Classical Bhutan Tour: A Cultural Exploration Of Thimpu, Paro and Punakha

Bhutan, known as the Land of Thunder Dragon is a country surrounded by India and China at the eastern end of the Himalayas. Bhutan is the only country to retain Buddhism culture and is a land for many monasteries, Dzongs and natural geographic beauty. The nation strictly follows Gross National Happiness policy. Bhutanese architecture is unique and traditionally diverse without the use of nails or iron bars in construction. The major tourist attraction here is the rich Buddhist culture and tradition followed.

The Classical Bhutan Tour aims at touching all the important sightseeing places in important cities of Paro, Thimpu and Punakha. We would be visiting all places of Historical importance. The guide will give you a brief description about the past and Buddhism has flourished in the Land of Happiness.

Day 01: Arrival to Paro by Druk Air – Transfer to Thimpu

Druk Airways is one of kind airlines that flies over the beautiful mountains. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport , Our representative will meet you and transfer you to the city of Thimpu. You are free on your own to explore the beautiful streets of Thimpu.

Day 02: Stay at Thimphu

After breakfast you can proceed for the sightseeing of Thimpu. You can start the day by visiting first , the Trashichhoedzong a medieval monastery that is now the house to many government offices and the king’s throne room. Later we shall visit the National Library which has a vast collection of ancient buddhist manuscripts and texts.

After this visit , we can proceed to the Art and Craft school where you can see students drawing Thanka paintings. We proceed to have lunch , you may opt for traditional Bhutanese lunch . After Lunch we visit the Memorial Chorten , the stupa built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan. We finish the day with a visit to the traditional handicraft emporium . Overnight at Thimpu.

Day 03: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha

Today we shall be driving from Thimpu to Punakha.  We will halt at Dochula Pass to admire the natural surrounding and the small chortens.

Later we will visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong, which has played a very important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by natural calamities the Dzong has been finally restored.  After lunch we shall be driving to Wangduephodrang which is famous for its Dzong and Bamboo Products. Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha – Paro

After breakfast we will drive to Paro , We will be stopping at Simtokha Dzong avery old fortress now is the School for religious studies.

In the afternoon we shall be visiting Ta Dzong , the national Museum of the Kingdom . Originally it was built as a watch tower in 1967 , is now the house to a beautiful collection of art and artefacts .

Afterwards we will  visit Rinpung Dzong. Builtby  Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 , the first spiritual ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the important governing bodies of Bhutan.

Overnight at Paro

Day 05: Trek to Tiger’s Nest

After breakfast drive north of Paro to visit   Drukgyel Dozng. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies.
We get a chance to stop by at a  traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people.

Then we start the trekking to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous and center of attraction  of Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The trek  takes about 5 hours to complete.

While return to Paro town  we can stop  Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan .
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 06: Departure

After brekafast we will transfer you to the airport to board your flight back home.

  • All tourists entering Bhutan other than India and Nepal must obtain Visa through a Local Licensed tour operator prior to their visit. The tour should be paid in full to the Tourism Council of Bhutan account to obtain a tourist visa. Indians require only a seven-day-entry-cum-stay permit to enter that is issued at Pheuntsholing. Identification proof like passport or Voter ID is needed. All places other than Paro and Thimpu are classified as restricted area. Road-permit is issued only to tour operators based on the tour itinerary.
  • The visa cost for a foreigner is high which is generally about 220- 250USD per day including accommodation during high season , internal transport, tour guide, food and internal taxes.
  • Tourists are allowed to visit the Dzongs courtyards and the assembly hall (tshokhang) by a licensed Bhutanese guide only during times when there aren’t any festivals and restricted to visiting hours and dress standards.
  • The monuments in Bhutan remain closed on Govt. holidays and some on weekends.
  • Best time to visit Bhutan is during spring (March and May) and autumn (October and November). The Bhutan’s largest festival Tshechu is celebrated on the tenth day of a month of lunar calendar corresponding to the birth day of Guru Rinpoche.
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