Want a refreshing vacation full of adventure and filled with striking places, then this 8 days Bhutan cultural tour is for you. In a world that is constantly on a go, Bhutan breaks that chain. Bhutan is a fascinating country squeezed in the middle of two massive countries India and China. This isolated landlocked country is small yet full of world-known landmarks, untamed nature, and endless mountain chains.
Bhutan, the last Shangri La on earth is full of mystery, victorious history, lively culture, and most importantly breathtaking cultural heritage that is out of this world. Bhutan is not only called the last remaining Shangri La but also called the ‘’Land of Thunder Dragon’’. Bhutan is highly influenced by Buddhists and the official religion is Vajrayana Buddhism which is somehow influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, as a result, you can see some of the most revered saints of Tibet worshiped in Bhutan.
When it comes to adventure and beauty nothing compares to the beauty of Bhutan, not to forget Bhutan is among a few countries that were never colonized by any foreign countries meaning you get to see and experience authentic Bhutanese culture. Bhutan shows off a beautiful tradition in the form of festivals and they are pretty fond of cultural celebrations as they celebrate festivals all around the year. Bhutan is packed with iconic monasteries, Dzongs, and Forrest which will intimidate visitors with their majestic beauty.
Bhutan has a total number of 20 districts and there are at least 2 striking monasteries present, perfectly preserved in each community. A proud fact of Bhutan is that it is the only carbon-negative country in the world meaning you will get fresh crisp air everywhere you go. The fresh environment will refresh you from within.
Bhutan is full of adventure and extraordinary activities full of thrilling vistas and whole new experiences. Everything about Bhutan fascinates people: its culture, food, tradition, and the most beautiful nature. During your Bhutan cultural tour, you will explore the prominent and glorious landmarks that Bhutan has to offer. People visit Bhutan not just to see the beauty but also to explore themselves in the spiritual journey. Bhutan houses some of the significant Buddhist monuments that you will visit. To reach these monasteries you need to hike as they are located on top of cliffs with mind-boggling architectural designs. This place is a paradise if you are into architecture and history. It is a great opportunity to meet new people and get along with them and blend with their culture and tradition as a form of appreciation, so take advantage of the perfect opportunity.
Throughout your 8 days trip to Bhutan, you will be accompanied by a certified tour guide who will help you with all the necessary information related to the heritage site and the country. If you have any questions regarding the history and its tradition feel free to ask your guide as they will be more than happy to share the information. Regardless of your short time you will have fun and get a lifetime experience with a refreshment.
Bhutan Cultural Tour Attractions
Bhutan is a mysterious country with some of the most remarkable and impressive landmarks. Bhutan has a lot to offer to its visitors from pristine nature to century-old history and Bhutan’s proud culture. Once at the place you will be fascinated by the rich culture and vibrant traditions. If you are into art and peculiar history then Bhutan is for you. The endless mountain chains, pristine nature, and well-preserved cultures will catch your attention right away. Along the dramatic landmarks, there are the most sacred and religious sites that you will visit. As Bhutan boasts its Buddhist culture you will get to see and experience lots of Buddhist traditions and practices. The hypnotic chanting of the monks and enchanting religious structures will spellbind you with their divine energy.
Tachogang Lhakhang is located along the Paro-Thimphu highway before Chhuzom and right after Isuna village. Tachogang or Tachog meaning ‘’Temple of the hill of the Excellent Horse’’ was built by a great architected and revered saint named Thangtong Gyalpo (1385-1464). It is said that he saw a vision of a spiritual horse at the very place while meditating, thus the temple was built. This temple is not just known for its spiritual meaning but also known for the iconic bridge made out of the iron chain. The suspension bridge is covered with plenty of prayer flags making it a perfect place for amazing pictures. This place is a great location as you can see the snow-capped mountains and the valley from the exact location.
Tashichho Dzong locally known as Thimphu Dzong is the biggest landmark in Thimphu valley. It is a fortress located on the northern edge of the main city, Thimphu, on the western banks of the Wang Chhu river. Tashichho Dzong is also called the ‘’Fortress of the Glorious Religion’’ standing tall just 2 kilometers away from the main city of Thimphu. This building not only captures visitors' attention but also has a fascinating history related to it. This impressive building houses the throne room of the King of the country and other important government personnel.
Explore Thimphu
The National Library was established in 1967 to preserve the literary treasure of the nation. The true purpose of the construction of the library was to protect and promote the rich culture and religious heritage of Bhutan. The national library was in the central tower of the Tashichho Dzong and later moved to its present building located in the Changangkha area of Thimphu. All the scriptures and documents collections are considered the national treasure and fundamental sources for Bhutanese history, religion, ancient medicine, world-class art and culture.
Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the mini zoo is a natural preserve for the national animal of Bhutan that is Takin. It was originally a mini zoo, but it was converted into Takin preserve later. The zoo contained a few numbers of Takin, The King then later decreed that it was improper to captivate animals as it is a Buddhist country. The preserve is a forested preserve area that mimics the natural habitat of the Takins. In addition, there are other wild animals besides Takin such as Musk deer, Barking deer inside the preserve that you can get to see. There are plans to expand the area and include other rare animals found in Bhutan. Currently, they have added other rare animals such as Red Panda and Himalayan Serow.
Dochula Pass is a mountain pass within Bhutan on the road from Thimphu to Punakha where there are 108 Chortens or Stupas. It is located at an altitude of 3150m meaning you get a stunning view of the valley and the snow capped mountains on a sunny day. The Dochula Pass is about 30 km away from the capital city of Thimphu and the road to Punakha. This is one of the most popular stops to take a break and have a cup of refreshing tea. The pass offers a spectacular view of the lush green valley along with the endless mountain chains. People also go for a short hike around the pass as it is surrounded by a dense forest.
Punakha Awaiting!
Punakha Dzong or the Pungtang Dechen Phortang Dzong is located at the junction of two major rivers of Bhutan Mo Chhu (Mother) and Pho Chhu (Father) a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The Dzong was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel Wangchuk in 1638. It is the second largest and second oldest Dzong present in Bhutan. And every year this Dzong plays host to the annual Punakha Tshechu festival which is adored by the locals and is the perfect attraction for tourists. The walls of the iconic landmark are full of religious murals that portray the teaching and beauty of Bhutanese art.
Talo Sanga Choling (2800) is an important Drukpa Kagyu monastery located near Paro, Bhutan. To reach Talo Sanga Choling one has to take a diversion off the main road toward the secondary road before Kuruthang. The Monastery was founded by the Kongtrul Jigme Singye, the 4th reincarnation of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. It is one of the prominent monasteries in the country as it is directly related to the mind manifestation of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and it is also known as the Talo Geompa.
Chimi Lhakhang or the Fertility Temple is located in the Punakha district near Lobesa, it stands on a round hillock and was built in 1499 by the 4th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel after getting blessed by the revered saint ‘’Divine Madman’’. The temple is located 10 km away from the Punakha near a village called Sopsokha from where one has to walk around 20 minutes through agricultural fields of mustard and paddy. Beautiful prayer flags are lined all along the road to the temple which is called Yowakha. All the houses in the village have paintings of Phalluses on the exterior walls.
Chendebji Chorten (2411m) also called the Chorten Charo Kasho is en route to Trongsa and is patterned after Kathmandu’s Boudhanath stupa, with eyes painted in all four directions of the stupa. The Chorten was built by the Lama Shinda from Tibet in the 19th century. It is believed that the Chorten is built on the exact spot where an evil spirit was subdued by the Lama.
Trongsa Dzong or the Choekhor Rabdentse is one of the largest and most impressive Dzongs in Bhutan. It is located on a cliff overlooking the Mangde Chhu river gorge. Trongsa means new village in Dzongkha (the official Bhutanese language). The massive comprises a series of remarkable courtyards and passageways that are built along the topography of the ridge. This place also hosts five days long Trongsa Tshechu in the northern courtyard of the Dzong each year during December and January. The festival celebrates the triumph of Buddhism over the evil force. The most interesting part of the festival is the masked dancer and the unveiling of a huge Thangka painting of Guru Rinpoche and other sacred deities.
Gangtey Attractions
Gangtey Goemba (3000m) generally known as Gangtey Gonpa or Ganteng monastery is located in Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag in central Bhutan, Phobjikha valley. This monastery is associated with the Nyingma school of Buddhism and was established in 1613 by Peling Gyalse Rinpoche, the grandson of the great treasure discoverer, Trenton Pema Lingpa. This place not only has religious values but also provides a perfect view of the magnificent Phobjikha valley.
Phobjikha valley (2900m) is a wide glacial valley located near the Gangtey monastery. This valley is known for being the winter home of the rare Tibetan Black Necked cranes. These glorious birds migrate from the arid plains of Tibet to roost in the more comfortable climate in Phobjikha valley. The valley is situated at an elevation of 2900m above sea level making it a more suitable climate for the cranes compared to the harsh extremes of Tibet. A part of the valley lies in the Black Mountain National Park. while visiting part one must not miss the Black crane information center as you will be provided with all the necessary information. If you travel to Bhutan in November you will get to see these wonderful birds.
Simtokha Dzong is a small Dzong located approximately 5 kilometers south of Thimphu. Simtokha is officially called Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang which roughly translates to the palace of the profound meaning of secret Mantras. It was built in 1629 and was constructed by the legendary Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in Bhutan. The building is currently used as the institute for Language and cultural studies which is attended by monks and common people. Besides being one of the heritage sites it has a fascinating mythology as well. It is said that it was built on top of a demon's stomach as the derived word Sunmo (demon), Do (Stomach), and Kha (On)- the Dzong on top of the demon’s stomach.
Paro Attractions
Taktsang Monastery (3120m) commonly known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is the most iconic and sacred Buddhist monastery in the world. This dazzling monastery hangs precisely and magically from a rather cliff. This monastery is a monument of genuine pride and spiritual significance for all the Buddhist people and the country as well. It defies the ideal architectural principles to the core and amazes tourists from all over the world. To see this monastery with your own eyes requires a challenging hike making it the most rewarding hike adored by all. It is considered one of the most prominent monasteries in Bhutan as it is directly associated with one of the revered saints in Buddhism.
Rinpung Dzong also known as the Paro Dzong is probably the best and most iconic Dzong in Bhutan. This is the first landmark you'll notice as soon as you land at the Paro International airport. It will be the first thing you see and the first memory. The imposing Dzong is perhaps the finest example of glorious architecture existing in the world today. The massive buttered white walls dominated the entire valley with its majestic beauty. To reach the actual building one has to cross the traditional bridge over a beautiful river called Nemizaram, a stone-paved path that runs alongside the imposing outer wall of infrastructure.
Kyichu Lhakhang locally known as the Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples of all since it was built in the 7th century. The temple was built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 temples built by him to subdue a demon that was terrorizing the people of the Himalayas. It is believed that the temple was built overnight. This temple is visited by several revered saints including Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. It is considered an essential pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists as it is known to be the holiest temple and sacred.
What to Expect from Bhutan Cultural tour?
Throughout this Bhutan Cultural trip, you get 8 days to explore the mysterious country. The country will welcome you with its best aerial view of the country while landing from the aircraft. As your pilot announces to the aircraft you will see the mysterious country under the thin layer of cloud. As soon as you get out of the aircraft you will notice the fresh and pollution free around you. Finish with your airport formality and baggage collection, you will see your local tour guide waiting for you. You will notice your guide from a distance as they will welcome you, fully dressed in traditional attire. The first thing you will notice at Paro is the majestic Paro Dzong that outshines the entire valley.
After you meet and greet with your guide and driver make your way to one of the major cities of Bhutan that is Thimphu where you will visit a few sights and stay overnight. The roads of Bhutan don't have any traffic lights yet no traffic jams making your drive smooth and comfortable. Without wasting your precious time you will visit some of the attractions and sights to get a glimpse of the country. Following days you will be flabbergasted with all things you see and experience. You will visit the imposing landmarks which will intimidate you with their divine energy and intricate Bhutanese craftsmanship. Not just one but you will explore most of the popular destinations of Bhutan and most importantly your local guide will give you all the information related to the sights and its historical background. Bhutan embraces its culture by protecting its century-old heritage which is now the pillar of the most distinctive folklore.
A Private Trip in Bhutan
Visit the mentioned attraction full of life and opportunity to learn about this peculiar country. Your perspective on this county will change after you see the place for yourself. Bhutan is amongst the happiest countries in the world so you have the perfect chance to know the secrets of being happy. Try the delicious food and enjoy your time to the fullest, you will be served spicy food as they love chilis and their traditional dish is called the Ema Datshi which you can get almost everywhere you go. Back to the heritage sites, they will be beautifully decorated with religious items like prayer flags and all. The beautiful history engraved in each crevasse of the structure can be seen and captured in your camera.
Last, but not least you will go on a breathtaking hike to the most iconic monastery in the world hanging on the edge of a cliff - Taktsang Lhakhang otherwise known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To get on top, one has to hike for about 2-3 hours according to one's physical fitness. You will go through a dense alpine forest to get a panoramic view of the valley. After completing the hike visit a few more attractions and end your adventurous day with a traditional hot stone bath and traditional dinner with your guide as a farewell. The memories you will carry out of this county will forever be with you and inspire you to travel more. Visit the local market and collect souvenirs to take back home, this concludes your 8 days trip. We hope you will enjoy your trip to Bhutan.