This cultural tour explores the heritage and traditions of Bhutan’s timeless culture that still thrive today. This tour is specially tailored to provide a deeper insight into the lives of the diverse people of Bhutan. Based in the western valleys, you will be immersed the daily lives of Bhutanese, with exclusive activities including farmhouse visits, interaction with northern nomad tribes and participation in special Buddhist ceremonies. DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities. After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum and Rimpung Dzong. Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu. DAY 02: THIMPHU Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century and Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market to see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillies, fresh cheese and a variety of fresh greens. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. (This market is open only from Friday until mid Sunday). Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu. DAY 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). DAY 04: PUNAKHA In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before exploring Wangduephodrang Dzong. Built in 1639, the strategically located Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. In the 17th century Wangduephodrang played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country. Afterwards drive back into the Punakha valley for a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. DAY 05: PUNAKHA – PHOBJIKHA Drive towards Phobjikha valley. Its 3 hours drive. Later-part of afternoon, visit Black-necked crane center and Gangtey Goempa. DAY 06: PHOBJIKHA – PARO Morning visit Gangtey natural trial and drive towards Paro. DAY 07: PARO – HAA – PARO The extraordinarily beautiful Haa Valley is newly opened to tourists. Haa is a picturesque fertile valley ideal for mountain biking and hiking. Visit Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo (white temple and black temple) that was built in the 8th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, after he sent two doves (one black and one white) to find a sacred place to build a monastery. DAY 08: PARO After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951) was built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. DAY 09: DEPART PARO Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.Living Culture of Bhutan – 9 Days