Bhutan Culture Tour

Bhutan Culture Tour 14 Days

Trip Code : SR/T-02

Accomodation : Hotel

Trip Duration : 14 Days

Grading : Easy

Maximum Altitude : 3250m.

Activity : Cultural wonders

Best Season : OCT - MAY

Overview

Bhutan is a most mysterious country in the world and a traveler’s paradise. The kingdom, often referred to as the last Shangri-la, is a land of outstanding people, remarkable scenery and natural wonders, and a proud and vibrant culture. This special package of Alpine Himalaya Friendship Treks gives you cultural and natural exposure to Bhutan's rugged terrain and steep mountain valleys. Visit the monasteries, dzongs, temples, chortens and museums. A predominantly Buddhist country, Bhutan fiercely guards its traditional mode of life from outside influence. Bhutan retains the religious tradition of Tantric Mahayana Buddhism.

Our cultural tour through Nepal and Bhutan starts at Kathmandu valley with visiting through world heritage site of Kathmandu and fly to Bhutan. In Bhutan starts our Tour at the Paro Valley, with famous Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery of Bhutan. Visit Thimphu, the capital city and then drive on to the central Bhutan across picturesque Valley. We also visit Punakha with unique Bhutanese culture and lifestyle, likewise beautiful Valley of Trongsa with its most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. An excursion into the Gangtey Valley will pass through dense forests of fir, hemlock, oak trees and rhododendrons.

Highlights

Enjoy the view of mountains and beautiful landscape
Visit the monasteries, dzongs, temples, chortens and museums
Explore the both Nepali and Bhutanese culture within a trip
Fantastic flight from Kathmandu to Paro along over the Himalaya
Sightseeing tour of Historical, Cultural, and religious UNESCO Heritages sites of Kathmandu valley.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Nepal and Namaste!

On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from our office will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel and help you check in. You will then be briefed about your daily activities. In the evening, we have welcome dinner and we'll talk a little about Nepal and our program. (-/-/D)

Day 2: ightseeing in Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swyembhunath)

lso known as Kantipur, the capital Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal's art and culture. It is a place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments. Kathmandu Durbar Square with its arrays of temples and the ancient palaces of the former Nepali Royals enriches your experience of the centuries old civilization. Then afternoon we drive to holy place of Buddhist, Swayambhunath said to be around 2000 years old, and this Buddhist Stupa sits on the top of hill. The main stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The hill of Swayambhu is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. We will get a scenic view of Kathmandu city from there. (B/L/D)

Day 3: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (Pashupatinath, Baudhanath and Patan)

First of all we visit the hindu temple Pashupatinath, which is one of the oldest Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is for the Hindus what Mecca is for the Muslims. Situated on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple was built in Pagoda Style with gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February or March. We also be able to see cremation grounds that lie on the bank of Bagmati behind the temple. Then we drive to the holiest place of Buddhist, Boudhanath Stupa one of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal. Boudhanath is one of the holiest structures imposing a height of 37 meters with three massive level Mandala style platforms. It is surrounded by colorful buildings housing families creating a friendly enclosure. The Stupa is visited every year by tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Then afternoon we visit Patan City, Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. A destination for connoisseurs of fine arts, Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Flight from Kathmandu to Paro

Flight to paro crossing over the Himalaya, which offers spectacular views of many mountains including Mt. Everest, likewise beautiful landscapes, particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing at Paro airport. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by local guide by Bhutan. Afternoon you will visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower which now houses the National Museum, Paro Rimpung Dzong, en route visit Kichu Lhakhang and in the evening you will drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, if weather is clear you can experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Chomolhari (7,314 m). (B/L/D)

Day 5: Sightseeing in Paro and drive to Thimphu.

After breakfast you walk to Taktsang Monastery Bhutans most famous, known as Tiger`s Nest Monastery, which is built during the 17 century, where the great saint Padmasambhava came during the 8th centaury on a flying tigress and meditated in this cave. After exploring the monastery you descend back to Paro and after lunch drive to Thimpu, and visit the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honor of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Built in a typical Tibetan style, there are numerous religious paintings and the complex tantric statues. Then visit to Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan and Changkha Monastery, where the new born child of Thimphu valley are taken to receive first blessing from a High Lama. Before sun set drive to Sangay gang view point (2685m.) to have view of whole Thimphu valley and walk through hundreds of colorful prayer flags. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Sightseeing in Thimpu.

After Breakfast you will hike to Tango Monastery. The trail Tango is a climb of 280 meters and it takes an hour to reach the monastery. Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa founded the monastery in 12th century. The present building was built in 15th century by the “Divine madman”. This is one of the best places for meditation. After lunch, visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).You can visit in different class rooms, where different students follow a comprehensive course that starts with drawing and progresses through painting, wood and slate curving, and statue making. Next you visit Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. In the evening, you visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). In 1216 the lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa built Dohon (Blue Stone) Dzong on the hill above Thimphu Where Dechen Phodrang now stands. At present days, it is a seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). You stay overnight at hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 7: Drive to Punakha and sightseeing.

After breakfast you will drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3100m.), where you can see 108 Bhutanese Stupas. If the weather is clear you can see also all Himalays Ranges with all snow covered mountains. Further drive to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is situated between the two rivers and it is one of the biggest rivers in Bhutan. We have to walk through the suspension bridge to reach the Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). In the evening short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Drive to Trongsa via Wangduephodrang.

After early breakfast, drive to Trongsa. En route sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang including visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong, which built in 1638. Drive further and cross over Pelela Pass at 3250m, where you can visit also the Chendebji Monastery. You stay overnight at hotel in Trongsa. (B/L/D)

Day 9: Sightseeing in and around Trongsa.

After breakfast, visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive dzong in Bhutan, built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family and first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. You will visit also Ta Dzong (Previous watch Tower to the Dzong) and have the view of whole Trongsa valley including Dzong. If you are interested make a shot hike to the village and explore the culture and lifestyle of local people. In the evening you find leisure time to go around the Trongsa Small Town. You stay overnight at hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Drive to Wangdiphodrang via Gangtey.

Today you can enjoy sightseeing in Gangtey. After arly breakfast, drive to Wangdiphodrang via Gangtey. You take lunch at Gangtey valley. It is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys of the Himalayas. Visit Gangtey Gompa from outside. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. These cranes are very rare and endangered and highly protected by the Government. These cranes fly to Phobjikha valley which is their winter Habitat. You can watch the cranes. En route you will stop in different places for the photography and have the view of different valleys. You stay overnight in hotel at Wangdiphodrang. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Drive to Paro via Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu and visit Simthokha Dzong. It is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. Next you visit Bhutanese Traditional paper making Factory. After lunch drive to Paro. You stay overnight in hotel at Paro. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Flight to Kathmandu.

You have once again chance to experience Himalaya Mountains by air. Druck Air brings you along the mountain with stunning view of Himalaya to the Kathmandu. After arrival we drive to the Hotel. Afternoon you can relax at Hotel or go for shopping. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Sightseeing of Bhaktapur Durbar square and Changunarayan Templ

We drive about 15 km west to Bhaktapur (Bhatgaon), also known as city of devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. This place was founded in the 9th Century and is shaped like a conch shell. In Bhadgaon, we will visit the Durbar Square with its array of temples overlooked by the Palace of 55 windows built by King BupatindraMalla. The Nyatapola Temple, also built by King BhupatindraMalla, is the best example of Pagoda style. Then and visit the Changu Narayan temple, the oldest Hindu temples of the valley, and is believed to be constructed in the 4th century. Changu Narayan is the name of Vishnu, and the Temple is dedicated to him. Both Bhaktapur and Changunarayan are listed as world heritage site by UNESCO. (B/L/D)

Day 14: Depature from Kathmandu and arrival in yours Homeland (B/-/-)

Depature from Kathmandu and arrival in yours Homeland (B/-/-)

What's Include

All airport/hotel transfers
Accommodation in Kathmandu (4 stars hotel)
All meal Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide and entrance fees as per Itinerary
Transport for sightseeing in private vehicle
Bhutan Visa Fee
Kathmandu to Paro to Kathmandu flight
Hotel/Lodge accommodation including full board during Bhutan tour
English speaking Bhutanese Guide and transport with driver
All entrance fees in Bhutan as per Itinerary
Alpine Himalaya Friendship Treks Trekking luggage (yours to keep)
All government taxes and office service charge in Nepal and Bhutan

What's not Include

Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate US $ 40 cash and two passport photographs)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Travel and rescue insurance
All bar bills like Alcohol, cold drink and hot drinks, except tea or coffee with breakfast
Cost differences in the case of early return from the Tour than the scheduled itinerary
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu, if early arrival, late departure, and early return from the Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry etc.)
Tips for guide and Drivers