14 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour With 2-Day Trek in Bumthang Valley

Our guide and driver will receive you on your arrival at Paro International Airport and transfer to the hotel. If you arrive before the hotel check-in time, you'll be escorted to visit some of the important landmarks in Paro right away from the airport. You'll visit the National Museum housed in a 17th-century watchtower called Ta Dzong. The museum displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. On the way back to town, visit Dungtse Lhakhang (Lhakhang means ‘temple’) built in the 15th century by the Tibetan Buddhist Scholar, Dupthop Thangtong Gyalpo popularly known as Chagzampa which means ‘Iron Bridge Builder’. If time permits, visit one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Paro Altitude 2,200m/7,220ft

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Thimphu, the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. This little bustling city is home to approximately 115,000 residents and the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. En route, you may want to visit Tamchog Lhakhang dedicated to the 15th-century Tibetan Scholar Thangtong Gyalpo. It is located on the other side of the Pachhu River accessible after crossing an old iron bridge, one of the very few remaining of the many built by Thangtong Gyalpo.

Distance 55 km | Time 1.5 hours | Thimphu Altitude 2,334m/7,655ft

On arrival in Thimphu, visit Bhutan Postal Museum which is located in the heart of the city in the same building as Bhutan National Bank so you can also exchange your money into local currency if you wish. The Postal Service in Bhutan was first launched in 1962 with the opening of a post office in Phuentsholing, a town in the south bordering with India. The Postal Museum was opened in 2015 to exhibit the story of Bhutan’s progress and development of communications and postal system in the country. If you are interested in philatelic products and stamp collection, they have a good collection of stamps, First Day Covers and stamp albums. The museum remains closed on Sundays.

After lunch, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan are taught. The institute was established to promote and preserve the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan and to facilitate increased access in learning the art skills to the youths. The thirteen arts and crafts are categorized as 1) Shing Zo (woodwork), 2) Dho Zo (stonework), 3) Par Zo (carving), 4) Lha Zo (painting), 5) Jim Zo (sculpting), 6) Lug Zo (casting), 7) Shag Zo (wood turning), 8) Gar Zo (blacksmith), 9) Troe Zo (ornament making), 10) Tsa Zo (bamboo work), 11) De Zo (paper making), 12) Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery and applique) and Thag Zo (weaving).

We then pass by Changlimithang Archery Range to witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You’ll see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. Leisure time to explore Thimphu town.

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

After breakfast, we visit the largest sitting Buddha Statue located at Kuensel Phodrang overlooking Thimphu valley. It was built in 2015 to mark the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. We then embark on a 2-hour leisure hiking in the outskirts of the capital city from Kuensel Phodrang to the 13th-century Changangkha Lhakang. The hike gives a grand overlooking view of Thimphu valley and the trail is relatively short through sparsely populated pine trees offering a perfect opportunity for families and nature lovers to spend their leisure time.

At the end of the hike visit one of the national treasures, the 13th-century Changangkha Lhakhang established in the 12th century by Tibetan Buddhist scholar Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo who is known for spreading Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan which subsequently become the state religion. One of the many invaluable treasures at the temple is the original copy of 16 volumes of Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita (Bum Gye Dring Due Sum) handwritten by Nyima, the son of Phajo Drugom Shigpo.

After a traditional lunch at Little Bhutan Restaurant, we drive to visit the Centenary Famers' Weekend Market to get insights into the food culture and preferences of Bhutanese society. Farmers from all over the country bring their farm produce to sell during the weekend. Opens from Friday to Sunday.

We pass by Changlimithang Archery Range to witness the game of archer if the match is in progress. You'll see archers singing and dancing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

Today after breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Phobjikha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at 3150m above sea level. You can see a panoramic view of some of the highest peaks of Bhutan (weather permitting). From Dochu La Pass, we continue driving towards Punakha passing through some villages, the elevation drops gradually and the road winds through pine trees. As you reach the lower valley, you will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to a warmer subtropical region at 1,200m.

En route, we stop at the village of Sosokha and visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as "Temple of Fertility" located about a 30-minute walk from the nearest road through beautiful terraced rice fields and farmhouses. Chimi Lhakhang was built in 1499 by Lama Ngawang Chogyal on a site blessed by his older brother, Lama Drukpa Kuenley who was known as ‘Divine Madman’ for his obscene character and unorthodox ways of propagating Buddhism. He would often express his desire for sex and use phallus as a medium to subdue malevolent spirits. Today, one of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus.

Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000 meters (9,840 ft) and it is a winter home for endangered Black Necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to Tibet by the beginning of spring season. Every year on the 11th of November, Black Necked Crane Festival is held to celebrate the arrival of this endangered and majestic bird which becomes an inseparable part in the lives of the local people during the winter months.

