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Central Cultural Tour -9 Days

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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.

Trip Duration : 9 Days
Best Time for Visit : All around the year
Activity : Central Bhutan Cultural Tour
ACCOMODATION : Hotels, Guesthouse, Lodges
TRANSPORTATION : Flights/ comfortable rides
LOCATION : Bhutan
ARRIVAL ON : Paro
DEPARTURE FROM : Paro

Trip 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.

 

SHORT ITINERARY

Day 01 :

Arrive Paro

Day 02 :

Thimphu Sightseeing

Day 03 :

Thimphu to Gangtey

Day 04 :

Gangtey to Bumthang

Day 05 :

Bumthang Sightseeing

Day 06 :

Bumthang to Thimphu

Day 07 :

Drive to Paro

Day 08 :

Hike To Taktsang Monastery

Day 09 :

Departure

itenary note

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.

DETAILED 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.

Price Includes

  • 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.

Price Excludes

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

TREKKING EQUIPMENTS, GEARS & SOME MEDICINES

  We do recommend following equipment's for trekking and Hiking in Nepal.

Head

  • Sun hat
  • Scarf
  • Light balaclava
  • Warm wool hat
  • UV protection one Sunglasses
  • Head torch with extra batteries.

Upper Part Of The Body Upper

  • Tshirts
  • Shirts
  • Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece.
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Thermal Vest
  • Down Jacket
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Pullover
  • Sports bras (women)
  • Waterproof outer jacket
  • Rain Coat
  • Hand wear
  • Fleece gloves.
  • Warms mittens or gloves.

Lower Body

  • Long Under Wear
  • Short Under Wear
  • Lightweight Cotton Long Pants
  • Warm Trousers
  • Tracksuit pants
  • Lightweight thermal trouser
  • Fleece pants
  • Cotton paints

Footwear

  • Thin inner socks
  • Thick warm wool hiking socks
  • Walking boots with ankle support
  • Trainers or trail shoes
  • Gaiters
  • Micro spikes

Electronics

  • Camera and Accessories
  • Phone
  • Power Bank
  • Solar Panel
  • Travel Adapter

Miscellaneous

  • Book
  • Playing Cards/Games
  • Journal and Pen
  • Snacks and Specialist Food

Hygiene & First Aid

  • Sunscreen
  • Insect Repellent
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Toilet Paper
  • Wet Wipes
  • Pocket Hand Warmers
  • Moisturizing skin cream and Lip balm
  • Toiletries
  • Water purifier
  • First Aid

Trek Essentials

  • Passport and Copy
  • Travel Insurance Details
  • Trekking Permit(s)
  • Waterproof Document Wallet
  • Cash

Recommended Medications

  • Guide will take a group first aid kit but please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly such as
  • Any personal medications
  • Malaria prophylactic tablets
  • Blister treatment
  • Rehydration powder
  • Analgesics (Paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin)
  • Plasters and zinc oxide tape
  • Throat lozenges
  • Diamox

Other Equipment

  • Duffel Bag or Suitcase
  • Day pack
  • Sleeping bag
  • Water bottle
  • Trekking poles
  • Towel

FAQ

Q. Do you provide any gears for trekking?

A. Yes, we do provide roughly 65 liters one duffel bag, sleeping bag and down jacket to use for trekking without extra charge, if you do not have.

Q. Can I rent or buy gears in Kathmandu?

A. You can buy or rent trekking boots and rest of the gears, you need to need to buy.

Q. How much weight does porter carries?

A. We do provide one porter between 2 trekkers. One porter carries 25 to 30 kg respectively.

Q. How much weight does airplane allow to Lukla?

A. Twin Otter and Dornier planes are the primary mode of transport to and from the airstrip at Lukla. It allows 15kg per passenger, including had bag.

Q. Can I take some more gears for paying extra charge?

A. It is hard but some time, they do allow 2 to 3 kg with paying extra charge US$ 2 per kg

Q. When Should I pack my gears?

A. You will have pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu that night you pack trekking gears.

Q. What equipment should I carry at Daypack?

A. Most of our day packs have a capacity of roughly 20 to 24 liters. You need to carry only day use things like water bottle, light jackets, some extra shocks, sun hat, sunglasses, raincoat, light glove, scarf, toilet paper, and small towel, camera, some personal medical, Sunscreen, Passport, money, camera, trekking poles and some snacks. Rest of the gears will be carried by porter.

Q. Can I store suitcase and other unnecessary gears in hotel in Kathmandu or at your office?

A. Yes, you can store either at the hotel in Kathmandu or at our office without extra charge.

 TRAVEL INSURANCE

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 inquire with them.

  •  USA and Canada: Tugo, United Health Care, World Nomad, Blue Cross
  • Australia and New Zealand: Fast Cover, Allianz Australia
  • Singapore: Ergo, World Nomad (Explore plan level 3)
  • Europe: Europe Assistance, Austrian Alpine Club, Allianz Europe
  • India: ICICI Lombard

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Reviews

EXCELLENT rating
Based on 26 reviews
Unique path trekking company has excellent staff on ground to make the trekking experience very enjoyable and memorable. The guide and porters go out of their way to make each and every member of the team feel safe and secured. Mr Babu the founder owner of the company is very responsive and is able to assist every member of the team with their individual needs. I would recommend engaging Unique Path for Himalaya trekking.
Sandeep Dasgupta
Sandeep Dasgupta
2023-09-30
I like trekking with Unique Path, the guides of this company many times made my way comfortable and safe. I traveled with them to Lobuche, Mera, Island and other places solo and in the groups with my friends. Unique Path is a reliable partner and I plan to trek with them again in Langtang region this autumn.
Andrey Oktyabrev
Andrey Oktyabrev
2023-05-29
I have used Unique Path three times and each time the team were all helpful, friendly and informative. Every aspect of our trip to Nepal was taken care of - Pick up at the airport to take us to our hotel. Next day the excitement of getting our trekking details and depending on the trip setting out with our guide and porter. My husband and I prefer to hike on our own, so we did no group options. Our itinerary was always followed exactly. When I go hiking in Nepal this company is my first point of contact. They are a great team and are totally recommended by me and my husband.
Sylvia Schillings
Sylvia Schillings
2023-05-29
Unique Path is a great choice for anyone who wants to explore the Himalayas. My wife and I made several treks with Unique Path to Manaslu, Kangchenjunga, Tilicho Lake, and Mustang. It goes without saying, that the scenery in Nepal is stunning. Lots of opportunity to learn about the culture and religion and traditions of Nepal. The people we met along the way were engaging and wonderful. Unique Path's staff was fantastic throughout all the trips. They were very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. They arranged everything from transportation to accommodation to food. They also provided all the necessary equipment and guidance and handled all the permit applications. I highly recommend Unique Path trekking to anyone who loves adventure and nature. These were once-in-a-lifetime experiences that I will never forget. I am available as a reference. David
DaveBessie Parsnick
DaveBessie Parsnick
2023-05-22
I have yet to conclude this trip due to the Pandemic but Babu's response and tour guide plan has been exemplary - I cannot wait to make the trip!
Rachel Glaysher
Rachel Glaysher
2023-05-19
Myself and 2 buddies hired Unique Path Trekking to coordinate an EBC trek back in 2014. We couldn't have been more happy with the results...Everything went flawlessly and we had the adventure of a lifetime. Babu and his staff / guides / porters were top-notch and I highly recommend them to anyone who may be reading this.
Marc Ferrari
Marc Ferrari
2023-05-18
As with all treks, there will be unforeseen circumstances and you’re always beholden to nature. So you want a guide and an agency that is not only experienced enough but also sensitive and quick to changes on ground. I am very grateful for the deep experience that our guide, Dambar had. He made us feel safe and constantly had everything under control despite the weather and some early sickness some of us had. Coupled with his sharp wit and deep knowledge, this became such an enjoyable climb that was filled with priceless stories that I can’t wait to tell the kids about. The porters too were a lively bunch that ultimately became friends and we shared lots of fun moments on the mountain together. Babu ensured that our arrivals, arrangements and any administrative hassles were smooth and out of our minds so we could focus on the climb ahead. Thank you Unique Path trekking & expedition. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a great time while knowing you’re in safe hands!
Josiah Ng
Josiah Ng
2023-05-16
We were very fortunate to have Unique Path Trekking for our EBC with 3 Himalaya passes expedition, we were so happy/satisfied with Unique Path trekking. Babu ( owner of Unique Path Trekking) is so kind, knowledgeable and mellow personality so does their staff ( all guides and porters ). We had great time during this expedition in terms of lodging/food. We had large group ( ~ 18 ppl ) and believe or not no one had any single complain of food. Their guides and porters are so knowledgeable, smart, humorous made our entire expedition lots of fun. They take care of us with positive attitudes with smiley face in entire trip. I definitely recommend Unique Path Trekking for any expedition in Himalaya ( we're looking forward to go with them in Annapurna expedition in near future ). You will very glad/happy if you choose Unique Path and Trekking.
Umesh Patel
Umesh Patel
2023-05-16
Babu and his group are exceptional We have done 2 trips organized by Babu We went to Everest base camp and recently to chitwan, Pokara and part of Annapurna cercuit Their guides are very good We will definitely use Babu and his guides again
Guru Motgi
Guru Motgi
2023-05-06
I just returned from a wonderful hike to Everest base camp with helicopter return. I was traveling solo am so grateful to Manager Babu and guide Suresh for looking after me. It is a trip I will remember the rest of my life. We started with a half day tour of Kathmandu and then flew to lukla on the next day to begin the trek. All the arrangements were made ahead of time and the folks unique path team constantly got on the phone to make sure the logistics went smoothly. Suresh kept a moderate pace and a great sense of humor. We made good time throughout the hikes and always got to the lodges on time and in daylight with energy left for the next day. The weather also cooperated this March and we had beautiful sunny skies and gorgeous Mountain View’s throughout the trek. I really could not ask for anything more and would very much recommend unique path
Janice Cheng
Janice Cheng
2023-05-06
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