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Cultural Safari

9 Days / 8 Nights
Rendezvous with Happiness

Tour Overview

The package includes popular destinations and Bumthang valley. Bumthang is considered as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, the valley is shrouded in myth and legacies of great Buddhist saints and auspicious sites. As you descend Yotongla Pass and approaching the valley, you will feel as though you're entering the inner sanctum of a sacred temple. On this trip, you will get to explore the unique customs and tradition of the people Bumthang valley.

Tour Highlights

  • Spiritual Bumthang Valley 
  • Tashichodzong – 17th century Fort
  • Memorial Chorten
  • Zorig Chusum 
  • Punakha Dzong
  • Chimi Lhakhang
  • Home stay experience
  • Nature trail at Phobjikha
  • Trongsa Ta Dzong Museum
  • Chumey Yathra Weaving Center
  • Chakhar Lhakhang
  • Mebar Tso (The Burning Lake)

Daily Itinerary for Cultural Safari (9 Days)

Day 1

Arrive in Paro

Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport.

Drive from Paro to Thimphu
Distance: 54 Km|Driving Time: 1 hour

After a quick stop at your hotel and lunch, you'll spend the rest of the day exploring Thimphu.

Places and attractions:
Thimphu Buddha Dordenma Centenary Farmers Market Authentic Craft Bazaar Memorial Chorten VAST Studio Tashichhodzong National Institute for Zorig Chusum

Accommodation options:
Le Meridien Hotel Bhutan City Hotel

Day 2

Drive to Punakha

Drive from Thimphu to Dochula
Distance: 31Km|Driving Time: 1 hour

Dochula, at 3100 metres, is one of many motorable mountain passes in Bhutan. Take in the astonishing panoramic view of the snowcapped mountain range.
The place also has a memorial, 108 identical stupas to commemorate the victory against insurgency and honour the fallen.

Lunch will be served on your way to Punakha.

Drive to Punakha
Distance: 63Km Driving |Time: 1 Hr and 30 Mins

A short hike to Chimi Lhakang (the fertility temple) will take you through Sopsokha village. The unusual practice of worshipping phallus in Bhutanese culture originates from this village.

Places and attractions:
Punakha Dochula Pass Punakha Dzong - The Palace of Great Bliss Punakha Suspension Bridge Chimi Lhakhang - The Fertility Temple

Accommodation options:
Zhingkham Cottages Drubchhu Resort

Day 3

Drive from Punakha to Phobjikha

Start your day with an early drive to Phobjikha valley.
Distance: 78 Km |Driving Time: 3 and half hours

Let the serenity of the valley with its wide-open spaces and pristine nature help you unwind.

A 16th-century Gangtey Goemba (monastery) sits atop a hill overlooking the valley. The complex consists of monks' quarters, guesthouses, and meditation centres.

There are nature trails that run along the field and through the pine forest connecting small villages. You can explore them on a foot or go biking.

It's one of those destinations where you just want to clear your schedule and go with the flow.

Places and attractions:
Phobjikha Valley Gangtey Monastery Black Necked Crane Information Centre Gangtey Nature Trail Hot Stone Bath in Gangtey

Accommodation options:
Amankora Gangtey Dewachen Hotel Gangtey Goenpa Lodge

Day 4

Drive from Phobjikha to Bumthang

Distance: 179 Km |Driving Time: 8 hours

It will be a long drive from Phobjikha to Bumthang. The drive will take you through a rich forest of rhododendrons and oak woods and cross over Pele la pass at 3351 meters and Yotongla Pass at 3425 metres.

You'll get to explore the Trongsa district and attractions along the way.

Attractions include Chendebji Chorten which resembles the Boudhanath temple in Kathmandu Nepal and the medieval watch tower and the Trongsa Dzong at Trongsa.

Places and attractions:
Trongsa Bumthang Chendebji Chorten Ta Dzong Museum Trongsa Trongsa Dzong

Accommodation options:
Swiss Guest House

Day 5

Explore Bumthang

Spend the day exploring attractions in Bumthang valley.

Places and attractions:
Bumthang Mebar Tso Ura Village Kurjey Lhakhang Jambey Lhakhang Yathra Weaving Center

Accommodation options:
Moutain Lodge Amankora Bumthang

Day 6

Option 1: Fly back to Paro| Option 2: Drive back to Thimphu

Distance: 266 Km | Drive Time: 10 Hrs
It will be a long drive back to Thimphu.

Alternatively, you can take a 30 minute flight back to Paro. The domestic flight cost will be extra and is not included in the package price.

Please note last-minute cancellations for domestic flights due to weather particularly during the summer season is common.

Places and attractions:
Thimphu

Accommodation options:
City Hotel Le Meridien Hotel Bhutan

Day 7

Drive from Thimphu to Paro

Distance: 54 Km | Drive Time: 1 Hr

Spend the day exploring attractions in Paro.

If you choose to fly back from Bumthang, you will have more time to explore Paro and nearby district.

Places and attractions:
Paro Paro Rinpung Dzong Paro Town National Museum Paro Ta Dzong Kyichu Lhakhang

Accommodation options:
Tashi Namgay Resort Haven Resort Le Meridien Paro Riverfront

Day 8

Hike to Taktsang

With a few days to acclimatise, you are now ready for the ultimate experience in Bhutan.

An avid hiker will find this experience deeply rewarding. Bask in the scent of pine as you climb the trail in and out of the woods. Let your imagination run wild as your guide narrates the Buddhist mythology surrounding this place to keep you company on your hike.

When you get to the top, let the cold mountain air, the waterfall cascading down the cliff, and the ambiance of a secluded monastery inspire a spiritual experience for you.

Places and attractions:
Paro Tigers Nest Hike

Accommodation options:
Tashi Namgay Resort Haven Resort Le Meridien Paro Riverfront

Day 9

Depart From Paro

End of Trip

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Payment Terms
  • The approval of tourists VISA is contingent on the full payment of the tour
  • Flight ticket payment is subject to the Ticketing Time Limit issued by the airlines
Tour Cancellation and Refund Policy
  • 30 to 15 days prior to arrival - 20% of the total tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
  • 14 to 7 days prior to arrival - 50% of the tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
  • Less than a week prior to arrival - 100% cancellation charge will be levied as cancellation fee
Flight Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy
  • Subject to the cancellation terms of the Airline
Rescheduling Tour Dates:
  • There are no charges for rescheduling your trip. However the minimum daily tariff, hotel rates, airline charges are subject to change depending on your new travelling dates.