Bhutan
Asia
BHUTAN CULTURAL TRAVEL
the destination
Bhutan is situated on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, hemmed in by Tibet in the North, Nepal in the West, and India in the South. It is the last remaining great Himalayan Kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, boasting magnificent mountain scenery, incredible architecture, and a colorful cultural heritage.
The country is a diverse, natural Shangri-La, set within the world’s most breath-taking mountain chains, and offering a large variety of landscapes and an incredible array of fauna and flora. The snow-capped peaks rise above the shadowy gorges, the majestic fortress-like dzongs and monasteries shine amongst the forest-coated mountain sides, and the high-altitude trekking trails offer amazing views over the valleys. The country is also home to some exceptional wildlife, including the magnificent Bengal tiger, the elusive snow leopard, the one-horned rhino and the Asian elephant. Bhutan offers one of the last pristine places in the entire Himalaya.
Bhutan is filled with tangible examples of its extraordinary culture, from the striking architecture of its mountain forts to the images of Buddhist religious figures painted or carved onto the craggy cliffs. You will see frayed prayer flags flutter in spectacular mountain passes and prayer wheels turning slowly with the current of clear mountain streams.
The protection of the environment is extremely important in Bhutan. By law, at least 60% of the country must remain forested for future generations. Not only is it carbon neutral, but it actually absorbs more carbon than it emits. Furthermore, Bhutan is the only country that uses the Gross National Happiness as a measure of its growth.
As you visit this country, you will see how it blends the ancient with the modern. It is a deeply Buddhist land where monks regularly check their phones after performing a divination and where giant protective penises are painted beside almost every house entrance. While the Buddhist traditions are well protected, you will find the Bhutanese people well educated, fun, and well informed about what goes on in the world.
Bhutan is a surprising country where you will experience a change of scenery like never before and is the perfect destination for those looking for a retreat surrounded by peaceful and serene temples or an active holiday as the most breathtaking sightseeing requires walking or hiking.
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travel packages
Jewels of Bhutan
Jewels of Bhutan
best time to travel :
October to December
duration :
9 days / 8 nights
price :
Starts at CHF 14'000 per Person
Type of journey :
Adventure, Culture
your sample journey
jour 01
ARRIVAL
Arrival at Paro Airport, meet and greet and transfer to your hotel. En-route, stop to visit the Tamchogg Lhakhang. In the afternoon, visit the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dodernma, the Takin Preserve in Motithang and finally the Farmers’ market.
jour 02
CULTURAL VISITS IN THIMPHU
Start your day with a short hike to the Cheri / Tango Goenpa monastery. After lunch, visit the institute for Zorig Chusum followed by a visit of the Voluntary artist’s studio, the Textile Museum and the Jungshi paper making factory. Later, head past the Tashichho Dzong.
jour 03
EPIC LANDSCAPES AND PRAYER EVENING
This morning, you will make your way to Gangtey. On your way, stop in Dochu La to visit the stupas, followed by a visit of the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang. In the evening, head towards the Shedra, a monastic school where you can attend the prayers with about 300 monks.
jour 04
ASPECTS OF NATURE AND CITY
After breakfast, visit the Gangtey Goemba monastery. From the Goemba, walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, and go visit the Crane Information Centre. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.
jour 05
DZONGS AND LHAKHANGS OF PUNAKHA – PART I
Today you will head to Punakha. En-route, hike up to Chimi Lhakhang. Later in the afternoon, stop and visit the Punakha Dzong.
jour 06
DZONGS AND LHAKHANGS OF PUNAKHA – PART II
Early this morning, head to the suspension bridge from where you will start your hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. In the afternoon, you will visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang Nunnery.
jour 07
A GLIMPSE INTO LOCAL CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
After breakfast, head to Paro. In the afternoon, visit the Ta Dzong followed by a short walk down to Paro Rinpung Dzong. Afterwards, visit a local traditional farmhouse.
jour 08
HIKING UP TIGER’S NEST
Head up north of Paro Valley to Ramthankha and start your hike to the renowned Taktsang monastery. Rest of the day at leisure.
jour 09
DEPARTURE
Day at leisure. Check out from your hotel and transfer to Paro Airport.
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