Bhutan Cultural Tour - 10 Days

Bhutan Cultural Tour is true to what it sounds because it familiarizes you with the culture of Bhutan and takes you to its famous monasteries, fortress, palaces, National Library, school, and museum. It also introduces you to the handicrafts of Bhutan and takes you to the interesting places of Thimpu, Paro, Bumthang, Punekha, and Gangtay. Thimpu is the main city of Bhutan, while Chimi Lhakhang, which blesses the women, seeking fertility, is the main temple of Bhutan.

During Bhutan Cultural Tour, you travel from one place to another by vehicle. And the road passes through Yutong-La (3,400 m), Pele-La, Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura. The concluding part of Bhutan Cultural Tour includes an excursion to Tiger’s Nest, which clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff and which plunges 900 m into the Paro Valley.

Tiger’s Nest is also known as Taktsang monastery. The history tells that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic, landed here on the back of a flying tigress to meditate for three months. On the way to Tiger’s Nest, you will come across beautiful scenery and waterfall that will break the silence of beautiful surroundings in an appreciable way. You also see blue pine trees, prayer flags and a number of temples, as well as, Guru Rinpoche’s cave.

Guru Padmasambhava established Nyingma School of Mahayana Buddhism in Bhutan, and the Bhutanese believe that he is the protector saint of Bhutan. Bhutan Cultural Tour also takes you to Drugyel Dzong, as well as, to the viewpoint, which offers the spectacular view of Jomalhari Mountain. Drugyel dzong was built in 1647 to protect Bhutan from the intruders.

Day 1

Arrival at Paro Airport. Stay overnight at a Hotel.

Day 2

Sightseeing Around Paro Then Evening Drive to Thimphu. Stay Overnight in a Hotel..

Day 3

Sightseeing in and around Thimphu. Stay Overnight in a Hotel.

Day 4

Drive From Thimphu to Gangtey/Phobjikha. Stay Overnight in a Hotel.

Day 5

Drive From Gangtey to Bumthang. Stay Overnight in a Hotel.

Day 6

Sightseeing in and around Bumthang. Stay Overnight at a Hotel.

Day 7

Drive Through Trongsa to Punakha. Stay Overnight in a Hotel.

Day 8

Sightseeing in Punkha. Stay Overnight in a Hotel.

Day 9

Sightseeing in and Around Paro. Stay Overnight in a Hotel.

Day 10

Transfer to international Airport for Departure.

Trip Highlights

  • Sightseeing in and Around Paro and Thimphu
  • Panoramic View of the Mountains
  • Chimi Lhakhang Temple
  • Shopping in Bumthang Village
  • Visit Trongsa Dzong Fortress
  • Visit the Swiss Farm
  • Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger's Nest)
  • Day 1Arrival at Paro and then transfer to Thimphu

    Fly to Paro from either Bangkok or from New Delhi or from Kathmandu or from Dhaka. Of all these, there is a daily flight from Bangkok to Paro. Our Bhutanese tour guide will meet you at Paro airport. He will welcome you traditionally with a silk scarf and after this, he will drive you to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan.Stay overnight in a hotel (Breakfast Provided)

  • Day 2Sightseeing in Paro and Drive to Thimphu

    In the morning, you drive to Paro. On the way, you stop to visit Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum as well as Paro’s Rimpung Dzong. You also come across the 16th century cantilever bridge. Also, you will visit Drugyel Dzong, a victory fortress, built in 1647, which is 18 kilometer away from Paro. You will also explore the magnificent ramparts of the erstwhile fortress, which defended the country against several incursions. On a clear day, you can also view the sacred Mount Jomolhari, from the northern battlements. You will also visit a farmhouse and observe the traditional Bhutanese way of life.Stay overnight in a hotel. (Breakfast Provided)

  • Day 3Sightseeing in and around Thimphu

    In the morning, you drive to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. It is a 90 min drive. Sightseeing in Thimpu valley includes National Library, which stores a collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, as well as you will visit the institute of Zorig Chusum, which is commonly known as Painting School. The remaining sightseeing places are textile and Folk Heritage Museum, which provides an insight into Bhutanese material culture and everyday way of life, as well as the National Memorial Chorten, Trashichho dzong, and Bhutanese Handicrafts, which consist of a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles. In the evening, you will explore the vibrant Thimphu Bazaar. Stay overnight in a hotel (Breakfast Provided)

