CULTURAL TOUR
Mystic Mountain Paths
13 DAYS
FROM $ 3,840
BEST SEASON
All Year Around
GRADE
Easy
MAX ELEVATION
3,425 m.
START-END POINT
Paro – Paro
PHOBJEKHA VALLEY
Trip Overview
he Bhutan Hiker’s Paradise tour is ideal for those in good physical condition, as it involves a minimum of two hours of hiking each day. Designed for the truly adventurous, this tour takes you to some of Bhutan’s most remote and untouched locations. Explore hidden villages, ancient monasteries, and temples that are off the beaten path, all while trekking through vibrant fields and lush landscapes.
Trip Highlights
- Remote Villages and Traditional Farmhouses
- Monasteries and Temples off the Beaten Path
- Interaction with Local Communities
- Scenic Hikes Through Lush Valleys and Terraced Fields, and Unique, Unseen Bhutan
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and escort you to Thimphu, the vibrant capital of Bhutan.
In the afternoon, engage yourself in cultural exploration:Visit the towering Buddha Dordenma Statue, a symbol of peace and prosperity.Explore the Memorial Chorten, a revered stupa honoring Bhutan’s third king. Experience the vibrant local scene at Kaja Throm, a community marketplace.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Thimphu’s charming craft market, where you can shop for authentic Bhutanese handicrafts and souvenirs.
In the afternoon, engage yourself in cultural exploration:Visit the towering Buddha Dordenma Statue, a symbol of peace and prosperity.Explore the Memorial Chorten, a revered stupa honoring Bhutan’s third king. Experience the vibrant local scene at Kaja Throm, a community marketplace.
In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Thimphu’s charming craft market, where you can shop for authentic Bhutanese handicrafts and souvenirs.
Arrival: Paro Airport
Overnight: Hotel
Drive: 1 ½ hrs.
Day 2: Explore Thimphu’s Cultural Highlights
Morning:
Begin your day with a scenic hike to the historic Cheri Monastery, a serene retreat surrounded by nature and a significant site for Bhutanese spirituality.Afternoon:
Dive into Bhutan’s rich traditions and artistry:Visit the Painting School (Zorig Chusum Institute), Bhutan’s premier center for learning traditional arts and crafts.Explore the Handmade Paper Factory, where you’ll witness the fascinating process of crafting traditional Bhutanese paper, known as Deh-sho. Discover the Textile Museum, where you’ll gain insights into Bhutan’s vibrant national attire and the skilled craftsmanship behind these cultural treasures.Evening:
Experience Bhutan’s national sport, Archery, with a modern twist. Watch or participate in a game using state-of-the-art American compound bows, showcasing the blend of tradition and innovation.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 3: Thimphu – Dochula – Punakha
Begin your day with a scenic 30-minute drive to Dochula Pass, a stunning location known for its panoramic views. From here, board on a rewarding hike to Lungchuzhekha Temple, where, on clear days, you can soak in a breathtaking 360° view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After your hike, enjoy a delicious lunch at the Dochula Cafeteria.
Continue your scenic drive to Punakha, with a memorable stop at Lobesa for a hike to the Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple). This sacred site, also known as the “No Dog Temple,”. The hike to the temple is a gentle one-hour walk through serene fields and quaint villages.
Continue your scenic drive to Punakha, with a memorable stop at Lobesa for a hike to the Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple). This sacred site, also known as the “No Dog Temple,”. The hike to the temple is a gentle one-hour walk through serene fields and quaint villages.
Overnight: Hotel
Drive: 3 Hrs.
Day 4: Punakha
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive before beginning your hike to the stunning Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Perched gracefully above the Punakha Valley, this magnificent structure offers breathtaking views of the lush countryside and surrounding hills..
After lunch, explore the iconic Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Built in 1637, this historic fortress is beautifully situated at the confluence of the Po Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River).
After lunch, explore the iconic Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Built in 1637, this historic fortress is beautifully situated at the confluence of the Po Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River).
Overnight: Hotel
Day 5: Punakha – Phobjekha.
Board on a journey to the serene Phobjikha Valley, a haven of natural beauty and cultural heritage. En route, stop at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a historic fortress with breathtaking views, to immerse yourself in Bhutan’s rich history.
Continue your drive to Phobjikha and visit the renowned Gangtey Gompa Monastery, a significant spiritual site in the region. Explore the charming Gangtey Village before setting off on the Gangtey Nature Trail Hike, a leisurely and scenic walk that offers stunning views of the pristine Phobjikha Valley, home to the endangered Black-necked Cranes.
