Bhutan's Living Traditions
Overview
Living Culture of Bhutan Tour promises extraordinary cultural adventure in your Bhutan travel experience. Delve deeper than the usual tourist path and gain a profound understanding of timeless traditions that are still practiced. Explore the western valleys, where you’ll be immersed in the daily lives of the Bhutanese people.
Visit traditional farmhouses, engage with captivating northern nomadic tribes, and even participate in special Buddhist ceremonies. Witness firsthand the rich tapestry of a living culture and forge genuine connections with its people. This unforgettable Bhutan travel experience promises a glimpse into the soul of the “Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Trip Highlights
- Visit Dochula pass, enjoy breathtaking Himalayan peaks.
- Enjoy a farmhouse dinner and engage with Bhutanese locals.
- Hike Chimi Lhakhang
- Enjoy Authentic Bhutanese cuisine
- Hike to Gangtey nature trail
- Hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Duration
8 Nights/9 Days
Tour Difficulty
Easy
Walking Hours
4-5 Hours
Group Size
2 & above
Accommodation
Hotels
Best season
Mar-May
Sep-Nov
Route Map
Itinerary
Fly into Paro by Druk air flight (Royal Bhutan Airline) or Bhutan Airlines. After immigration and customs formalities, you will be received by the representative & drive to Thimphu.
On arrival at Thimphu, check into your hotel ,In the afternoon, visit Changlimithang Archery ground witness the matches. in the evening, you can explore the town,– Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu Overnight Hotel in Thimphu .
After breakfast, you will visit the outside view of Memorial Chorten (built-in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Buddha Point, Visit Simply Bhutan, the traditional museum, After a relaxing lunch, visit Takin Zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan, BBS
Tower, after that, Visit Tashichhoe Dzong, In the evening, you can explore the town,–.Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu.
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time).
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. After Lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). And drive for about 12 km and from the road point take a walk across the rice fields and a river to reach the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which is located on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang. It houses the paintings and statues belonging to the Nyingmapa tradition. Visit Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chime Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Overnight in Punakha
Drive from Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa over Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range. En route visit beautiful Chendebji Chorten, erected in the 18th century.
After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan. The view from the Dzong is spectacular and one can see across the landscape for many miles. Also, visit the Ta Dzong museum housing an incredible collection of historical artifacts of the Royal Family.
Continue driving to Bumthang, home to some of Bhutan’s oldest Palaces and temples. Overnight at your hotel in Jakar, Bumthang.
In the morning visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom where Bhutan’s patron saint Guru Rimpoche meditated and 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang.
After lunch, visit Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pemalingpa and containing interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Afterward enjoy exploring the village of Jakar, Bumthang’s main township. Overnight at your hotel in Jakar, Bumthang.
Start early today for Gangtey, about 6 hrs from Bumthang. Farmhouses and temples dot the landscape and you will see local farmers wearing the traditional woven bamboo hats of central Bhutan. Visit Gangtey Goempa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, and explore Phobjika Valley with time to view the Black-Necked Cranes. Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.
Morning visit to view the Black-Necked Cranes (winter only) before departing for Paro .From Gangtey the road gradually descends into the balmy Punakha valley before climbing up over Dochu La Pass. On the way return sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum and Rimpung Dzong visit other sights in Paro valley, visit Paro Dzong, Paro Musuem and explore the Paro Town in the evening. Overnight hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 3 hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshments at the View Point Cafeteria. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take another 1 ½ hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave there for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. After visiting the monastery, walk back down to the road on the way stop for lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria, and then walk further down to the road point. Then travel back to your hotel, and you may relax in the traditional hot stone bath. In the evening, explore Paro Town. overnight at a hotel in Paro
In the morning, you will drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
COST INCLUDES
- Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 Per night per person
- Visa
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- All meals
- Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide
- Entrance fees
- All internal taxes & charges
- Mineral Water
COST EXCLUDES
- Flight tickets
- Insurance
- Drinks and Beverages
- Tips
- Internet and Phone bills
- Other personal expenses