13-Day Majestic Bhutan Cultural Tour
9-Day Bhutan Cultural Tour
Western Bhutan Cultural Tour
Unveil the spiritual soul and timeless traditions of Bhutan’s western valleys.
Itinerary
Cultural Sightseeing Tour
8 Nights / 9 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
- Receive a warm welcome at Paro International Airport
- Drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, with scenic river valley views
- Stop at Tamchog Lhakhang for a short photo break
- Evening stroll in Thimphu town and welcome dinner
- Overnight: Thimphu
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Explore Thimphu – Culture, Craft & Spirituality
- Visit the Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking Thimphu Valley
- Discover the National Memorial Chorten
- Choose between Textile Museum or Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School)
- Explore local markets, shops, and the Takin Preserve
- Visit Tashichho Dzong, seat of Bhutan’s government and monastic body
- Overnight: Thimphu
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochu La Pass
- Ascend to Dochu La Pass (3,100m) for views of Himalayan peaks
- Visit the 108 chortens (stupas)
- Stop at Chimi Lhakhang – the “Fertility Temple”
- Visit the grand Punakha Dzong, at the confluence of two rivers
- Enjoy a walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge
- Overnight: Punakha
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Punakha Valley Exploration
- Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten through rice fields
- Visit Wolakha Nunnery for a peaceful spiritual experience
- Optional: River picnic lunch or visit local village homes
- Evening free to relax or explore Punakha town
- Overnight: Punakha
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Punakha to Phobjikha – The Glacial Valley
- Scenic drive to the pristine Phobjikha Valley
- Visit Gangtey Monastery, one of the main Nyingma centers in Bhutan
- Enjoy a guided nature walk on the Crane Trail
- Learn about conservation efforts at the Crane Information Centre (seasonal)
- Overnight: Phobjikha
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Phobjikha to Trongsa
- Journey through winding roads and rhododendron forests
- Stop at Chendebji Chorten, a Nepalese-style stupa
- Visit Trongsa Dzong – the most strategically placed fortress in Bhutan
- Explore Ta Dzong Museum, showcasing royal relics and history
- Overnight: Trongsa
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Trongsa to Bumthang – Heart of Bhutanese Culture
- Drive to Bumthang through Yotong La Pass
- Visit Kurjey Lhakhang – where Guru Rinpoche meditated
- Explore Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan
- Stroll through Chamkhar town and enjoy a quiet evening
- Overnight: Bumthang
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Bumthang Valley Sightseeing
- Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, built in 1501 by Pema Lingpa
- Walk to Kenchosum Lhakhang, an ancient temple with sacred relics
- Optional: Red Panda Brewery tour or try Swiss-style cheese at the dairy
- Enjoy a cultural program or storytelling session (if available)
- Overnight: Bumthang
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Tang Valley Excursion – Day Trip
- Head to Tang Valley for off-the-beaten-path experiences
- Visit Mebartsho (Burning Lake), a sacred site for treasure discovery
- Explore Ugyen Choling Palace Museum
- Visit a rural village and interact with locals
- Return to Bumthang by evening
- Overnight: Bumthang
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Bumthang to Punakha (or Wangdue)
- Begin return journey toward western Bhutan
- Break at Trongsa for lunch and scenic rest
- Optional village stops en route
- Arrive in Punakha or nearby Wangdue late afternoon
- Overnight: Punakha/Wangdue
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Punakha to Paro
- Drive to Paro via Dochu La and Simtokha
- Visit the Royal Botanical Garden at Lamperi
- Stop at Tamchog iron bridge before entering Paro
- Check-in and relax at hotel
- Overnight: Paro
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
- Early start for the iconic hike to Taktsang
- Enjoy views and stories of Guru Rinpoche’s flight
- Lunch at the viewpoint café
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang in the afternoon – one of Bhutan’s oldest temples
- Optional: Hot stone bath experience
- Overnight: Paro
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Departure from Paro
- Morning at leisure depending on flight schedule
- Airport transfer with farewell from Adventures Journey
- Depart with lasting memories of Majestic Bhutan
- Meals: Breakfast