Remaining of the day enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the valley by exploring it at your own pace.
Continue your drive to Phobjikha and visit the renowned Gangtey Gompa Monastery, a significant spiritual site in the region. Explore the charming Gangtey Village before setting off on the Gangtey Nature Trail Hike, a leisurely and scenic walk that offers stunning views of the pristine Phobjikha Valley, home to the endangered Black-necked Cranes.
Remaining of the day enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the valley by exploring it at your own pace.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 6: Phobjekha – Trongsa – Bumthang
Board on your scenic journey to Bumthang, with a stop at the historic Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral seat of Bhutan’s Royal Family. Explore the Tower of Trongsa, an ancient watchtower now transformed into an engaging museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into Bhutan’s history over the past century.
Continue your drive through the breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan, crossing the impressive Yotola Pass at an altitude of 3,400 meters. Descend into the charming Chumey Valley and stop at Zugney Village. Here, admire the vibrant displays of yathra, Bhutan’s traditional handwoven woolen textiles, hanging by the roadside. Watch local women skillfully weaving these beautiful fabrics on traditional looms.
Continue your drive through the breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan, crossing the impressive Yotola Pass at an altitude of 3,400 meters. Descend into the charming Chumey Valley and stop at Zugney Village. Here, admire the vibrant displays of yathra, Bhutan’s traditional handwoven woolen textiles, hanging by the roadside. Watch local women skillfully weaving these beautiful fabrics on traditional looms.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 7: Bumthang
After a delicious breakfast, embark on a scenic 30-minute drive to Tangbi Village, a charming and remote area rich in cultural heritage. Visit the historic Tangbi Monastery before beginning your hike to Lugi Rawa Lhakhang, a secluded temple rarely visited by foreigners. The hike takes you through tranquil blue pine and bamboo forests, passing small communities along the way. We’ve set aside the entire day for this hike to allow you to enjoy the journey at your own comfortable pace.
Overnight: Hotel (Bumthang)
Day 8: Bumthang Sightseeing – Trongsa
Start your day with a peaceful walking tour of Jakar, the charming town in the heart of Bumthang. After breakfast, visit the historic Jakar Dzong, also known as the “Castle of the White Bird,” an architectural masterpiece that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Continue your spiritual journey at Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries. Next, wonder at Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred temple built over a rock that bears the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche. Explore Tamshing Monastery, an essential site of the Nyingma tradition, where you can admire the ancient murals on its inner walls, which remain unrestored and rich in cultural history.
Lunch: taste an authentic Bhutanese meal at a local farmhouse, offering a truly fascinating cultural experience.
After lunch, retrace your journey back to Trongsa, with free time in the evening to explore the town and soak in its serene atmosphere.
Lunch: taste an authentic Bhutanese meal at a local farmhouse, offering a truly fascinating cultural experience.
After lunch, retrace your journey back to Trongsa, with free time in the evening to explore the town and soak in its serene atmosphere.
Overnight: Hotel (Phobjikha Valley.)
Day 9: Trongsa – Paro
Although this is a transit day, we will make several stops along the way to explore any fascinating sights that catch our eye. For those interested, there’s also the option to break the journey and enjoy a short nature walk, immersing yourself in Bhutan’s stunning landscapes.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 10: Paro Sightseeing
We will have relaxing day with leisure breakfast and doing some cultural sightseeing which included a visit to the Paro National Museum, home to a rich collection of Bhutanese art, artifacts, and cultural exhibits.
Next, visit the stunning Paro Rinpung Dzong, a historic fortress and monastery that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Enjoy a gentle hike from the dzong to the Wooden Cantilever Bridge, an iconic structure with historical significance. Continue your cultural journey with a visit to Kichu Monastery, one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century. Explore the Dungsa Lhakhang, a temple known for its remarkable wall murals depicting Bhutanese religious art and culture.
Evening: Visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the warmth and hospitality of local families and gain insight into rural life in Bhutan.
Next, visit the stunning Paro Rinpung Dzong, a historic fortress and monastery that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Enjoy a gentle hike from the dzong to the Wooden Cantilever Bridge, an iconic structure with historical significance. Continue your cultural journey with a visit to Kichu Monastery, one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century. Explore the Dungsa Lhakhang, a temple known for its remarkable wall murals depicting Bhutanese religious art and culture.
