Bhutan: 6 Day Cultural Tour

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Overview

Six days of cultural tours including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and a half-day hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. Add a day to this tour and attend a Tshechu (Festival).

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Paro, transfer to Thimphu

Upon arrival at the airport and after necessary immigration formalities your Bhutanese escort will greet you and drive you 1.5 hours through the beautiful Paro valley to your hotel in Thimphu. You can spend the rest of the evening exploring Thimphu soaking in the Bhutanese way of life.

Day 2: Tour Thimphu

Sightseeing in Thimphu includes the visit to the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the School of Thanka Paintings, and the traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts are still practiced. Then, visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles and take a stroll through the streets for a little shopping.

After lunch visit the memorial Chorten to His late Majesty (King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk). Later, take a 15 minute drive to Dechenchohhling to witness the gold and silversmiths at work. Then, visit the Tashichho Dzong (fortress of the Glorious Region) built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961, using traditional methods, without the use of any nails or plans or paper, under the Late King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan.

Day 3: Tour Thimphu, Drive to Punakha Valley

As well as the main sites of Thimphu, you can also spend a day hiking to Tango and Cheri, two magnificent monasteries on the edge of the Thimphu valley. Or, you may like to visit Phajoding monastery with its stunning views over the valley, touring the markets and monasteries that flourish in this uniquely tranquil national capital. Shop for textiles, puppets and paintings that are handcrafted as they have been for centuries.

Day 4: Tour Punakha, Drive to Paro

The old capital of Bhutan stands at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. The Punakha Dzong is Bhutan's second oldest, and is arguably the country's most beautiful. Construction of the dzong began in 1637, and was completed the following year. It is more properly called the Pungthang Dechen Phodrang or the Palace of Great Happiness.

Bhutan

Day 5: Tour Paro

Visit Ta Dzong, the national museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has superb antiquities on display. You can see a fine collection of thankas, paintings, textiles, and artifacts.

Hike to Taktsang viewpoint, a superb vantage point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding granite cliffs and valley. On a clear day, the white dome of the sacred Chomolhari (Mountain of Goddess) can be seen. The Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest monastery, clings to a sheer cliff. Severely damaged in a fire in 1998, the monastery has been completely restored.

Tour Drukgyal Dzong, whose massive ruins offer insight into the unique construction of Bhutan's famous dzongs. The Dzong is also of great historical importance as it was from its ramparts that the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders.

DESTINATIONS

Tours

Preparation