11Days Cultural Packages – BIEBS Tours and Travel

Cultural & Heritage Packages

10N/11D

About Tour

Bhutan is the only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric form as its official religion, is known as a country of devout Buddhists, the teachings of Buddhism remain strong in all aspects of people’s life even today.

Cultural heritage is an extremely important aspect of Bhutan and is one of the four pillars of Gross National Happiness Bhutan has long maintained a policy of strict isolationism, both culturally and economically, with the goal of preserving its cultural heritage and independence. Only in the last decades of the 20th century were foreigners allowed to visit the country, and only then in limited numbers. In this way, Bhutan has successfully preserved many aspects of its culture, which dates directly back to the mid-17th century.

The country retains its own unique traditions, and large numbers of cultural heritage and traditional techniques still play a significant role in people’s everyday lives. Typical tangible cultural heritage in Bhutan includes Dzong (building doubles as prefectural office and monastic center), Lhakhang (temples), Gompa (monastery), Chorten (Buddhist stupa), and old folk houses. Movable assets are represented by Buddhist-related such as Buddhist statues, paintings and scriptures. The most well-known intangible cultural heritage are a Tibetan Buddhist mask dance called Cham, a yearly festival called Tsechu, and traditional arts and crafts such as textiles.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 01: Arrive Paro
Day 02: Paro
Day 03: Paro – Thimphu
Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha
Day 05: Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Gangtey (Phobjikha)
Day 06: Gangtey – Trongsa
Day 07: Trongsa – Bumthang
Day 08: Bumthang
Day 09: Bumthang – Thimphu
Day 10: Thimphu – Paro
Day 11: Departure from Paro

Day -1 (Arrive Par, Paro)

Desc:- The flight from Druk Airlines to Bhutan on a clear day is one of the most spectacular flights in the entire Himalayas. Whether flying over the Himalayas from Kathmandu or over the hills of Kolkata, every flight is a fascinating experience . Bhutan Travel provides the beautiful view of snow-capped Mount Everest, Makalu and other peaks of Bhutan such as jomolhari and jichu drake. Once descending at the Paro airport and completing all the immigration and customs formalities, our representative will welcome you and take you to the hotel in Paro. in the evening, take a stroll around Paro’s market and town. Stay the night at the hotel in Paro.

Day -2 (Paro)

Desc:- The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions. In the morning after breakfast, visit Ta Dzong (museum). Once a watchtower, built todefend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. Then, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, with long and fascinating history. After lunch, drive up the valley to the Drukgyel Dzong, This dzong (fortress) was built in the 16th century to commemorate a victory over the invading Tibetan forces. In 1951, the Dzong was consumed by fire. Despite the calamity, the Dzong still maintains its glory to these days. It is about 15 km from Paro town.

While on the way back visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the kingdom. In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse where you will get an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn about their lifestyle. After that take an evening stroll along the main street of Paro town filled with handicrafts shops and modern cafes and other shops, or take refreshments at a local café or bar. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day – 3 (Paro – Thimphu)

Desc:- After breakfast, set off for Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Stop en route at Chuzom (Confluence) at the entrance to the Paro valley, where the Paro and Thimphu rivers meet. Three chortens on the riverbank at this place, each in a different style, mark the confluence of the two rivers. Visit Semtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the kingdom, shortly before reaching Thimphu. Afternoon sightseeing in Thimphu, visiting the National Memorial Chorten, majestic Tashichhodzong, the Handicrafts Emporium and the main shopping area. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.s with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.

Day – 4 (Thimphu – Punakha)

Desc:- Breakfast at hotel and then head to The National Institute for Zurig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where a six-year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Also visit (outside only) the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Visit the Bhutan Textile Museum, a display of exquisite Bhutanese textiles from the 1600s to the present day and privately owned crafts shops, which offer a wide range of handcrafted products, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous. After lunch, visit the Folk Heritage and then head to Punakha in the early evening, drive over Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft), stop at Douchula where you will see the 108 chortens which was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over indian militants and to liberate the souls of the souls lost. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. the Khamsum Yuley Namgyal Chorten, a monument dedicated to the King of Bhutan. The next stop will be Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, An almost 250 m long suspension bridge across the Phochu river.

Day – 5 (Punakha – Wangduephordang – Gangtey)

Desc:- In the morning, explore Phobjikha valley its best-known marshland in Bhutan, is popular for its scenic splendour and cultural uniqueness. The valley is rich in faunal biodiversity and home to the rare Black-Necked Crane that has made Phobjikha its winter home for centuries. The birds fly in from Tibet in October and November and leave just before spring. After lunch drive to Trongsa, crossing Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830ft). Evening visit to Trongsa market. Overnight at Trongsa.

After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang, where we will visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong, stretched along a spur at the confluence of two rivers. visit a local village house, to gain insight into the lifestyle of the people. Then drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha valley. In the evening, take a stroll around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the kingdom. Overnight at guest house, or camp under the stars.

Day – 6 (Gangtey – Trongsa)

Desc:- In the morning, explore Phobjikha valley its best-known marshland in Bhutan, is popular for its scenic splendour and cultural uniqueness. The valley is rich in faunal biodiversity and home to the rare Black-Necked Crane that has made Phobjikha its winter home for centuries. The birds fly in from Tibet in October and November and leave just before spring. After lunch drive to Trongsa, crossing Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830ft). Evening visit to Trongsa market. Overnight at Trongsa.

Day – 7 (Trongsa – Bumthang)

Desc:- Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, one of its key landmarks of Trongsa is Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan. Constructed in 1644 and located on the top of an imposing hill, this dzong creates an impressive sight for miles around. Then see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.After lunch drive to Trongsa, crossing Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830ft). Evening visit to Trongsa market. Overnight at Trongsa.

Day – 8 (Bumthang)

Desc:- Bumthang is the general name given to a group of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura, with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000m (8,530-13,125ft). This area is home to many ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, which contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Later on visit Jakar Dzong, “the castle of the white bird”, the administrative center of the region. In the afternoon, visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche meditated here, and later on Jambey Lhakhang which was erected in the 7th century, when Buddhism was first introduced into Bhutan. Evening visit to local shops. Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day – 9 (Bumthang – Thimphu)

Desc:- After an early morning visit to Bumthang’s market & Weaving houses. It is famous for its wool weavers, and it is possible to watch the work in action. Set off on the 7 hours drive back to Thimphu, taking lunch en route at a famous restaurant in Trongsa town. Then drive on through the mountains and down to Wangduephodrang, a short break for tea/coffee before proceeding on the final stage of our journey to Thimphu. Check in at the hotel after arrival, dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day – 10 (Thimphu – Paro)

Desc:- Free morning in Thimphu for shopping and leisure, then after lunch drive to Paro for an overnight stay OR Drive to Paro early morning for hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) Precariously perched on the edge of a 1,200 meter cliff, this monastery creates an impressive sight, and is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan. It is about a 2-to-3-hour, totally uphill hike from the parking lot to the monastery.

Day – 11 (Departure from Paro)

Desc:- Early breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Inclusion and Exclusion

What’s included:

Accommodation at 3 star hotel, Double room on twin sharing basis
Single room supplement is additional of USD 45 per night per room
All three meals at designated restaurants or hotels (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants)
Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
English speaking A qualified & licensed guide
A tour vehicle & an experienced driver
Entry fees & road permits
Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
Visa fee and processing charges
Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip

What’s excluded

Airfare to and from Bhutan (can be arranged with us)
Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels
Travel or health insurance
Wire transfer/Telephone expenses
Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
Expenditure of personal nature
Laundry
Gratuity/Tip for guides and driver