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Central Bhutan Cultural Tour
Duration
9 days
Trip Type
Cultural and Historical Tour
Group Size
2-10
Arrival On
Kathmandu
Departure From
Paro
Best Month
March, April, May- Sept, Oct, Nov
Review
Price
USD $3475
Per Person
| Activities: | Cultural and Historical Tour | Fitness Level: | Beginner |
| Best Month: | March, April, May- Sept, Oct, Nov | Group Size: | 2-10 |
| Arrival on: | Kathmandu | Departure from: | Paro |
| Price: | USD 3475 per person |
All inclusive cost
USD
3475
per person
We support online payment
Customize this trip as per your need.
Big groups are adjusted accordingly.
Adjust your budget depending on your need.
You can schedule your own departure dates.
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Overview
Central Bhutan Cultural Tour is your opportunity to enter the forbidden kingdom of Bhutan, a land of untouched beauty.
Bhutan blends rich culture, majestic landscapes, and warm hospitality. Bhutan, the most carbon-negative country in the world, embraces sustainable practices while preserving its ancient traditions.
From spring's vibrant colours to winter's snowy landscapes, exploring this enchanting kingdom is never the wrong time.
Our Central Bhutan Cultural Tour is ideal if you want to explore the kingdom and immerse in its culture and tradition.
So, what makes the Central Bhutan Cultural Tour so unique?
Overview
The vibrant culture, spiritual significance, and natural beauty make Bhutan stand out differently. Our Central Bhutan Cultural Tour takes you through the heartland of Bhutan, providing a different experience and perspective of the country.
Additionally, the tour presents several highlights that showcase the essence of Bhutan's beauty and cultural significance. In Paro and Thimphu, you'll have the chance to visit iconic landmarks like Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong, and the Handicrafts Emporium. These sites offer a glimpse into Bhutan's rich history and craftsmanship.
The journey takes you to Punakha, where the vibrant Weekly Outdoor Market immerses you in the local atmosphere. The Folk Heritage Museum and Textile Museum deepen your understanding of Bhutanese culture. The visit to Punakha Dzong, situated at the convergence of two rivers, presents a majestic architectural marvel.
After travelling through Trongsa to Bumthang, you'll cross majestic mountain passes and witness breathtaking landscapes. Exploring Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong offers insights into the country's heritage.
Bumthang, renowned for its spiritual significance, unveils its treasures through visits to Tamshing Monastery, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, and Jakar Dzong.
Moreover, Drukgyal Dzong, a symbol of Bhutanese defence, and Taktsang monastery, known as Tiger's Nest, perched dramatically on a cliff, are places we must visit.
The journey culminates with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, highlighting the country's spiritual heritage.
Nepal Vision Trek has a team of professionals who also offers to customise the itinerary according to your requirement.
Outline of Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Arrival at Paro - Transfer to Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu â Punakha
Day 04: Punakha â Trongsa â Bumthang
Day 05: Bumthang sightseeing
Day 06: Wangdue â Thimphu â Paro
Day 07: Paro sightseeing
Day 08: Paro â Kathmandu
Trip Cost Includes:
✅ Airfare from Kathmandu to Paro and Paro to Kathmandu
✅ All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle as per the itinerary suggested.
✅ Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation with breakfast
✅ Meals in Bhutan
✅ Hotels in Kathmandu
✅ Travel costs within itineraries
✅ Visa fee for Bhutan
✅ Government Registered guide (English speaking, First Aid and Eco trained)
✅ All necessary paper works, entry fees, and permits
✅ First aid exclusive medical kit bag
✅ All government and local taxes
Trip Cost Excludes:
❌ Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
❌ Lunch and dinner except for welcome & fare well dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
❌ Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
❌ Travel and rescue insurance
Itinerary
Our representative will receive you from Tribhuvan International Airport and drop you off at your hotel. You will end the day in Thamel, a bustling district offering vibrant markets, shops, and restaurants, to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Kathmandu.
On your first day, you will arrive at the lush valley of Paro with a scenic view of the magnificent country of Bhutan. After arrival at Paro airport, our representative will receive you and take you to Paro town for lunch. Likewise, you will visit Ta Dzong, which now serves as the National Museum, and highlights a fascinating collection of artefacts. You will also explore Rinpung Dzong, an ancient fortress converted into an administrative centre and a monastic school.In the afternoon, you will get on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, which will take approximately 1.5 hours. Thimphu is a unique capital with a small population and no traffic lights.In the evening, you will visit the Handicrafts Emporium, where you can buy a variety of Bhutanese handicrafts. You will spend the night at Hotel Jumolhari in Thimphu.
