Essence of Western Bhutan
ID: GYG469922-838026
Category:
Country: Bhutan
Country: Bhutan
Duration: 7 days
Description
Join us on an exciting 7-day tour where you'll explore stunning places, try delicious food, and experience different cultures. Get ready for an adventure-filled journey that will leave you with amazing memories and a unique travel experience.
Day 1 : Arrive Paro International Airport by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines
Welcome to Bhutan “the Kingdom of Happiness.” As you touch down, you will be received with “tashi khada” by your guide and driver at the airport and driven to the town for welcome tea and refreshment. (Please note; your itinerary shall be flexible and you can skip few sightseeing if you wish to rest more. Your guide will give you options based on your interest)
Paro & Thimphu Acclimatization Day!
• Get blessings at the oldest temple Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
• Visit Paro Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
• Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
• In evening drive to Thimphu (drive 1hr). Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.
• Free to roam around Thimphu town on your own or with your guide.
Overnight THIMPHU (Alt; 2320m).
Day 2 : Thimphu Cultural & Happiness Tour.
• Drive to Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. This hill is also called the “romantic point” as lovers often come here to enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley.
• Visit Buddha Gang, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world.
• Optional; walk to the Happiness Garden 500 meters along a beautiful nature trail to plant various species of trees like Rhododendron, Maple, Oak, Cheery & Blue Pine. In advance we will keep your pit dug, saplings ready with your name placard. The placard will have your name and address and the photograph of the tree’s growth will be mailed to you quarterly. (fees not included in package about $5 to $8 per tree)
• Visit the General Post Office. You can create personalized postage stamps with your own photo for souvenir or sent home on postcard.
• National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. They also have on display the largest Picture Book on Bhutan in the world.
• Zorig Chusum “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts” followed by a visit to Craft Bazaar for authentic local handicraft and souvenir.
• Circumambulate around Memorial chorten (huge stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their devotion.
• The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
• In the evening walking tour, in Thimphu city; Hongkong market, Norzin lam, Main traffic area, Wogzin lam, Clock tower etc.
• Dinner in Gho & Kira (Bhutan’s national dress), if interested.
Overnight THIMPHU (Alt; 2320m)
Day 3 : Gangtey Valley Rural Expedition (155km/ 4-5hr)
• Drive on different vegetation of alpine, subtropical and glacial. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the north western tip of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes.
• En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple).
• On arrival, embark on the Nature trail hike (2hr) across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kwewa village (1hr hike). Try homemade tea & local snacks at village home. Interact with the monks at Kewa Monastery.
• Visit the Crane Info Centre to watch the Black Necked Cranes in their natural inhabitants
• Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel for rest.
Overnight PHOBJIKHA (2900m)
Day 4 : Discovering Punakha & Wangdue (65km/ 2.5hr)
• In morning, visit Gangtey gomba; the largest Nyingma Monastery of the kingdom. Interact with the monks and sit silently in the prayer room.
• En route drive for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m). It’s common to spot yaks along this pass.
• On arrival, visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river.
• Try walking on the 200m suspension bridge above Phochu river to Gidagom village
• Easy hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child.
Overnight PUNAKHA & WANGDUE (Alt; 1240m)
Day 5 : Getaway to Dzongdakha & Paro Detour (171 km/ 5hr)
• En route stop for coffee at Drukwangyel Café and enjoy distant snowcapped mountains.
• After check in at Paro, visit the Dzongdakha Monastery. This ancient beautiful monastery is also a pilgrim spot for the locals.
• Witness an archery match played by locals with lots of hue and cry!
• In evening, leisurely stroll around Paro town and shop for souvenir.
Overnight PARO (Alt; 2280m)
Day 6 : Excursion to Mystical Taktsang
• After a wholesome breakfast, walk in the ruins of Drugyel fortress and feel the ancient Bhutan on the way back hike up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5hrs round trip.
• Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
• In evening; if interested, you have an option to learn the art of cooking some famous Bhutanese delicacies like Ema Datsi, Kewa Datsi and Bjasha Maru at the farmer’s house.
• Authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
• Hot stone bath, optional. River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing.
Overnight PARO
Day 7 : Depart from Paro International Airport by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines
Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport. TashiDelek!
Day 1 : Arrive Paro International Airport by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines
Welcome to Bhutan “the Kingdom of Happiness.” As you touch down, you will be received with “tashi khada” by your guide and driver at the airport and driven to the town for welcome tea and refreshment. (Please note; your itinerary shall be flexible and you can skip few sightseeing if you wish to rest more. Your guide will give you options based on your interest)
Paro & Thimphu Acclimatization Day!
• Get blessings at the oldest temple Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
• Visit Paro Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
• Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
• In evening drive to Thimphu (drive 1hr). Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.
• Free to roam around Thimphu town on your own or with your guide.
Overnight THIMPHU (Alt; 2320m).
Day 2 : Thimphu Cultural & Happiness Tour.
• Drive to Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. This hill is also called the “romantic point” as lovers often come here to enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley.
• Visit Buddha Gang, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world.
• Optional; walk to the Happiness Garden 500 meters along a beautiful nature trail to plant various species of trees like Rhododendron, Maple, Oak, Cheery & Blue Pine. In advance we will keep your pit dug, saplings ready with your name placard. The placard will have your name and address and the photograph of the tree’s growth will be mailed to you quarterly. (fees not included in package about $5 to $8 per tree)
• Visit the General Post Office. You can create personalized postage stamps with your own photo for souvenir or sent home on postcard.
• National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. They also have on display the largest Picture Book on Bhutan in the world.
• Zorig Chusum “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts” followed by a visit to Craft Bazaar for authentic local handicraft and souvenir.
• Circumambulate around Memorial chorten (huge stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their devotion.
• The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
• In the evening walking tour, in Thimphu city; Hongkong market, Norzin lam, Main traffic area, Wogzin lam, Clock tower etc.
• Dinner in Gho & Kira (Bhutan’s national dress), if interested.
Overnight THIMPHU (Alt; 2320m)
Day 3 : Gangtey Valley Rural Expedition (155km/ 4-5hr)
• Drive on different vegetation of alpine, subtropical and glacial. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the north western tip of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes.
• En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple).
• On arrival, embark on the Nature trail hike (2hr) across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kwewa village (1hr hike). Try homemade tea & local snacks at village home. Interact with the monks at Kewa Monastery.
• Visit the Crane Info Centre to watch the Black Necked Cranes in their natural inhabitants
• Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel for rest.
Overnight PHOBJIKHA (2900m)
Day 4 : Discovering Punakha & Wangdue (65km/ 2.5hr)
• In morning, visit Gangtey gomba; the largest Nyingma Monastery of the kingdom. Interact with the monks and sit silently in the prayer room.
• En route drive for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m). It’s common to spot yaks along this pass.
• On arrival, visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river.
• Try walking on the 200m suspension bridge above Phochu river to Gidagom village
• Easy hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child.
Overnight PUNAKHA & WANGDUE (Alt; 1240m)
Day 5 : Getaway to Dzongdakha & Paro Detour (171 km/ 5hr)
• En route stop for coffee at Drukwangyel Café and enjoy distant snowcapped mountains.
• After check in at Paro, visit the Dzongdakha Monastery. This ancient beautiful monastery is also a pilgrim spot for the locals.
• Witness an archery match played by locals with lots of hue and cry!
• In evening, leisurely stroll around Paro town and shop for souvenir.
Overnight PARO (Alt; 2280m)
Day 6 : Excursion to Mystical Taktsang
• After a wholesome breakfast, walk in the ruins of Drugyel fortress and feel the ancient Bhutan on the way back hike up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5hrs round trip.
• Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
• In evening; if interested, you have an option to learn the art of cooking some famous Bhutanese delicacies like Ema Datsi, Kewa Datsi and Bjasha Maru at the farmer’s house.
• Authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
• Hot stone bath, optional. River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing.
Overnight PARO
Day 7 : Depart from Paro International Airport by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines
Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport. TashiDelek!
Highlights
- Discover the Land of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan's unique philosophy
- Gain rare insights into Bhutan's ancient traditions and spiritual practices
- Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Bhutan's pristine landscapes
- Witness colorful festivals that celebrate the country's rich cultural heritage.
- Interact with monks, participate in traditional ceremonies
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Shorts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed in the temples and monasteries
• No smoking in public places
Paro International Airport
• No smoking in public places
Paro International Airport
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.
