Bhutan Highlights Tours is a six-day cultural tour filled with insightful visits to Bhutan's ancient heritage sites and cultural hubs. Discover secluded Buddhist gompas, magnificent forts or dzongs, grand castles, and beautiful lakhangs (Buddhist temples). We will take you on a hike through forested hills, villages and paddy fields. Experience the rich wildlife and fascinating local culture that Bhutan is famous for.
Your trip starts with a breathtaking flight over high mountains to Paro International Airport, Bhutan's one, and only international airport. After an exciting landing at the airport nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, you begin your Bhutan Highlights Tour.
A short and scenic drive across the gorgeous Bhutanese countryside brings you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Walk around the stunning National Memorial Chorten, built-in memory of the third king of Bhutan.
A drive up to the hilltop shrine of Buddha Dordenma offers you a spectacular view of the capital city. The Buddha Dordenma is a giant gilded statue of Sakyamuni Buddha which holds 125,000 miniature statues inside its 169ft. tall frame.
A visit to the Royal Textile Academy, Folk heritage Museum and Painting School will let you experience firsthand Bhutan's unique arts and crafts. Before leaving Thimphu we take you to the local market and Motithang Takin Preserve.
The next city on your Bhutan Highlights Tour itinerary is Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. Set in a picturesque location at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, Punakha is a charming city dotted with traditional dzongs, wooden houses, and monasteries. In Punakha, you will visit the grand Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most beautiful and ancient dzongs. The six-storied building is a marvelous example of traditional Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship.
After exploring Punakha you head to Phobjika, a glacial valley located under the shadows of the Black Mountain. The valley is the nesting site of the endangered Black-necked Cranes which are sacred to the Bhutanese. Explore the beautiful valley by taking a nature hike and walking through villages, paddy fields, and alpine meadows. Before leaving Phobjika you visit the Gangtey Gompa, an impressive monastery built on a ridge overlooking Gangtey.
From Phobjika you head back to Paro and continue with explorations of more ancient landmarks. Paro is one of Bhutan's important cities and is home to some of the most popular heritage sites in the country.
You will visit the Rinpung or Paro Dzong, a majestic building on a hill overlooking the city. Dating back to the seventeenth century Paro Dzong was a military fort that defended the settlement of Paro from the Tibetan invaders. The National Museum which lies close to the Paro Dzong showcases Buddhist paintings, murals, and ancient artillery and armors used by the Bhutanese army. You wind up your interesting tour with a hike to Bhutan's iconic cliffside monastery Taktsang Monastery or Tiger's Nest.
Bhutan Highlights Tours can be done year-round. However, spring and autumn seasons offer favorable weather conditions for traveling. As the tour involves easy walking, travelers of all ages and fitness levels can do this trip. The hikes to Taktsang Monastery and the Gangtey Nature Trail can be skipped if you find them strenuous.
Bhutan Highlights Tours offers you a fantastic opportunity to visit the major Bhutanese cities – Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjika, and Paro. Join this once-in-a-lifetime tour and discover the unique culture of a hidden Himalayan kingdom.