Central Cultural Tour
Bhutan Tour

Central Cultural Tour

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Trip Facts

  • Max Altitude N/A
  • Grade N/A
  • Duration 09 Days
  • Group Size N/A

Overview

One of the mesmerizing tours that let you explore the unique heritage and culture along with the natural landscape of Bhutan. Bhutan is a small kingdom on the Himalayas ‘ eastern edge popular for its monasteries and Buddhist culture. It is a landlocked country in the eastern Himalayas bordered by Tibet in the north and India in the south-east and west. However, Travelers define Bhutan as a religious, pleasant valley that exists together with nature. Center cultural tour in Bhutan is a journey to explore several cultural places in Bhutan. Bhutan Central Cultural Tour is rather popular among visitors of any group. There are plenty of monasteries and Gompas to visit during this tour. Besides, one can explore the typical life of Bhutanese people along with their natural landscapes. Thus, this tour draws a lot of attraction from tourists because of its diverse culture and monasteries.

Cultural Tour

The tour starts with the scenic flight of the high Himalayas and lush green valley to Paro International Airport. Our representative will pick you up at Paro International Airport. From Paro, we will proceed to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Thimphu offers you various monasteries and Buddhist culture. It is the main center of commerce, religion, and Government. Likewise, from Thimphu, we will make our way to another beautiful valley in Gangtey and Bumthang. Gangtey is known as Phobjikha valley whereas Bumthang is regarded as the cultural Heartland of Bhutan. This place carries its own significance. However, the cultural tour in Bhutan is not only based on cultural exploration, but also on natural landscapes such as the amazing scenery of Mt Chomolhari.  Moreover, the Central Cultural tour in Bhutan let you explore the major valleys in Bhutan. 

Throughout the journey, you will be visiting the prime places of Bhutan such as Ta Dzong, an antique watchtower, which serves as a National Museum of Bhutan, and Rinpung Dzong in Paro. Similarly, you will get a glimpse of Taktsang monastery on your way back to Paro again. On the other hand, Thimphu offers you the Takin home of Bhutan’s national animals, where you can explore flora and fauna. Likewise, Tashi Choe Dzong, centenary farmers’ markets, crafts bazaars, and the institute of traditional medicine in Thimphu are the major attraction in Thimphu. Besides, explore Probjikha valley along with Gangtey gompa in Gangtey and move to the cultural heartland of Bhutan- Bumthang. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang in Bumthang. The round trip again comes back to Thimphu and ends in Paro. Therefore, during your trip to Bhutan, you will encounter several monasteries and cultures influenced by Buddhism.

9 Days Bhutan Tour

The duration of this tour will be 8 days. The suitable season for this tour will be all year round. You can experience the stunning landscapes of Bhutan along with its Himalayas. You can encounter people, places, and the joy of festivals and events during this trek.  Moreover, the journey is filled with memories and amazing culture and festivals of Bhutanese people. The festivals bring out the joy of celebration. Anyone traveling for the first time finds Bhutan an amusing place to visit. The warm and friendly environment, the culture and landscapes, as well as the gompas and monasteries make Bhutan worth visiting. Therefore, this tour not only makes you abundant but lets you experience the lifelong culture, tradition, ancient monasteries as well as Bhutanese lifestyle.

Trip facts

Tour Name: Central Bhutan Cultural Tour

Duration: 9 days

Country: Bhutan

Season: All around the year

Transportation: Flights/ comfortable rides

Accommodation: Hotels, Guesthouse, Lodges

Start and end city: Paro

Itinerary

Day 01

Arrive Paro

The central cultural tour to Bhutan starts with your arrival at Paro International Airport. Our Airport representative will pick you up from the airport and escort you to Paro town for Lunch. After Lunch, you will be visiting Ta Dzong, which is 5km from Paro. It is an antique watchtower and serves as a National Museum of Bhutan. In addition to this, you can explore one of the oldest temples in Bhutan Kyichu Lhakhang. Later, you will proceed to Rinpung Dzong. Tshechu, an annual festival is held in Rinpung Dzong. Finally, our representative will transfer you to the capital of Bhutan. The distance between Paro to Thimphu is 50km which takes about 1 hr 20 min drive excluding the stops. On the other hand, Thimphu is a commercial and government city in Bhutan.

On your way to Thimphu, you can enjoy the landscapes, Lush Green valley rivers as well as natural vegetation. Overnight at Thimphu hotel.

