Journey to Druk-Yul: 6 Days & 5 Nights Bhutan Cultural Tour

• Visit the National Library, established in the 1960s, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and a small collection of books.
• Institute of Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where you can see young children learning and practicing the ancient arts and crafts of Bhutan. Zorig Chusum literally means the “thirteen traditional arts and crafts”.
• Visit the Textile Museum, which provides an excellent introduction about the techniques, style of various textiles woven in the country along with exhibitions of the national dress ‘gho’ for men and ‘kira’ for women.
• If your visit falls from Friday till Sunday, then visit the weekend vegetable market held at the Centenary Farmers Market. The market provides an opportunity to mingle with the local people and sample local organic produce. Local arts and crafts are also available.

• The first stop after leaving Thimphu is Dochula pass at 10,500 ft. (23km from Thimphu – 45 minutes drive), where you can see one of Bhutan’s most enchanting views. If weather permits, from this pass, the breathtaking peaks of Bhutan’s northern border can be viewed.
• At Dochula, you will also see a unique cluster of 108 Namgyel Khangzang Chortens that spiral up to the main Chorten known as the “Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens”. Her Majesty The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, dedicated these chortens as a tribute and monument to the selfless service and visionary leadership of our Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The Chortens are also a celebration of the stability and progress that His Majesty the King brought to the nation. These chortens are a new landmark for travelers as they cross Dochula, the first mountain pass into the interior of the country.
• Reaching the village of Sopsokha, you can walk about 20 minutes across the rice fields up to the monastery, Chimi Lhakhang. It was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman by the West). It is believed that childless women who visit the monastery will conceive after receiving the ‘wang’ (blessing).
• Blessed with a temperate climate and drained by the Phochu and Mochu rivers, is the fertile valley of Punakha. The District has hosted several historical events such as serving as the Capital of Bhutan since 1651 till 1956. The First King, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned in 1907 and the first session of the National Assembly was held in 1955. It is still the winter residence of His Holiness the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and Zhung Dratshang (the Central Monk Body).
• Visit Punakha Dzong located strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong served as the religious and administrative center of Bhutan until the mid-1950s. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the early 17th century and where the Bhutanese enthroned the First King.

• Drive towards Nezergang and hike about 1hour 30 minutes to, built by The Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, in 1999 for the protection of the country and universal peace in the world.
• Drive to Paro
• In Paro, visit Rinpung Dzong (the fortress on a heap of jewels). The Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646.

• Day Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest): The highlight of your day is the iconic hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. This stunning monastery is perched on a cliff 914 meters above the valley floor and is built around a cave where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, is believed to have meditated. For the Bhutanese, it is a sacred pilgrimage site, while for travelers, it’s an exhilarating and mystical experience. The hike to the viewpoint opposite the monastery is both challenging and rewarding, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Legend says that Guru Rinpoche flew to the site on the back of a tigress, adding an aura of mystery and spirituality to this extraordinary location.
• Visit the Ruins of Drugyel Dzong: After the hike, you’ll drive to the end of the Paro Valley to explore the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, a historic fortress built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. This dzong was erected to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders and provides an interesting glimpse into Bhutan's history and military past.
• Enroute Visit to Kyichu Lhakhang: On your way back to Paro Town, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most important temples. According to legend, it was built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet to subdue the giant ogress who was lying across Bhutan and eastern Tibet. The temple is said to be located on her left foot, and it’s one of the 108 temples built by the king in a single day. The temple also houses a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and displays a variety of artifacts associated with the revered lama.

After your memorable journey through Bhutan, you will be transferred to Paro Airport for your departure.