Bhutan Cultural Tour - 4 Days
4 Days
Easy
Private Vehicle
Hotel
The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is fast emerging from centuries of self imposed isolation. First opened to tourists in 1974 in very regulated manner upon the coronation of present Bhutanese King, this mountain kingdom is still perhaps the world's most exclusive tourists destination.Due to the Royal Government's far-sighted policy to preserve the countries pristine environment and its culture, the harmful effects to industrialization and mass tourism on the environment and the traditional lifestyle of Bhutanese have been carefully avoided. This makes Bhutan a truly unique destination. An unspoiled country with majestic mountains, a unique cultural heritage preserved for many centuries, an architectural style like no other, a landfill of warm hearted and friendly people, reveals a true paradise in the lost era of the present century
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro Transfer To Thimphu (55 Km, Approx 2 Hours Drive
Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan's National Air Carrier. The green walls of the hills known as doors or gateways, in to Bhutan from the plains of India rise ever higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibetan border. Silvery rivers rush along the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens. Farm houses dot the hillsides on either side of the plane.
As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum, above it. Received by our representative at the airport and transfer to Thimphu, The modern capital town of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu / Paro (55 Km, Approx 1.1/2 Hour Drive)
After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
After lunch, visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan's third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ("the father of modern Bhutan") who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
Then, visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials.
Evening drive past Trashichhoedzong, "fortress of the glorious religion". This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch's throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Later, drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & amour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ("fortress of the heap of jewels"), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.After lunch, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.
Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 4: Departure To Onward Destination
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport to Kathmandu upon arrival Kathmandu we will have guide to pick you up. Upon arrival drive to Hotel afternoon sightseeing Kathmandu city.
The Cost Include(s)
- Flight Kathmandu- Paro-Kathmandu,
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees,
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle,
- Local English speaking guide/tour leader,
- Experienced driver,
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard goverment approved hotels & guesthouses,
- All meals in Bhutan,
- All entrance fees and permits
The Cost Exclude(s)
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips,
- Medical / Travel Insurance
Booking
Review
Island Peak expedition
Nepal Social Treks was the most professional company I have travelled with. The airport pickup was smooth, followed by a nice stay at their hotel in Kathmandu. A day trip around Kathmandu was planned and despite being cut short, it was a very enjoyable tour. Pasang Sherpa, the trekking guide for my trip was a highly experienced guide and mountaineer and gave me an authentic Nepalese experience as we walked through the Himalayas. When it came time to summit Island Peak, I had absolute confidence in his ability to keep me safe at all times, and he led the expedition at my pace. As an inexperienced climber, Pasang made sure I had all the required skills before going onto the mountain. The transition from trekking to life back in Kathmandu was easy, and Basu and the team from Nepal Social Treks made sure I had a comfortable and enjoyable few days prior to leaving Nepal. I would recommend anyone thinking of trekking or mountaineering in Nepal to book with Nepal Social Treks as they will tailor the trip to your needs and you will be treated incredibly well for the entire trip.
Perfect taste of Nepal
Did the Explore Nepal tour 11 days and was the only one on the tour. The tour was very well organized, hitting all the main attractions to give a good flavour of Nepal. Operator was very responsive to questions and requests. Accommodations were better than expected with excellent beds and breakfasts. Highly recommend.
Two First-Timers, One Incredible ABC Trek—Thanks to an Amazing Team!
If you’re scanning through endless trek companies in Nepal (like we did!), trust me—Nepal Social Treks and Expedition is the one you’ll end up loving. We literally made a massive Excel sheet comparing quotations from almost every company out there 😂… and guess who came out on top? These guys! From day one, Sushila was our guiding light. She answered every tiny question we threw at her—with so much patience and warmth. And then there’s Mr. Basu, the owner. I only spoke to him a couple of times (because the Gen-Z protest had us all restless), but the way he comforted us on the call… rare to see that kind of calm reassurance from someone at his level. Truly appreciated. Now comes the funniest part—this was actually our FIRST EVER TREK! People still look at us like we’re crazy when we say that, but honestly… why not? We’ve always been the type who happily walk into troubles since childhood 😄. And then came Suraj, our guide—calm, kind, and the perfect person to handle two excited first-timers like us. Honestly, I don’t think I can put into words how beautiful the entire trek felt. I’ve been travelling for 10+ years but Nepal… Nepal completely changed my relationship with the mountains. Never felt this kind of addiction before! If you’re planning a trek or trip in Nepal and want something that fits your budget without compromising comfort—this is your team. The hotels they arranged, the car, everything was so well taken care of. When you travel after a hectic work life, you want peace and a headache-free experience. You don’t want to lead or worry about small things. And that’s exactly what this amazing team provides. A huge thank you to Mr. Basu, Sushila, Suraj, and everyone at Nepal Social Trek for giving us a trip we’ll remember forever. ❤️ P.S. Already planning the Manaslu Circuit with them next! 🌄✨
I had an incredible experience doing the Manaslu Circuit trek!! As I was the only one who had booked, they paired me with another solo girl from a different company which worked super well. Our guide Nekhil was attentive, supportive and made us feel really safe. He was clearly a very experienced guide and gave us lots of tips to manage the altitude and trekking, plus having lots of fun together along the way! Our porter Chhiring was awesome too! Not only were the views incredible, it felt so nice to be ‘looked after’ and have everything taken care of so we could just enjoy ourselves. This included by the office in Kathmandu, who were so helpful and generous in giving me an extra day in a nearby hotel and lending me some gear. I couldn’t have been happier with the experience! I would definitely recommend :))
Hey, this was awesome! The Agency made all well, and especially, Ngima Sherpa is the best guide ever! He made my experience on everest view trek special and wonderful. His heartwarming, calm and respectful behaviour let me feel welcome and my needs during trek seen. He knows a lot of trekking and the insides there in the mountains, showed me all possible in that 7 days and has my full 5-star review. Always again!
Amazing experience! We had a very loving and caring guide Narayan. Also not possible without our porters 💜💜