Day 02

Thimphu Sightseeing

Today we will explore the capital of Bhutan- Thimphu. Thimphu is home to 100000 inhabitants including the royal family. The capital has a lot to offer to tourists. Thimphu is a wonderful place that offers you the typical Bhutanese Life as well as the uniqueness of the culture. We will explore several places in Thimphu such as Buddha’s viewpoint for the incredible view of the whole Thimphu city. Next on the list to do in Thimphu is to visit Takin-home of Bhutan’s national animals. Furthermore, you can see the animals gathered around the fences if you travel here early in the morning. On the other hand, you can spare some time for Tashi Choe Dzong- the castle of illustrious religion originally constructed in 1641. It was later rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960s.

After lunch, we can explore centenary farmers’ markets, crafts bazaars, and institute traditional medicine in Thimphu. Likewise, you can visit the 300-year-old traditional house that is now converted into a museum. Therefore, Thimphu is a prime city of tourist attraction and thousands of visitors yearly enjoy being in this city. Overnight at Thimphu

Day 03

Thimphu to Gangtey

Early morning after breakfast we will drive from Thimphu to Gangtey Valley. Gangtey is a remarkably attractive glacial valley also called Phobjikha valley. The valley is at an altitude of 3000m on the west side by the black mountain range. We will drive for 4-5 hours covering a distance of 125km, making several stops on the way. From Thimphu, the road ascends to Dochula pass at an altitude of 3050m. Indeed, you will have an opportunity to view the stunning peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. On the other hand, descend through the forest of Rhododendron appearing into the semi-tropical forest of Banana, oranges to the highly cultivated valley of Wangdue. You will visit Wangdue Phodrang, one of the largest Dzongkha at an altitude from 800-5800m. This Dzongkha is home to many rare species. 

We will stop for lunch and after lunch, we will visit Punakha Dzong. It is an administrative center of the Punakha District. Last but not the least, we will drive towards Gangtey Gompa. This gompa is surrounded by a small village and traditional houses. Several festivals take place here in this monastery every year. Therefore, we will spend the evening enjoying the Bhutanese culture dance. We will spend our night at Gangtey.

Day 04

Gangtey to Bumthang

Today, bidding farewell to Gangtey you will set out for Bumthang. Bumthang presents you with plenty of ancient temples and monasteries. However, Bumthang is also a land of Lush forested valleys, protected monasteries, holy mountains, as well as art and architecture. The drive from Gangtey to Bumthang takes about 5 hours including the stops. Firstly, you will stop at Trongsa (2300m) for lunch. You can even spend some time roaming around Trongsa. After lunch, you can have good views of the Himalayas from Pele la Pass. It is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3432m.  Then, you will drive through the thick Rhododendron forest and green valleys. Above all, you will explore the magnificent Bumthang valley which embraces stone monasteries, traditional stone houses, and markets. In the evening you can stroll around the valley and explore the marketplace in Bumthang. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang

Day 05

Bumthang Sightseeing

When it is to the cultural tour, nothing can beat Bumthang as it has a lot of cultural sites to offer. Today we will be spending the rest of our day in Bumthang. Bumthang is regarded as the cultural heartland of Bhutan. Early in the morning, we will visit Jakar Dzong, also known as the “castle of the white bird”. It was initially built as a monastery but now is the center of administration of the Bumthang district. It offers a good view of the valley. Similarly, after descending downwards and crossing the suspension bridge you will reach Kharchhu Goemba. It is a Gomba where young monks polished their debating skills. When exploring Bumthang one must not miss Jambay Lhakhang. It is one of the oldest temples built in the 7th century and the 108th temple built by the Tibetian king to fight a demon.

On the other hand, our next destination will be Kurje Lhakhang, one of the sacred places in Bhutan. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave while meditating. Moreover, you will get to explore Tamshing Monastery, another oldest monastic school built by Terton Pema Lingpa and Kurjey Lhakhang. It is a place where Buddhist paintings are preserved. You can even spend your evening visiting some local shops in Bumthang.  Finally, after exploration of Bumthang, you will be spending the night at the lodge or hotel in Bumthang

Day 06

Bumthang to Thimphu

Early morning, after breakfast we will leave Bumthang and drive to Bumthang. The distance from Bumthang to Thimphu is 270 km. So, the drive today is going to be the longest one. You will be driving for around 8 hours excluding the stops. However, you can make some stops on the way to enjoy the scenario that the natures provide you. Not only this but you can even capture wonderful moments by taking pictures. On your way to Bumthang, you can stop at Chendebji Chorten. It is a stupa that is believed to cover the body of an evil spirit.  The style of this stupa is similar to that of the stupas in Nepal. Then your drive to Thimphu continues. In the evening you will reach the capital of Bhutan. Thus, you can enjoy your evening by visiting markets in Thimphu. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 07

Drive to Paro

Early in the morning after breakfast, we will drive from Thimphu to Paro. The distance from Thimphu to Paro is 50km which is approximately a 2-hour drive excluding stops. However, you can stop on the way to enjoy the scenario this drive offers with. The very first thing we will do in Paro is Paro Valley Sightseeing. Thus, you will be blessed with the stunning view of Mt Chomolhari. Later, you will visit Drugyel Dzong, a fortress and Buddhist monasteries located in the Paro district. It was destroyed by fire in the 1950s and is listed on Bhutan’s tentative list for UNESCO inclusion.  Similarly, you will continue your drive to Satsam Chorten and get the stunning sight of Taktsang monastery. Taktsang is also popular as a Tiger nest monastery located on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. Guru Padmasambhava meditates in this cave in the 8th century.

Later, you will drive to Rinpoche Dzong and the National Museum. The national museum in Bhutan is a cultural museum established in 1968 above Rinpoche Dzong. Therefore, you will get to explore several cultural places in Paro. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Day 08

Hike To Taktsang Monastery

Drive to Ramthongkha and then hike to the viewpoint of Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest (one and a half hours). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. The monastery, unfortunately, got burnt in 1998 but it has recently been reconstructed. OR Drive to Chelila Pass where you can see beautiful mountain ranges and rhododendron flowers in bloom. On the way back walk to Chila Nunnery.

Day 09

Departure

Today you will be Bidding farewell to your central cultural tour in Bhutan.  Early in the morning after breakfast, our Airport representative will drop you off to the Paro International Airport. We wish you for a happy and safe journey.

Note: B L D  = Breakfast, Lunch;
Please let us know whether you would like to make your itinerary shorter or longer. It can be designed according to your preferences.

 

Pricing

Price for Central Cultural Tour in different currency as follows:

Currency Pricing USD Euro AUD CAD Indian Rupees
Price per person N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

WANT TO KNOW LATEST DEALS ?
For latest offers & pricing for group & individual, please contact us.

Service Includes and Excludes

Service Included in this Trip

  • Private transportation
  • Necessary Bhutan travel permits
  • English speaking Bhutanese guide and Driver
  • Accommodation on Twin sharing/ Single room basis.
  • Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Meal plan: Full Board Basis
  • Bhutan Government Royalty fee ($ 65 per person / per day)
  • Bhutan Visa fee
  • Flight fare for Kathmandu- Paro- Kathmandu or from other destination.

Service Excluded in this Trip

  • Insurance of any kind.
  • Additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstance
  • Personal expenses such as drink, guide tips & etc.

Trip Info

Short Description Mode Of The Packages: What Are Included In The Packages

Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast at 2 to 3 stars level, Twin sharing comfortable and clean private room in trekking, both ways domestic flight tickets from KTM/Lukla/KTM, necessary permits, all the ground transportation by tourist vehicles, an experienced guide and porter and all the necessary permits.

Grade A: Easy *

Trekking is essentially day hiking and doesn’t require any special training. However, good physical condition, a love of walking, and a desire to enjoying the spectacular views of the mountains and encounter village life are essential. We offer a diverse range of easy treks. Categorizing a trek as easy means that no difficult climbing or ascents to high altitudes is involved. They take usually no more than a week and are suitable for anyone. Be assured that a loss of altitude in no way means a loss of interesting things to see and experience. While our more challenging treks get you closer to a small number of mountain ranges, lower altitude treks often provide better viewpoints from which to enjoy the colorful horizons of a whole series of ranges. The duration of a trek can be from 4 to 9 days with an average of 4 to 5 hours walking per day. The elevation of the trail will be between 800m/2624ft and 2800m/ 9240ft above sea level.

Grade B: Moderate **

These treks are suitable for any walker looking for something a little more challenging and energetic. They are a combination of some longer and shorter walks and hill-walking experience is desirable. The duration is usually from 10 to 15 days. Following the up and down terrain of Nepal and walking to higher elevations contrasts these treks to those in the easy classification. However, you will be rewarded for your efforts with spectacular close-up views of glaciers and of the high Himalayas. Although the terrain is not difficult, some vigorous hiking experience is useful. There may be up to 6 hours a day on the trail and the elevation rises and falls from 800m/ 2624ft to 4000m/13210ft above sea level.

Grade C: Fairly Strenuous ***

Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers on these treks should be in good physical condition and have some previous mountain walking experience. Steep climbing may be involved, although it is never necessary to use ropes. Treks at this level can he arranged for periods of 16 to 21 days. Typically, a gradual ascent through a green river valley will lead you up to a number of high passes, where you will reach the altitude of 5416m. Often times, you will get a close insight into the Tibetan culture. Participants should except to trek above 5416m/17872ft.

Grade D: Strenuous ****

These real adventure treks are both technical and highly strenuous. Excellent physical condition is essential and mountaineering experience is preferable. Following rough terrain, they involve steep ascents to high altitudes with the possibility of some rope climbing. Stamina is needed to complete one of these treks, as it can take from 20 to 28 days to reach the heart of the wildernesses that they transverse. Participants should except to trek above 5600m/18480ft

EQUIPMENTS & GEARS

EQUIPMENTS, GEARS AND GUIDES

Nepal is one of the best places in the world for river rafting. Numerous fine rivers offer excellent opportunities for rafting, canoeing and simply immersing oneself in the magnificent landscape. Nepal’s thundering waters, coming from the glaciers of the mighty Himalayan, provide unmatched thrills.

Clothing

Down Or Fiber Filled Waterproof Jacket And Trousers 1
Fleece Jacket Or Pullover 1
Warm Cotton Trousers 2 Pairs
Shirts And T-Shirts 4 Pieces
Lightweight Cotton Long Pants 3 Pairs
Long Under Wear 2 Pieces
Short Under Wear 4 Pieces
Sun Hat Or Scarf 1
Woolen Hat 1
Sunglasses 1
Lightweight Gloves 1
Rain Coat 1
Heavyweight Gloves Or Mittens With A Waterproof 1

Footwear

Trekking Boot 1 Pair
Thick Socks 4 Pairs
Light Socks 3 Pairs
Camp Shoes 1 Pair
Sandals 1 Pair

Other Equipments

Sleeping Bag(4seasons) 1
Down Jacket 1
Daypack 1
Water Bottle 1
Sun Cream, Sunglasses
Flashlight With Spare Bulbs, Batteries, Lip Salve, Gaiters.

Optional

Insect Repellent Toilet Articles Note Book & Pen Toilet Roll
Laundry Soap Pocket Knife Towel Sewing Kit
Plasters Binoculars Camera Film
Cards And Personal Medical Kit

Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc.

For your kind information, we would like to give a list of the insurance companies, please go through the links below:

For Canadians And Americans

  1. http://www.travelguard.com
  2. http://www.worldnomads.com
  3. http://www.mondial-assistance.ca
  4. http://www.travelassistnetwork.com
  5. http://www.travelex-insurance.com
  6. http://www.travelite.com
  7. http://www.travelunderwriters.com
  8. http://www.hccmis.com/atlas-travel-insurance

For Australians And New Zealanders

  1. http://www.covermore.com.au
  2. http://www.allianz.com.au
  3. http://www.worldnomads.com.au
  4. http://www.bupa.com.au
  5. http://www.itrektravelinsurance.com.au
  6. http://www.1cover.com.au

For British

  1. http://www.travel-guard.co.uk
  2. http://www.worldnomads.co.uk
  3. http://www.thebmc.co.uk
  4. http://www.direct-travel.co.uk
  5. http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk

For Europe And Slovenia

  1. http://www.coris.si
  2. http://www.europaeische.at

For South-Africa

  1. http://www.travel-guard.co.za
  2. http://www.tic.co.za

For Indians

  1. http://www.internationalsos.com/en/asia-pacific_india.htm

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common at high altitudes sickness. In general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. The symptoms of altitude sickness are due to lower air pressure at high altitudes, which results in lower oxygen levels as you breathe the air in. The air is under less pressure and this makes it harder for your body to get the oxygen out of the air and into the circulation. It’s this extra strain on the body that causes altitude sickness.

