Bhutan is known all over the world for its distinct culture and tradition. And Bhutanese gloats about their unique culture that remains intact at the jaw of the Cultural Revolution worldwide. Ghos and Kiras that Bhutanese wear, Ema Datshi, and Suja that Bhutanese eat and drink, and multi-colored short houses in which Bhutanese live in, everything is so different and unique. It is very true that Bhutan survived and could remain a sovereign nation only because they could preserve their culture very well. On this 10-day Taste Of Bhutan Cultural Tour, we will take you through the Bhutanese way of living and try to dwell in Bhutanese minds and thoughts.
DAY 1: ARRIVE AT PARO
Visit National Museum and Drugyel Dzong—to see the ruins of the old dzong and the construction of the new structure. Have an orientation walk along the street of Paro and do some shopping.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)
DAY 02: PROMINENT PARO DZONG
Visit the majestic Paro Dzong, the administrative seat of the district of Paro. Hike to Zuri Dzong which is about 30 minutes hike from the national museum.
Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)
DAY03: PARO /THIMPHU
Travel to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Visit the school of Traditional Arts and Crafts, the Institute of Traditional Medicine, the National Memorial Chorten, the tall Buddha Dordenma Statue, the Handicrafts Emporium, the National Library (housing a rare collection of Buddhist scriptures), and the lively weekend market.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)
DAY 04: THIMPHU
Vicinity visits in the bustling little city! Visit National Postal Museum, Motithang Takin Preserve, Traditional Handmade Paper Factory, and Tango Buddhist University, and ramble around the Clock-tower Square in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)
DAY 05: THIMPHU /PUNAKHA
Travel to Punakha. Visit to Druk Wangyel Stupa at Dochula Pass and Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility, en route to Punakha.
After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Zhingkham Resorts (or similar)
DAY 06: PUNAKHA
Visit Galem’s House. Galem is considered the Juliet of the Bhutanese version of the Romeo-Juliet story that has been going on over the last 700 years or so.
Then visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, the longest Suspension Bridge, and the Sangchen Dorji Nunnery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)
DAY 07: PUNAKHA /GANGTEY
Travel to the beautiful Phobjikha valley (2900m) which is under the Wangduephodrang district. The valley is the home to rare Blacl-necked Cranes.
Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong which is being reconstructed after it was razed by fire in 2014. Go for a short hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Village Homestay
DAY 08: GANGTEY / PARO
En route, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro, visit Dzongdrakha village. It is a small village built in a middle of a cliff overlooking the carpeted rice fields of Paro.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort
DAY 09: HIKE TO TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY
Hike to Taksang monastery which is also known as the Tiger’s Nest.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)
DAY 10: DEPART FROM THE PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT