Bhutan Cultural and Historical Tour

Bhutan Cultural and Historical Tour

  • Trip Duration7 Days
  • Trip GradeEasy
  • Max. Altitude3140 M
  • Cost Starting FromContact Us
  • Destination: Bhutan
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Transportation: Private Transport + Flight
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel Basis
  • Max. Altitude: 3140 M
  • Min. Group Size: 02 Minimum - 10 Maximum

Highlights

  • Sightseeing in and around Paro and Thimphu
  • Panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains
  • Chimi Lhakhang Temple
  • Shopping in Bumthang village
  • Visit Trongsa Dzong fortress
  • Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger's Nest)

This comprehensive Bhutan Cultural and Historical Tour is highlighted by the sightseeing of local inhabitant, visiting local monasteries and hiking impressive valley via spectacular routes. Ever heard of the country believing in Gross National Happiness. This slogan unifies Bhutanese people together and makes them unique and patriotic from others.This short trip  Bhutan Cultural and Historical Tour in Bhutan enables you to unlock the unusual geography of Bhutan- tropical plain lands on the south and high Himalaya of elevation more than (7,000 m) on north. 5 nights 4 days tour to Bhutan is concerned in visiting the historical treasure, monastery, museum and art gallery that comprises centuries back antique. The cozy accommodation in local owned cultural hotel and receiving unique hospitality is sure to attract you during your touring in Bhutan. Mount Trails Trekking and Adventures is specialized in Tibet and Bhutan tour and focused on making tourism a revenue generating industry in Bhutan. You need a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity date for making a trip to Bhutan. We guarantee your Bhutan tour will not go in vein; in fact, this trip might be the pleasant experience you have ever had.

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu Nepal

we will personally pick you up from the airport
Check in hotel in thamel
After bit of refreshment sightseeing around spice local market in Ason
Dinner at typical Nepali restaurant with cultural dance
Meals:Welcome Dinner
Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel Basis
Transportation: Private Transportation

The flight into the Himalayas reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. If weather permits you will be able to see Mt Everest (8848m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan mountain ranges. Our representative or guide will greet you on arrival and drive you to the capital city, Thimphu.
On the way to Thimphu visit, Tamchhog Lhakhang which is located on the opposite side of the river. This is a temple built by Thang Thong Gyalpo of Tibet, who was responsible for building numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan.
Kuenselcholing View Point: A place from where you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley is from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). It is again a short drive from the town. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
Memorial Chorten: This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan.
Tashichho Dzong : The names means - Means Fortress of Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.Later relax for the day and stroll around the city. Overnight in Thimphu.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel Basis
Transportation: Private Transportation
Flight: Flight Ticket
Escorted by: Guide

Morning take a hike to Cheri Monastery (Includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wild life Sanctuary): Hike about 1hrs (to and fro) leds to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. A chance to spot birds such as Mrs Gould's Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, Ultramarine Flycatcher.
Paper factory: The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world. The weekend market: Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the people crowd the stalls every day, dressed in full colour and gathered to meet and to barter, much like the street markets in London!
Bhutan Craft bazaar: The private stalls had a variety of high-end quality products from places across the country such as wood carved national symbols, bags and western wears with touch of traditional designs, wooden and clay utensils, Bangchung, Dhapa, key hanger of jewelry boxes, bookmarks and handmade packing papers (Deysho) in different patterns, antique items and etc. The stalls have a distinctly rich outlook with fine tones of elegance, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. The craft bazaar is also an exemplary of how bamboo can be used to construct houses in the country.Later you can stroll around the city. Overnight in Thimphu.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel Basis
Transportation: Private Transportation
Escorted by: Guide

Morning driving towards Gangtey, we come across a pass known as Dochula (3140m, 10362ft) from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially in clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- a 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.
In the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km. down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate.Overnight in Gangtey.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel Basis
Transportation: Private Transportation
Escorted by: Guide

Morning visit, Gangtey Goemba: In the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km. down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate.
Hike to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road –Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits.(30 minutes hike to and fro, gentle steep, good footh path across the valleys and villages) Overnight in Punakha.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel Basis
Transportation: Private Transportation
Escorted by: Guide

