Bhutan Cultural Tours
Discover the spirit of the Bhutanese people, visit sacred monasteries and temples, and experience awe-inspiring landscapes.
Our range of suggested Bhutan cultural tours are designed to bring you into close contact with an unspoiled land that is home to a vibrant Buddhist way of life, and as close in spirit to ‘Shambala’ – or paradise – as an earth bound kingdom can be.
The mysterious mountain kingdom of Bhutan was isolated from the rest of the world until very recently, preserving its rich culture and traditions. It is a deeply devout country steeped in the ancient traditions of Mahayana Buddhism. Dzongs, monasteries and temples are at the heart of every town and village while prayer flags flutter from chortens or the tops of hills. People still predominantly wear traditional garb, with men in a kimono style Gho, and women in an ankle-length dress called a Kira. Our tours are designed to bring clients into close contact with this unspoiled land and its vibrant Buddhist way of life. Tours visit numerous sacred sites: dzongs, temples, landmarks, monasteries, markets, farmhouses, schools and museums. Specialty programs include photography, biking, bird watching, festival and pilgrimage tours.
To find out more about our range of recommended Bhutan cultural tours, please download pages below or click here to download the full Bhutan cultural tours section of our Bhutan e-brochure.
Highlights
Bhutan Cultural
Taktsang Monastery
Clinging precariously to a rocky cliff above a 900m sheer drop, the Taktsang Monastery is one of the most sacred and iconic sights in Bhutan.
Ancient temples, monasteries and fortresses
The once hidden mountain kingdom of Bhutan has a long, rich architectural heritage, evident in the country’s many ancient fortresses and monasteries.
Attend a Tsechu, a Buddhist Festival
Experience a genuine Buddhist festival (Tsechu), a religious celebration in honour of Guru Rimpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.
Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland
The historic district of Bumthang is the country’s spiritual heartland and the first place Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan by Guru Rimpoche.
Phobjikha – Winter home to the black-necked crane
The Phobjikha Valley (2,900m) is often described as “the most beautiful valley in the most beautiful country in the Himalayas”.
Countless rare animals and endemic plants
Bhutan is 72% forest and is considered to be one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots. Altitudes vary from 150 to 7,000 metres.
Inspiring landscapes of mountains, valleys, forests and streams
From soaring Himalayan peaks and rhododendron forests to tropical grasslands, Bhutan has spectacular landscapes.
Sample
Itineraries
We have a unique selection of suggested Bhutan cultural tours designed to help you discover the unique spirit of this Himalayan kingdom. All of our tours are completely tailor made featuring a range of accommodation styles customised to suit our clients interests, budget, and timeframe. To find out more about the type of Bhutan tour we can put together for you, please download pages below.
Bhutan Cultural Tour Overview
Why visit Bhutan? Bhutan is one of the most unique travel destinations on earth. Discover ancient Buddhist monasteries, temples, dzongs and chortens as well as local foods, traditions and dramatic scenery. Accommodation is of a high standard, and all tourism is highly regulated by the government.
What is the culture in Bhutan? Bhutan is a deeply devout Buddhist country and religion is part of everyday life from the ceremonies performed by red-robed monks in ancient monasteries to the prayer flags which flutter across hills and villages.
When is the best time to visit Bhutan? The best time to go is spring (Mar – May), to witness Bhutan in full bloom, and autumn (Sep – Nov), when there is very little rain and the skies are clear, offering the best mountain viewing. Winter (Dec – Mar) is the best time to view Black-necked Cranes at their winter home in the Phobjikha Valley.
What can I combine Bhutan with? Combine a cultural tour with a trek, village walk or some other exciting outdoor adventure such as whitewater rafting. You can also combine Bhutan with a tour in neighbouring India.
How do I get to Bhutan? Most of our tours include return airfares from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro in Bhutan. Alternatively, you can fly from Singapore, Nepal or various cities within India.
