Compare Cultural Tour that extends to Ura Valley by Adventures Within Reach vs Bhutan Discovered by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 10 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,495 | $ 3,725 |
| Price Per Day | $ 250 | $ 532 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 9 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
Ten days of cultural tours including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Gangtey, Jakar, Ura Valley and a half-day hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. Add a day to this tour and attend a Tshechu (Festival). |
Experience the majestic landscapes and joyful culture of little-visited Bhutan on this enchanting 7-day adventure. Begin in Thimphu, Bhutan’s busy capital, where you’ll meet local artisans and visit enlightening museums. Take in unbeatable views of the Himalayas on your way to Punakha, where your local leader will introduce you to ancient dzongs, bridges and monasteries. Tuck into a homecooked meal at a farmhouse in the Paro Valley, try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport, and hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest monastery. You’ll soon see why Bhutan’s people are considered some of the happiest on earth. |
Day 1: Fly to Paro, transfer to Thimphu
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Pedling Hotel or similar (Standard)
Visiting: Paro, Thimphu
Upon arrival at the airport and customs your Bhutanese escort will greet you and drive you 1.5 hours through the beautiful Paro valley to Thimphu. You can spend the rest of the evening exploring Thimphu, soaking in the Bhutanese way of life.
Day 2: Tour of Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Pedling Hotel or similar (Standard)
Visiting: Thimphu
Sightseeing in Thimphu includes a visit to the National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the School of Thanka Paintings, and the traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts are still practiced. Then visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textile then take a stroll through the streets for a little shopping. After lunch, visit the memorial Chorten to His Late Majesty (King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk), who reigned from 1952-1972. Later take a 15 minute drive to Dechenchohhling to witness the gold and silversmiths at work. Finally, visit the Tashichho Dzong (fortress of the Glorious Region) built in 1641 and reconstructed in 1961 using traditional methods without the use of any nails, plans, or paper.
As well as the main sites of Thimphu you can also spend a day hiking to Tango and Cheri, two magnificent monasteries on the edge of the Thimphu valley. Instead you may choose to visit Phajoding monastery with its stunning views over the valley, touring the markets and monasteries that flourish in this uniquely tranquil national capital. Shop for textiles, puppets and paintings that are handcrafted as they have been for centuries.
Day 3: Drive to Punakha and Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Dragon Nest Resort or similar (Standard)
Visiting: Thimphu, Punakha Valley
The old capital of Bhutan stands at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers. The Punakha Dzong is Bhutan's second oldest, and is arguably the country's most beautiful. Construction of the dzong began in 1637 and was completed the following year. It is more properly called the Pungthang Dechen Phodrang or the Palace of Great Happiness.
Day 4: Drive to Trongsa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Trongsa (Standard)
Visiting: Trongsa
Drive about 6 hours to Trongsa.
Day 5: Tour of Trongsa, Drive to Jakar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Jakar (Standard)
Visiting: Trongsa, Jakar
Visit Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family and the watch tower, built in 1649. It is now the administrative seat of the district and the home of the monastic school. This architectural wonder was a vigilance point for both eastern and western threats. The watch tower, located directly above the dzong, has on display many interesting armors and other war artifacts used by ancient warriors. Afterwards continue 2.5 hours to Jakar.
Day 6: Tour of Jakar, Excursion to Ura Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Jakar (Standard)
Visiting: Jakar, Ura Valley
From View Point enjoy the beautiful outlook of Jakar Dzong , also known as the Castle of the White Bird. It was built in 1646 by Minjur Tenpa, the third Druk Dese (temporal ruler). In 1683 it was extended by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi.
A full day excursion to Ura Valley. Drive about 2 hours to Ura and take a leisurely stroll through the charming and clustered village. Take your time to visit a beautiful Buddhist Monastery. You will have the opportunity to see yaks grazing in the rich pastureland.
Day 7: Tour of Jakar, Drive to Gangtey
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Gangtey (Standard)
Visiting: Jakar, Gangtey
Visit several ancient and sacred monasteries such as Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang, Tmashing and Pema Samba Lhakhangs. Also visit Member Tso "The flamming Lake", considered one of the most important pilgrimage spots. A trip to the Bumthang Swiss farm is also interesting. Drive for 4 hours to Gangtey.
Day 8: Tour of Gangtey, Drive to Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Olathang or similar (Standard)
Visiting: Gangtey, Paro
Gangtey is a beautiful meadow where you can experience breathtaking views of the Black Mountain range. Phobjikha, the valley stretching boundlessly from the below Gangtey, is the winter habitat of the rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes. Continue towards Paro.
