Bhutan Cultural Experiences Tour Itinerary

This trip offers the perfect introduction to Bhutan! The itinerary has been designed to give you a wide variety of experiences though it will be an adventure enjoyed in comparative comfort because every night is spent either in a hotel or a comfortable lodge. The hikes are gentle as compared to trek and every day hike has an interesting objective taking you to many temples, hermit retreats, old palaces, and villages or simply into lovely scenery. There are also exciting road journeys taking you slowly on twisting mountain roads, over passes and when it gets monotonous, we will make stops to take incursions into the roadside villages and come in contact with the people and nature.

Day 01: Arrive Paro - Thimphu 

On arrival at Paro International Airport, Your escort from Boonserm Tours,  who will accompany you throughout the trip, will be waiting for you. From the air port, then  drive to  Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at chuzom ( confluence ). Three differrent style of chortens adorn the confluence. A short way beyond, on the left, is Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the hill of excellent horse. It is private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a mani festation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. After the narrow, rock lined section of the road opens up as Thimphu approaches, Simtokha Dzong lies enroute. Simtokha means the place of profound tantric teaching', this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. 

Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing 

There are a good many things to see in the capital, which has a very relaxed, laid-back feel about it. Thimphu is relatively small, no traffic lights and the streets are wide and tree lined. The most important sights include; National Library ; it holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts, modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. Painting School ; famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Tradtional Medicine Institute ; the rich herbal medicines abundant in Kingdom is prepared here. The institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines to would be practioners. Memorial Chorten ; the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Tashichhodozng ; the beautiful medeival fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building, King's Throne room and other government's offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot. Visit Choki Handicrafts & Emporium ; it displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. 

Day 03: Drive to Jakar 

This is a long day’s drive of 7-8 hours but it is a journey you are not likely to forget. The road winds over high mountain passes and the scenery are certainly stunning. We make occasional stops in the course of the journey to take incursion into the roadside villages, temples, weaving centers and any special events that may be taking place. 

Day 04: Jakar 

Bumthang valley is one of the most sacred in the Kingdom and innumerable legends surround the area. It is here that the kings are cremated and the present royal family traces their ancestry back to the famous saint, Pemalingpa. Visits to; Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey, Tamshing temples, castle of the “White Bird etc. Also worth seeing are the woodcraft workshop, Traditional hospital, and the cheese factory. 

Day 05: Jakar-Tongsa-Punakha/Wangdi 

Leaving Jakar, we return west, stopping to visit Tongsa and then Chendebji Chorten, a large Stupa said to conceal the remnants of an evil spirit vanquished here. Continuing across the spectacular Pelela pass we come to the valleys of Punakha and Wangdi. Explore Punakha, Bhutan’s old winter capital, which lies at the confluence of Pho and Mo rivers. The large fortress with its temples and towers sits between the two rivers and look like a giant ship. 

Day 06: Drive to Paro 

More sightseeing in the morning and drive to Paro via Thimphu (en route). Visit Paro museum, Dzong, and the local farmhouse. 

Day 07: Paro 

Clients are given an option to hike to Taktsang Monastery or visiting local villages, farmhouses, and monasteries. 

Day 08: Departure 

Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

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