7 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour with Private Guide

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

1. Buddha Dordenma
   45m · Admission ticket included
   Visit Buddha Dordenma, one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, and admire the magnificent 51-metre bronze Buddha statue overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains while learning about the site’s Buddhist significance.
2. Motithang Takin Preserve
   45m · Admission ticket included
   Visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. Explore the preserve with your guide and learn about this unique Himalayan animal and its place in Bhutanese culture and folklore.

Day 2: Cultural Essence of Thimphu

1. Centenary Farmers Market
   30m
   Visit the lively Centenary Farmers’ Market along the Wang Chhu River, where local farmers and vendors gather to sell fresh seasonal produce and traditional Bhutanese foods. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and get a glimpse of everyday local life in Thimphu.
2. National Folk Heritage Museum
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Explore the National Folk Heritage Museum, housed in a traditional three-storey Bhutanese farmhouse. Discover traditional household objects, farming tools, and exhibits that offer insight into Bhutan’s rural lifestyle, customs, and cultural heritage.
3. Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
   25m · Admission ticket included
   Visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimphu’s most revered landmarks. Walk around the whitewashed stupa with its golden spire, observe locals offering prayers and turning the prayer wheels, and learn about its significance in Bhutanese Buddhist tradition.
4. Simtokha Dzong
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Visit Semtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest dzong, built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Explore its traditional Bhutanese architecture, richly painted interiors, and historic courtyards while learning about its important place in Bhutan’s history and spiritual heritage.

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

1. Dochula Pass
   45m
   Stop at Dochula Pass, located at an altitude of 3,100 metres, and admire the spectacular Himalayan mountain views when weather permits. Explore the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, a temple surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
2. Punakha Dzong
   45m · Admission ticket included
   Explore Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most magnificent fortresses, beautifully situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Admire its traditional Bhutanese architecture, richly decorated interiors, and important role in Bhutan’s history and spiritual heritage.
3. Punakha Suspension Bridge
   45m
   Walk across the historic Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, spanning the Pho Chhu River. Enjoy beautiful views of the river, surrounding mountains, and countryside while experiencing this unique part of Punakha’s landscape.
4. Chimi Lhakhang Temple
   45m · Admission ticket included
   Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the Divine Madman, dedicated to the revered Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley. Enjoy a short walk through the surrounding village and rice fields before exploring this unique temple and learning about its fascinating history and spiritual traditions.

Day 4: Punakha Spiritual & Rural Experience

1. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Hike through scenic rice fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful hilltop temple built for world peace. Admire its intricate Buddhist artwork and enjoy peaceful views of the Punakha Valley and surrounding countryside.

Day 5: Sacred Heritage of Paro Valley

1. Kyichu Lhakhang
   45m · Admission ticket included
   Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century. Explore its peaceful courtyards and traditional Buddhist architecture while learning about its important place in Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.
2. 30m · Admission ticket included
   Visit Dungtse Lhakhang, a unique three-storey temple built in the 15th century by the revered bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. Explore its richly decorated interior, which represents the Buddhist cosmos through intricate paintings and sacred imagery.

Day 6: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery

1. Tiger's nest
   5h · Admission ticket included
   Hike through pine forests and prayer-flag-lined trails to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside above the Paro Valley. Explore this sacred Himalayan site and learn about its connection to Guru Rinpoche and Bhutanese Buddhist history.

Day 7: Departure from Bhutan

1. 30m
   Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey from Bhutan.

Pickup details

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, guests will proceed to the arrival hall after completing immigration and collecting their luggage. Our driver/guide will be waiting in the arrival hall holding sign with the lead traveler’s name, so guests can easily identify them.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness