Gangtey Lodge

This brief introductory video will give you a glimpse of some of the highlights of our Definitive Cultural Tour of Bhutan.

Magnificent Tiger’s Nest monastery, perched some 2,000ft up on a cliff above Paro Valley, is arguably Bhutan’s premier sight and a walk (or pony ride) to view the temple is an essential element of any tour of the Thunder Dragon Kingdom. Similarly, no itinerary would be complete without a visit to impressive Punakha Dzong – one of the finest and most important examples of the kingdom’s unique monastery/fortresses.

Bhutan’s unique architectural style is also evident in the picturesque houses and monuments that dot the valleys and villages and our cultural tour will take you on several easy walks to explore these in more depth.

Any tour of Bhutan will also include time to enjoy some of the country’s more scenic splendours. Panoramic views of the high Himalaya from the Dochu La pass, the fertile valleys of Paro, Gantey and Punakha and charming ‘chocolate box’ villages will ensure that your camera is rarely out of action.

But as you will see in the video, our tour doesn’t only take in the main tourist sights it also travels beneath the skin of the country taking you to local markets, villages, temples and festivals to give you a genuine insight into the traditions and way of life of the wonderfully welcoming Bhutanese people.

To find out more, see our Definitive Cultural Tour of Bhutan trip information including itineraries, departure dates and prices.

Please note that the itinerary on different departures may vary from that shown .

The curious looking takin is the national animal of Bhtuan and legend has it that the takin was created by the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley, when he combined the head of a goat with the bones of a cow! It actually looks more like a moose crossed with a small cow but see for yourself at the Takin Reserve close to Thimphu.

Bhutan is renowned for its amazing festivals that assault the senses with a riot of noise and colour. Festivals, or tsechus, bring together the religious and secular in spectacular celebration and are the highlight of the year in towns and villages across the country. The Paro and Thimphu festivals are the centrepiece occasions but smaller, more intimate tsechus are held in most towns and villages.

Trek across the Rodang La in eastern Bhutan and you may hear the whistle of the Migoi - the Bhutanese yeti. And if you don't encounter this elusive creature here, try the Migoi National Park instead, it's the only yeti reserve in the world.

Take to the trail beyond the towns and valleys of Bhutan and you can enjoy fantastic trekking amidst some of the finest mountain scenery in the world. You can trek north into the high Himalaya, go south to remote Dagana or trek in the east of the country where few visitors ever venture.

Travel east to west across Bhutan in the company of our MD, Steve Berry, and expert tour leader, Sue Lawty, to discover the fascinating places, people and cultural traditions of this remarkable Himalayan Kingdom. On this journey through picturesque countryside, remote villages and historic sights, Sue will introduce you to Bhutan's ancient art of textile weaving, describing the different techniques and materials that have changed little over centuries which make Bhutan's fabrics so fine and unique. Sue takes you to homes and small villages where weaving remains at the heart of the community, including the village of Khoma where the finest of all textiles are produced for the ceremonial clothes worn by the royal family.

The Weaver's Trail is not only an exploration of the weaving traditions of Bhutan, but also the history, culture and way of life of the Bhutanese people. On this video you'll see imposing dzongs, hear myths and legends, join the celebrations at a Bhutanese festival and enjoy gentle walks into the unspoilt countryside and follow the trail up to the Tiger's Nest, Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan's premier cultural attraction. All of which you can experience for yourself on our truly unique Weavers' Trail holiday.