  • Day 4Drive from Thimphu to Gangtey/Phobjikha

    Drive to the glacial valley of Phobjikha via Dochula. This pass offers the panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges. As you walk along the slope, you see a great monastery of Gangtey, which was established in the 17th century. This quiet and remote valley is the winter home of the black necked cranes. Explore Gangtey village and Phobjikha valley.Stay overnight in a hotel (Breakfast Provided)

  • Day 5Drive from Gangtey to Bumthang

    After having breakfast, you drive to Tongsa via Pele-la Pass (3,300 m). The pass is marked by a white chorten and many prayer flags. Here, you see an abrupt change of vegetation with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.You will stop by Chendebji chorten, a prayer stupa. This chorten has eyes painted on its 4 sides. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida, who came from Tibet to cover the remains of evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Finally, you head towards Trongsa, which offers the stunning view of Trongsa Dzong .Bumthang is 68 km away from Trongsa, and the journey from Bumthang to Trongsa is about 3 hours over the Yutong-la pass (3,400 m). The road winds steeply up to the pass, and then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley. At Chumey village, there are many shops selling yathra, a woolen textile. Bumthang is famous for yathra. The road follows the valley down and climbs through blue pine forests to Kiki La (2,860 m). You then descend to the Choekor Valley or the central of Bumthang.Stay overnight in a hotel.(Breakfast Provided)

  • Day 6Sightseeing in and around Bumthang

    The Bumthang valley comprises four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura, whose altitudes vary from 2,600 m to 4,000 m. The valley is a home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visiting Jakar Dzong built in 1667, you will also know that it is a seat of district administration and regional monastic body of Bumthang. Jambay Lhakhang was founded in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsen Gampo. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the country. Kurje Lhakhang is a monastery, where the Buddhist religious leader subdued a local demon and left his body imprint. Tamshing was founded in 1501 by Terton (Treasure Revealer) Pema Lingpa is the incarnation of Guru Rinpoche. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1000 Buddha and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhisattvas) in Bhutan. Visit a farmer’s house for refreshments and observe the traditional way of living. You also visit a Swiss farm, which produces cottage, Swiss cheese, honey, a large variety of fruit juice and spirits. The Brewery that manufactures the famous Red Panda Beer (Weiss beer) is also located here. Take a leisurely walk in Chamkhar town.Stay overnight in a hotel.(Breakfast Provided)

  • Day 7Drive through Trongsa to Punakha

    Leaving Bumthang, you head towards Trongsa where you will visit the Trongsa Dzong, which was built in 1648, and it is the biggest of all the fortresses in the country. Drive to Punakha via Wangdiphodrang. Later, you can stroll in the Wangdi market. Stay overnight in a hotel.(Breakfast Provided)

  • Day 8Sightseeing in Punkha with overnight accommodation in Paro

    Drive north to visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, which strategically occupies the land between the two rivers, namely the Phochu and the Mochu. At present, the Dzong serve as the district administration and judiciary office as well as the winter home for Bhutan’s spiritual leader Je Khenpo and the monks of Thimphu and Punakha. You then drive to Lobesa where you take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple is on a hilltop and it is dedicated to the great Yogi known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine madman” of the 14th century. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility.Stay overnight in a hotel.(Breakfast Provided)

  • Day 9Sightseeing in and around Paro

    The trail to Tiger’s Nest traverses beautiful forest of pine and rhododendron. You stop at the cafeteria, which offers the up-close view of the Tiger’s Nest. Then you start hiking for a short time till you see Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600 s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley. History states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger and meditated here for three months. (Breakfast Provided)

  • Day 10Transfer to international airport for Departure

    After breakfast, our Airport Representative will drop you at Paro International Airport for departure.(Breakfast Provided)

    • IMPORTANT NOTE

    During the trip, weather, local politics, transport or other factors, that are beyond Ace Holidays can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially changed. If changes are necessary, the leader will decide what is the best alternative for you. Taking this into consideration, as well as the best interests of the whole group, including a change, Ace Holidays will do everything to minimize the effects, but it cannot be responsible for the results, arising from changes or delays.

