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Duration
6 Days
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Difficulty
Easy
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Max Elevation
3120m
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Group Size
1-10 Person
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Accommodation
Three star standard hotel
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Start/End
Paro airport/Paro Airport
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Destination
Bhutan
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Best Season
March -May/ Sept-Nov
Take a breathtaking trip to Bhutan, also called the Land of the Thunder Dragon, with our 5 Nights 6 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour. Delve into the rich history, festive traditions, and magnificent scenery of a Himalayan kingdom.
Your escapade will start at Paro, where your friendly local guide will be there to greet you and will take you the capital, Thimphu. See the grand Buddha Dordenma Statue, get a chance to talk to the lovely nuns of Zilukha Nunnery, and look at the beautiful architecture of Tashichho Dzong, the seat of government and religion in Bhutan.
Keep going through fabulous mountain paths to Punakha, the old capital, where you can see the beautiful Punakha Dzong, an ancient fortress located at the meeting point of the two rivers. Stop for a while at the Dochula Pass, which gives you a great view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the 108 memorial stupas.
The itinerary further includes hikes to Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the icon of Bhutan’s Buddhism surrounded by cliffs 900 meters above the Paro Valley. On the route, get deeply involved in the local market scene, traditional crafts, and Bhutanese food.
This cultural expedition is not only about seeing the sights but also giving you an opportunity to experience the unique lifestyle, deep faith, and natural beauty of Bhutan. It is a great match for those who want a combination of adventure and cultural immersion.
Trip Highlights
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) – Cliffside monastery that is world renowned for its spiritual environment and spectacular views.
- Punakha Dzong – Magnificent historical fortress located at the mouth of two rivers with an amazing architecture.
- Thimphu Sightseeing – Immerse yourself in the culture by visiting Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, and Zilukha Nunnery.
- Dochula Pass – Stunning Himalayan mountain views with 108 memorial stupas decorating the route.
- Bhutanese Local Culture – Get to know the culture through visiting local markets, traditional crafts and tasting authentic cuisine.
- Scenic Himalayan Drives – Take in the breathtaking views of nature as you drive between Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.
5 Nights 6 Days Cultural Bhutan Tour ~ Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Paro airport (1hrs 30 min drive)
After arrival in Paro airport. Welcome to Bhutan! Our local guide meets you after your flight and drives you to Thimphu. Along the way, you will see Tamchog Lhakang, Iron Bridge, etc. Hotel check-in. Then visit Buddha Dordenma Statue and Takin Sanctuary where the national animal, Takin, can be seen. The next stop is Zilukha Nunnery to meet the nuns. Afterwards, go to Bhutan Post Office Headquarters where you can make your own photos into stamps (approx. 2-3 USD per stamp, at your expense). Then see the Thimphu Dzong (Trashichho Dzong),the largest religious and administrative building in Thimphu (closed at 5 pm, Monday to Friday).
Overnight: 3 star hotel
Day 2
THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (2 hrs 30 min drive)
In the morning, leave for Punakha Valley. Tour the main sights of Punakha and Wangdue including the Dzongs (fortresses). Punakha was the old capital of Bhutan and the Central Monastic Body still spends their winters here. Punakha Dzong is the most Magnificent and Largest Dzong in Bhutan, beautifully situated between the two largest rivers of Bhutan
Overnight: 3 star hotel Punakha
Day 3
PUNAKHA -PHOBJIKHA (2hrs 30min drive)
After a hearty breakfast, let’s go to the valley of black necked cranes via Wangdue. Rinchengang village will be our stop on the way to Gangey Gompa. Then, we will visit the black necked crane center and learn about this endangered species of Bhutan which migrates from Tibetan plateau to Phobjikha in every winter. In the evening we will visit typical Bhutan farm house or choose to stay at farm house that we offer in Phobjikha.
