8 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour
Trip at a Glance
-
Country: Nepal
-
Trip grade: Easy
-
Activities: Cultural Sightseeing
-
Accommodation: 3-Star hotels
-
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
-
.png)
Transportation: Private vehicle
-
Maximum altitude: Taktsang Monastery (3120m)
-
.png)
Best Season: Jan-Jun, Sep-Dec
8 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour is a perfect blend of culture and nature with a scenic arrival in Paro, visiting Bhutan’s charming capital Thimphu, followed by a beautiful day trip to the lush Punakha Valley, Phobjikha Valley ‘Gangtey’ and the hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3120m), perched dramatically on a cliff. The trip concludes with a breathtaking drive to the Chele La Pass (3,988m).
8 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour Highlights
- Visit Thimphu's Tashichho Dzong and Buddha Dordenma in Thimphu
- Discover the beautiful Punakha Dzong and suspension bridge
- Dochula Pass with 108 memorial chortens & a stunning view of the Himalayas.
- Chele-La Pass (2250m) , the highest motorable pass in Bhutan
- Hike up to the popular Tiger's Nest Monastery (3120m)
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro (2250m) – Thimphu (2350m/54 km approx./1 hr)
Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha (1310m/77 km approx./3 hrs)
Day 03: Punakha – Gangtey (2320m/2.5 hrs/78 km approx.)
Day 04: Gangtey - Punakha (2350m/3 hrs/78 km approx.)
Day 05: Punakha – Thimphu (2350m/3 hrs/77 km approx.)
Day 06: Thimphu – Chele-La pass – Paro (2250m/4-5 hrs/116 km approx.)
Day 07: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)
Day 08: Paro depart
Arrival Paro and after clearing customs, meet your guide and drive (approx. 1 hour) to Thimphu. Check-in hotel in Thimphu and sightseeing visiting Buddha Dordenma ‘Buddha Point’ -one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world (54 meters/177 feet)). It houses over 125,000 smaller gold-plated Buddhas. Then Simtokha Dzong - Built in 1629 and the oldest fortress in Bhutan. Tashichho Dzong- "Fortress of the Glorious Religion" houses the throne room of the King and the central monastic body.
Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass and enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayas. There are 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (memorial stupas) at the pass. Afterward, Punakha Dzong known as the "Palace of Great Happiness," this is arguably the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male) and Mo Chhu (Female) rivers.
After breakfast, drive to Gangtey located in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley known for its wide and flat valley bottom, a stark contrast to the dense forests and rugged terrain that characterizes much of Bhutan. It's also a winter home for the black-necked cranes. Visit Gangtey Goenpa situated atop a hill overlooking the valley.
Drive towards Punakha. En-route stop at Chimi Lhakhang also known as the "Fertility Temple," located near Lobesa. It stands on a round hillock and is famously associated with Lama Drukpa Kunley, the "Divine Madman," known for his unconventional approach to Buddhism. Option: In Punakha hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful stupa, set on a hilltop, offers panoramic views of the valley.
Trace the same route back to Thimphu from Punakha passing along Dochula – Pass and one more time to observe the northern Himalayas. In Thimphu, check-in hotel.
In the morning visit Centenary Market in Thimphu and drive up to the highest motorable pass in Bhutan ‘Chele La Pass’. On clear days, you get an incredible view of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Then back to Paro in the late afternoon.
Drive from Paro to the base of the monastery and take a 4–5 hour round-trip hike leads to the monastery perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. It is believed Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate in the caves.
After breakfast, your guide will escort you to Paro International Airport for your flight back home.
What is included?
- Airport pick-up and drop services by private transportation.
- Guided sightseeing tour as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation in Bhutanese government-approved tourist standard hotels throughout the trip.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
- Entrance and monumental fees during sightseeing.
- Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance.
- Bhutanese government-certified English-speaking local tour guide.
- Bhutanese government’s royalties, and taxes.
What is not included?
- International airfares.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Other expenses of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, bottled water etc.).
- Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
- Tip for the tour guide or driver.
FAQ's
What 8 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour cover?
The tour covers popular locations in Bhutan like Paro, Thimphu – the capital, Punakha – the old capital, Chele-la pass including the ever popular hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
Do you need a visa to visit Bhutan?
Yes, foreign nationals from all over needs visa to enter Bhutan except from India, Bangladesh, and Maldives. Tourist visa to Bhutan can only be secured from a licensed tour operator.
What is the SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) in Bhutan?
The Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) helps protect the environment, educate people, and support local communities. SDF cost is $100 per person per night (subject to change).
Is it possible for me to travel alone in Bhutan?
No, you can't travel solo in Bhutan. According to Bhutan's tourist rules, all visitors must book a tour through an authorized operator and travel with a licensed guide.
What is included in a Bhutan travel package?
A typical Bhutan tour package includes Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), English Speaking Guide, Car with a driver, Staying in a hotel, All meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Entrance Fees to museums and monasteries, Taxes and permissions from the government.
What isn't included in the price of the Bhutan tour?
Usually not included are flights to and from Bhutan from other countries, Insurance for travel, Personal costs (drinks, laundry, tipping), extra activities like hot stone bath, Supplement for a single room (if needed)
When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
The best time to go to Bhutan is Spring (March to May) when the weather is nice. Then Autumn (September to November) when clear vistas of the mountains and big festivals can be observed.
How hard is it to go to Bhutan?
Most cultural trips in Bhutan are not too easy going programs. You need to be in good shape for short hikes like the Tiger's Nest Monastery climb. Trekking in Bhutan are moderate to strenuous and requires you to be in good shape.
What kinds of hotels are there in Bhutan?
There are different categories of hotels to stay in Bhutan from 3- and 4-star hotels to luxury 5-star hotels that are comfortable. Normally your tour cost includes 3-star hotels stay and for upgrade will require extra.
What kinds of cuisine will be served on the Bhutan tour?
Bhutan excursions include a wide range of meals, such as traditional Bhutanese food like Ema Datshi, food from India, Asia, and the rest of the world.
Is Bhutan safe to travel?
Yes, Bhutan is considered the safest places to travel in the world due to it’s very little crime and the people being friendly.
What kind of money do people in Bhutan use?
The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the Bhutanese currenty. A lot of places will accept Indian Rupees. In big cities, you can use ATMs and credit cards, but in rural places, cash is better.
Is there internet in Bhutan?
Most hotels located in towns like Paro, Thimphu have Wi-Fi, but the speed may vary.
Do you need travel insurance to go to Bhutan?
The Bhutanese government has announced travel insurance is no longer mandatory for travel to Bhutan in 2024 to boost tourism. But it’s recommend get one for high altitude trekking to cover evacuation and medical charges.