For nature enthusiasts and those who enjoy a long walk through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, taking up Gangtey Nature Trail is highly recommended. The trail is about 5km and takes approximately 2.5 hours. The nature trail begins from the Gangtey monastery and takes you through wonderful meadows, forests, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and an understanding of the community living there.

Dinner and overnight at Dewachen Hotel & Spa or Yue-Loki Guesthouse

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the famous landmark and one of the biggest monasteries in Bhutan, Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Goenpa founded in 1613 (gonpa literally means “high remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance). The name Gangtey is derived from the fact that the Goenpa is built on a peak (Tey) of a hillock (Gang). The present abbot of this monastery is the ninth Gangtey Trulku His Holiness Kunzang Rigzin Pema Namgyal.

We continue to drive and pass by the highest mountain pass between Trongsa and Bumthang (Yotongla 3,450m) and gradually descend to Bumthang. En route, stop briefly at Chumey village to see Yathra Weaving Center and get insights into the traditional attires and weaving culture of the people of Bumthang valley. Yathra is a type of colourful textiles handwoven out of sheep and yak hair by the inhabitants of Bumthang.

On arrival in Bumthang, check in to the hotel and settle down. If time permits, we'll visit the Swiss Cheese and Wine factory which was established by Mr. Fritz Maurer, a Swiss volunteer who came to Bhutan in the early 1960s and made Bumthang his home. Leisure time to explore Chamkhar, the main town in Bumthang valley. 

Distance 150km | Driving time 4.5-hours | Bumthang altitude 2600m, Trongsa altitude 2200m

Dinner and overnight at Kaila Guesthouse or Mountain Lodge

Bumthang is known as the cultural heartland of Bhutan as many of the most ancient and precious Buddhist monuments are found here. The district of Bumthang is divided into four blocks of Chhoekhor where the main town is located, Chumey, Tang and Ura all of which are broad and beautiful valleys.

We begin the day by first visiting 7th-century Jampa Lhakhang, one of the oldest Lhakhangs in the Kingdom founded by the King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. The King was destined to built 108 lhakhangs to subdue the spirit of the demoness that was harming the propagation of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. Out of few temples built in Bhutan, Jampa Lhakhang is one of the two prominent temples. The other one is Kichu Lhakhang in Paro which you visit on Day 01. Both Jamba and Kyichu temples were believed to have been built on the same day.

Visit Kurjey Lhakhang which is built on the sacred site blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Guru Padmasambhava brought Buddhism to Bhutan and is revered as the second Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism.

We will also visit the sacred Tamzhing temple built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa who is considered the patron saint of Bhutan. Among the many treasures and religious artifacts handcrafted by the Pema Lingpa himself, there is an armory 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 3 rounds carrying the sacred armory. This is one activity enjoyed by all visitors with fun and a sense of veneration.

Dinner and overnight at Kaila Guesthouse or Mountain Lodge

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Ngang Lhakhang where you'll spend a night at a homestay with the local family. The drive takes you along the left bank of the Chamkhar Chu river passing through a few villages. If interested, you can visit some of the fine secluded sacred temples along the way. Lunch will be served at the homestay which is located right beside the Ngang Lhakhang temple. The family of the homestay have inherited the temple from renowned Buddhist luminaries and have been taking care of it for many generations. You'll spend the rest of the day exploring the village and getting insights into the daily lives of family in rural Bhutan.

Distance 15 km | Driving time 1-hour | Ngang Lhakhang altitude 2600m

Dinner and overnight at Sonam Gembo Village Homestay

You’ll begin the day by crossing verdant meadows and with a beautiful view of the valley below. Then you climb gradually to Phe Phe La (3,360m/11,055ft), the highest point of this trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings. The path leads you downhill into a broad valley. Amongst several possible camping sites the most likely one is uphill behind the village of Tahung.

Distance 16 km | Time 6 hours | Ascent 750m/2,460ft | Descent 670m/2,200ft | Camp Altitude 2,720m/8,925ft

Full-service outdoor camping at Tahung

The trail follows the Tang Chu river filled with trouts. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche’s Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) and lead you to Tang Ogyencholing. Ogyencholing Palace houses a privately owned museum and has all manner of traditional artifacts on display.

It is believed that Terton Pema Lingpa, the most revered 15th century Saint from Bumthang, went into the lake holding butter lamp (candle-like lamp used for ritual offering) and resurfaced holding treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche in the mid-eight century AD with butter lamp still burning brightly held in his hand. Some of the treasures discovered from the lake by Terton Pema Lingpa include Zung (the inner offerings of the statues) and the statue of Guru Rinpoche, which can still be seen today at Tamshing Lhakhang which you visited on Day 6.

Although Ogyen Choling was a palace owned by the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan, it was regarded as being a monastery or hermitage because of its past connections with great Buddhist masters like Longhcen Rabjam (1308-63) and Terton Dorji Lingpa (1346-1405). It was turned into a museum in 2001 with the aim to share its heritage and also to preserve and maintain its religious and cultural significance. The curator, Kunzang Choden, is the owner of the museum and the direct descendant of the original family. If Kunzang Choden happens to be at home, she herself will guide you through the museum giving you profound insights not only about the lifestyles and living conditions of households of the religious and nobility during the 19th and 20th centuries but also on how Bhutan has changed over the years.

Distance 16 km | Time 4-5 hours | Descent 230m/755ft | Tang valley Altitude 2,750m/9,020ft

Dinner and overnight at Ogyen Choling Guesthouse

After a leisurely breakfast at the Ogyen Choling Guesthouse, we start our journey back to Trongsa. Just about a few hundred meters before arriving at proper Trongsa, visit the Royal Heritage Museum located on a promontory overlooking the majestic Trongsa Dzong. The museum is housed in a watchtower called Ta Dzong built in 1652 and provides visitors an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history.

Driving distance 95km, Time 3 hours, Trongsa altitude 2200m

On arrival in Trongsa, check in to the hotel and relax for a while before the lunch is served. After lunch, visit the inner courtyard of the largest Dzong in Bhutan, Trongsa Dzong built in 1648. Trongsa Dzong is known as Choekhor Rabtentse Dzong. It holds a significant place in the history of Bhutan as it was from here that the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan emerged as the most powerful rulers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The first and second hereditary Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat of power. There is a tradition that the crown prince must be invested as Trongsa Penlop (Governor of Trongsa) here at Trongsa Dzong before he ascends the throne of the King.

We can also visit Thruepang Palace. This two-storied simple palace situated just above the highway in the town is the birthplace of our Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It was here that on 2nd May 1928, His Majesty was born to King Jigme Wangchuck and Ashi Phuntsho Choden. He spent most of his early childhood days here in this Thurepang Palace. The other palace of interest is the Eundu Choling Palace which was the winter residence of the 1st King Ugyen Wangchuck.

Dinner and overnight at Tashi Ninjey Guesthouse or Yangkhil Resort

After breakfast, drive to Punakha valley. Under normal road conditions, we should reach Punakha town in under 4 hours. From Pele La (3,420m), the highest mountain pass between Trongsa and Punakha valley, the drive will be a gradual descent all the way to Punakha valley. On the way, you might see common grey langurs which are usually found in the forests of Bhutan at an altitude of up to 3,600 meters. Lunch will be served at Wangdue Phodrang town which is about 20km from Punakha town.

Driving distance 140km, Time 4 hours, Punakha altitude 1200m

After lunch we continue driving to Punakha and visit the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, the historic Punakha Dzong – The Fortress of Great Bliss. Originally known as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang Dzong which means ‘Fortress of Great Bliss’, was built in 1637 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to guard the region against Tibetan forces. It is the second oldest, second largest and certainly the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. The sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, the intricate woodworks and the architectural structure of the dzong display a fine example of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture even today.

After visiting the Dzong, walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that runs across the Phochu (male) river. Punakha Dzong is flanked by two glacial-fed rivers - Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers.

Dinner and overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or Hotel Lobesa

Today after breakfast, we hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten and then transfer to Paro for overnight via Dochula Pass. Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten is located about 20 minutes from the main town of Punakha to the road head from where you cross a suspension bridge over Mochu (female) river. The round-trip hike takes about 2.5-3 hours through terraced rice fields and a short climb before reaching the peaceful sacred site. After the hike, we drive back to Punakha town for lunch.

After lunch, we drive to Paro valley via Dochula Pass. From Dochula Pass, we descend down all the way to Simtokha Dzong built in 1631 by Zhangdrung Ngawang Namgyel who united Bhutan as one nation-state. If you are interested, we can stop by and visit the Simtokha Dzong. Built strategically on a ridge overlooking the Thimphu valley, Simtokha Dzong is significant not only because it was the first Dzong built by Zhangdrung Ngawang Namgyel but also stands on the borders of three major regions: Thimphu, Paro and Wangdue Phodrang. One of the main statues inside the Simtokha Dzong is the statue of Buddha of Compassion. Legend has it that fortunate visitors are able to see a light shining forth from the chest of the Buddha. The Dzong has more than three hundred slate carvings from the 17th century. Recently, His Majesty the 5th King donated the statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel which wasn’t there initially.

Distance 115 km | Time 4.5 hours | Paro Altitude 2,200m

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, we hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery also known as Tiger's Nest. The round-trip hike takes about 4-5 hours for most visitors but you can hike at your own pace. We recommend starting early. Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the mid-point (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) for about USD20. Built on the face an 800-meter rock cliff, Taktsang literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’ and is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. It was originally built in 1692 on the sacred cave where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the mid-eighth century A.D.

After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, we retrace our steps back to the base and drive to Paro town where you'll 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 therapeutic and revitalizing hot stone bath for an additional fee of 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. Our guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check-in.