Western Bhutan Tour-7 Days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive at Paro - Thimphu
4 stops
1
Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge
On the way visit Tamchogang, located along Paro-Thimphu highway, before Chhuzom. It is just a 10 minutes walk from the highway. It is a great spot for photography with a stunning view and peaceful ambience.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
National Memorial Choeten Probably one of the most popular Thimphu points of interest, this chorten features as a daily place of worship in many natives’ lives. This Memorial Chorten is visited every day by elderly people, kids and other people on their way to offices, schools and back home. You will find beautiful mandalas and murals here. The large prayer wheels are coloured red in this chorten which sees hundreds daily who meditate here
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
3
Bhutan Postal Museum
Bhutan Postal Museum: Fascinating Stamps If you have any sort of interest in philately, then you should definitely stop by the National Post Office in Thimphu. From round, square, rectangular to even 3-D stamps, you will find multiple varieties of stamps in here. This place is any philatelist’s dream come true. You can even create personalized stamps with your photo on it. It will be an interesting souvenir to bring back home. Get to this fascinating land of stamps and take something for your friends as well.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
4
Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)
Tashichhodzong The original Thimphu Dzong (the Dho-Ngyen Dzong) is said to have been constructed in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. And later the Dzong was conquered by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who found the Dzong to be too small and expanded it to what is now known as theTashichho dzong is also called the "fortress of glorious religion." It was erected in 1641 and was subsequently rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Now it houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King and central monk body.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Thimphu
6 stops
5
Tango Buddhist Institute
Tango Buddhist Institute Set around 14 kilometers away from the city center, the Tango Buddhist Institute is a place of serenity set in the picturesque valley of Thimphu. Founded in the 13th century by the much revered Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa, the three-storey monastery houses a number of remarkable statues.The temple can be reached through a hike (1 hour approximately) through the scenic mountains and alpine woods, which is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Thimphu.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
6
Motithang Takin Preserve
visit Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo where you will see Bhutan’s typical national animal;
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
7
National Folk Heritage Museum
Folk heritage Museum dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
8
Thimphu Handicrafts Market
Crafts Bazaar which you will find authentic Bhutanese made crafts.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
9
Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory The Jungshi factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper, made using an age old method instead of the modern way. Visitors to the paper factory are given a demonstration of the paper making process. One of the most popular things to do in Thimphu, you can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
10
Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground
Archery The glory of Bhutan is not hidden from anyone. The country, as beautiful as heaven itself, is known for its vivid culture, vibrant festivals and its richness in sports, it never becomes complete until its citizens have an unleashed spirit for sports. And it is the royal sport of archery or "Da" (as it is called in Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan).
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Thimphu - Gangtey
4 stops
11
Buddha Dordenma
Dordenma Buddha statue Atop a hill in Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, is a massive, golden Buddha sitting atop a gilded meditation hall. This massive statue of Buddha measures about 51.5 meters. Located in the Mountain of Kuenselphodrong Nature Park. It is believed that the Dordenma Buddha Statue fulfills an ancient prophecy which dates back to 12th century A.D. which is said to bestow the blessings, peace, and happiness to the whole world.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
12
Dochula Pass
Dochula Pass. Dochula Pass is a mountain pass located in the Kingdom of Bhutan, a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas. It sits at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. The pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic peaks of the snow-capped Himalayas. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
13
Phobji Nature Trail
hike across Gangtey Nature Trail which is one and a half hours and enjoy the breathtaking view of Phobjikha valley. Gangtey Nature Trail hike is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the Mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hiking places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds – Black Neck Cranes.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
14
Black Necked Crane Center
Crane information Center where you get information about the valley. Phobjikha valley is also the winter home of Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north (Tibetan plateau) to pass their winter in the milder and lower climate. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and offers incredible scenery.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Gangtey - Punakha
4 stops
15
Gangtey Monastery
Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century, perched atop a small hill that overlooks almost the entire Phobjikha Valley, the spectacular Gangtey Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 gomchens who devotedly take care of the blessed monastery. A 17th century Buddhist monastery, it is one of the most famed as well as sacred sites to visit in the entire valley. A must-visit when in Gangtey.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
16
Chimi Lhakhang Temple
Chimi Lhakhang Temple is the most well-known temple of Bhutan which stands tall on a round hillock in a village called Punakha. It is famously known as the “Fertility Temple” and is mostly visited by several childless couples from in and around Punakha District. It has become a popular tourist destination with visitors flocking in from all across the world to witness the unusual traditional and cultural ceremonies performed here. The monastery is exquisitely built with ancient Thai themed architecture with paintings and carvings of phalluses on all walls.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
17
Punakha Dzong
Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses that sits at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Female) and Pho Chhu (Male) rivers. To access the dzong, you’ll need to cross the Bazam Bridge, originally a bridge built in the 17th century.. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Its magnificent structure showcases the world-class architecture of Bhutan and finest Bhutanese craftsmanship. Punakha Dzong is truly one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and one of the most visited places by tourists.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
18
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Suspension Bridge This colorful overpass is one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges. Punakha Suspension Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan measuring 180 m in length. From the bridge, you can get a spectacular view of the Po Chhu river (male river) and the valley. It’s an ideal place for a photoshoot with a stunning background. You will definitely enjoy the cool and breezy vibes from the suspension bridge.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Punakha - Paro
4 stops
19
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Khasum Yulley Namgyal is a beautiful chorten located on ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha overlooking several villages. It is 30-minute drive from the Khuruthang Town and a 45-minute uphill hike from the base of the hill through suspension bridge and rice fields.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
20
Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung Dzong Rinpung houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. Famous as Paro Dzong, it was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. This dzong has been used on various occasions to protect Paro from the invasion of Tibet. Below the dzong is a traditional wooden bridge called Nyamai Zam, which was reconstructed when the original one got washed away in a flood in 1969.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
21
National Museum
The National Museum captures the heritage of Bhutan, and promotes it through the well preserved artifacts displayed from across the country. The National Museum is located very near to Paro Dzong.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
22
Namgay Artisanal Brewery
Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro, Namgay artisanal brewery is at Dumsibu, Paro Bhutan with six types of beer and Apple cider in their brewery. hey brew many styles of beers, considering the different drinking palates for taste, making sure that all beer-lovers are satisfied.
50 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Day 6
Paro
3 stops
23
Paro Taktsang
breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery, the wooded structure stands bravely on a cliff in the upper Paro Valley. The walk of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours one way. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche have flown here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
24
Tshering Farmhouse
Picturesque farm houses dotted the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for dinner with them and experience their hospitality. A visit gives you an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of Bhutan. And try the Hot Stone Bath (Extra charge). A Bhutanese hot stone bath is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing and is also believed to have numerous health benefits.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
25
Paro
Later stroll around Paro downtown for shopping
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Departure
1 stop
26
Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point
Drive to Paro airport for your departure
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

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