    Arrival and Departure

  • Upon arrival in Paro Airport, you will see our guide, who holds holds the signboard of your name, and who will accompany you from the airport to the hotel. Similarly, on the departure day, our guide accompanies you from the hotel to the airport.
  • Accommodation and Food
  • Accommodation includes twin sharing rooms in Two Star Hotel in Paro and Thimpu on bed and breakfast. In other places of Bhutan, accommodation includes hotels, as well as, breakfast.
  • The Group Size
  • Minimum group size for this trip is 2 people and the maximum is 14 people, the average number is normally 8 people. Ace Holidays provides 1 tour guide, 1 assistant guide if the group size is 6 or more.
  • Guides and Staffs Arrangements
  • Skilled, experienced, and helpful tour guide and driver make your tour smooth. Ace Holidays carefully select these guide and driver on the basis of their appropriate experience, skills and personal aptitudes. With an object of serving local communities, Ace Holidays only employs local staffs who have adequate knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of their local regions. The tour guides of Ace Holidays have undergone the following training: -Intensive First Aid -Tour Guide Training -Eco - tour Workshop and Adventure Meet -English Language -Conservation and Biodiversity
  • Change on the Itinerary
  • Your safety is of paramount concern when you travel with Ace Holidays. Please note that your guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is concerned with your safety. Since this is a tour, Ace Holidays cannot guarantee that you will not deviate from it because weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The guide will try to ensure that the tour runs, according to your plan, but please be prepared to become flexible.
  • Giving to the Local Community
  • Ace Holidays works closely with local community and is one of the main supporters of Sambhav Nepal, a non-political and non-profit social organization. Ace Holidays also supports the remote villages of Gorkha and other parts of Nepal through donation, sponsorship programs and various projects.
  • Donation
  • Ace Holidays donates a percentage of its business profit on a yearly basis, and it also supports the ongoing maintenance cost of the local schools and community-based schools of the Gorkha District.
  • Sponsorship
  • One of the major activities of the Sambhav Nepal is the children sponsorship program, which is conducted in full collaboration with Ace Holidays.
  • Partnership for Volunteering Program
  • The Arupokhari Volunteer Program, devised by Ace Holidays and Sambhav Nepal, aims to mobilize the teams of experts and interested individuals as an effective and economic measure in providing the human capitals for education, health and community development in the villages of Gorkha district, western Nepal. For more details, visit Sambhav Nepal's website www.sambhavnepal.org
  • Tour Equipment
  • All you need to bring for this tour is simply some comfortable clothes. In addition to this, you can also bring the personal items of your choice if you feel comfortable to carry them. Ace Holidays gives you a waterproof duffel bag, a T-shirt, and a sun cap as complemetaries.
  • Duffel or Rucksack bag or suitcase (Ace Holidays will provide you one complimentary duffel bag, a gift to you)
  • Daypack
  • Warm wool or synthetic hat that cover your ears (only if you are travelling in the cold season i.e January, February and December)
  • Goggles or sunglasses for sunbeam, dust and wind.
  • A neck warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it and is for cold season i.e January, February and December.(optional)
  • 1 pair warm gloves (This is required if your are travelling in cold season i.e January, February and December).
  • T-shirts (2).
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket (preferable if you are travelling in rainy season from June to September.)
  • 1 pair cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis), 1 pair shorts.
  • 2 pairs lightweight long underwear/thermals (if you are traveling in winter January, February and December).
  • 2 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene.
  • 1 pair light camping shoes or sneakers.
  • 1 pair sandals (Optional).
  • Sunscreen.
  • Toiletry kit. Be sure to include hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer.

  • First Aid Kit

    Please note your guide will carry the first aid kit bag during the tour. However, you are recommended to bring your personal first aid kit bag.

  • Additional Information

    Have more questions, and if you wish to discuss any aspects of this tour or your suitability, please visit our FAQs or contact us.
  • Please Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made of Lycra can often be offensive to the locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable to wear then please wear it as a base layer, and please also pack something to wear on top of it.

Ace Holidays states the price per person below. Group Discounts of 5 % to 15% is available for booking of 4 or more than 4 people. A group booking of 12 or more people is subjected to a maximum discount with an availability of a free trip to 1 person. This tour can also be customized, according to requirements.

Small Group Journey - The departure dates currently available to join our fixed group departure

No Fixed Departure Dates are available for this Package.