The following early morning, you will visit the Weekly Outdoor Market in Thimpu, a few kilometres beyond the monastery. You can dive into the vibrant atmosphere and stroll to find fresh local produce and other food items. Besides, the market has colourful stalls selling traditional Bhutanese items like yak tail dusters, butter tea cups, turquoise jewellery, and musical instruments.Next, you will explore the Folk Heritage Museum, which showcases the rural Bhutanese lifestyle by displaying household items and artefacts. The Textile Museum is another highlight, exhibiting the traditional art of weaving and housing a collection of old textiles known for their rich colours and designs.You will visit the National Memorial Chorten, a religious shrine built in honour of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Zilukha Nunnery, a serene Buddhist nunnery, will offer insights into Bhutanese nuns' spiritual life.Before lunch, visit the Bhutanese Handmade Paper Factory for various handicrafts. Afterwards, drive through scenic landscapes to Punakha, where you'll explore the historic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers (open to visitors in summer).You will visit Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress at the confluence of the female Mo Chu and male Pho Chu rivers. It serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and holds historical significance as the ancient capital of Bhutan. You will spend the night at Hotel Meri Puensum in Punakha.
Today, you will embark on a fascinating journey to the central valleys of Bhutan. The drive to Bumthang via Trongsa will take approximately 7 hours, crossing the picturesque Pele La Pass and Yotongla Pass. Meanwhile, this route, known as "The Central Road," has brought significant changes to the communities in central Bhutan since its completion 30 years ago. Along the way, you will stop in Wangdue to admire the dramatic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, situated on a hill at the confluence of two rivers. As you ascend through varying vegetation, you will reach the alpine environment of Pelela Pass, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, including the majestic Jhomulhari peak. You will also encounter Chendebji Chorten, an ancient structure built to subdue a demon. After lunch, you will visit the remarkable Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the ruling family, and explore the Ta dzong, an intriguing watchtower with a display of Mongol armour. Finally, you will drive to the enchanting Bumthang Valley, one of the most beautiful spots in the Himalayas, and spend the night at Rinchenling Lodge.
Today is the day you will explore the breathtaking Bumthang Valley. It is one of the majestic valleys in Bhutan but also holds deep significance in Buddhism. It is known as the heartland of Buddhism; monks meditate and pray.In the morning, you will embark on a hike to explore Tamshing Monastery, one of the oldest monastic schools established by Terton Pema Lingpa, and Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche killed a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. Additionally, you will visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century, and Jakar Dzong, the district's administrative centre. In the afternoon, you will hike to Thangbi Valley, cross a suspension bridge, and visit the 14th-century Thangbi Lhakhang. You will spend the night at Rinchenling Lodge, immersing yourself in the serene ambience of the valley.
The drive from Punakha to Wangdue, with a stop in Gangtey, takes around 7 hours. Gangtey is on the eastern side of Punakha and Wangdue, nestled in the Black Mountains. Besides, you will find the ancient Gangtey Gompa monastery, dating back to the 17th century. You will reach the captivating Phobjikha Valley a few kilometres beyond the monastery, renowned as "the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas." The valley is the winter habitat for black-necked cranes, which migrate from the northern arid plains to enjoy the milder and lower climate. Your overnight stay will be at Kyichu Resort, which allows you to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the area.
After enjoying breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive from Punakha to Thimphu through the Dochola Pass. In Thimphu, you will visit significant landmarks such as the National Memorial Chorten, a sacred shrine built to honour the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Additionally, you will explore the tranquil Zilukha Nunnery. Later, you will depart from Thimphu and make your way to Paro. Your overnight stay will be at Hotel Olathang, a charming accommodation nestled amidst dense pine forests with a serene and natural ambience.
After breakfast, you will drive to Drukgyal Dzong, a historic fortress that once defended the valley against Tibetan invasions. You will also be able to visit a local Bhutanese farmhouse in Drukgyal, which offers a firsthand experience of everyday Bhutanese life. As you continue the journey, you will drive beyond Satsam Chorten. Later, begin a hike (or horse ride) to the iconic Taktsang monastery, Tiger's Nest. The horse ride to the cafeteria takes approximately one and a half hours. From this viewpoint, you can admire the breathtaking sight of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have arrived on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Afterwards, you will walk back to the road point and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.Your overnight stay will be at Hotel Olathang, a comfortable and relaxing accommodation option in Paro.
Our Bhutanese representative will accompany you to Paro Airport to bid you farewell in the morning. They will express their goodbyes and wish you a pleasant journey back to Kathmandu
FAQ
The tour usually includes visits to cities and towns like Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Trongsa, among others, based on the selected itinerary.
Some significant sites visited during the tour include Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Punakha Dzong, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Dochula Pass, and Trongsa Dzong.
The tour can be customised to accommodate various age groups and fitness levels. However, some sites may involve walking or climbing stairs, so it's recommended to inquire about specific requirements beforehand.
Yes, most tour packages include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bhutanese cuisine, which often features spicy dishes, will be introduced during the tour.
Depending on the tour package, optional activities such as hiking, cultural performances, traditional hot stone baths, and visits to local farmhouses may be available.
Departure Date
Departure dates for Central Bhutan Cultural TourWe provide a series of fixed departure trek, tour and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and India. If you are single and wishing to be with a group, you can join our fixed departure schedule. If the schedule dates are not convenient for you, contact us & let us know; we are more than happy to customize our trips to suit your needs. If any individuals or group doesn’t want to join with our other group, we can operate as per your wish and requirement. We are ground operator of these Himalayan destination and able to arrange your trip as per your interested date and choice.
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