Bhutan Cultural Tour - 11 Days - Kailash Himalaya Trek

Bhutan Cultural Tour – 11 Days

Best curated program for an exquisite cultural experience.

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Trip Highlight:
- Explore Paro and visit the famous Taktsang "Tiger's Nest" Monastery
- Discover Bhutan’s ancient Dzongs architecture and market place of Thimpu and Paro
- Learn and experience Bhutanese culture and traditions
- See magnificent mountain views
- Outstanding local guide and staff
You arrive in Kathmandu and the next day takes a full day sightseeing tour of the cities. Fly to Paro (3280m); stay another night at Paro to take a full-day tour of Drukhye Dzong, Paro Bazar, and the national museum. You may also visit Satsam Chorten and Taktsang monastery (Tiger nest). The next stop is Thimpu (2286m). Our journey in Bhutan takes us to Thimpu, the capital city of Bhutan. We visit their national library, handicraft emporium and memorial chorten of His Late Majesty’s King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Punakha located in the eastern valley is an interesting place where we take a half-day tour of Dechenchholing where it is possible to meet traditional gold and silver maker at work. En-route to Punakha (1350m) we drive through a high pass at Dochula (3090m) that would give us see a panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan range. While in Punakha we take time to visit Punakha Dzong. Bhumtang is another beautiful valley. The valley is wide and open, the average elevation is around 2600 to 4000 meter. The four valleys in Bhumtang - Chumney, Choekhor, Tang and Ura offer a dramatically different experience. It is believed that Buddhism spread wide in Bhutan from this valley. You can enjoy hiking in the enchanting valley. At the end of the tour, we drive back to Paro and fly to Kathmandu. Stay overnight in Kathmandu before flying home.
Optional: An extension tour to the beautiful hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim can be done.
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. In Kathmandu (BB)
Our representative meet you at the airport upon arrival and provide transfer to your hotel. Free day.

Day 2: Kathmandu (BB). Full day sightseeing tour

Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and Patan: In the morning we visit Kathmandu Durbar square. You walk through Asan to Hanuman Dhoka. The narrow lane is crowded with pedestrian. It gives you chance to meet Nepalese in the most traditional manner. Asan is one of the oldest market places for shopping; it used to be the centre of business in those days. Walking tour of Kathmandu Durbar square: Includes Asan tol (galley), Durbar square, Hanuman Dhoka, the temple of living Goddess, and Kastha Mandap. You go through medieval wonders that have given Kathmandu much of its mystery and atmosphere. The city itself is a labyrinth of streets and markets, crowded with exotic products and a bewildering mix of people. One can see Tibetan women in their striped aprons, traders from India and Sadhus – Hindu holy men, who are perhaps on pilgrimage to one of the countless shrines and temples spread in the valley. As you wander, your tour guide will explain the intricacies of Nepal’s distinct blend of Hinduism and Buddhism.

After lunch visit Swayambhunath and Patan: Swambhunath is well known 2000 years old Buddhist stupa (Chaitya), which used to be known as monkey temple, is located on the summit of a hill overlooking Kathmandu valley. Besides Boudhanath, this is one of the popular Buddhist pilgrimage site. The legend has it that once upon a time Kathmandu valley was a lake and the Goddess Manjushri found a shrine here after she drained the water from the lake. Swambhunath is one of the most important temples and pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhist alike. Its vantage point provides a panoramic view over the surrounding city and countryside. With its tremendous white stupa shrines, it has truly memorable sights. Travel onward to Patan: This is another city adjacent to Kathmandu; it is located across Bagmati river. Sightseeing places includes Durbar Square, Hiranya Varna Mahavira, Mahaboudha are very close to the old palace which is believed to have been built in 299AD. There are many beautifully carved windows, doors and balconies for which it is famous. Mahaboudha is made of Terracotta bricks and pagoda style structure of Mahavira dedicated to Lord Buddha built in the 13th century. At the Tibetan Handicraft Center in Jawalekhel, you can see carpet weaving by Tibetans.
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Day 3: Fly to Paro (2280m). In Paro (Full Board)
Depart Kathmandu normally around 10 am. After arrival at Paro complete formalities at the Immigration at the airport. Our Bhutan representative meets you upon arrival at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The flight offers beautiful mountain and landscape. In the afternoon visit Paro bazaar (town) and stroll around the market and return to your hotel.

