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Cultural Travel Plan

6 Days 5 Nights Chinese New Year

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Buddha Statue Buddha Statue

A mini getaway during the Chinese New Year.

All our tours are fully customisable — the itineraries you see are simply a starting point. We'll work closely with you to tailor every detail.

6 Days 5 Nights Chinese New Year Itinerary

Arrival in Paro, Head to Thimphu

Thimphu 2,300m (7,550ft) -2°C – 22°C

When you first arrive at Paro International Airport, you will be met by one of our delightful tour guides just outside the arrival hall. At 7,333 feet above sea level, the first thing you will likely notice is the effect of the high altitudes, so we will give you time to acclimate as we take a short drive to Thimphu and check into your hotel.

Tachog Lhakhang - In the 14th century an emanation of Guru Padmasambhava, the great Siddha Thangtong Gyalpo had been to many places and built about 50 iron bridges in the parts of this world, for the benefit of all beings. When the great Siddha was in Phagri in Tibet, the Haa Chundu and Paro Jodarkay requested him to come to Bhutan for the benefit of Buddha’s teaching and people. In Bhutan, the great Siddha had built about eight bridges and established several Lhakhangs, such as Deoeteng Lhakhang, Phurdo Geonpa, Mindral Goenpa, Bardrong Lhakhang, etc. Specially Dumtse Lhakhang at Paro Droelphug Jangsa was built for remedy of subduing Sadak and Lunyen in the country

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and the perfect location to transition from your familiar lifestyle to our unique country that is like no other place on earth. Here you will begin to appreciate our local customs as you get your first glimpse of monks dressed in traditional red robes, men in striped ghos, and women in brightly colored kiras. Once you settle into your hotel, we will begin to unlock the mysteries of Bhutan by touring Thimphu’s most important sites. The National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to memorialize Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third king of Bhutan (1928-1972). A chorten is a stupa, or hemispherical structure, that is used as a place of meditation. The whitewashed building with a golden finial on top is a popular location for prayer as it represents the strength and kindness of our beloved third king.

On the weekends, Centenary Farmers’ Market is where farmers come to sell their vegetables, cheeses, grains, and the occasional yak leg. Across the street is the Kundeyling Baazam where you can bargain for local handicrafts, such as mala beads and prayer wheels. We will then take a scenic drive up to Buddha Point in the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park to see the 169-foot-tall bronze statue of the seated Buddha Dordenma. One of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, it sits atop a hill where you will see sweeping views of the valley and surrounding mountains. After returning to town for dinner, you can wander through the shops, bars, and cafes of Thimphu.

Thimphu

Thimphu 2,300m (7,550ft) -2°C – 22°C

Buddha Point - Located at Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha makes it one of the largest statue of Buddha in the world. The Buddha Dordenma symbolizes indestructibility, and it is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. The Buddha statue will be completed soon, currently awaiting for the completed paintings but visitors can drive up to the Buddha point and view the tallest statue of Lord Buddha. The view of Thimphu valley from the Buddha point is spectacular and beautiful,, especially at night.

The Thimphu Tashichho Dzong is a fortress and Buddhist monastery with a distinctive Bhutanese architectural design. Sitting aside the Wang Chhu (river), it is the current seat of the Druk Desi, the head of the civil government, and houses the offices of the current king.

Takin Enclosure - On the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange looking beast some say looks like a bee-stung moose.

Weaving Centre - Learn about Bhutan's living national art of weaving. Paper Making Factory [1 hrs] - The paper factory uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho. Located 1 km from Thimphu City. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper.

Simply Bhutan - A living museum and a photo studio with a mission to engage and empower youth entrepreneurs through preservation, promotion and showcasing of Bhutanese tradition and cultural diversity.

[Opening hour Summer 09.00 AM - 17.00 PM, Winter 10.00 AM - 16.00 PM]

Authentic Bhutanese Craft Bazaar - Authentic Bhutanese Craft Bazaar in Thimphu sits along the Norzin Lam stretching from the Taj Tashi hotel up till Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan.The market consist of around 80 shops which are entirely made of bamboo huts aligned together along the Norzin Lam covering about half a kilometer of the road. Bhutan has its first craft bazaar or handicraft market in 2011 in Thimphu.

Thimphu to Punakha

Punakha 1,242m (4,075ft) 5°C – 32°C

Dress up like Bhutanese - Today you will have the chance to dress up in full Bhutanese attire. The Bhutanese absolute love visitors doing it. Women wear elegant wraparound skirts called 'kira' and the men wear checked, floor length belted robes called 'Gho'.We will be able to provide Kira (for women) and Gho (for men).