Overnight at Phobjikha, 3star resort
Day 4
PHOBJIKHA-PARO (4-5hrs drive)
After breakfast, return to Paro. On the way have a lunch and visit the oldest temple in Bhutan, kyichu lhakhang, paro dzong and later local farm house, where you can chat with local people, see how they live and may taste some homemade wine.
Overnight: 3 star standard HOTEL
Day 5
EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG
MONASTERY -Here the main hiking is to visit Taktsang at 3000m from sea level – (Tiger’s Nest- built in 1691 by Second Buddha, Padma Sambava – It said that Padma Sambava flew on Tigress to the cliff where currently the temple is located), be amazed by the view of this Sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley.
Then visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, which was built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over. If the weather is good, you will have a good view of Jhomolhari which is a beautiful , snow-covered mountain.
Free time in Paro town, Evening there will Bhutanese culture show, so kindly try wearing our national dress (Gho for boys and Kira for girls)
Overnight: 3 star standard HOTEL
Day 6
Final Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro Airport for your flight to your home country or in Nepal.
Trip Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Service of Guides (Japanese/ Chinese , English speaking guide etc. )
- Standard Three star Hotel
- Three times meal (breakfast, Lunch and dinner)
- Entrance fees for temples and Dzongs etc
- 1 Ltr Mineral Water /day
- Visa Fee-40 usd
- USD 100/N/P Government SDF
- Bhutanese cultural show with local drinks
- All private Land cost
- Including all government taxes
Cost Excludes
- Drinks, personal expense and life insurance
- Flight fare
- Tips for guide & driver
Trip Photo/Video Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal time to visit Bhutan is during the months of spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November). During spring, you may enjoy a variety of colorful rhododendron and clear skies. Autumn on the other hand, gives an absolutely beautiful Himalayan view also accompanied by pleasant weather. The winter season (December to February) could get very cold especially at the higher elevations whereas the summer season (June to August) gets the monsoon rain which could seriously hamper one’s travel and trekking plans.
Except for nationals of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, all other foreign travelers need a visa to enter Bhutan. Your visa and permit will be arranged and processed by Nepal Royal Tourism after you book the tour. The process is quite simple and you will be granted the visa on your arrival in Bhutan.
The trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is fairly challenging. Usually, it takes about 2-3 hours to do the uphill part and 1.5-2 hours for the downhill, depending on your speed. It is advisable to have comfortable trekking shoes, carry water, and light food stuff. There are places where you can take laps and the route is very clear, thus, the majority of the average-fit people can complete this without any problem.
We provide cozy 3-star or 4-star hotels in Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha with modern facilities. Some of the hotels not only provide a traditional Bhutanese style but also have beautiful interior design giving a cultural experience to the guests while still providing comfort. Luxury or boutique hotels upgrade is possible if you want it.
Most of the breakfasts and a few of the dinners will be included in this offer. You will be able to indulge in authentic Bhutanese dishes such as ema datshi (chili cheese stew), red rice, momos (dumplings), and local snacks. If you are vegetarian or have other special dietary needs, you should notify us earlier and these can be arranged.
During the tour, there would be moderate walking while sightseeing in Thimphu and Punakha and, going to Tiger’s Nest Monastery for a trek. Access to almost all tourist spots is provided by easily accessible paths. Still, wearing good shoes and having a moderate level of fitness are advised. Non-trekking travelers can opt for watching the scenery from other lower viewpoints or even by horse at the Tiger’s Nest trail.
Travel insurance should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and accidents, among other things. Bhutan is equipped with excellent health care facilities in the major towns, however, the remote areas for trekking have limited access. Therefore, insurance is basically a way of giving yourself peace of mind.
- Trekking shoes or sneakers that you find comfortable
- Wear light clothes but have a warm jacket just in case (temperature can get low in mornings/evenings)
- Sunglasses, sunblock, and brimmed hat
- A backpack that is just small enough to carry on day trips and when trekking
- Water and snacks
- Medicines and first aid
- For sure, your favourite camera or smartphone will be needed for the great landscapes
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