Cultural Tour to Paro, Thimphu,… (trip)

Cultural Tour to Paro, Thimphu, Punakha

  • Paro Airport, Paro, Bhutan
  • Active & Adventure
Bhutan, Asia

from $1,495* per person6 DaysYear-round
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Adventures Within Reach 12 people max
Six days of cultural tours including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and a half-day hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. Add a day to this tour and attend a Tshechu (Festival).

Loading map, please wait...

Locations visited/nearby

Bhutan, Asia

0 testimonials about this trip.

3 testimonials about the provider, Adventures Within Reach:

  • Reviewer: Brad and Stacey E. located in Colorado USA, Kenya Safari
    It was wonderful.  I had very high expectations prior to the trip, and I am happy to say that all of my expectations were exceeded.  The staff, accommodations, and food at the camp were fantastic.  The wildlife was amazing.  We saw the "big five" and were fortunate to experience the great migration of wilder beast and zebras into the park.
  • Reviewer: Teresa C. located in Florida USA
    The trip was great! Tibet and Bhutan were fascinating. The Bhutan people are so very wonderful I wanted to bring them back with me, great country. Tibet is so wonderful. Some areas are better than others, but the temples and the whole atmosphere with Buddhism is amazing. We had the best guide ever, and the driver was wonderful. We had a great experience.
  • Reviewer: Roger S. located in Washington D.C. USA.
    The Galapagos is best experienced aboard a larger boat (100-person), and while I took the three night version I recommend the four- or seven-night.  Of course, the three night/four day left me wanting more which is the best sign of a great vacation.  While you may think a larger boat creates crowded situations with lines and congestion, this was not the case at all.  The boat is organized, and there are two trips a day to the islands providing extensive time viewing the animals and feeling Darwinesque.  Yes, the blue footed boobies do have blue feet, and yes, the iguanas do actually swim.  Words do not describe the experience, and pictures do the booby’s feet an injustice.  Do not leave this earth without the experience!

Comments from Facebook

Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Fly to Paro, transfer to Thimphu

Visiting: Paro, Thimphu

Upon arrival at the airport and customs your Bhutanese escort will greet you and drive you 1.5 hours through the beautiful Paro valley to Thimphu. You can spend the rest of the evening exploring Thimphu, soaking in the Bhutanese way of life.

    Meals: D
    Standard Lodging: Pedling Hotel or similar

Day 2 : Tour of Thimphu

Visiting: Thimphu

Sightseeing in Thimphu includes a visit to the National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the School of Thanka Paintings, and the traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts are still practiced. Then visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textile then take a stroll through the streets for a little shopping. After lunch, visit the memorial Chorten to His Late Majesty (King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk), who reigned from 1952-1972. Later take a 15 minute drive to Dechenchohhling to witness the gold and silversmiths at work. Finally, visit the Tashichho Dzong (fortress of the Glorious Region) built in 1641 and reconstructed in 1961 using traditional methods without the use of any nails, plans, or paper.

    Meals: BLD
    Standard Lodging: Pedling Hotel or similar

Day 3 : Tour of Thimphu, Drive to Punakha Valley

Visiting: Thimphu, Punakha Valley

As well as the main sites of Thimphu you can also spend a day hiking to Tango and Cheri, two magnificent monasteries on the edge of the Thimphu valley. You may choose to visit Phajoding monastery with its stunning views over the valley, touring the markets and monasteries that flourish in this uniquely tranquil national capital. Shop for textiles, puppets, and paintings that are handcrafted as they have been for centuries.

    Meals: BLD
    Standard Lodging: Dragon Nest Resort or similar

Day 4 : Tour of Punakha, Drive to Paro

Visiting: Punakha, Paro

The old capital of Bhutan stands at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. The Punakha Dzong is Bhutan's second oldest, and is arguably the country's most beautiful. Construction of the dzong began in 1637 and was completed the following year. It is more properly called the Pungthang Dechen Phodrang or the Palace of Great Happiness.

    Meals: BLD
    Standard Lodging: Hotel Olathang or similar

Day 5 : Tour of Paro

Visiting: Paro

Drive to Drugyal Dzong, a ruined fortress 16 km from Paro town. Tour Drukgyal Dzong with massive ruins that offer insight into the unique construction of Bhutan's famous dzongs. This Dzong is also of great historical importance as it was a critical point when the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. This gave the fortress it's name, translating to "victorious Bhutanese". Here you will have a magnificent panorama of Mount Chomolhari.

    Meals: BLD
    Standard Lodging: Hotel Olathang or similar

Day 6 : Departure

Visiting: Paro

Transfer to airport for departure flight

    Meals: B

More information from Adventures Within Reach: