In-depth Bhutan Cultural and Nature Tour: Monasteries, Dzongs & Local Experiences

Our guide and the driver will receive you at Paro International Airport and then begin a 1.5-hour journey to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Arriving in Thimphu you'll visit the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Visit the magnificent 169-foot bronze statue of Buddha overlooking Thimphu valley. From here we drive to visit a weaving center where both men and women can be seen weaving some of the most intricate designs and patterns of Bhutanese textiles using traditional handloom. Weaving is an integral part of Bhutanese culture and tradition.Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

Before we head to Punakha valley, visit some interesting sites in Thimphu including Bhutan's only animal enclosure - Royal Takin Preserve where you'll see unique Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. From there go to visit an art school, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum where the 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught to youth. A traditional lunch will be hosted at Folk Heritage Restaurant. After lunch, we pass by the Changlimithang Archery Range to witness archery, the national sport of Bhutan. You'll see archers singing and dancing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m. We then start a 2.5-hour journey to Punakha via sacred Dochula Pass, enjoy a spectacular view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan (weather permitting). Arriving Punakha, visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang known as "Temple of Fertility" believed to bless visiting childless couples with fertility. Explore the nearby village whose houses are adorned with huge paintings of phalluses.If time permits, drive to proper Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong. Originally built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who founded the national state of Bhutan, Punakha Dzong is considered a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. The sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, the intricate woodworks are fine examples of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continue to influence Bhutanese architecture even today. If interested you can also walk to Bhutan's longest suspension connecting to the village of Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha across the glacial-fed Phochu river.Dinner and overnight at Hotel Lobesa or Meri Puensum Resort

Early breakfast and hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, located on a peaceful ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley. The round-trip hike takes 2.5-3 hours through beautiful idyllic countryside and a short climb before reaching the grand stupa that took 10 years to complete. After the hike, return to Punakha town for lunch at one of the local restaurants and then transfer to Phobjikha valley, a 3-hour drive through thickly forested mountains and a few settlements along the way. It is here that the revered and endangered Black-necked Cranes roost in winter from November to March before they migrate back to the Tibetan plateau. Arriving at Phobjikha, you'll visit an important landmark in the valley, the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery home to several hundreds of monks.After visiting the monastery and meeting the monks, you'll go on an exhilarating 2.5-hour hike through pristine pine forests, grasslands, traditional farmhouses and a scenic vast open space. The short trek gives you an opportunity to understand the livelihood of the local residents mostly living on subsistence farming.Dinner and overnight at Dewachen Hotel & Spa or Yue-Loki Guesthouse

After breakfast, we start a 4-hour journey to Bumthang valley also known as Jakar, and home to several sacred sites and national treasures. En route, stop by Trongsa and visit the largest fortress in Bhutan, the 17th-century Trongsa Dzong that was once the seat of the powerful Wangchuk dynasty who have ruled the country since 1907. You can also visit Thruepang Palace, the birthplace of the late Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and get insights into his early days. You may also want to visit the Royal Heritage Museum located on a promontory overlooking the Trongsa Dong to learn the history of the Kings of Bhutan and the significance of Trongsa Dzong in Bhutanese history.After lunch in Trongsa, we continue driving to Bumthang valley passing through Yotongla mountain pass at 3,425m above sea level. En route, you'll have an opportunity to stop at the village of Chumey to visit Yathra Weaving Center and get insights into the traditional attires and weaving culture of the people of Bumthang. Yathra is the colourful textiles handwoven out of sheep and yak hair. Arriving at Chamkhar, the main business center in Bumthang valley, check into the hotel and call it a day. If interested, you can visit Chamkhar town.Dinner and overnight at Kaila Guest House or Mountain Lodge

Today after breakfast, you'll visit Tang valley located some 45 minutes drive away from Chamkhar town. En route, you will see Mebartso, the Burning Lake from where a sacred object was discovered in the 15th-century by the patron saint of Bhutan, Terton Pema Lingpa. You'll also have the chance to visit Ogyen Choling Palace Museum which was home to the noble family in the valley and today it is owned by one of the direct descendants of the once noble family. It was turned into a private museum in 2001 to share and preserve its cultural heritage and religious significance. Visit one of the family farmhouses and enjoy home-cooked local cuisine for lunch. You can also enjoy a locally brewed liquor known as "Ara". Spend some time with the family to get insights into the daily life of an ordinary Bhutanese family before we drive back to Chamkhar tow.Arriving back in proper Bumthang (Jakar), you'll visit Tamshing Lhakhang built in early 16th century by Terton Pema Lingpa, a patron saint of Bhutan. One of the main relics at the temple is the sacred statue which was discovered at Mebartso (Burning Lake) by the patron saint. There is an armory made by the saint himself that stood the test of time for five centuries bearing no rust or any sign of deterioration. It is believed that you will be cleansed of all your past sins and defilement if you circumambulate the inner sanctum of the temple three rounds carrying the sacred armory. If interested and time permitting, you'll also visit one of the main temples in the valley, Kurje Lhakhang built on a sacred site blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century.Dinner and overnight at Kaila Guest House or Mountain Lodge

Today, you'll take a 30-min scenic flight to Paro and visit the National Museum housed in the 17th-century watchtower called Ta Dzong to get a glimpse of Bhutanese history and culture. From here you will drive to visit the spectacular 17th-century Paro Rinpung Dzong where a part of Hollywood movie "Little Buddha" was filmed. Walk to the picturesque traditional wooden cantilever bridge that runs over Pachu river. After that visit one of the oldest temples and an important landmark in the country, 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue the spirit of an ogress causing harm to the propagation of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. Later, spend leisure time around Paro town.Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

Rise up early and head to the less-visited Haa Valley hidden within the folds of mighty mountain ranges. It was opened to international tourism only in 2002 and the development of high-end hotels are banned for now to maintain its old quaint and peaceful look. En route stop at Chelela, the highest motorable mountain pass standing at 3900m above sea level. You'll spend some time exploring the pristine mountain pass and enjoy the stunning view of surrounding mountain ranges (weather permitting).The drive from Chelela pass will be gradual downhill right down to the beautiful Haa valley. You'll visit the two oldest temples in the valley, 7th-century Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) located close to each other at the base of the three revered mountains called Risum Gonpo. We then check into Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge, a traditional farmhouse refurbished into a beautiful lodge for overnight. You might want to experience soaking up in a traditional therapeutic and revitalizing hot stone bath for an extra fee of about USD20 per person. If this lodge is not available, you'll stay at Risum Resort.Dinner and overnight at Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge or Risum Resort

After a leisurely breakfast, head out to explore the village of Katso and meet with some local farmers to learn about their daily lives. They live in absolute harmony with the nature around them as they consider nature as a source of all lives. You will also visit Katsho Monastery above the village overlooking Haa valley. After lunch, head back to Paro. On the way back, if you are interested we can stop at Chelela Pass and do a 1.5-hour hike to Kila Gonpa Nunnery home to several dozens of nuns of all ages. The hiking trail leads you through the ridge with beautiful views of both Paro and Haa valley. You'll have the chance to meet with inquisitive nuns who make this nunnery home for the rest of their lives. The driver will pick you up from the base of the nunnery.Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang monastery also known as Tiger's Nest located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rock cliff. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors. We recommend starting the hike early before the sun gets strong. Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the mid-point (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) for about USD20. After lunch at the cafeteria, we retrace our steps back to the base and drive to Paro town and spend some leisure time exploring the Paro town. Later in the evening, visit a beautiful farmhouse and savour the home-cooked local cuisine. You may want to take a traditional hot stone bath believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect for an extra fee of about USD20 charged by the owner.Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check in.