TRIP OVERVIEW
Got limited time? This fast-paced tour of Western Bhutan is our personal “best of” distillation of our Western Bhutan Splendour Tour idea. Beginning with the “must-see” sights, soaking up the underrated capital city of Thimphu, to the gravity-defying Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest of Paro valley and striking architectures of verdant Punakha valley. You will experience the very best of the three enchanting western valleys of this remarkable country.
We exhibit, meet and interact with people at three major neighbourhoods in the west region, covering all the major cultural illustrations and historical landmarks, before eventually bringing us back to the picturesque valley of Paro, the adventure capital of Bhutan.
ITINERARY SKETCH
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
DAY 02: EXHIBIT THE COSMOPOLITAN CAPITAL OF BHUTAN
DAY 03: HEAD TO THE ANCIENT CAPITAL PUNAKHA ACROSS DOCHU-LA PASS
DAY 04: TRAVEL BACK TO THE PASTORAL PARO VALLEY
DAY 05: SCALE THE ICONIC TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY, PARO VALLEY
DAY 06: DEPART BHUTAN
DAY-WISE DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE AT PARO – THIMPHU
57Km
1-Hour
2,340m
Kuzu-Zangpo-La & Welcome to Bhutan! Meet and greet with your team at the Paro International Airport, donned in their elegant national attire, and then transfer to the capital city of Thimphu on a one-hour journey that follows the swiftly flowing Pa Chu River with a pit stop along the way.
Tachog Lhakhang Suspension Bridge: a small, scenic suspension bridge that connects the hillside Tachog Lhakhang temple. Help stretch muscles while you experience the thrill of taking a joyful walk across a small, ancient bridge.
Continue your journey, and shortly arrive in the humble capital city, Thimphu; the largest city in Bhutan, feels anodyne, and has a traffic jam that involves about 50 cars maximum. Upon arrival, head for check-in at the hotel. You may enjoy a steaming cup of Himalayan herbal tea. We will then head out for lunch at one of the city's most popular eateries.
Your mild afternoon city orientation tour includes exploring the neatly maintained Centenary Farmers Market. It is also worthwhile to check out live archery matches that may be underway at the Chang-Lingmi-Thang Archery Stadium located nearby. Local matches are held on weekends and during the holidays.
Head further along the well-paved stone-laid paths to the Jungzhi Hand-made Paper Factory. And drive to the main part of the city and take a perambulation around the Main Traffic Area to witness the glory of the capital city's congested traffic. Trace the Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Market located within a 10-minute radius.
Overnight in Premium; 3*Star, 4*Star or 5*Star Hotel in the capital city, Thimphu
Breakfast is leisurely. Today, we will venture out to discover more of Bhutan's cosmopolitan capital, Thimphu, which is primarily situated within a 15 – 20-minute radius of the city's core.
In the initial segment, delve into the spiritual dimension of the city by visiting Chang-Gang-Kha "Lhakhang" Monastery, known for being a place of daily veneration for locals, and it is also the oldest in the valley.
Next, embark on a brief drive towards the Takin Preserve Centre, where we come face-to-face with Bhutan's national animal, the takin. Then, take a 5-minute drive to Sangaygang Tower, also known as "Lover's Point," where we can appreciate the stunning vistas of the capital before returning to the city for a hearty lunch at one of the finest restaurants.
In the afternoon, visit the National Memorial Chorten, a peace monument located near the city centre. Take a 10-minute drive to the 13 Arts and Crafts School, commonly referred to as “Painting School.” Catch the young aspiring artisans of the country live in action. Head back to check out the Bhutan Post Office situated in the town's main area. Stamp-making is highly valued in Bhutan as it is regarded as a cultural ambassador of the nation.
In the evening, we head north to witness a brief national flag ceremony at Trashichhoe Dzong fortress. We will explore the interiors of this fortress. Its courtyard hosts one of the nation’s most popular religious autumn festivals, the Thimphu Tshechu Festival.
Visiting Hours: Winter Timing: December - February - mid-March (weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. every evening, and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every morning). Summer Timing: March-May, June-August, and September-November, Monday-Friday, 5:00 pm-6:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
Overnight stay in a premium 3-star, 4-star, or 5-star hotel in the capital city, Thimphu
DAY 02: EXHIBIT THE COSMOPOLITAN CITY OF BHUTAN, THIMPHU
DAY 03: TRAVEL TO THE ANCIENT CAPITAL, PUNAKHA VALLEY, ACROSS DOCHU-LA PASS
71.3Km
2.3Hrs
1,242m
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Set out for an exciting 2.3-hour journey leading you to Punakha valley, covering almost 72km on an excellent road with stops at Dochu-La Pass at 10,301ft. On a clear day, this scenic pass commands sweeping views of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. You may ponder the majestic setting of this pass over a steaming cup of coffee in the cafeteria.
