Bhutan is a small Himalayan nation in the eastern Himalayan range. The country is deeply rooted in Buddhism and practices Vajrayana Buddhism (Tantric Buddhism).
In this modern time, Bhutan is a kingdom rich in ancient cultural heritage and intricate traditional architecture. Here, you will experience a rich tapestry of spirituality, faith, and care for nature.
We have designed the Bhutan cultural tour package to provide a close glimpse of this country that has been embracing modernization, nature, and its ancient cultural heritage hand in hand.
This is one of the excellent Bhutan tour packages. You will explore famous cities like Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha and also travel to untouched, pristine places like Haa Valley, Trongsa, and Bumthang.
Guided by a local expert tour guide, the journey will provide you with a deep insight into Bhutanese culture, traditions, art, architecture, food, and daily life. Likewise, the tour is also naturally quite enriching.
You will see beautiful landscapes and mountain views. Colorful prayer flags, stupas, contents, and monasteries dot the scenery. Visit ancient dzongs and several museums.
Whether you are planning to travel alone to Bhutan or with your loved ones, we will organize the best Bhutan cultural tour for you. If you have any questions regarding this tour or want to customize the itinerary, feel free to get in touch with us.
Highlights
- Explore the ancient cultural heritage and intricate traditional architecture of Bhutan
- Experience a rich tapestry of spirituality, faith, and care for nature
- Learn about Bhutanese art, architecture, beliefs, food, and daily life
- Witness beautiful landscapes and mountain views
- Visit ancient dzongs, monasteries, and several museums
- A perfect Bhutan tour package to do by yourself or with your loved ones
- Try delicious Bhutanese dishes such as Ema Datshi, Tshoem, pink rice, Kewa Datshi, Shakam Pa, etc
- Explore untouched places like Haa Valley, Trongs, and Bumthang
What to expect during the Bhutan cultural tour 9 days?
As the name of the package suggests, this tour emphasizes Bhutanese culture and traditions. The tour is easy and comfortable. You will travel in a nice four-wheeler between the cities and tourist sites.
Light walking is required while exploring. You will start every day with a delicious breakfast and then visit historical sites with your guide. We will arrange all permits for you so you can have a hassle-free trip.
The Bhutan cultural tour has everything from bustling tourist sites and local markets to serene towns and valleys. If you have more time, you can extend the tour to other places.
Our Bhutan cultural tour itinerary is flexible and allows you to make changes as you wish. You can speak English fluently with our guides. They will help you interact with the locals and mingle with them.
Likewise, try delicious Bhutanese dishes such as Ema Datshi, Tshoem, pink rice, Kewa Datshi, Shakam Paa, Phaksha Paa, Jasha Maroo, Goen Hogay, Hoentay, etc.
The tour starts from Paro and takes you to places like Thimphu, Trongsa, Bumthang, and Punakha. We have shared more details about this place below.
Places you will visit during the Bhutan cultural tour
Paro
Paro is the only city in Bhutan with an international airport. It is the gateway to Bhutan for foreigners. You will spend two nights here and visit many tourist sites, such as Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), perched on a cliff 3,000 ft above the Paro Valley.
It is one of the significant monasteries in Bhutan. Likewise, you will visit Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong. The dzong dates back to the 17th century and is a religious and administrative center.
Drukgyel Dzong is a ruined fortress that defended the valley from Tibetan invasions hundreds of years ago. Kyichu Lhakhang, another tourist site in Paro, was built in the 7th century.
Haa Valley
Not many travelers explore the beautiful Haa Valley. It can be reached in just 2 to 3 hours of driving from Paro. The valley is an untouched gem located in the far west corner.
You will see the rural Bhutanese lifestyle and visit the ancestral home of the Dorji family, the queen's mother's lineage. The main attractions of Haa Valley are Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple).
These temples were built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Likewise, the Haa Summer Festival, featuring local sports like archery and traditional Bhutanese dances, is another highlight of this valley.
Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan. It is the largest urban city in the country and carries a surreal balance between modernization and ancient cultural heritage. In Thimphu, you will explore the King's Memorial Chorten, built by the third king of Bhutan.
Likewise, you will visit Chhoe Dzong, the center of government and religious bodies. It is also the seat of the monarch's throne and the seat of Je Khenpo, or Chief Abbot.
Similarly, visit the National Library to see the vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. Then, explore Zorig Chusum, an Arts & Crafts School located nearby. This place offers insight into Bhutanese arts and crafts.
From here, visit the Textile Museum, where you will see how Bhutanese textiles are made. The Simply Bhutan Museum is another tourist site in Thimphu that you will be exploring.
Trongsa
Trongs is a historical town located in central Bhutan. It was once the seat of Bhutan's royal family. The first two kings ruled the country from here before moving to Thimphu.
You will cross DochuLa Pass (3,088 m) and Pele La Pass (3,300 m). You will explore the 16th-century Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong (watch tower), and Chendebji Chorten.
In Ta Dzong, you can see a fantastic collection of Bhutanese artifacts, such as textiles, weapons, and religious relics. Likewise, Chendebji Chorten was made after the Bouddhanath Stupa in Nepal.
Bumthang
Bumthang is Bhutan's spiritual heart. It consists of four valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Ura, and Chhume. Bumthang has numerous sacred sites, many of which are also pilgrimage centers for Buddhists.
You will visit Jakar Dzong, the Castle of the White Bird, located on a ridge and offering a beautiful view of Chamkhar Valley. Likewise, you will visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the holiest sites in Bhutan.
Tamshing Lhakhang is another gem here, where you can see an ancient Buddhist mural. Likewise, you will also visit Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Punakha
Many years ago, Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. It is one of the most fertile valleys in Bhutan and has a fantastic mild climate year-round.
Here, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is situated on the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. This is where the first king of Bhutan was crowned. This dzong is a masterpiece of traditional Bhutanese architecture.
Likewise, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple), a famous pilgrimage site among couples. The Punakha Suspension Bridge, which stretches over the Pho Chhu River, is also a big highlight of this place.
