Bhutan Cultural Tour – 6 days

Itinerary of Bhutan Cultural Tour – 6 days

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What Does a Bhutan Cultural Tour Offer?

Bhutan’s culture offers a wide range of experiences to travelers. From visiting beautiful Dzongs to going on a hike to one of the world’s wildest-looking hiking trails, you will feel the beauty and thrill of it all.

The following are some major elements of the Bhutan cultural tour:

Exploration of Majestic Dzongs

Bhutan is best known for its majestic dzongs. These dzongs were built to protect the Bhutanese soldiers during wartime. Today, the buildings remain intact and serve as a great tourist site. You will also see different activities during events and festivals taking place close to or within the dzong’s proximity.

The dzongs are a symbol of Bhutanese history. Additionally, the unique make of these buildings shows what the place had gone through centuries ago. The way these dzongs were built helped sustain the most dangerous attacks, showing rich architectural knowledge of the Bhutanese people even in the old times.

Meet Bhutan’s Lively Traditions

People in Bhutan are very respectful of their traditions. During festivals and major events within the country, regardless of the location, you will see everyone dressed in their traditional clothes.

Both men and women are beautifully clad in Bhutanese clothing and shoes, not just during national but personal occasions as well. Their way of life is just as influenced by their ancestors’ lifestyles. Though modern and comfortable in their own way, the Bhutanese people are one of the few nations that have embraced their traditions in the fullest way.

Nature and Culture Combination

Bhutan is not only culturally rich but also rich in natural elements. You will see greenery and snow-capped mountains every minute as you drive from one end to another during your journey. Bhutanese authorities put much emphasis on how the locals and the tourists should be responsible for their surroundings.

Besides the authority’s efforts to preserve the surroundings, Bhutan is located in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful places. From cliff hikes to rest in serene green and blue nature, your journey will be as relaxing as it will be culturally engaging.

Culinary Experiences

When you’re in Bhutan, you simply cannot stick to your regular menu. From local eateries to lavish restaurants and hotels, Bhutan has a lot to offer its travelers. One of the top dishes to try when in Bhutan is Ema Datshi. It is also the national dish of Bhutan.

You will also be pleased to eat other food items like red dumplings, try different soups, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, and sip on butter tea. If you don’t have a taste for more unique dishes in Bhutan, you will find a basic menu with Western food items as well.

Exploration of Spirituality and Philosophy

Bhutan is a land of spirituality and philosophy. Though not everyone in the country is going to be excessively spiritual, they will have been impacted by the rich spirituality of the land to a good extent.

Also, the Bhutanese people are very devoted to Bhutanese Buddhism and try to make the most of their understanding of the religion in real life as well. And since Buddhism is a religion immersed in spirituality and philosophy, you will feel influenced by the same throughout your journey, no matter where you are traveling.

Trip Extension

For those looking to extend their trip with visits to locations like Bumthang Valley, Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tang Valley, Mongar, Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse, Lhuntse (textile villages), Haa Valley, Chelela Pass, Phobjikha Valley (Black-necked cranes), etc. in Bhutan, you can inform our representatives either before your journey or during your Bhutan cultural tour.

Likewise, if you want to extend your tour and visit the neighboring country of Nepal, for treks and cultural tours, that can also be made possible.

Best Time To Go On a Bhutan Cultural Tour

The best time to go on a Bhutan cultural tour would be during the autumn and spring. However, the Bhutan cultural tour is popular all year long for many reasons. Though summer and winter are not as popular, these seasons can be welcoming to a good extent.

The following is a brief explanation of each season so you can decide when to travel:

Autumn

Autumn is the most popular season to go on the Bhutan cultural tour. This is the time when the air is neither too hot nor too cold. Whether you are staying in your hotel, going for sightseeing in different towns, or hiking to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the weather will favor you.

Since the vision is clear due to the clarity in the sky, you can get perfect glimpses of the mountains in your surroundings. Also, you can enjoy walking without feeling too hot or too cold. Deciding what to wear is going to be the least of your problems.

It is also easier to find and book accommodation during this season because all amenities are available. If you are someone who loves interacting with both locals and fellow travelers, autumn will give you many opportunities for the same.

Spring

Spring is another good season to visit Bhutan for a cultural tour. This season brings in bloom, and you are likely to see a lot of colors and greenery in your surroundings. The air remains fresh, and the weather is neither too hot nor too cold.

The season is perfect for those who want to go on the iTigerMonastery Hike because the trails are not slippery and can be safer than in summer or winter. You don’t have to worry about not being able to see the beautiful mountain and greenery sights either. And, you can socialize with fellow travelers as well because spring is a peak travel season.

Winter

Winters are not as popular, but it is comparatively more preferred for the Bhutan cultural tour than summer. During winter, you will find cozy hotels to stay in at a much lower price than in the peak seasons. Also, the transportation cost is likely to drop.

Since there aren’t many travelers in major tourist destinations, you can travel freely without worrying too much about the crowd. Overall, your Bhutan cultural tour can be expected to be peaceful and slow.

Summer

If you love summer, you can opt for the Bhutan cultural tour during this season. Chilly rainfall during the daytime can be relaxing when you drop by in a cafe or decide to stay in your cozy hotel room with a warm dish or a drink.

Hiking may not be the best idea. Yet still, other major travel destinations can be explored even through rainfall and scorching sunlight, as most of them will be traveled to in a vehicle, and there may not be too much walking involved. The cost of accommodation and transportation is likely to decrease.

Practical Travel Tips For the Bhutan Cultural Tour

The following are practical travel tips for when you’re going on a Bhutan cultural tour:

Pack Adequately

When you’re on your cultural tour to Bhutan, always remember to pack adequately. Packing less than you need can lead you to problems you may not have imagined. And, you can’t buy everything you need last minute in a foreign land. Even when you do, your budget can be disturbed greatly.

Similarly, carrying more stuff than you need can be just as bothersome. The travelers only need to carry what they need and nothing more because it adds to the burden of their bags. You may have to pay for a porter during your travel, which you may not otherwise need.

Eat Sufficiently

Don’t travel with a hungry stomach. Also, ensure that you are not eating a lot, as it may cause nausea and vomiting. Finding the right quantity to eat and sticking to eating no matter your appetite is the best thing you can do for yourself during this journey.

Also, try not to eat too greasy food or something to which you may be allergic. When you are trying new things to eat in Bhutan, it would be best to ask the cook or your guide what the dish is made of.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated at all times and carrying a personal water bottle can be helpful during the Bhutan cultural tour. Carrying a water purification tablet can be of great help. While it is possible to buy bottled water in Bhutan, you will promote sustainable tourism when you travel with a personal water bottle.

Dress Properly

When you are traveling to Bhutan, you need to dress properly. By this, we mean modest and comfortable dressing. Tourists often focus on looking stylish rather than staying comfortable. It would be best for you to look good while also staying warm in cooler months and dressing cooler in hotter months.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Traveling with comfortable shoes will help you tour around just about any place without delays or discomfort. When you wear shoes that enclose your feet uncomfortably or high heels, you may feel pain in your legs, which is unnecessary. These problems are avoidable with a great and comfortable pair of shoes that you have worn before.

Carry All Your Documents

Don’t travel without documents. One thing you need to remember about traveling in Bhutan is that, when you don’t have enough documents in hand, you may miss out on some experiences. Your guide will inform you about the documents you need on each travel day, so always stay updated.

Always Carry Cash

Travelers need to carry cash all the time. Doing this will help you overcome any problems caused by to lack of monetary exchange systems. Get currency exchanged from either Kathmandu or money exchange centers in Bhutan. Not all locations you visit will have this service or mobile and bank transfer options.

Always Seek Help From Your Guide

If you are confused about something along your journey, always stay updated about the same with your guide. Even if you are not used to talking actively with a third-party traveler, making conversations with your guide can be a very knowledgeable experience and highly recommended for all travelers.

Hire a Porter If Necessary

All travelers don’t need to avoid taking porters. Though there aren’t many places you need to visit with a big load on your shoulders, hiring a porter, especially if you are traveling with young children or older people, can be very helpful.

Be Physically and Mentally Prepared

Travelers should be both physically and mentally prepared for their Bhutan cultural tour. Mental preparation is going to make your willpower strong enough for harsher challenges, while physical preparation will improve endurance and make the journey more immersive, and you can experience more.

What To Pack For a Bhutan Cultural Tour

Clothing

• Warm jacket
• Fleece or sweater
• Long pants
• Long-sleeve shirts
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Rain jacket
• Socks (extra pairs)

Basic Essentials

• Daypack
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Reusable water bottle
• Small umbrella
• Travel towel

Health & Care

• Personal medicines
• First-aid kit
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes

Documents

• Passport
• Visa approval letter
• Travel insurance
• Copies of documents
• Cash (USD)

Electronics

• Phone
• Camera
• Power bank
• Charger
• Universal adapter
• Extra memory card

Optional

• Trekking poles
• Small gifts
• Notebook/journal
• Binoculars