Morning Visit, Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of second king it served as a seat of the king.
Later drive to Paro and later visit, Rimpung Dzong: The Bhutanese Dzongs are huge architectural structures constructed for a variety of functions throughout the country, from administrative buildings to monasteries and temples, yet they are carefully and thoughtfully designed and are strikingly beautiful. The Rimpung Dzong, known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels” in the picturesque setting of the Paro valley, is of course no exception, built in the time of the dynamic spiritual and political leader Zhabdrung in 1644. Once a year, as part of the Tsechu festival, one of the oldest Thongdol (gigantic scroll paintings) is ceremonially unfurled here.
Kichu Lhakhang(Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Overnight in Paro.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel Basis
Transportation: Private Transportation
Escorted by: Guide

This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998 it has now been restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimopche/ Padmasambhava (2nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. (Five hours hike to and fro, some gentle and some steep hike, some stony foot path and some good ones) If you ride a horse upward it will cost extra US$25 per person.
Visit Farmhouse: Picturesque farm houses dot the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to enjoy the hospitality of the Paro farmers. Thrill yourself as the farmers welcome you to their homes with genuine smiles. The two to three-storied Bhutanese farm houses are handsome in appearance, with colorfully decorated outer walls and lintels, and are traditionally built. A visit to a farm house gives an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family. (If you take hot stone bath in the farm house it will cost extra US$25 per person.) Later stroll around the town and see how locals live. Overnight in Paro.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation:Deluxe Hotel Basis
Transportation: Private Transportation
Escorted by: Guide

Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport. Your escort will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.
Meals:Breakfast
Transportation: Private Transportation

Trip Cost Details

Cost Include

  •  All Pick up and Drop off from airport 
  • 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis 
  • Private transportation by car/van as per group size during Bhutan tour 
  • All necessary Bhutan Travel permit and visa 
  • English speaking Bhutanese guide 
  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis on deluxe hotel basis  
  • Sightseeing and Monastery entrance fees as per the itinerary on Bhutan tour 
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during Bhutan tour

Cost Exclude

  • Travel insurance of any kind 
  • Personal expenses such as bar bills during the tour 
  • Tipping to guide 
  • All other expenses which is not mentioned on Cost Includes section

Trip Map

Useful Info

Food in Bhutan

Variety of meals are available in most of the hotels – the most popular being Indian, Chinese, and the more common continental food which you can choose as per your wish. Emadatse - spicy chilies mixed with a cheese sauce is the national diet of Bhutan. Bhutanese eat chilies as vegetables rather than spices. Red and white rice are served at all meals. Non vegetarian dishes - pork, beef, chicken, and fish are generally available in most parts of Bhutan. Vegetarian foods are also available. Better ask the hotel or restaurant to recommend what is fresh and in season.

Accommodation in Bhutan

Hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified by the government as grade A, B and C. These government approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels located throughout the globe. Western Bhutan (Thimpu, Paro,Wangdue and Punakha)has the best hotels but as you head to eastern and central regions, the quality decreases a little bit. All the hotels/lodges/guest houses in the western Bhutan have pretty good electrical heating systems. While the hotels in the central and eastern part of Bhutan has wood-stoves for heating.

Transportation in Bhutan

We use comfortable and luxury transportation during the Bhutan Tour. Vehicles what we are using are well maintained and cleaned 4WD car and Hiace. If for some reason you are not comfortable with your vehicle you can request for the change.

Currency in Bhutan

The currency of Bhutan is ngultrum. As it is linked and equal to Indian rupee, ngultrum is also accepted in Bhutan. You cannot buy ngultrum prior arriving to Bhutan, but you can purchase it at the Paro International Airport, Bhutan National Bank, Bank of Bhutan and at major hotels in Thimpu and Paro, all of them accepts traveler’s cheque, US dollars and various other currencies. However, while visiting smaller town you should have ngultrum to purchase, as it is not possible to exchange your currency.

Trip Note

Bhutan Visa process

Bhutan Visa is essential for every foreigner who is planning to enter Bhutan. The visa has to be processed by local tour operators, such as our company Mount Trails Trekking and Adventures . No foreign mission or embassy abroad grants tourist visa. For the visa, a passport is required which must be valid for at least 6 months after you leave Bhutan. The Druk Air allows boarding only if it has got your visa clearance from the Bhutan Government.

Book Tour in Advance

As earlier as you book your trip, the better selection of available departure dates you will have. Moreover for holiday trips, you'll want to reserve several months out to find the best selection. Thus, to gain more advantage you can book as fast as you can.