5Days Cultural Packages – BIEBS Tours and Travel

Cultural & Heritage Packages

4N/5D

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, Paro –Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha
Day 03: Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Paro
Day 04: Paro
Day 05: Departure from Paro

Day -1 (Arrive Par, Paro – Thimphu)

Desc: During the clear weather, Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, it is a breathtaking journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom. On arrival at Paro airport, our representative will receive you. On completion of airport formalities, drive of about 2 hours’ duration to Thimphu the capital town of Bhutan via scenic route with fresh clean air. Stop en route at Chuzom (Confluence) at the entrance to the Paro valley, where the Paro and Thimphu.

On arrival to Thimphu, check into hotel and have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine. After that, visit the Thimphu Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan, is also the seat of the office of the King of Bhutan followed by National Memorial Chorten which is built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Thereafter, drive up to Kuenselphodrang, where the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha is located.It one of the largest statue of Buddha in the world. You can enjoy the night walking around Thimphu Town after dinner or free evening afterdinner.

Day -2 (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.

Day – 3 (Punakha – Wangduephordang -Paro)

Desc:- Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, when the seat of government moved to Thimphu. Originally situated on the riverbank and dominated by the towering walls of Punakha Dzong, the township was relocated to a safer site a few kilometers down the valley, consequent upon extensive flooding in the early 1990s. At the same time, extensive renovation work was undertaken on Punakha Dzong itself, which is now a breathtaking and glorious sight as you first glimpse it from the road. Although four catastrophic fires and an earthquake in past times destroyed many historic documents, Punakha Dzong still houses many sacred and historic artifacts and also the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Later drive to Wangduephodrang, the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. Situated on a ridge overlooking a river junction, the formidable Wangduephodrang Dzong is the town’s most visible feature. In the 17th century, Wangdue played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country. Also visit the local market (Bajo Town). After lunch drive to Paro, visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. This dzong was built in 1627, is one of the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies. Arrive Paro and check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day – 4 (Paro)

Desc:- The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions. In the morning, visit Ta Dzong (museum). Once a watchtower, built to defend 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 – 5 (Departure from Paro)

Desc:- After breakfast, drive to Paro 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