• Duration9 Days
  • Diffculty-LevelEasy
  • Max. Altitude3,050 m
  • Best SeasonSpring & Autumn

Overview

Bhutan culture tour will bring you a traveling experience like no other. Where you can find the most breathtaking landscape and the cleanest fresh air, you can also see Bhutanese practicing Buddhism and fingering praying beads. Along with the high mountain passes, you will catch the sight of fluttering colorful prayer flags and prayer wheels turning slowly with the current of clear mountain streams. Bhutanese are the warmest people and you will learn more about them when traveling through towns and local villages. And the beauty in the life of Bhutan is also presented in their arts, from thangkas, textiles to captivating festival dances and outrageous archery competitions.

Bhutan is no ordinary destination. The mystic country is renowned for its untouched nature and rich Buddhist culture. What makes it even more fascinating is the blending of Buddhism in the daily life of a Himalayan kingdom and the peaceful pace of living in a world that is rapidly changing. 

Highlights of Bhutan Peace Land Tours

  • A glimpse of the Himalayan culture, unspoiled natural beauty of Bhutan. 
  • Discover the amazing scenery of Thimphu, Gangtey Valley, Punakha, and Paro valley. 
  • Explore the Buddha Point, Tiger’s Nest, Dzongs, and Gangtey Goemba. 
  • Explore only Nyingmapa monastery.
  • Stunning mountains view during the Chelela hike. 
  • Explore the beauty of lush green valleys, beautiful dense forests,s and stunning landscapes of Bhutan. 
  • Explore the National Museum of Bhutan ( Ta-Dzong) 
  • Experience the delicious foods and tastes of Bhutan. 

If you are looking for customized trips to Bhutan, please feel free to contact us anytime. Besides this, Mystic Adventure offers amazing and discounted packages of Nepal Trekking and Tours. Please contact us for the discounted price and rates. 

Itinerary & Map

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  • Accommodation:3-star hotel
  • Meals:breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Altitude:2,280m

When your plane is approaching Paro, make sure to enjoy the view of Himalayan snowcapped peaks from above. After meeting with our representative, you will travel to the capital city – Thimphu. On the way, we can make a quick visit to Tachogang Lhakhang (Temple of The Excellent Horse). The legendary Bhutanese bridge-builder Thangtong Gyalpo (1385-1464) erected it following his vision of the spiritual horse Balaha – an emanation of Avalokiteshvara.

Upon reaching Thimphu, we will check in at the hotel and visit the National Memorial Chorten. It was the idea of Bhutan’s Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk – a site dedicated to world peace and prosperity. It later became a memorial to the Late King as well.

We will then return to Thimphu city and spend the first night at a hotel here.
Altitude in Paro: 2,280m and Thimphu: 2,320m
Distance: 55km
Estimated travel time: 1.30hr

  • Accommodation:3-star hotel
  • Meals:breakfast, lunch, and dinner

We will have a tasty breakfast before hiking to Cheri Goemba. At 2,800m, it is the first monastery of Bhutan, founded in 1620. The trail will take about 1 hour to finish with an elevation gain of 400m. The trail will lead us through a lush forest of firs, rhododendron trees, and blue pines. The monastery became famous after it was visited by Guru Padmasambhava and is a favored sightseeing place for travelers, from where you will have a pictorial view of Thimphu.

We will understand more about Bhutanese life and art by visiting Folk Heritage Museum and the National Textile Museum. Designed as a traditional rural house from the 19th century, the heritage museum is an interesting place where daily objects like leopard-skin bags and Brokpa yak-hair ‘spider’ hats are displayed. And at the textile museum, we will see the practice of Thagzo (weaving) with various styles and on different materials.

The next stop is a photographer’s dream because of the impressive demonstration of traditional arts there. 

The last destination for the day is the striking Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of The Glorious Religion). First being built in 1216 A.D, the dzong went through a number of reconstructions and was completely renovated by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck after he moved the capital to Thimphu. The massive dzong is close to Thimphu town and is also well-known for its charming scene of flag changing at 5 pm. The ceremony begins in the courtyard and ends outside in front of the dzong.
You will stay for another night at a hotel in Thimphu.

  • Accommodation:3-star hotel
  • Meals:breakfast, lunch, and dinner

We will travel to Gangtey today. On the way, we will visit Dochula pass (3,050m) and enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges from here. On clear winter days, the sight is exceptionally beautiful with the 108 Chortens gracing the mountain pass and the picturesque backdrop of snowcapped mountains.

Close to the Chortens, there is a temple called Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, built in honor of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

 

You will stay overnight at a hotel in Gangtey.

  • Accommodation:3-star hotel
  • Meals:breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today’s journey will begin with a famous and pleasant hike – the Gangtey Nature Trail. It is a popular walk, especially for travelers to discover the lush Gangtey valley.. We will also visit the Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre, which is close by. You can learn more about the endangered animal here, and other information regarding flora and fauna, community life, and the culture of the valley at the center. It is also a great location to spot the Black-necked Cranes and other bird species in the valley.

After lunch, we will drive 40 minutes to Pelela's pass for the Longtey hike. The moderate hike will last around 3-4 hours and lead us back to Gangtey. From Longtey village, we will cross some of the most picturesque areas of the valley. Walking downwards, we will pass through bush bamboo towards a cluster of village houses. Lovely colored rhododendron forests run on both sides of the valley, and in winter, you can see yaks grazing in the area.

