Custom Bhutan Cultural Tour
Personally guided by Phurba Dorji (Sha), this fully customized cultural tour immerses you in Gross National Happiness, ancient dzongs, vibrant festivals, and traditional village life.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro — Gateway to Bhutan
Arrive at Paro International Airport with dramatic mountain views on approach. Transfer to hotel. Evening stroll along Paro's traditional shop-lined streets.
- •Airport pickup by Sha
- •Hotel check-in
- •Paro town walk
- •Welcome dinner
Day 2: Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
Hike to Bhutan's most iconic monastery perched 900 m above the Paro valley. 5–6 hours return. Sha shares the legend of Guru Rinpoche and the monastery's sacred history.
- •Early breakfast
- •Taktsang hike
- •Monastery visit
- •Café stop at viewpoint
- •Return to hotel
Day 3: Paro Valley & Rinpung Dzong
Visit Rinpung Dzong (fortress-monastery), the National Museum of Bhutan, and traditional farmhouses. Afternoon drive to Thimphu.
- •Rinpung Dzong
- •National Museum
- •Traditional farmhouse visit
- •Drive to Thimphu
Day 4: Thimphu — The Capital
Explore Thimphu — Buddha Dordenma statue, Tashichho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, local market, and the National Textile Museum.
- •Buddha Dordenma
- •Tashichho Dzong
- •National Textile Museum
- •Thimphu market
Day 5: Dochula Pass to Punakha
Drive over Dochula Pass (3,116 m) with 108 memorial chortens and Himalayan views. Descend to Punakha — Bhutan's former capital. Visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan.
- •Dochula Pass
- •108 chortens
- •Punakha Dzong
- •Mo Chhu riverside walk
Day 6: Village Life & Local Culture
Visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. Participate in daily activities — learn about hot-stone baths, traditional weaving, and local food preparation.
- •Farmhouse visit
- •Hot-stone bath
- •Weaving demonstration
- •Traditional lunch with host family
Day 7: Departure from Paro
Return drive to Paro. Free time for last-minute shopping. Airport transfer for your departure flight.
- •Return to Paro
- •Souvenir shopping
- •Airport transfer
- •Departure
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Personal guiding by Phurba Dorji (Sha)
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) — USD 100/night
- Bhutan visa processing
- All accommodation (3–5 star hotels)
- All meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Private transportation
- All monument and dzong entry fees
- Flight and transfer coordination
What's Not Included
- International airfare to/from Paro
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for local staff
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?
All international tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) require a visa to enter Bhutan. Your tour operator will process the visa for you once your tour is confirmed and paid. The visa fee is included in the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?
All international tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) require a visa to enter Bhutan. Your tour operator will process the visa for you once your tour is confirmed and paid. The visa fee is included in the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?
The SDF is $100 USD per person per night that contributes to free education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation in Bhutan. It also helps preserve Bhutan's environment and culture through sustainable tourism.