8 Day Cultural Immersion

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive at Paro - Thimphu
8 stops
1
Paro
Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our English speaking guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital city. It is one and half hour drive. On the way stop at Tamchog Lhakhang which is around 30 minutes drive from Paro.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge
On the way visit Tamchogang, which is located on the ridge with beautiful view. and then drive to Thimphu which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
The National Memorial was built in 1974 by Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho in the memorial of the third King. The national Memorial Chorten is located in the center of the capital city, and the interior of the Chorten has a large number of paintings of Tantric deities, in explicit sexual poses that sometimes can be a little disconcerting to visitors. 15 minutes drive from the hotel
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
4
Motithang Takin Preserve
Motithang Takin Preserve: The Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin - Bhutan’s national animal. This is a rare animal of the goat antelope family and a particular species is only found in Bhutan. The preserve is a forested preserve that mimics the Takin’s natural habitat, in addition to the Takin there are a few musk deer and barking deer that live inside the preserve.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
5
Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery
Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery, located in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, is a prominent Buddhist monastery and educational institution for nuns. It was founded in 1976 by the 16th Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) Sangay Chophel, and it is affiliated with the Drukpa Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory: The Jungshi factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper, made using an age old method instead of the modern way. Visitors to the paper factory are given a demonstration of the paper making process. One of the most popular things to do in Thimphu, you can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
7
Centenary Farmers Market
The Centenary Farmers' Market, is one of the most vibrant and bustling marketplaces in Bhutan's capital city, Thimphu. Located in the heart of the city, this market is a hub of activity and commerce, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of Bhutanese people and the country's rich agricultural heritage. The market is renowned for its wide array of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. You'll find colorful stalls brimming with seasonal produce, including Bhutanese staples like red rice, potatoes, chilies, and various organic vegetables.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
8
Walk through Bhutan's capital city exploring Clock Tower Square, a prominent landmark adorned with intricate Bhutanese motifs and stroll towards Thimphu’s iconic traffic junction, famously known as the main traffic circle as it has no traffic lights. Instead, you’ll witness a white-gloved traffic officer gracefully directing vehicles in a choreographed style that has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Thimphu Sightseeing
6 stops
9
Tango Buddhist Institute
Tango Monastery, also known as Tango Cheri Monastery, is a prominent Buddhist monastery located about 14 kilometers to the north of Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Situated on a hillside in the upper part of the Thimphu Valley, Tango Monastery is one of Bhutan’s most significant religious sites and a popular destination for both tourists and pilgrims. In addition to its religious significance, Tango Monastery is also known for its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings. The monastery complex consists of several temples, prayer halls, monk quarters, and meditation centers, all of which are adorned with intricate artwork and vibrant murals depicting Buddhist motifs.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
10
Pangri Zampa Monastery
Pangri Zampa Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. It holds historical significance as it is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating back to the 16th century. Pangri Zampa Monastery is renowned for its connection to astrology and traditional Bhutanese medicine. It houses an astrological institute where monks study astrology and conduct calculations for various purposes, including selecting auspicious dates for important events like weddings, ceremonies, and construction projects.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
11
Bhutan Postal Museum
The Bhutan Postal Museum, located in the capital city of Thimphu, is a fascinating destination that offers insights into the history and evolution of Bhutanese postage and communication systems. The Bhutan Postal Museum, located in the capital city of Thimphu, is a fascinating destination that offers insights into the history and evolution of Bhutanese postage and communication systems.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
12
Thimphu Handicrafts Market
The Thimphu Handicrafts Market, also known as the Thimphu Craft Bazaar, is a bustling marketplace located in the heart of Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thimphu and offers a vibrant showcase of Bhutanese arts, crafts, and culture. The market is typically open daily, with artisans and vendors setting up their stalls to display a wide range of handmade goods and traditional crafts.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
13
Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground
Archery The glory of Bhutan is not hidden from anyone. The country, as beautiful as heaven itself, is known for its vivid culture, vibrant festivals and its richness in sports, it never becomes complete until its citizens have an unleashed spirit for sports. And it is the royal sport of archery or "Da" (as it is called in Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan).
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
14
Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
The original Thimphu Dzong (the Dho-Ngyen Dzong) is said to have been constructed in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. And later the Dzong was conquered by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who found the Dzong to be too small and expanded it to what is now known as theTashichho dzong is also called the "fortress of glorious religion." It was erected in 1641 and was subsequently rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Now it houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King and central monk body.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Thimphu - Gangtey/Phobjikha
4 stops
15
Buddha Dordenma
The Buddha Dordenma, also known as the “Buddha Point,” is a massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park overlooking the capital city of Thimphu. The statue stands at a height of 51.5 meters (169 feet), making it one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. It is made of bronze and gilded in gold.
