Bhutan: 7-Night Cultural Tour with Rafting & Hikes
ID: GYG1081373-1660815
Category:
Country: Bhutan
Duration:
8 days
Description
Explore Bhutan on a 7-night tour. Visit Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, hike to Tiger’s Nest, and enjoy white-water rafting on the Mo Chu River.
Day 1: Arrival & Thimphu Highlights
Fly into Paro with breathtaking views of the Himalayas before transferring to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Begin your journey with a visit to the towering Buddha Dordenma statue, followed by a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th-century temple known for newborn blessings. Wrap up the day at the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s quirky national animal.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Thimphu
Explore Pangrizampa Monastery, a center for traditional astrology. Then, dive into Bhutanese craftsmanship at Choki Traditional Arts School, where you can light butter lamps, paint your own artwork, and interact with artisans. End the day with a visit to Bhutan Post for personalized stamps - a unique souvenir.
Day 3: Journey to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Drive through the scenic Dochula Pass, adorned with 108 memorial chortens and panoramic Himalayan views. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple blessed by the eccentric Drukpa Kunley. Continue to Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress at the confluence of two rivers, and walk across the iconic Punakha Suspension Bridge.
Day 4: Punakha Adventures
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten, a hilltop temple with stunning valley views. Experience white-water rafting on the Mo Chu River, flowing past lush landscapes and historic sites. Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a peaceful retreat offering panoramic vistas and spiritual serenity.
Day 5: Spiritual Stops En Route to Paro
Drive to Paro via Wangduephodrang, stopping at Nyenzer Lhakhang, a 7th-century monastery known for its Tshewang blessing ritual. En route, visit Tachog Lhakhang, a sacred temple built by Bhutan’s legendary iron bridge builder, Thangtong Gyalpo.
Day 6: Paro’s Heritage & Local Fun
Explore the National Museum of Bhutan housed in Ta Dzong, a former watchtower. Visit Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery with deep historical roots. Enjoy traditional games like archery and khuru (dart throwing) at a local farmhouse—an authentic slice of Bhutanese life.
Day 7: Tiger’s Nest & Ancient Temples
Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), dramatically perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Unwind with a traditional hot stone bath infused with medicinal herbs—perfect for soothing tired muscles.
Day 8: Farewell Bhutan
After a hearty breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey, carrying memories of a land where happiness is a way of life.
Highlights
- Explore Pangrizampa Monastery for astrology reading
- Choki Traditional Arts School to light butter lamps & paint your own artwork
- Feel the thrill of white-water rafting on the Mo Chu River in Punakha
- Enjoy traditional games like archery and dart throwing at a local farmhouse
- Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff at 3,120m
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Moderate physical fitness required
Altitude may affect some travelers
Respect local customs and traditions
INCLUDED
- Accommodation at 3star hotel
- Transportation - Hiace bus or coaster bus
- Guided tours (Certified English speaking)
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Mineral water for whole trip
- Monument fees as mentioned in itinerary
- Transfers between locations
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Astrology reading fees
- Tshewang ceremony (long live blessing) fees
- White river rafting as its optional
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.