Private Journey - Customize the Suitable Date for You

Ace Holidays understands that some clients want their tour to be a private affair and spend some of their memorable moments with their near and dear ones at their own Schedule. Considering this, Ace Holidays organizes private tour for them, as well. Please choose the departure date.

Private Journey

Tailor Made Journey - Itinerary Personalized According to Your Specifications

You can also use this tour as a base for a tailor-made itinerary. For example, you can also add some exciting white water rafting on the Seti River, on the Trisuli River or the Bhote Koshi River. You can also add some wildlife safari (Bardia National Park )To discuss your ideas or to get some suggestions from the specialists of Ace Holidays, please fill in the tailor-made form.

Quick Inquiry

Cost Includes
  • Pick up from the airport and drop off at the hotel, vice- versa, in a private tourist vehicle.
  • Guided city tour in Paro in a private tourist vehicle
  • Two star hotel accommodation in Paro and Thimpu on bed and breakfast. In other places of Bhutan, accommodation includes twin sharing rooms of hotel on bed and breakfast.
  • Drinking water in the tour
  • Country presentation and tour briefing on the evening of Day 1 with welcome drinks
  • Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guides.
  • Private transportation and a designated driver within Bhutan. Toyota 4 WD luggage vans and light trucks for group travel.
  • Monument and museums entrance fees for all sightseeing locations.
  • Cultural afternoon/evening sessions with traditional mask and folk dances (with beverages). Only for group tours.
  • Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance.
  • Government royalty (35% of US $200), which goes to the country's health and education projects.
  • All monument access permits and fees.
  • All government taxes, official expenses and tourist service charges.
Cost Does Not Include
  • Travel insurance, which covers emergency rescue and evacuation. (See Secure Insurance Page)
  • International airfare and airport departure tax (See Track Bhutan Flights Page).
  • Tips for tour guides.
  • All items of personal nature like drinks, laundry etc.
  • Any other expense, which is not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section.
 

Trip Highlights

  • Sightseeing in and Around Paro and Thimphu
  • Panoramic View of the Mountains
  • Chimi Lhakhang Temple
  • Shopping in Bumthang Village
  • Visit Trongsa Dzong Fortress
  • Visit the Swiss Farm
  • Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger's Nest)

How fit do I have to be and is this tour for me?

This culture tour is suitable for any kind of person, no previous experience is required.

Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

Yes,. The airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying signboard with your name on it. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

What sort of accommodation can I expect in tour?

Hotels vary in style and quality. All Government approved hotels are clean and well maintained with hot and cool water, telephones with international dialing and fax facilities. We use two star hotels in Paro and Thimpu.

What sort of food can I expect in tour?

Most of the restaurants serve the Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine always plenty to choose from. Local Bhutanese food are spicy like the Indian food.

What mode of transportation do you use?

Ace Holidays uses private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups; whereas we use the best 4WD SUVs as our support vehicle. These vehicles are extremely sturdy, spacious and reliable and they make the journey as comfortable as possible. For larger groups, we also use supported trucks to carry your luggage.

What is the best season for this tour?

The best time for Bhutan tours is from January to June and September to December.

What is the weather and temperature like on the tour?

It depends on the season you’re travelling. During winter (December to February), it is colder at night and relatively warmer during the day, with the temperature ranging from 4°C at night to 22°C. Between March and May, the weather stays prefect as the temperature averages 25°C during the day. From September to December, following the monsoon, the temperature gets cooler and allows for a great time to travel. The average temperature during this season is 20°C. The vehicles and the hotels during the trip will be air-conditioned making your travel very comfortable.

Can I charge my digital camera or other equipments on my trip?

These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel. Remember to bring travel adapters!

Are there any photography restrictions?

You will have many photo opportunities during the tours. Please ask for permission before taking a person's photo. Photography in, monasteries, shrine rooms of Dzongs and religious institutions is generally not permitted, but outdoor photography is. To be sure when visiting such places, you may consult with your guide just to make sure. Carry plenty of films and batteries. Photo shops in Bhutan do not sell equipment or accessories.

Are there any communication facilities during the trip?

Telephones and Internet and international calls are readily available in most of the town for this trip

Can I use credit cards in the places visited in tour?