Our journey continues passing the tiny village of "Thinleygang" and upon entering a small, quaint Sopsokha village, we make another pit stop for an enjoyable hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, a bizarre temple known as the fertility temple. We hike through terraced rice fields, vegetable gardens, and past the traditional houses adorned with some lurid and colourful phallus. They are all here for blessings and for good luck.
While on our way back, we stop for lunch at the cafeteria in a picturesque setting. Afternoon, we set out to the terminus of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for a 45-minute rejuvenating hike crossing a small suspension bridge, through terraced rice fields and vegetable fields amid quaint hamlets and villages. Enjoy grand panoramas of lime-green rice paddies, split by the nippy Mo Chhu River from the top. This is another great native work of a fine specimen.
Head back to Punakha Dzong, a visually striking fortress in its picturesque location between the Male River and the Female River. The fortress features intricate and colourful designs and detailed woodwork.
If you are up for an ancient feel, take a joyous walk from the fortress to the Punakha Suspension Bridge. Suspended over the Phochu River over a length of 180m span, it is the second largest suspension bridge in the country.
Overnight at a Premium, 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star hotel in Punakha.
Start your day with an early breakfast. We drive through villages that may seem familiar, taking the same route as yesterday, with a stop at Lamperi Botanical Park, designated as a botanical park since April 2013, known for its diverse ecosystem and wildlife, including endangered species. This is an opportunity to learn about the nomadic lifestyle of local yak herders.
A short drive will take us to Dochu-La Pass for scenic views, followed by lunch at a top eatery before our orientation tour of Paro, including a visit to the National Museum of Bhutan, which showcases Bhutanese culture.
We will take a joyful walk towards Rinpung “Dzong” fortress, which played a significant historical role. In the evening, we stroll through the charming town of Paro.
Overnight at a Premium hotel in Paro.
DAY 04: RETURN TO THE PASTORAL PARO VALLEY
113.7Km
3.2Hrs
2,280m
Following a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, we commenced our journey to the terminus, where we will embark on a trek to the Tiger's Nest monastery, known as ‘Taktshang’. Perched precariously on a sheer rock face, the monastery appears to ascend directly from the rock itself, radiating beauty and grace from every angle. This photogenic, dramatically located cliffside structure is among the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the nation.
The well-maintained, moderately challenging trail features some demanding climbs at intervals over 2 hours. At various points, however, the trail remains gentle. Numerous spots along the route offer breathtaking views of the impressive monastery and the valley below. At the same time, the hike allows a genuine opportunity to traverse one of the most intact ecosystems in western Bhutan.
Upon our return from the trek, enjoy a delightful lunch at the cafeteria. As we make our way back to the hotel, we will visit the renowned Drugyel Dzong fortress, which commemorates the triumph of the Bhutanese troops over the Tibetan forces, standing proudly in view of the magnificent Mount Jumolhari, towering at 24,081 feet and also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country, the first-ever Buddhist temple structure erected in the nation.
We will conclude our day by staying overnight at a premium hotel in Paro.
DAY 05: TIGER’S NEST TRIUMPH DAY, PARO VALLEY
4miles
5 - 6hrs
10,433ft
On this day, we wish you farewell at Paro International Airport for the flight to your onward destination. We wish you a happy journey, and we certainly hope you have tons of fond memories to take back home from Bhutan!
DAY 06: DEPARTURE DAY
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which regions and valleys of Bhutan does this tour cover?
A: This is a fast-paced tour focused on Western Bhutan. It covers three enchanting western valleys: the Paro Valley, the capital city of Thimphu, the ancient capital of Punakha Valley, and the Phobjikha Valley.
Q. How physically demanding is this tour? How much hiking is involved?
A: The tour is described as "fast-paced" and includes "selective and remedial hiking and trekking". Key hikes include: 1. Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang): This is the most significant hike. The trail is "moderately graded", featuring "challenging climbing", and takes about 2 hours. 2. Chimi Lhakhang: An "enjoyable hike" through terraced rice fields to the fertility temple. 3. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: A 45-minute "rejuvenating hike" through rice fields and villages. 4. