Bhutan Cultural Tour
A step back in time
Tengboche Temple, Everest Base Camp Trek
The elite Kingdom of Bhutan is renowned for it’s immaculate preservation of culture, customs and unclimbed sacred peaks over 7,000m. This is an extraordinary place to visit – an untouched world!
This is a once in a lifetime trip but does come with a price tag. The King of Bhutan is determined to preserve his elite haven and thus the government has taken great measure to preserve the nation’s traditions, cultures and identity. This includes an expensive visa cost (per day which does include a package deal with local guide, food, permits and accommodation) but unfortunately is not so ‘backpacker friendly’ for independent travellers on a shoestring budget thus the only way to travel here is by an organised tour. This ensures Bhutanese nationals are used as guides and it is far more regulated than tourism in other parts of the Himalayas & Asia.
‘The Dragon Kingdom’ is often referred to as the last Shangri-la due to it’s unspoiled Buddhist culture and pristine environment. A very peaceful place, with few cars and a relaxed way of life that ranks very highly on the ‘Gross National Happiness’ scale! You will be welcomed by local ceremonies, visit the colourful dzongs (fortresses), sample interesting classic Bhutanese cuisine of chillies & cheese. Visit It’s well-preserved villages with their interesting architecture and local monasteries hanging on crazy cliff bands - an experience that can only be found in Bhutan!
Trek Itinerary
- Day 1
- Arrive Kathmandu
Pick-up from airport, transfer to hotel, trek briefing.
Welcome dinner at Kathmandu’s finest Nepali restaurant.
- Day 2
- Kathmandu - Half Day City Tour/Sightseeing
Visit the ancient temples and monuments of old Kathmandu.
Lunch and Trek Briefing with free time for sightseeing.
- Day 3
- Fly to Paro
Orientation and introduction to Bhutan.
- Day 4
- Cultural Tour in Bhutan
Sight-seeing in the Paro valley visitng the most iconic Dzong in Bhutan – Taktsang ‘The Tiger’s Lair’.
- Day 5
- Cultural Tour in Bhutan
Visit the cute Bhutanese capital of Thimphu.
- Day 6
- Cultural Tour in Bhutan
Visit the 17th Century Monastery of Gangtey.
- Day 7
- Fly Paro to Kathmandu stay in Hotel Tibet
Relax in this traditional Tibetan guesthouse and go out, explore some excellent restaurants in this iconic city.
- Day 8
- Free day sightseeing in Kathmandu
Further explore Kathmandu – Patna, the monkey temple or Pushpinath (where hindus worship their dead on burning ghats).
- Day 9
- Departure
Onward travel or return home to catch-up with friends and family.