We will continue hiking upwards until we reach the start of the mystifying ancient rhododendron forest..

You will stay a second night at a hotel in Gangtey.

  • Accommodation:3-star hotel
  • Meals:breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Altitude:1,300m

Today we will explore Punakha valley, and the first destination is Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness). Constructed in 1637, it is the second dzong to be built in the country. The edifice sits at the confluence of two major rivers, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, which converge in this valley. Not only it is notable for its massive scale, but the dzong is also famous for housing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan and a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani.

Just passing the striking dzong and we will see the Pho Chhu suspension bridge – the longest of its kind in Bhutan. Beautiful prayer flags run along the whole 160m of the bridge. Looking out from here, the view of Punakha Dzong and Pho Chhu valley is exceptionally stunning, nature’s work of art!

We will have a nice walk through lovely rice fields and pine trees to visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (1,5000m). It will take about 1 hour to reach the impressive Chorten. Standing on a ridge overlooking Punakha valley, it is one of the fine examples of Bhutan’s architecture, and the only one of its kind in the world. You will have a breathtaking view of Punakha valley’s green landscape from the Chorten.
Distance: 87km
Estimated time: 3hrs

  • Accommodation:3-star hotel
  • Meals:breakfast, lunch, and dinner

We will drive back to Paro today. On the way, we will take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility). The trail to the stunning temple is about 25 minutes and you can catch the sight of farmers working on the fields when we pass Lobesa village on the way up.

After lunch, we will head to the imposing Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of The Heap of Jewels). 

The next stop is the National Museum of Bhutan (or Ta Dzong), known for its distinctive circular conch-shell-like structure. It was used to serve as a watchtower and fortress to protect the Paro Rinpung Dzong. After wartime, it was turned into the National Museum, where various collections are displayed to visitors, from thangka, and festival masks to textiles and weapons, and many other artifacts.

When we visit Sangay Wood Turning Factory, which will be the last stop today, you can try making your own wooden bowls and cups with the master’s instruction.

You will spend the night at the hotel in Paro.
Distance: 125km
Estimated time: 4hrs

  • Accommodation:3-star hotel
  • Meals:breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After breakfast, we will drive to Chelela pass, which is between Paro valley and Haa valley, to hike to the Kila monastery. This is one of the highest road passes in Bhutan at an altitude of 3,800m. The pass is marked by hundreds of colorful prayer flags. On clear days, it provides a breathtaking picture of Himalayan peaks, like Mt. Jomolhari (7,314 m), Mt. Jichu Drake (6,794 m), and Mt. Kangchenjunga (8,586 m).

From the road, we will hike up towards the highest point at 4,500m to get an even nicer view of the mountains. The climb is about 3km with a 500m ascent. Then we will walk down through hills of rhododendron and hemlock forest towards Kila Goemba. Nestling in a craggy patch on the mountainside, Kila Goemba is the serene home of about 30 Buddhist nuns. You may also catch the sight of blue poppies – Bhutan’s national flower which blooms from late May to July, and different bird species on the way. The hike down is about 4km with a descent of 700m. The whole hike will last for 4-5 hours.

We will spend the late afternoon walking around Paro’s main streets and market, and stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.

  • Accommodation:3-star hotel
  • Meals:breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today, we will visit one of the most sacred religious sites in Bhutan – Taktsang Monastery (or ‘Tiger’s Nest’). It is built at a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century, and many famous saints have traveled here for meditation as well. There is a local saying: “If you have never been to Tiger Cave Temple, your trip to Bhutan is not complete.” The monastery is located on a precarious cliff at 3,120m, on the right side of Paro Chhu. The climb to the building is 4.5km one way, with an elevation gain of around 600m. So on average, it will take 4-5 hours to do the round-trip hike. Yet, we will have many stops on the trail so you can enjoy the captivating natural scenes of the valley with verdant forests and giant mountains. A monastery is also a place with a great overview of Paro valley.

After a long day of hiking, you can relax your body in a traditional hot stone bath at the farmhouse, or spend time visiting some pubs in Paro town. The pubs and clubs in Paro offer great local snacks and alcohol with good music, they are nice places to enjoy your last night in Bhutan. And you will stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.

  • Meals:Breakfast

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck) and we hope to see you again!

Cost Details

Includes
  • Bhutan visa fee (US$ 40 per person).
  • 3-star categories hotel twin sharing room or double sharing room.
  • Accommodation in the best 3-star hotels in Bhutan.
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) in the day.
  • Bottled water, tea, and coffee on the trip.
  • A sustainable development fee of $65 per night.
  • Museum fees and other special entry fees.
  • Internal transportation with experienced drivers throughout the trip.
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary with qualified and licensed English-speaking guide.
  • Gho or Kira (traditional and national dress of Bhutan) for your use during your stay in Bhutan.
  • Bhutanese sim cards.
  • Archery.
Excludes
  • Laundry/beverages/ telephone calls and any personal expenses.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Airfares.
  • Airport taxes if any.
  • Excess baggage charge.
  • Tips to guides and drivers.
  • Services not mentioned.

Departure Dates

If you are planning to travel to Bhutan with a group of 4 people and more, please feel free to contact us to get the cost for your group.

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