Day 9: Tour of Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Olathang or similar (Standard)
Visiting: Paro
Visit Ta Dzong, the national museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has superb antiquities on display. You can see a fine collection of thankas, paintings, textiles, and artifacts.
Hike to Taktsang viewpoint, a superb vantage point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding granite cliffs and valley. On a clear day, the white dome of the sacred Chomolhari (Mountain of Goddess) can be seen. The Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest monastery, clings to a sheer cliff. Severely damaged in a fire in 1998, the monastery has been completely restored.
Tour Drukgyal Dzong, whose massive ruins offer insight into the unique construction of Bhutan's famous dzongs. The Dzong is also of great historical importance as it was from its ramparts that the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders.
Day 10: Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Visiting: Paro
Transfer to airport for departure.
Day 1 Paro - Thimphu
After arriving at Paro Airport and making your way through immigration and customs formalities, you will be greeted by your guide and driver and warmly welcomed to the enchanting Land of the Thunder Dragon. Drive alongside mountains, rivers, and fields of red rice to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have lunch and then head out for some sightseeing. Stop in at the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory, Bhutan’s most famous traditional incense maker, as well as the colourful Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. If you arrive in the afternoon, you'll meet the rest of your group in the evening for a welcome meeting before heading out together for dinner. Take an evening wander through the fascinating streets of Thimphu, the world’s only capital city without a traffic light!
Day 2 Thimphu
Today begins with a pleasant walk that meanders gently up the valley through paddy fields, pristine woodlands, and a Tibetan village, a trail that continues uphill (1 hour) to the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery – built in 1620 by Shabdrung, the first ruler of Bhutan. Back in Thimphu, stop to enjoy the incredible views from the Buddha Dordenma before visiting Simply Bhutan, a living museum where you can explore the traditional homes and lifestyles of the Bhutanese. You may like to try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport. Stop by the National Memorial Chorten – many Thimphu residents consider this to be the heart and soul of the city and gather here every day to pray and walk clockwise around the chorten. Afterward, visit a local institute where students become masters of Bhutan's 13 national arts and crafts - from carpentry and masonry to paper making and embroidery. The incredible National Textile Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of craft in Bhutan and if you’re in the mood for a spot of shopping, the National Handicrafts Emporium offers high-quality traditional goods and a small family-run enterprise that manufactures paper and paper products using traditional methods.
Day 3 Punakha
This morning, drive to Punakha – the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop at Dochula Pass for a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, the majestic Gangkhar Puensum. Continue the journey before taking another break. Enjoy a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499 by lama Ngawang Chogyel. Arrive in Punakha for a good night’s rest before another day of exploration tomorrow.
Day 4 Punakha
After breakfast we head out on a short hike (1.5 hours) to Khamsum Yulley Monastery – an elaborately decorated chorten, built to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to all living things. As with many monasteries in Bhutan, your leader may need to hunt around for the caretaker with the keys to have a look inside! Afterwards, head down to the convergence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, two of the main rivers of Bhutan, and admire breathtaking views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second-largest Dzong in the country, as well as the cantilever bridge that spans across the river. Drive up to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and take in the serenity and the views of this mountaintop site. Return to Punakha for the evening.
Day 5 Paro
This morning head back over the Dochula Pass and continue to Thimphu. The roads in Bhutan are narrow, and while the distances don’t appear to be very far, due to the nature of the roads and the many valleys they pass through, travelling can take some time – so this is a good chance to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. After lunch continue into the Paro Valley, stretching your legs with an optional wander around town on arrival. Get a good night's sleep tonight as tomorrow will be an active and exciting day!
Day 6 Paro / Tiger's Nest Monastery
After an early breakfast followed by a short drive, prepare for your hike to see the legendary Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) – a magnificent monastery, clinging on a rock cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. After approximately 1 hour ascending the mountainside, reach a small teahouse that has a wonderful panoramic view of the temple and the ideal place to enjoy lunch. For those interested, it’s possible to get a closer view by hiking another 45 minutes to 1 hour (each direction) to reach the small chorten directly across from the temple. Anyone not interested in hiking any further can relax at the teahouse and enjoy the view. In the evening, after returning to Paro, experience Bhutanese hospitality and a taste of tradition with a home-cooked meal at a local farmhouse. Soak up the friendly atmosphere and consider taking an optional hot stone bath. A great way to relax after your hiking, this bath is a form of traditional Bhutanese medicine where fresh river water is mixed with local herbs and heated with fire-roasted river stones. A soak in these soothing waters is bound to revive and relax you.
Day 7 Paro
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a departure transfer to Paro airport for your flight out of Bhutan.
