Discover the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan by taking this cultural tour. Visits to ancient dzongs (forts), monasteries, museums, cultural centers, and excursions to picturesque Bhutanese villages are all there in your itinerary.
Your journey starts from Paro, the only place in Bhutan low enough to have an air strip. You get to survey the ancient Drugyel Dzong in Paro and capture the awesome view of the entire valley from Ta-Dzong. A scenic drive to the capital city Thimphu, where you get to discover the rich Bhutanese heritage and culture. Gangtey, another stop in your itinerary, has the famous monastery, Gangtey Gompa. Gangtey Gompa, perchedatop a small hill that rises from the valley floor and is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western side of the Black mountains. The monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens (Lay Monks). Experience Bhutanese village life at Wangduephodrang, observe the traditional art of healing diseases at the Indigenous Hospital and learn more about the rich Bhutanese art and culture by visiting the Art & Craft School, National Library, Royal Goldsmith Workshop and Handicraft centers.
TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 12 Days
Trip type: Cultural Tour
Starts in: Paro
Ends in: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel and guest-house
Maximum altitude: 3950m
HIGHLIGHTS
> Fantastic introduction to cultural delights of Paro
> Mesmerizing sight of Mount Chomolhari from Drugyel dzong
> Insightful visits to Art & Craft school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and handicraft centers
> Fabulous excursion around Thimpu, Gangtey Gompa (2800 meters), Ura Village and Swiss farm
> Close encounter with Bhutan's culture in Bumthang and Wangduephodrang
> Fulfilling hike to Taktsang Monastery, most dotted pilgrimage site for Bhutanese
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01 - Flight to Paro - Drive to Thimpu
Day 02 - Thimpu Sightseeing
Day 03 - Thimpu - Punakha
Day 04 - Punakha - Trongsa
Day 05 - Trongsa - Bumthang
Day 06 - Sightseeing in Bumthang
Day 07 - Sightseeing in Bumthang/ Excursion around Ura village and Swiss farm