Evening: Visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the warmth and hospitality of local families and gain insight into rural life in Bhutan.
Overnight: Hotel (Paro)
Day 11: Paro – Chelela – Kila Gompa Hiking
Board on a stunning 3.5-hour roundtrip drive to Haa Valley, Bhutan’s westernmost valley, along one of the highest motorable roads in the country. On clear days, this route offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Jumolhari, Bhutan’s second-highest peak, along with Mt. Tsherimgang and Mt. Jichu Drake. An early start is recommended to fully enjoy these majestic mountain vistas.
In Haa Valley, visit the historic Lhakhang Nakpo (Black Temple) and Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple), both believed to have been built in the 7th century by a manifestation of King Songtsen Gampo.
On the return journey, stop at Chelela Pass and take a scenic hike to Kila Goemba, an ancient nunnery perched on a rugged mountainside.
Drive back to Paro for your overnight stay.
In Haa Valley, visit the historic Lhakhang Nakpo (Black Temple) and Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple), both believed to have been built in the 7th century by a manifestation of King Songtsen Gampo.
On the return journey, stop at Chelela Pass and take a scenic hike to Kila Goemba, an ancient nunnery perched on a rugged mountainside.
Drive back to Paro for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Hotel (Paro)
Day 12: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Board on a full-day hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s most iconic and spiritual landmarks. Perched 200 meters above the Paro Valley on a steep cliff, Taktsang has been a center for pilgrimage and reflection for over 1,200 years. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and a unique opportunity to connect with Bhutan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Evening: After your hike, enjoy some free time to stroll around downtown Paro, where you can explore local markets, shops, and cafés, offering a taste of Bhutanese life.
Evening: After your hike, enjoy some free time to stroll around downtown Paro, where you can explore local markets, shops, and cafés, offering a taste of Bhutanese life.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 13: Departure
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. Your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport, bidding you a warm farewell and wishing you a safe and pleasant journey. We look forward to welcoming you back to Bhutan in the future.
Departure: Paro Airport
What to Expect
Easy: Moderate
Suitable for beginners, these trips involve short hikes and walks on well-maintained trails, typically under 4–5 hours a day, with minimal altitude gain.Cultural tours in Bhutan feature ancient monasteries, majestic dzongs, serene temples, and traditional villages set amidst lush valleys, terraced fields, and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Cultural tours in Bhutan showcase vibrant festivals, ancient monasteries, stunning dzongs, and unique traditions, offering a rich blend of history, spirituality, and scenic beauty.
Bhutanese people are warm, friendly, and deeply rooted in tradition. During sightseeing tours, you’ll witness their vibrant culture, traditional attire, and daily life centered around spirituality and harmony with nature.
Local tour guides in Bhutan are knowledgeable, friendly, and government-certified. They ensure an enriching experience, offering insights into Bhutan’s culture, history, and traditions while navigating its stunning landscapes.
Offers a blend of traditional Bhutanese architecture and modern amenities. You can expect clean rooms, warm hospitality, and local cuisine.
Inclusion
What is Included?
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All internal taxes and charges (SDF)
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Accommodation on twin sharing basis
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All meals, tea, snack, and bottled water
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All travel with a licensed local birding guide
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All surface transfers by a private vehicle
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Camping equipment and haulage for camping and trekking tours
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All entry fees to monuments, Museum and National Parks
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Bhutan Visa Fee
What is not Included?
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Optional tours/excursions, personal & incidental expenses.
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Tips, laundry, phone calls, and bars.
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International and domestic airfare, and insurance.
Review
Henk ter Borg and Barbara Knigh – Netherland
We went with “Wild Nature Quest” (Bhutan Birding) to see the birds, and cultural sights, and trek in Bhutan. They are an A+ company! The owner, Mr. Norbu, worked with us to meticulously plan our 12-day trip. The company is locally owned & uses certified, local birds, cultural guides, & drivers. The driver’s skills are as important as the guide’s – given Bhutan’s sometimes challenging roads. The costs were exactly as stated. The tour was planned to give us the maximum number of days to acclimate to the altitude, before doing our trek.
Bhutan’s Bird Songs
Symphony of Bhutan’s Birds
This collection features 163 recordings capturing the diverse and enchanting bird songs of Bhutan’s rich natural landscapes.
Norbu
With the help of his birding friend Tom Stephenson, co author of The Warbler Guide, I have done extensive recording in Bhutan and has a very large library of local songs.