Post Office - Visit the post office in Thimphu to get customized stamps or to mail cards to your friends and relatives

Today we travel to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan until 1955, and will stop off at Dochula Pass along the way. This popular tourist spot provides stunning 360-degree views of the Himalayas. It is also home to the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens that were built on a small hill to memorialize the Bhutanese soldiers killed in a 2003 battle with Assamese insurgents from India.

The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple was completed in 2008, built to commemorate 100 years of monarchy and His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king, and leader of the raid that removed the Indian rebels. We will tour what is considered one of the most beautiful site in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong. Sitting at the fork of two rivers, it is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture.

Chhimi Lhakhang - also know as Fertility Temple located in the beautiful village of Sopsokha right before the junction in Lobesa. The monastery stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was constructed in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpaheirarch. This monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley 'Divine Madman' known for his outrageous behavior. The existing footpath to Chimi Lhakhang passes through beautiful terraces of paddy fields. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple.

Punakha to Paro

Paro 2,200m (7,200ft) -5°C – 25°C

Punakha Dzong - Placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region.

Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge - The 160 metres Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.

Picnic along river side

Visit Traditional Farm Home - Visit traditional farm house, taste local wine "Ara" ,visit Vegetable plantation. you also have chance to play Bhutan national game "Archery" and local game "Dart"

Reunion Dinner with Bhutanese Family and Cultural dance - Tonight you have a chance to enjoy reunion dinner together with Bhutanese family.After dinner enjoy cultural dance.

Paro

Paro 2,200m (7,200ft) -5°C – 25°C

Are you ready? We will be making the hike up to one of the key highlights in Bhutan today! Tiger's Nest aka Taktsang Monastery.

Taktsang Monastery - Often called the Tiger’s Nest, perched on the cliffs, has awestruck many a visitor. “Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktsang”, says one tourist. Indeed, it’s true as the journey there fills you with spiritual bliss. For those not choosing the spiritual side, it is the dramatic, artistically built monument that becomes a hiker’s delight. Take a trip to this dramatically set Buddhist relic hanging from a cliff. Experience the uphill climb as you ascend more than two thousand feet from the valley floor.

A prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and temple complex located on the cliff side of Paro Valley. According to legends, it is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a Tigress (his consort Yeshey Tshogyal) and meditated in one of the caves. Guru Rinpoche performed meditation and emerged in eight manifestations, and the place became holy, thus gaining the name Tiger's Nest.

Depart Paro

Paro 2,200m (7,200ft) -5°C – 25°C

Kyichu Lhakhang - Also known as Kyerchu Temple or Lho Kyerchu, is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Just like Jambhay Lhakhang in Bumthang, it is one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue and pin down an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism.

Depart to Airport - After lunch,

Today we will bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take an early flight back. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in the next Bhutan cultural tours!

Tashi Delek!

Route Map

6 Days 5 Nights Chinese New Year route: Thimphu → Punakha → Paro Click a stop to jump to that day

Starting from

USD 1,625

per person · SDF included

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Guaranteed visa approval

Free consultation · no deposit to enquire

Departs on your chosen date

✓ Private guided tour
✓ Visas for Bhutan
✓ Airport transfers
✓ Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels
✓ Accommodation at 3-star hotel
✓ A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
✓ An experienced driver & tour vehicle
✓ Entry fees & road permits
✓ Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
✓ Mineral bottled water
✓ Set of traditional costume (to be returned at end of stay)
✓ Full service & assistance before, during and after your trip

✗ International flights
✗ Drukair flights into Bhutan (can be arranged with us)
✗ Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
✗ Travel insurance (can be arranged with us)
✗ Personal expenses & shopping
✗ Alcoholic drinks
✗ Tips for guide and driver

Suitable Months: 25th - 30th Jan 2020

Guaranteed Visa approval. We have yet to disappoint a single traveller in terms of Visa issuance.

Authentic, Safe & Comfortable Accommodations. Your hotels are confirmed before arrival — we only book places we love.

Expert English-Speaking Guides. Licensed local guides ensure a safe journey. We'll change your guide or driver in the first two days if you're not satisfied.

Always ready to assist you. Our member services team is available by phone or email — real people, no call centres.

More than 45 days before start USD 140 / person

31–45 days before start 25% of package

21–30 days before start 35% of package

8–20 days before start 50% of package

4–7 days before start 75% of package

3 days or fewer before start 100% of package

Drukair flight ticket cancellation terms differ — see the full cancellation policy.

Community Partners

Your journey contributes directly to local communities. Complete a feedback form after your tour and Druk Asia will donate to your chosen cause.

Gyalyum Trust

VAST Bhutan

Museums of Bhutan

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