Bhutan Cultural Tour - 5 Days

Flight Information

Every day flight connects to Paro if you’re in one of these South Asian countries or cities. (Nepal, Kathmandu, Delhi, Singapore, and Thailand)

Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines both operate direct flights. Druk Air, which is also the national flag carrier, provides frequent direct flights from Kathmandu to Paro (or other cities or countries mentioned above)

On the other hand, Bhutan Airlines is also another popular option for direct flights. However, it runs on specific days like Mondays and Fridays.

What to Expect on your Short Bhutan Cultural Tour?

On your 5-day short Bhutan cultural tour, you’ll get a brief insight into the cultural significance of Bhutan. You’ll also make a visit to dzongs, monasteries, and their daily rituals. With that, let’s get to know the main attractions of this Bhutan tour:

Thimphu Valley

Located at an altitude of 2334m/7657ft, Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan. The valley lies along the Wang Chhu (Thimphu Chhu) river. It is surrounded by forested hills and greenery everywhere.

More of a city area includes the clock tower, government buildings, residential areas, and markets. Whereas the majority of the dzongs lie on the hills at higher altitudes. Here lie plenty of cultural sites, including Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, and other small monasteries.

Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong is one of the finest Buddhist monasteries located in Thimphu, Bhutan. At one time, it served as the seat of the Government and featured the King’s throne room and various ministries. The monastery is located on the Wang Chhu River, on the northern side of Thimphu.

It was built by the respected figure Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. The monastery was later refined by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. He also changed the name of the monastery, giving it Tashichho Dzong.

The monastery is the prime example of traditional Bhutanese architecture, with its detailed woodwork and mesmerizing design.

National Memorial Chorten

National Memorial Chorten  is a popular stupa of Thimphu, Bhutan. It was founded to honor the late king, Druk Gyalpo, and Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

One of its highlights is the detailed architecture. It is one of the popular monuments of Bhutan. Various renowned festivals are held here. These are the Monlam Prayer Festival and the Je Khenpo.

Punakha Valley

Punakha Valley is the past capital of Bhutan. It was also the seat of government until 1955, making it one of the major cities. 72 km away from Thimphu, this iconic city is comparatively warmer in winter and hotter in summer.

The two main rivers of Bhutan, the Pho Chu and Mo Chu, lie here. In these river valleys, rice is grown as the main crop. There are plenty of other attractions here, including the Chimi Lhakhang temple, Punakha Dzong, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, and Punakha Suspension Bridge.

Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong is one of the oldest and largest monasteries of Bhutan. It is also often called the palace of happiness or bliss. It was the administrative centre and was also the seat of the Government of Bhutan. An interesting fact regarding this monastery is that it is the second-oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan.

The following dzong is located at the junction of the two main rivers, Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers. 

Chimi Lhakhang Temple

Also known as the name ‘Fertility Temple’ of Bhutan, Chimi Lhakhang is a 15th-century Buddhist monastery. Located in the Punakha district, the temple was built around 1499 AD in remembrance of the holy saint Drukpa Kunley. 

The temple is surrounded by the rice paddies, and married couples visit here most specifically, in the hope of children. Drukpa Kunley is often called the Madman, who used to have unusual methods of teaching Buddhism.

Most people who visit here are childless couples praying to receive children. 

Paro

Paro, located in western Bhutan, is a town filled with natural beauty and the country’s only International Airport. Situated near the Paro River, Paro is one of the main commercial centers of the country. Paro International Airport, the country’s only airport, lies here, along with that there are other major attractions too.

Tiger’s Nest monastery, Rinpung Dzong, and the National Museum of Bhutan are some of them.

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang)

Generally, people go for a hike in the Tiger’s Nest monastery since it is located on a cliffside in the Paro Valley. Situated at an elevation of 3,120 metres, it is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. It is also believed that the Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is believed to have meditated on this holy place after flying in on a tigress.

The hike to this monastery is around 4 to 6 hours round trip and is moderate in terms of difficulty. There are some steep sections, and some amount of elevation gain makes it a bit difficult.

National Museum of Bhutan

National Museum of Bhutan, also called the Ta Dzong, is a cultural museum located in Paro. It was established in 1968, at the command of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This spacious museum holds some of the finest Bhutanese art, including the bronze statues, marvellous paintings, and other rare collections.

Currently, it has a 3000+ Bhutanese art collection that shows glimpses of Bhutan’s cultural heritage of the past and present.

Bhutan’s Spiritual and Cultural Life

Bhutan is a country with a large following of Buddhism, especially Vajrayana Buddhism. The following belief revolves around compassion and mindfulness. The country has a huge history, making it one of the centers of spiritual beliefs.

Lifestyle and Traditions of Bhutan

The most common traditional clothing that the Bhutanese wear are:

• Gho that men wear most frequently (It is a knee-length cloth wrapped at the waist, in the middle lies a cloth belt known as the Kera).
• Similarly, women wear a Kira (It is an ankle-length dress; a rectangular-shaped woven fabric).

Major Festivals of Bhutan

There are plenty of festivals that the people of Bhutan celebrate. Some of the major ones are:

• Paro Tshechu: Paro Tshechu is a spring festival that is celebrated inside the building of Rinpung Dzong. People dance wearing masks during this festival.
• Thimphu Tshechu: Similar to Dashain in Nepal, this major festival is known for seeking blessings from the elder ones.
• Punakha Drubchen & Tshechu: This festival is special for the acting done, especially of 17th century battle by the local people. The fight is conducted against the Tibetan invaders.
• Jambay Lhakhang Drup: During this festival, fire dance and naked dance are mostly performed, and it is one of the oldest festivals.
• Black-Necked Crane: Endangered cranes are worshipped and treated with respect on this festival. It is celebrated in the Phobjikha Valley.

Widely Followed Religion in Bhutan

Mahayana/Vajrayana Buddhism is the most widely followed number one religion in this country. Almost 70 to 80% of the Bhutanese people follow this religion. Similarly, Hinduism comes in second place in terms of religion followed.

Hence, we can say Buddhism has the most dominance here, and the monks play a crucial role in this community.

Mainly people rely on agriculture (almost 80 %) here, rice, maize, wheat, and potatoes are produced in large numbers.

Climate in Bhutan

• Temperatures in Thimphu range from approx 15° C to 26° C during the monsoon season.
• It drops to about -4° C and 16° C in January.
• Punakha & Paro experience 15° C and 30° C year-round. It can get upto 40° C in summer.

Currency in Bhutan

The currency used is 1 Ngultrum (NU), which is broken into 100 chetrums (Ch). Some of the top foreign currencies are accepted. The best is the travelers’ cheques as the exchange rates are much better.

We suggest that you carry your money in the form of Traveler’s Checks

• Either American Express
• Or, cash (US Dollar)

Just keep in mind that banks in Bhutan generally don’t accept credit cards. Visa Card and American Express credit cards might be accepted in some shops.

Communications in Bhutan

Bhutan’s country code is + 975. You’ll get free Wi-Fi, and internet service is also good in the accommodations you stay.

Tipping Culture in Bhutan

Generally, tipping is not mandatory, but you can provide some extra cash to drivers, cooks, or guides on the tour.

Meals & Accommodation During the Bhutan Cultural Tour

Meals on a Bhutan family vacation with cultural tour will be nutritious, well-prepared, and delicious at the same time. These meals provide a unique flavour that you haven’t experienced so far.

Breakfast Options Include:

Breakfast during a cultural tour in Bhutan consists of Bhutanese and Continental combo foods.

• Buckwheat pancakes
• Local butter tea
• Coffee
• Toast
• Eggs
• Cereal

Lunch Options Include:

• Local Vegetable Soup
• Momos
• Ema Datshi (chili cheese stew)
• Red Rice
• Lentil & Salad

Dinner Options Include:

• Meat
• Vegetable curry
• Buckwheat/Red rice
• Vegetables
• Phaksha Paa (pork and radish)
• Mushroom stew
• Sweet rice cakes
• Chips
• Pasta

What Types of Accommodations are available on a Bhutan cultural tour?

For this Bhutan cultural tour, you will be staying in comfortable and relaxing 3-star hotels. These hotels include a combination of traditional Bhutanese architecture as well as modern facilities. Throughout your stay in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, you will be in a 3-star hotel offering peaceful and cozy rooms.

The hotels will have a quiet ambience and peaceful surroundings, and basic comforts to make your stay memorable and fun.

Rooms of these hotels generally include attached bathrooms, and the toilets are also western-style.

Normally the rooms will have running showers with both hot and cold water. The shower water pressure maybe normal.

• Beds are tidied up daily
• Bathrooms are cleaned on a regular interval
• Fresh towels and linens are provided
• You will get a free bottled water
• Tea/coffee makers in rooms
• Room telephone
• TV
• WiFi
• Toiletries

You have the option to upgrade the accommodation facility to a higher range by paying an extra cost.

Facility of Guides for Cultural Tour of Bhutan

For this cultural tour of Bhutan, we provide an experienced and certified local guide. Since being local, they possess the knowledge of all the major areas and cities properly. They also provide cordial service throughout the tour.

Our guides are well aware of the Bhutanese culture, history, festivals, and all other aspects. Plus, they are trained for high-altitudes too. So this is why you can book our package without thinking twice.

• Our guides will make sure to provide the information related to the local attractions, including dzongs, monasteries, and rituals.
• They will handle all the logistics, taking care of your airport pickup, hotel transfers, and more.
• Our guide will also help you to navigate the trails, keeping you safe from all the dangers associated with the tour.

Best time for a Bhutan Cultural Tour

One of the best times to do a Bhutan cultural tour is during the spring season (March to May), and another is the autumn season (September to November). During the spring season, the roads are filled with blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers. The weather is good at these times, with the sky being crystal clear. Festivals like Paro Tshechu and Punakha Tshechu fall during these months.

In the autumn season, the visibility remains top-notch. The air feels good, and the sky remains quite clear. The temperatures are neither too cold nor too hot. During the months of September to November, many festivals occur too. These include Thimphu Tshechu, Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu, etc.

When Not To Visit

Monsoon (June – August)

The first one is during the monsoon season. At this time, heavy rainfall occurs, the visibility gets lower, and the trails become slippery, adding to the difficulty even more.

Winter (December – February)

Another time that you shouldn’t do the Bhutan cultural tour is during the winter. During the months of December to February, the weather gets freezing cold. In the high altitudes, there occurs occasional snowfall too.

Some mountain passes and trails might get closed as well because of snow.

What to Bring For the Short Bhutan Cultural Tour?

Based on the weather conditions, you can bring a couple of thin or thick jackets. Carry t-shirts, thermal wear, pants, one pair of hiking shoes, a couple of normal shoes, etc. Other than that, you can bring sunglasses and sunscreen to prevent your skin from getting burned due to the scorching sun.

You can pack a camera, binoculars, and toiletries; however, it is not mandatory.

Permits for Short Cultural Tour of Bhutan

There are no such specific permits required for the short cultural tour of Bhutan; however visa and other essential documents are required.

In order to do a short cultural tour of Bhutan, you should get a Bhutan visa. This visa is mandatory for all travelers. (except for nationals of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives)

We, Access Nepal Tour and Trekking takes care of all the arrangements for the Bhutan visa, so you don’t have to worry about that part. The tourists are needed to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), but the cost is included in the part of the tour package.

Indian nationals must get an entry permit, but not a visa. This is checked upon arrival at Paro Airport or the border of Bhutan. The following permit is valid for a specific time (mostly for the entire length of the tour)

What Documents Should You Carry For 5 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour?

• You need a valid passport with at least six months of validity period.
• Carry 4-5 passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of travel insurance covering the whole duration of the tour. (if purchased)
• Arrival and departure dates

Indian nationals should have a valid Indian passport or voter ID card to obtain the entry permit. This can be taken during the time of arrival or early as well.

Travel Insurance Requirement

Travel insurance is not mandatory for the cultural tour of Bhutan; however, you must get it to cover any unforeseen events or circumstances.

Even though the tour is short, you may need it to prevent any travel-related risk. We don’t include travel insurance on our tour and trek packages, so you should purchase it on your own. However, when purchasing, make sure it covers:

• Medical needs
• Tour cancellations
• Lost luggages
• Delays or injuries

Purchasing travel insurance can provide travelers with peace of mind. It makes sure to cover financial losses that can happen during the travel.

Is the Bhutan Cultural Tour Package Ideal For You?

The 5-day Bhutan cultural tour package provides you with a deeper immersion into the culture,  traditions, and the natural beauty of Bhutan. Check out if the itinerary of this package is suitable for you or not.

• Five days will feel a bit rushed if you’re someone who likes visiting or spending a quality amount of time at one location.
• The Bhutan cultural tour package is not a good option for you if you love trekking only, as this itinerary doesn’t include long, high-altitude treks.
• This tour is not for you if you have no amount of physical fitness; the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery requires moderate fitness as you have to climb hundreds of steps.
• If you are not interested in knowing unique traditions and cultures, then this tour is not ideal for you.

Key Things To Know Before Booking a Bhutan Cultural Tour Package

• You can enter Bhutan by air via Paro. It has direct flights from cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Bangkok, and Kathmandu.
• You must book the package from a reputable tour operator.
• Carry some extra cost.
• To get the most out of this tour, arrive in the spring or autumn season.
• Females should dress modestly when visiting dzongs and monasteries (covering legs and shoulders)
• Photography is generally not allowed inside the temple, so be aware of that.
• Respect the local traditions, culture, and the people of Bhutan.

Cost of Bhutan Cultural Tour Package

Access Nepal Tour and Trekking offers a 5-day Bhutan cultural tour package for USD 1980. Our package is all-inclusive. It covers all the required aspects, including meals, accommodations, transportation charges, and many more.

Package cost/pricing differs as per the group size.

Why Do Cultural Tour in Bhutan with Access Nepal Tour and Treks?

• Affordable price with no hidden charges.
• All-inclusive pricing covering all the essential elements such as transportation, guide, meals, visas, and much more.
• We take care of every small detail, making sure the experience becomes top-notch for you.
• Good accommodation facilities of 3-star hotels with upgrade options.
• We will provide 24/7 support throughout the tour.
• We provide an experienced, licensed local guide.
• We are a reputable tour operator in Nepal. We work with licensed Bhutanese partners so that the management process becomes hassle-free.

Book Your Bhutan Cultural Tour Today for 2026 and 2027

Bhutan cultural tour gives you an ideal opportunity to get the taste of the country’s culture, traditions, and history. On top of that, you’ll also get to experience the natural beauty of Bhutan.

Our 5-Day cultural tour in Bhutan is a unique experience, overall, getting to know the rich heritage of this popular Himalayan kingdom. Majorly, this tour covers three renowned valleys of Bhutan: Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro.

At Access Nepal Tour and Trekking, we take care of every essential aspect. Be it meals, accommodation, visas, a guide, and much more.

If you are ready to book the Bhutan cultural tour package, follow this link: Book Bhutan cultural tour package.

If you’re interested in similar multiple-country & cultural tours, then we have some similar packages too:

• Nepal Cultural Tour
• Nepal Bhutan Tour