There are just a few ATM's in Bhutan for credit card (Master card / Maestro) & only few establishments in Bhutan accept credit card payments hence US Dollars (cash or Amex travelers cheques) or Euros Cash is suggested and convenient to cover any personal expenses (eg. beverages , laundry ,phone bills , tipping , shopping etc) that the Pax may make in the Kingdom. 1US$ is equivalent to Nu. 55 & 1 Euro is equivalent to Nu.69 as of today (the day we writing this text). . NU= Ngultrum, the Bhutanese currency

How much additional money do I need per day?

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, all the foods, accommodation and hot drinks are included in the price. You can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for chocolates and a few drinks during the trip.

Are there any weight restrictions on Druk air flights?

Druk Air allows only up to 20 kgs of luggage per person, after which the excess baggage charge is USD 5 per kg.

Do I need to obtain the visa for Bhutan?

Ace Holidays will handle the visa procedures for you. The Govt. will sanction the VISA only after the receipt of full payment in advance. The visa fee is included with our tour price. Actual Bhutan VISA will be stamped in your passport on arrival on Paro airport. Without visa clearance number, tourists cannot board the flight or enter the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs forwards a copy of this visa clearance to the concerned Druk Air stations and other entry points; we also fax a copy of the visa clearance document to our clients for their reference. While the actual visa is stamped on arrival, the initial visa clearance is also required at the time of issuing Druk Air Tickets. All you need is to carry 2 copies of original passport-sized photographs, which are required on arrival in the country. Please e-mail us the clear color copy of the passport for the visa procedures.

Do you book our international flights and Druk air flights?

No, you need to book your own International flights. Ace Holidays is a local agent and it would cost you significantly higher to book from us. We recommend you to book your flight to Bangkok as they have every day flight to Paro and from Paro as well. Please let us know which route is more convenient to you, the cost of the flights are as below. Please contact us for the up-to-date Druk air flight rate. • Bangkok - Paro - Bangkok = US$890 • New Delhi - Paro- New Delhi = US$875 • Calcutta - Paro- Calcutta = US$510 • Kathmandu - Paro- Kathmandu = US$520 • Bangkok - Paro - Kathmandu = US$ 860 • Bangkok - Paro - New Delhi = US$ 875

Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters.. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide.

Is the water fine to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?

The trip price includes the drinking water for the all Bhutan trip. You don’t need to bring any bring purifying tablets/filter or pay for the water.

Are the Ace Holidays' staffs insured?

Yes. The staffs of Ace Holidays are insured.

What essential documents do I need to bring with me on tours?

Here are some documents that you will need to carry with you: • Valid Passport – must be valid for up to 6 months after you return from your tour, keep a separate photocopy. • Travel insurance, keep a separate photocopy • Cash and Traveller’s Cheques, keep numbers and proof of purchase separately • Flight tickets • Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts.

Can I add extra days to my trip?

No, because we can’t change your Druk air flight once it is booked.

I would you like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

Yes, there are plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip.

Is there a minimum and a maximum number for your groups?

Ace Holidays caters to all group sizes, while maintaining the field staff ratio to give you the best quality and experience.

Will it be possible to get any clothes washed/Laundry ?

Laundry service is easily available at your hotel. Please note that laundry service is not included in the package price.

What immunizations will I need?

Vaccaination is not complusory, but it is better if you vaccinate against diphtheria, hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. Ace Holidays would like to know your blood group because it is important in case of emergency. Please tell us if you are suffering from any disease.
Takstang-Monastary Monks-Bhutan monument-Bhutan Taktsang-monastery Bhutan-festival Tiger's Nest Taktsang-Monastery Druk-Air Bhutan-river Paro Bhutanese

Before Booking a Trip

  • Bhutan Travel Guide

    Bhutan shares its border with India, China, and Bangladesh and is accessible both by land and by air. Bhutan attracts…

  • Secure Insurance for Bhutan Trips

    You must insure yourself before travelling with Ace Holidays. Some trekkers may be affected extremely by the Altitude Mountain Sickness…

  • Terms and Conditions for Bhutan Trips

    Please read the terms and conditions before booking any trips with Ace Holidays. Booking and Payment Method First, you must…

  • Track Bhutan Flights

    Druk Air is the only airline operating in Bhutan. As Druk Air flights may be delayed because of weather in…

Tailoring your Trip

A great trip starts with the specialist; make the best-suited trip to you.

  • Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements.
  • Create the perfect trip with Ace Holidays' specialists.
  • Explore your interests at your own speed.
  • Select your style of accommodation.
Make an Enquiry!

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