Symptoms tend to be worse at night and include headache, dizziness, and lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, breathlessness and irritability. Difficulty sleeping is another common symptom.

MAJOR SYMPTOMS OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

INITIAL SYMPTOMS

  1. Periods of sleeplessness
  2. Runny nose.
  3. Extra tiredness
  4. Occasional loss of appetite
  5. Feeling laziness
  6. Wish to vomiting
  7. Periodic breathing

Above are normal symptoms which may occur into your body that you should not be worried. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend.

ADVANCE SYMPTOMS

  1. Headache and vomiting
  2. Dizziness
  3. Racing heartbeat
  4. Exhaustion
  5. Nausea
  6. Diarrhoea
  7. Loss of apatite
  8. Weakness
  9. Hard to breath
  10. Extra tired
  11. Dry Raspy cough
  12. Sleeplessness

When above symptoms will occur into your body, these symptoms usually resolve by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude or using medicine. Even you are resting at the same altitude or using medicine, if symptoms are becoming worse, then it is necessary to descend.

SERIOUS SYMPTOMS

  1. Worsening headache and vomiting
  2. Swelling of hands and face
  3. Reduced urine output
  4. Walking with a staggering gait
  5. Confusion
  6. Increased tiredness
  7. Breathing irregularity
  8. Visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not real)
  9. Changes in the ability to think
  10. Changes in normal behavior

If above serious symptoms will occur into your body, these extremely dangerous symptoms are called High Altitude Cerebral Edema (or HACE). They can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours. Increasing shortness of breath, cough and tiredness may also be signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored.

TO PREVENT ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS

  1. If possible, don’t fly or drive to high altitude. Start below 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) and walk up.
  2. If you do fly or drive, do not overexert yourself or move higher for the first 24 hours.
  3. If you go above 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), only increase your altitude by 350 to 500 metres (1,000 feet) per day
  4. Climb high and sleep low! You can climb more than 300 to 500 metres in a day as long as you come back down and sleep at a lower altitude.
  5. If you begin to show symptoms of moderate altitude sickness, don’t go higher until symptoms decrease.
  6. Drink plenty of water, tea or juice etc (at least three to 4 liters per day). Urine output should be copious and clear to pale yellow.
  7. Eat high-carbohydrate foods (rice, pasta, cereal) for more energy.
  8. Take it easy and don’t overexert yourself when you first get up to altitude. But, light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms.
  9. Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of dehydration, and don’t smoke.
  10. Don’t push yourself when climbing up to passes, rather take plenty of breaks.
  11. Avoid taking sleeping pills.
  12. Avoid active movements and try to relax in the first one or two days upon arrival at the high altitude areas.
  13. Bring adequate medicine.
  14. If nothing else works, return to the areas with the lower elevation.
  15. Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters).
  16. Don’t make rapid Ascent. Don’t go too far too fast.
  17. Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter.
  18. Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book.
  19. Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
  20. Never leave or descent sick person along.
  21. Avoid getting cold.
  22. Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if its longer

MEDICINE

Following is a list of items you should consider including in your medical kit – consult your pharmacist for brands available in your country.

  1. Aspirin or paracetamol – for pain or fever
  2. Antihistamine – for allergies, eg hay fever; to ease the itch from insect bites or stings; and to prevent motion sickness.
  3. Antibiotics consider including these if you’re traveling well off the beaten track’ see your doctor, as they must be prescribed, and carry the prescription with you.
  4. Loperamides or Diphenoxylate ‘blockers’ for diarrhea’ Prochlorperazine or metaclopramide for nausea and vomiting.
  5. Rehydration mixture to prevent dehydration, eg due to severe diarrhea; particularly important when traveling with children.
  6. Insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm and eye drops.
  7. Calamine lotion, sting relief spray or aloe vera-to ease irritation from sunburn and insect bites or stings.
  8. Antifungal cream or powder – for fungal skin infections and thrush.
  9. Antiseptic, such as povidone-iodine for cuts and grazes.
  10. Bandages, band-aids or plasters and other would dressings.
  11. Scissors, tweezers and a thermometer (note that mercury thermometers are prohibited by airlines)
  12. Cold and Flu tablets, throat lozenges and nasal decongestant.
  13. Multivitamines – consider for long trips, when dietary vitamin intake may be inadequate.