11 － Days Bhutan Cultural Trip Itinerary
DAY 01:
PARO-THIMPU
Morning flight into Paro, Bhutan from Bangkok or Delhi. On this flight, you can see breathtaking
views of the Great Himalayas. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed to the
Kingdom by your guide. Lunch served in Paro. After lunch drive to Thimphu 2 - 3 hours. The drive
from Paro to Thimphu is spectacularly scenic. Magnificent monasteries and stupas in the valleys and
mountaintops. Overnight Thimphu at Hotel located in the center of town.
DAY 02:
THIMPU
Full day of sightseeing. Some of the highlights of Thimphu include:
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Visit the weekly Thimphu market.
Change money at the Bhutan National Bank
Purchase world's most beautiful postage stamps.
Visit the Arts and crafts school and the Traditional Medicine Institute.
Visit Memorial Chorten to honor memory of Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, popularly
known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. A multi-storied stupa that will introduce you to the
vitality of Tantric Buddhism.
Observe traditional paper making from Daphnia and Edgeworthia
Visit Botanical garden (Zoo) where one can see Yak and Takin, the National wild animal of
Bhutan.
Drive up to viewpoint and take a hike beyond to see the clear picture of Thimphu Valley.
Downtown Thimphu on foot visiting Handicrafts Emporium and other Arts & Crafts stores. Buy
stunning kiras which can be used and bed covers or wall decoration, jewelry's and many
more. Overnight Thimphu.
DAY 03:
THIMPHU TO GAGTEY & PHOBJIKHA VALLEY
After breakfast drive to Gangtey and Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha valley has been declared as the
first eco-tourism destination of Bhutan by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN). The
valley falls under the Black Mountain Natural Park. Phobjikha valley is the winter home to rare and
endangered black necked cranes (grus nigricllis), which migrate, in large flocks to Bhutan from Tibet
& Sikang, Yunnan and Tonkin in eastern China. For centuries the cranes have captured the human
imagination with their intelligence, poise, sociality, beauty and freedom, which have given rise to
several myths, legends, folktales and songs. In 1998 there were about 250 cranes and the numbers
are increasing. Although the cranes fly back to their summer homes in mid - late February, there
may be a couple of birds that have not yet flown to their summer homes in Tibet and China. There
are lots of other wild animals in the surrounding valleys like wild boar, barking deer, Himalayan black
bear, red fox, leopard and many species of birds. Overnight Phobjikha at Hotel.
DAY 04:
PHOBJIKHA - TRONGSA
Morning, visit the Nature Education center, the carpet factory and the Sacred Gangtey Monastery,
which dominates the valley. After Lunch, continue your journey towards Central Bhutan. Check in
for Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 05:
TRONGSA – BUMTHANG
Tongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan's Royal Family. Both the First and Second King ruled the
Kingdom from this ancient seat. All the Kings of Bhutan has to become Tongsa Penlop (Honorary
post of Governor) prior to being crowned as the Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan). Tongsa Dzong (fort),
one of the largest in the country was first built is 1648 and later enlarged many times. Because of
being situated on a highly commanding position on the only connecting route between the eastern
and western sectors (where trail actually runs through the Dzong), the Tongsa Penlop was able to
control the whole of eastern region very effectively for many centuries. Visit the ancient watch tower
(Ta Dzong), which is situated just above the town.
After lunch, drive to Bumthang. The drive to Bumthang takes 2-3 hrs. Tales of the great Guru
Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. View the Jakar Dzong "The Castle of White Bird". A
stop will be made on the way in the Chumey Valley where one can see girls weaving Yatha the
traditional woollen material used。Overnight Bumthang at Hotel.
DAY 06:
BUMTHANG
Different from all the other valleys in Bhutan, Bumthang is very spacious and open ranging in altitude
from 2,600m to 4,000m. Bumthang is a heaven for hikers and trekkers, not to mention the numerous
beautiful and important Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sites, making it the Cultural and
Historic center of Bhutan. One could spend months exploring this fascinating valley. Almost every
little valley or hill has a background of interesting myths and legends about Kings, Buddhist masters
and Serpents. Bumthang is combined of four main valleys, Chumey, Tang, Ura and Choskhor
(Jakar). Commonly known as Jakar valley where you can see a little bit of modern touch with Swiss
Influences. Visits to the important cultural and historic sites in the special valley. Overnight
Bumthang.
DAY 07:
BUMTHANG - URA - BUMTHANG
Full day sightseeing drive further east towards Ura Valley. Ura Valley is famous for one of the most
unique and earliest settlements in Bhutan. Visit Ura Village and the Temple. Mingle around with
local people and kids and take beautiful pictures. Return to Jakar, Bumthang for Overnight.
DAY 08 BUMTHANG/PUNAKHA
Full day drive to Punakha with sightseeing en-route. Overnight Punakha at Hotel.
DAY 09:
PUNAKHA/PARO
Punakha was the winter capital for over 300 years until the time of second King. Punakha Dzong,
which dominates the whole area, was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, and established
the central monastic body with 600 monks. Today, Punakha is still the home for Je Khempo (Chief
Abbot) and the central monastic body. Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive Dzongs in the
Kingdom.
In the afternoon drive to Paro for Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 10:
PARO
Morning, hike up to the view point of “Taktsang”, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Afternoon, sightseeing in and around Paro Valley including visit to the National Museum. Overnight
Paro.
DAY 11:
PARO
－BANGKOK or DELHI
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the departure flight. Tashi Delek!