery, arguably one of the most photographed monasteries in Bhutan. Accessible only by foot, this sacred site was built precariously on the cliff’s edge, more than 10,000 feet above sea level. This is where Guru (Rinpoche) Padmasambhava, the father of Bhutan Buddhism, is said to have flown on the back of a tiger to meditate in a cave. An exhilarating climb to holy place is decorated with colourful prayer flags and provides breathtaking views of the valley. We end our tour with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro town.
DAY 8
Souvenir shopping in Paro Town and Transfer to Paro International Airport to bid farewell to Bhutan and embark on your next journey.
Price Includes :
- A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars can be upgraded at an additional fee)
- All meals / Tea & snacks
- All internal transport (excluding Domestic flights)
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- An experienced English speaking tour leader
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- SDF (Sustainable Development Fees/Government Fees) & Visa Fees
Price Excludes :
- Flights
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, meals, snacks, alcohol, laundry, tips, and gratuities for the tour leader and staff.