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9 Day Cultural tour

Experience the enchanting beauty of Bhutan with Touch Bhutan's cultural sightseeing tour. Explore Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, and Paro over 8 nights and 9 days. Discover ancient temples, majestic monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes. From the world's largest Buddha statue to the iconic Tigers Nest monastery - immerse yourself in Bhutan's rich heritage. Indulge in delicious local cuisine, relax in comfortable accommodations, and create unforgettable memories. Join us on this captivating journey through the Land of Happiness.

Itinerary 

Cultural Sightseeing Tour

8 Nights / 9 Days

Day 1: Paro to Thimphu (1.5 Hours)

Arrival & Welcome
 

Your friendly tour guide will be eagerly awaiting your arrival with your surname written on a plaque outside the exit doors at Paro International Airport. We will immediately head off to Thimphu and as we follow the Paa Chu (river), we will pass the picturesque Tamchog temple (lhakhang), built in the late 13th century by the great Tibetan saint Drupthob Thangthong Gyalpo. If requested, we can stop long enough to take in the vista and snap a photo or two. Arrive at your hotel in the centre of Thimphu and take your time to unpack and relax. There will be a welcome dinner where your tour guide will give you a brief introduction about the tour. Time permitting, we encourage you to take a stroll in the town. Most shops close at 9pm with bars and nightclubs closing around 12pm. Your guide will be available to accompany you and offer advice. Overnight: The Willows hotel (located in the centre of town) (L,D)

Day 2: Thimphu

Exploring Thimphu Town
 

Today we will explore a few sites in and around the Thimphu valley. After breakfast we will make our way to 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 at a height of well over 50 metres. From here you will be able to view the whole of the Thimphu valley as well as go inside the statue that contains hundreds of smaller replica statues of the outer statue and offer prayers if you wish. We will also visit the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial for the 3rd King who passed away in 1972. This is a wonderful place to observe the older devout Buddhist population circumambulating the chorten in their colourful national dress. We will then have a few options. We could make our way to the Textile Museum where you will be able to learn about the history of Bhutanese textiles. The museum was established in 2001 under the royal patronage of Her Majesty, the Queen Mother, Sangay Choden Wangchuck. Another option is a visit to the Zorig Chusum, the school of arts and crafts where you will be able to observe the students engaging in the 13 artistic skills or if arts is not your thing, we can visit the 12th century Changangkha temple and Zilukha nunnery and even the Takin preservation centre, the national animal of Bhutan. After lunch there will be time to wander around the streets of Thimphu. There is a craft market near the magnificent Pemako hotel where you will be able to purchase local handicrafts at a reasonable price. Numerous handicraft shops are also scattered throughout the town. For a nice cup of coffee, we recommend Ambient café which is located near the only traffic light in the whole of Bhutan which is manually operated by a traffic policeman with white gloves. There are also a handful of shops selling the traditional attire which your guide will be more than happy to take you to. You may also wish to visit the main post office which offers for sale a wide array of stamps for the avid philatelist or visit the vegetable market to observe the hustle and bustle. If you are active, there is always the option to go on a short hike to Wangditse monastery, a short distance above Thimphu town. At 4:30 pm we will regroup to visit the summer residence of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan known as Tashichho Dzong, which is also the seat of the government of Bhutan and houses His Majesty’s office. Overnight: The Willows hotel (B, L, D)

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha (2.5 hours which includes stopping at Dochu La to take in the view of the Himalayas)