50 minutes • Admission ticket free
16
Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass is a mountain pass located in the Kingdom of Bhutan, a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas. It sits at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. The pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic peaks of the snow-capped Himalayas. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
17
Phobji Nature Trail
hike across Gangtey Nature Trail which is one and a half hours and enjoy the breathtaking view of Phobjikha valley. Gangtey Nature Trail hike is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the Mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hiking places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds – Black Neck Cranes.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
18
Black Necked Crane Center
Crane information Center where you get information about the valley. Phobjikha valley is also the winter home of Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north (Tibetan plateau) to pass their winter in the milder and lower climate. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and offers incredible scenery.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Gangtey/Phobjikha - Punakha
4 stops
19
Gangtey Monastery
Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangteng Monastery or Gangtey Gonpa, is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the Wangdue Phodrang District of Bhutan. It is considered the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition within the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery holds significant historical and cultural importance and is known for its breathtaking location on a hilltop in the Phobjikha Valley, at an elevation of 2800 meters.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
20
Chimi Lhakhang Temple
Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, is a revered Buddhist monastery located near the village of Sopsokha in the Punakha Valley of Bhutan. Chimi Lhakhang is especially popular among couples who are trying to conceive or seeking blessings for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. As part of the fertility rituals, couples visit the monastery and receive blessings from the resident lama (monk). The lama may conduct ceremonies and rituals to bless the couple and pray for their fertility and well-being. It is also common for visitors to receive a symbolic phallus (known as “lucky penis”) as a talisman for fertility and protection. These phalluses are often brightly colored and adorned with ribbons.Beyond its association with fertility blessings, Chimi Lhakhang is also a cultural landmark that offers insights into Bhutanese religious practices and beliefs.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
21
Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong, is one of the most beautiful and important dzongs in Bhutan. One of the most iconic dzongs in Bhutan is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers, the dzong is an architectural masterpiece with intricate woodwork and vibrant murals. It is arguably one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country.
50 minutes • Admission ticket included
22
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Spanning 160m over the Phochu River, and connects the Punakha Dzong (fortress) with the nearby villages and agricultural lands. The bridge gently sways in the wind offering an extra touch of thrill to your journey. The bridge is located just a short walk from the iconic Punakha Dzong and it treats you to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, river, and the Punakha Dzong itself, making it a favorite spot for visitors to take photos and enjoy the scenery.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Punakha
4 stops
23
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
The Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a stunning Buddhist shrine situated on a ridge above the Punakha Valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rice fields. The trail winds through lush rice paddies, small villages, and across a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River before ascending towards the chorten. Along the trail, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Punakha Valley and the surrounding countryside. The landscape is dotted with terraced fields, traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, and pristine forests, providing ample opportunities for photography and enjoying nature. The chorten itself is a magnificent example of Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship. Built to promote peace and prosperity, the four-story structure is adorned with intricate paintings and statues depicting Buddhist deities. The hike to the Khamsum Yulley Chorten is relatively moderate and takes about 1-1.5 hours each way, depending on your pace.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
24
A lunch at the Leki Farm House at Lapsakha with the view of the Punakha valley.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
25
Punakha
Talo Village is a charming settlement nestled in the Punakha Valley of Bhutan. Situated at an altitude of around 2,800 meters (9,186 feet), Talo Village offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. It's renowned for its serene atmosphere, traditional architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
26
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery
n The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery is perched on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Punakha valley and Wangduephodrang valley.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Punakha - Paro
5 stops
27
Rinpung Dzong
Paro Rinpung Dzong is a striking fortress and monastery located in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. Paro Rinpung Dzong is situated on the banks of the Paro River. The dzong, originally built in the 15th century, has a rich history deeply intertwined with Bhutanese culture and politics. It was established by the Tibetan Buddhist master, Ngawang Chogyel, to defend the Paro Valley against Tibetan invasions. Paro Rinpung Dzong is host to several annual religious festivals, including the famous Paro Tsechu. During these festivals, monks perform sacred masked dances and rituals, attracting thousands of pilgrims and spectators from all over Bhutan.
50 minutes • Admission ticket free
28
Paro District
After lunch a short hike to Zuri Dzong, a rewarding trek that offers stunning panoramic views of the Paro Valley.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
29
Chencho Handicrafts
visit Chencho Weaving Center in Paro Town, a locally-run weaving center showcases the intricate art of traditional Bhutanese weaving, offering visitors a chance to witness skilled artisans at work and stroll around Paro downtown for shopping or a cup of coffee.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
30
Paro
Stroll around Paro downtown for shopping or a cup of coffee.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
31
Namgay Artisanal Brewery
Well, if you are a beer lover and want to taste some of the finest brews, you must visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro Valley.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Paro Taktsang
3 stops
32
Paro Taktsang
The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. The monastery was built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgaye who is said to be one of the reincarnations of Guru Rinpoche. From the road, the hike toward Taktshang follows an uphill route and takes approximately 2-3 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day. From hotel it is around 30 minutes drive before we start the hike. In total it will take 5-6 hours depending your pace.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
33
Paro
Explore Paro town
1 hour • Admission ticket free
34
Tshering Farmhouse
Tshering Farmhouse is a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse located in Paro, Bhutan. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience rural Bhutanese life and hospitality firsthand.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Departure
1 stop
35
Paro
In the morning drive to the Airport for flight to your onward destination.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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