Day 4: In Paro (Full Board)

Full day sightseeing tour: visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong (fort). Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong which now housed the National Museum. The seven floors museum highlights carry various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong known to local as the “ Fortress of the heap of jewels.” This fort serves as the administrative centre and school for monks. The inner courtyard has fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore, such as the legend of the four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas.

Day 5: Travel to Thimpu (2320m). In Thimpu (Full Board)
Drive to Thimphu. The drive takes about 2 hours on the smooth road. Upon arrival check into the hotel. After that visit the Memorial chorten built-in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15-century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market.

Day 6: Drive to Punakha (1300m). In Punakha (Full Board)
After breakfast drive to Punakha. The drive is about 45 minutes. Visit Punakha Dzong which was the capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is located in between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the ‘Punakha Serdda’ takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans.

Day 7: Trongsa (2316m) and Bumthang. (Full Board)Spoiler title
The drive from Wangdi Phodrang takes about 4 hour to Trongsa. It is enroute to Bumthang. We stop here to see the original home of the royal family. We visit the Dzong. The passageway, corridor, courtyard, paintings, architecture and many temples inside are very interesting to see. We may stop here for an overnight or proceed to Bumthang.

Day 8: Bumthang (2600m to 4000m). Return to Thimpu. (Full Board)
Bhumtang is another beautiful valley further east. The valley is wide and open. The four valleys in Bhumtang – Chumney, Choekhor, Tang and Ura offer a dramatically different experience. It is believed that Buddhism spread wide in Bhutan from this valley. Local festivals in Bumthang offer cultural insight and the true spirit of Bhutan. Depending upon the time you may visit some of the well-known monasteries like Kurje Lhakang and Jamey Lhakang and Jakar Dzong (fort).

Day 9: Drive to Paro. In Paro (Full Board)
After breakfast drive to Paro through Dochula region. Drive to Thimpu is 3 hours and 2 hours to Paro. En route visit the oldest building in Bhutan at Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist University. On the way, you can also have a great view of the famous Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest perched on a cliff rock face. Along the way, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu (BB)
Transfer to Gonggar airport. The schedule departure time is 10 am (Beijing time). We arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International airport at 9am local time. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.Free day in Kathmandu.

Day 11: Depart Kathmandu Spoiler title
Transfer to airport. Fly home.

Note: Itinerary and schedule are guideline only. All tours and treks in Bhutan require prior arrangement at least 45 days before departure.
Exclusive private deluxe tour can be made using Aman Kora hotel chain in Thimpu and Punakha. Long advance booking is required, especially during festival time. The hotel is exclusive and expensive but worth it. Check for detail.

After confirmation of the tour, your visa clearance number is forwarded to the concerned overseas airline office/stations. Without clearance number passengers are not allowed to board the flight. This visa clearance number is also required while issuing air tickets.
COST- Private Trip
2 person          US$2320 per person
3 to 5 person     US$2060 per person
6 to 9 person     US$2050 per person
Single Room Supplement US$430

*During festival time additional charge are applied:
Festival Supplement charge US$140
Festival Single Room Supplement US$350

Cost Includes:
- Airport transfers and city sightseeing tour according to the program with English speaking tour guide.
- Ground transportation in Bhutan and Nepal according to program.
- In Kathmandu good quality accommodation 2 * on bed and breakfast
- In Bhutan high quality tourist hotel on full board.
- visa, entrance fee and tourism development fund and airfare Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu (US$425).
Cost Excludes:
- Personal clothing, airfare and transportation that are not specifically mentioned.
- Personal accident insurance, emergency evacuation
- Alcoholic and bottled beverage, laundry, telephone, tips
- Expenses due to flight delay, road disruption, flood, sickness and other contingencies
- All major meals in Kathmandu are not included.
- Any other services and expenses that are not specifically mentioned are not covered
*Government fees and airfares are subject to change without prior notice.
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