Onwards to Punakha over the mountain pass
 

Today we will be having an early start to venture to Punakha. Enroute we will pass Semtokha dzong built by the founding father of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, in 1629. We will continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view the 108 stupas commissioned by the Queen mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, as a memorial to those who lost their lives during a conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutanese – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayas. Before arriving in Punakha, we will stop at Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Ngawang Choegyel in honour of Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the divine madman due to his enlightened though unusual behaviours). It’s an easy 20-minute picturesque stroll through a traditional village and across rice paddy fields. Lunch at Nobgang B & B restaurant (12:30 – 2:30pm) After lunch we will visit the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body known as Punakha dzong. This dzong was also built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (in 1637) and was where he established his formal way of governing the land, known as the dual system of governance. Punakha dzong is one of the most breathtaking dzongs in Bhutan, situated at the confluence of two rivers. It is the second largest dzong in Bhutan after Trongsa dzong. We will enter inside the dzong as well as have time to stroll around the picturesque grounds. We will also visit the suspension bridge behind the dzong – a favourite amongst visitors. Overnight: Zhingkham resort (B, L, D)

Punakha dzong 2.jpg

Day 4: Punakha

Sightseeing in Punakha
 

First thing after breakfast, we will head to the upper Punakha valley to walk through lush paddy fields to the beautiful temple known as Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang. The leisurely walk to the temple will take around an hour. From there you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the lush green valley and meandering river. We will have a casual picnic lunch on the banks of the gushing river. In the afternoon we will visit Wolakha nunnery. Free time Overnight: Zhingkham resort (B, L, D)

Day 5: Phobjikha to Bumthang (5 hours)

Trongsa to Bumthang
 

We will be travelling towards Bumthang via Trongsa. On the way we will make a rest stop and a lunch at the Drukwilling café just before Trongsa which is stunningly positioned at the base of a waterfall. Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest palaces and temples. Nestled beneath the magnificent Himalayan Mountain range, the picturesque valley of Bumthang boasts lush green meadows, fertile barley fields, and thriving apple orchards. It’s no wonder that this serene landscape has earned comparisons to Switzerland. On arrival in Jakar, Bumthang’s main township, we will visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where Bhutan’s patron saint, Guru Rinpoche mediated and left his body print in the rock. We will also visit Jambay Lhakhang, which is one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and is one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.

Phobjikha.jpeg

Day 6: Bumthang- Tang valley day excursion (1.5 hours)

Excursion to a Sacred Lake and an ancient palace
 

Enjoy a day exploring some of the many sites around Bumthang. We will drive to one of the four valleys in the Bumthang region known as the Tang valley. Here we will visit one of the holiest lakes in Bhutan known as 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 holding a burning butter lamp which was still burning once he surfaced. We will then travel to one of the oldest nunneries in the country called Tang nunnery then onto the privately owned Ugyen Choling palace, which features a museum containing an excellent overview of traditional rural life in Bhutan. After arriving back to Jakar just in time to visit Red Panda brewery where we will be able to see how they make the famous red panda beer and enjoy a drink or two.

paro taktsang

Day 7: Bumthang to punakha (5 hours’ drive)

Scenic drive
 

Today we will have a driving day, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. If we are lucky, we will come across the grey langur, one of several species of primates found in Bhutan. A 2-hour drive sees us arrive at Trongsa dzong. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty and its dzong is the largest in Bhutan. On arriving Trongsa Visit watch tower known as Taa dzong which houses an incredible collection of historical artefacts of the Royal family. Enroute to Paro we will stop at beautiful Chendebji chorten, further we will drive till Punakha.

Day 8: Punakha to Paro (4.5 hours’ drive)

Exploring the Punakha valley
 

First thing after breakfast, we will head to the upper Punakha valley to walk through lush paddy fields to the beautiful temple known as Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang. The leisurely walk to the temple will take around an hour. From there you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the lush green valley and meandering river. After lunch in Punakha, drive back to Paro. Just before reaching Dochu La, we will stop at the Royal Botanical gardens at Lampelri to give our legs a stretch.

Day 9: Paro (Departure)

Till next time
 

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 at Himalayan Gateway Travel, we sincerely hope you enjoyed travelling with us. Take care until next time.

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Touch Bhutan Travel

Address:

Olakha, Thimphu, Bhutan

Post Box 1802

Thimphu 11001, Bhutan

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What'sApp:

+975 77399342

+975 77399342

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