Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour Highlights A cultural tour of...
Trip Summary
| Label | Detail |
|---|---|
| Geography | Mountain/Hills/Forest |
| Location | Nepal/Bhutan |
| Level Of Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Max Aaltitude | 3420m |
| Religion | Buddhist/Hindu |
| Ethnic People | Bhutanese/Nepalese |
| Accommodation | Hotel |
| Transportation | Private Vehicle/Tourist Bus/Flight |
| Minimum Pax | 2 |
Detail Information
Bhutan Cultural Tour Highlights:
- Explore the rich Buddhist history and culture of Bhutan
- Observe the greater lifestyle and traditions of diverse ethnicities inside Bhutan
- Trace the history of Vajrayana Buddhism
- Enjoy the magnificent natural settings of Bhutan’s countryside.
The Bhutan Cultural Tour explores the monuments which are influenced by Vajrayana Buddhism that is a branch of modern-day Buddhism which found its way through Nepal, India, and Tibet to Bhutan. Experience the rich history and culture of a small Buddhist nation located on the lap of the Eastern End of Himalayas. Immerse into the vibrant lifestyle of Bhutan and witness the glory of Vajrayana Buddhism with Bhutan Cultural Tour. The tour also heads to the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries at Bumthang and Kyichu in the Paro Valley.
Cultural Tour to Bhutan commences with a scenic trans-Himalayan flight to Paro, Bhutan. Spanning 8 days, the tour culminates into an exploration of the rich history of Buddhism in Bhutan along with observing the daily lifestyle, ethnic culture, and traditions of the locals. Once at Paro, you’ll drive to the capital city Thimpu and explore the city. Thimpu is the most populated city in Bhutan and is home to the reigning monarch Raja Jigme Namgyal Wangchuk. You can consider visiting Tashichho Dzong, the largest monastery throughout Bhutan.
Next, you’ll drive towards Trongsa City located almost 200km east of Thimpu. Trongsa is popular for its historic fortress called Thruepang Palace. It was the residence of the first two monarchs of the country. Afterward, you’ll move towards Bumthang and enjoy sightseeing in the area.
You can consider visiting Jakar and a few other monumental sits before driving to Punakha. Punakha is known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th Century fortress located at the juncture of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. After exploring the popular sites around Punakha, you’ll drive back to Paro. The tour concedes upon your return to Kathmandu via Paro Airport.
Nepal Alibaba Treks has been specializing in custom tours around Bhutan for many years. We organize full-board holiday packages for private, group, and family tours at a reasonable cost. Our all-inclusive tour package covers entire transportation, quality meal and hotels, an experienced guide, permits, and the entire logistics.
Itinerary Summary
Outline
Day Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu to Bhutan, Paro airport and drive to Thimpu.
After early breakfast at the hotel, you’ll drive towards the airport and embark on a beautiful trans-Himalayan flight to Paro, Bhutan. Located almost 404km east of Nepal, it may take over 1hr to reach Bhutan. You can catch the beautiful sights of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks en route to Paro. After lunch at Paro, you can visit Rinpung Dzong ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’ and Kichu Lhakhang, the ancient Buddhist temple. In the evening, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu.
Day Day 02: Explore Thimpu and Overnight at Thimpu
After early morning breakfast, you’ll drive to BBS Tower located at the heart of the capital city and hike towards Wangditse Gompa along that offers a great view of Tashichho Dzong. You can also catch the amazing view of the Samtenling Palace from here that is home to the fourth King and Dorje Drake meditation retreat. Once returning back to Thimpu, you’ll visit the mini Zoo to witness Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. If time permits, you can choose to visit the King's Memorial Chorten, the nunnery temple, the National Library, and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine.
Day Day 03: Drive 6-7 hrs from Thimpu to Trongsa
Today, the day starts early. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic journey towards Trongsa City. The historical Trongsa City lies 193.1 km east of Thimpu and goes through Thimpu-Punakha Highway and Bumthang. The road ascends until Dochu La Pass (3050m) and then descends to Wangdue and Punakha valley. Passing Wangdue, the road ascends up the Black Mountain National park towards Pele La Pass (3420m). After enjoying the wonderful view of Mt. Chomolhari, you’ll drive down to Trongsa.
Day Day 04: Explore around Trongsa palace and monasteries and overnight in Trongsa.
Today, you’ll explore Trongsa. First, you’ll visit Mangde Chhu that is perhaps the most spectacularly sited Dzong in Bhutan. Trongsa Dzong is closely related to the royal family of Bhutan. The first two hereditary kings of the country ruled from this Dzong. Afterward, you’ll visit Trongsa Palace. Also known as Threupang Palace, the first portion of the fortress was built around 1648. The palace is located on the hillside overlooking the village of Thruepang. Not far from here, you can consider visiting the local market place. Overnight in Trongsa.
Day Day 05: Drive from Trongsa to Bumthang, Overnight in Bumthang.
Leaving Trongsa, you’ll begin driving towards Bumthang. Located northeast of Trongsa, it may take almost 2hr to reach Jakar city in Bumthang. The trail ascends up to Yotong La Pass (3551m) and then descends into Chumey valley (2700m). From here, it is about an hour drive through the villages of Zugney and Prakar and across the Kiki La Pass (2860m) towards to Jakar.
Day Day 06: Bumthang Sightseeing and drive back to Punakha (6-7 hrs)
After brief sightseeing of Bumthang in the morning, you’ll embark on a road journey to Punakha. You can consider visiting Tamshing Monastery, one of the oldest monastic schools built by Terton Pema Lingpa, and Kurjey Lhakhang. The road leaving Bumthang goes through Wangdue to Punakha that may take almost 7hours. You’ll drive over the Pele La pass and Youtong La pass en route to Punakha.
Day Day 07: Final day at Bhutan, transfer to Paro Airport and fly back to Kathmandu
First, you head to the Paro Airport from Punakha. Then, you’ll embark on a flight back to Kathmandu. You’ll fly along with the scenic mountain scenery and witness some of the highest mountains in the world including the Mt. Everest (8848). Once in Kathmandu, you’ll be escorted to your hotel.
Day Day 08: Rest/Departure
We’ll drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport so you can catch your scheduled flight back home. Our representative will take you to the airport, approx. 2 hours early. You can share your trip experience or your next adventure with us on the way.
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