Cultural

A living ancient culture

If there is something to see and experience in Bhutan, it is an ancient culture and tradition, that continues to thrive even today as part of everyday life.

In Bhutan, religion and culture are strands of the same thread. Himalayan Buddhist beliefs and practices have deeply influenced Bhutan’s culture and traditions that find expression in almost every sphere of life in this mountain kingdom.

Centuries of geographic isolation allowed Bhutan to develop its own Himalayan Buddhist identity that is similar to yet distinctively different from Tibet.

The moment you enter this hidden and blessed land, you will know that you are in a place that is culturally rich. It can be seen in the distinct architecture of the ancient fortresses, in the traditional attire, in song, dance and music, in sports and in the annual festivals held across the nation.

Our tours of Bhutan’s culture are designed to give you an insight into the country’s ancient Buddhist heritage and consists of visits to cultural sites, participating in religious festivals, interacting with monks, learning about Bhutanese weaves, taking part in traditional sports and in learning about and sampling local delicacies.

Magic Dragon Tour

This tour will explore cultural sites, monuments, culture and tradition, its people, and villages in the western districts of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangduephodrang.

The highlight is a visit to Punakha Dzong (fortress) which sits at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River) in the historic Punakha valley.

 WHY THIS TOUR?

• Discover Paro valley spend time in ancient temples
• Visit museums and the school of traditional arts & crafts
• Catch breathtaking views of snow-capped eastern Himalayan ranges from Dochula Pass (3050m).
• Soak in a traditional hot stone bath called Dotsho. Stones are heated in a wood fire and put into a wooden tub of water. It is believed to give out minerals that soothes and heals the body and mind.
• Enjoy the amazing day hike to the “Tiger’s Nest” monastery that hangs to side of a sheer cliff 900 m after Paro valley
• Mingle with the local people in Thimphu, the capital city that blends traditional architecture with modernity.
• Visit Punakha valley, the old capital of Bhutan.

OUTLINE

DAY 1: ARRIVR PARO (2280m) & DRIVE TO THIMPHU: 65KM/APPROX 1HR

DAY 2: THIMPHU (2320m)

DAY 3: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (1300m): 77KM/APPROX 2 ½HR

DAY 4: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU

DAY 5: THIMPHU

DAY 6: PARO TIGER’S NEST HIKE

DAY 7: PARO DEPARTURE

ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVR PARO (2280m) & DRIVE TO THIMPHU: 65KM/APPROX 1HR

The flight into Paro valley is perhaps one of the most spectacular in the world. It takes you over the mighty and sacred Himalayas, offering amazing views of the world’s highest peaks.

As you descend into the terraced rice fields of Paro valley, you will see the Paro Dzong (fortress) on the hillside overlooking the Paro Chu (river), with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum, above it.

Our representative will be at Paro airport to receive you and drive you to Thimphu. It is a scenic drive that offers beautiful views of villages by the riverside.

The first stop will be to view the beautiful Tacho Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s Iron Bridge Builder. The drive to Thimphu takes about an hour and follows the course of the Paro Chu (river) and the Wang Chu rivers.

In the evening stroll through the small but unique capital city of Thimphu and get to know the locals.

Overnight at hotel, Thimphu.

DAY 2: THIMPHU (2320m)

Today’s exploration of Thimphu begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a Buddhist Stupa, dedicated to world peace and prosperity. It was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. You will find Thimphu residents circumambulating the Stupa throughout the day.

Your next stop is the National Library that holds thousands of ancient Buddhist texts and scriptures. It also has a small but growing collection of modern books.

You will also visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where students train in Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts and the Folk Heritage Museum, which will provide insight into a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and Bhutan’s fast disappearing rural past.

After lunch, you will visit the 12^th century Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress like temple perched on a ridge above Thimphu. Toward the northern end of Thimphu valley, is a preserve for the Takin, the kingdom’s national animal.

Drive further up from the preserve to Sangaygang for a bird’s eye view of Thimphu city.  On the way down visit a nunnery temple and the Tashichhodzong or “the fortress of the glorious religion” which is Bhutan’s seat of government.  It is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo or the Chief Abbot.

Overnight at hotel, Thimphu.

DAY 3: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (1300m): 77KM/APPROX 2 ½HR

Today, the drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, passes through some of the kingdom’s dramatic river valleys and paddy lands.

The first stop is at Hongtsho, about 10 kms from Thimphu. From here you take a short hike to Hongtsho Goemba to view the stunning 15th century wall paintings of the monastery before driving up to Dochu La pass (3050m). From Dochula you can see the eastern Himalayan range on a clear day. Once you cross the pass, you wind down to the warmer valleys of Punakha and Wangdue.

En-route you will stop at Mitsina village and visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility and dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, the 15^th century saint also known as the divine madman for his outrageous methods of teaching the dharma.

It is a 20-minute walk through rice fields to the temple were you get blessed by a wooden phallus. After lunch visit the majestic Punakha Dzong which stands at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

The Dzong was first built in 1637 and is a fine example of Bhutan’s highly refined architectural skills.

Overnight at hotel, Punakha.

DAY 4: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU

Today you will drive further north of Punakha valley following the Mo Chu and then hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, another splendid example of the Bhutanese architecture and art.

In the afternoon, you will travel back to Thimphu. Before heading to Thimphu you will drive 30 minutes to Wangdue and briefly visit the Wangduphodrang Dzong, a 17th century monument. The monument was consumed by fire in 2011 and is being rebuilt to its former glory.

Stop at Dochu La pass and visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. Also visit the Semtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the kingdom. Overnight at hotel, Thimphu.

DAY 5: THIMPHU

Today you will start your day with a short hike to the 17th century Cheri monastery. It is an hour walk from the road head.

The monastery serves as a school of higher learning for graduate monks where they practice meditation. It is also an important pilgrimage site.

After the visit to the monastery, the return walk to the Thimphu will follow the ancient route. The route is dotted with Bhutanese-Tibetan settlements and passes through paddy fields.

You will also encounter ancient ruins before you finally come to the road-head at Pangrizampa.

On the way back to the town, you could go to the Changlimithang archery range and watch a local archery match in action. Overnight at hotel, Thimphu.

DAY 6: PARO TIGER’S NEST HIKE

In the morning you drive back to Paro valley and hike to Taktshang or “Tiger’s Nest” one of the holiest Buddhists sites in the Himalayan region.  The monastery clings to a sheer rock face almost 900 metres above the valley floor.

The uphill hike from the road point takes around 3 hours at a moderate pace. The trail passes through beautiful pine forests adorned with Spanish moss as you go further up. Stop for rest and light refreshments at the Taktshang cafeteria.

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 and meditated for three months.

Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gompo. Then drive north to Drugyel Dzong, the imposing fortress, which kept at bay invasions from the north in ancient times.

In the afternoon drive to Ta-Dzong (watch tower), which now serves as the national museum. The museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill takes you to the imposing Rinpung Dzong which serves as the district’s administrative and religious centre. Walk further down and cross a traditional bridge into Paro town.

Overnight at hotel, Paro.

DAY 7: PARO DEPARTURE

Drive to the Paro International airport, for your onward journey.