Travel ▻ Himalayas ▻ Bhutan10-Day Cultural Tour that extends to Ura Valley
10-Day Cultural Tour that extends to Ura Valley

10-Day Cultural Tour that extends to Ura Valley

10 days

10-Day Cultural Tour that extends to Ura Valley
from $4995 USD

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10 days of cultural tours including Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, and the Bumthang Valley

Full Itinerary DETAILED ITINERARY >> ITINERARY IN BRIEF >>

Day 1: Fly to Paro, transfer to Thimphu

wp-content/uploads/itineraries/Bhutan/bhutan (1).jpg 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 included: Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Pedling Hotel or similar

Day 2: Tour of Thimphu

wp-content/uploads/itineraries/Bhutan/bhutan (22).jpg 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. 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. Instead 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 included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Pedling Hotel or similar

Day 3: Drive to Punakha and Tour

wp-content/uploads/itineraries/Bhutan/bhutan (19).jpg 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 included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Dragon Nest Resort or similar

Day 4: Drive to Trongsa

wp-content/uploads/itineraries/Bhutan/bhutan (14).jpg Drive about 6 hours to Trongsa.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel in Trongsa

Day 5: Tour of Trongsa, Drive to Jakar

wp-content/uploads/itineraries/Bhutan/bhutan (18).jpg Visit Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family and the watch tower, built in 1649. It is now the administrative seat of the district and the home of the monastic school. This architectural wonder was a vigilance point for both eastern and western threats. The watch tower, located directly above the dzong, has on display many interesting armors and other war artifacts used by ancient warriors. Afterwards continue 2.5 hours to Jakar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel in Jakar

Day 6: Tour of Jakar, Excursion to Ura Valley

wp-content/uploads/itineraries/Bhutan/bhutan (7).jpg From View Point enjoy the beautiful outlook of Jakar Dzong , also known as the Castle of the White Bird. It was built in 1646 by Minjur Tenpa, the third Druk Dese (temporal ruler). In 1683 it was extended by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi. A full day excursion to Ura Valley. Drive about 2 hours to Ura and take a leisurely stroll through the charming and clustered village. Take your time to visit a beautiful Buddhist Monastery. You will have the opportunity to see yaks grazing in the rich pastureland.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel in Jakar

Day 7: Tour of Jakar, Drive to Gangtey

wp-content/uploads/itineraries/Bhutan/bhutan (12).jpg Visit several ancient and sacred monasteries such as Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang, Tmashing and Pema Samba Lhakhangs. Also visit Member Tso "The flamming Lake", considered one of the most important pilgrimage spots. A trip to the Bumthang Swiss farm is also interesting. Drive for 4 hours to Gangtey.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel in Gangtey

Day 8: Tour of Gangtey, Drive to Paro

wp-content/uploads/itineraries/Bhutan/bhutan (16).jpg Gangtey is a beautiful meadow where you can experience breathtaking views of the Black Mountain range. Phobjikha, the valley stretching boundlessly from the below Gangtey, is the winter habitat of the rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes. Continue towards Paro.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Sightseeing in Paro (Taktsang Monastery, Kyichu Monastery, Drugyal Dzong)

wp-content/uploads/itineraries/Bhutan/bhutan (23).jpg Today, you will hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3000 feet above the valley floor. The primary monastery was built around Guru Rinpoche's meditation cave in 1684 AD by Gyaltshe Tenzin Rabgay. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tigress. The old monastery, unfortunately, was destroyed by fire in 1998, but has been completely restored. The hike takes about 4 hours round-trip. Once you reach the view point of the Monastery, you have the option to visit the Monastery, which takes about another hour to reach. Next, you will visit the Kyichu Monastery built in the 7th century. This is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built by the great Tibetan King Songsten Gyepo and the main statue is of the Future Buddha which is similar to the main Buddha statue in the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Pilgrims turn the many prayer wheels along the walls as they circumnavigate the temple. The statues of the Bodhisattvas and the Buddha are national treasures. The wooden floor of the sanctum is inlaid with turquoise and coral gemstones offered by pilgrims. Last, you will visit the ruined Drugyal Dzong, whose massive ruins offer insight into the unique construction of Bhutan's famous fortresses. From its ramparts, the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. Weather permitting, you will have great views of Mt. Chomolhari at 24,000 ft.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Departure

wp-content/uploads/itineraries/Bhutan/bhutan (17).jpg Transfer to airport for departure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing

10-Day Cultural Tour that extends to Ura Valley
from $4995 USD
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***

NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.

INCLUDES:
  • All accommodations per itinerary
  • All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
  • All transportation and transfers per itinerary
  • Qualified local guide speaking fluent English
  • All entrance fees
  • All transportation in minivans
  • Driver
  • Bhutan visa and Tourism Development Fund (TDF) fee
EXCLUDES:
  • International and domestic flights
  • Meals not listed
  • Beverages and alcohol
  • Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
  • Optional tours
  • Single room supplement
  • Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Tips for restaurant service
  • Donations at monasteries

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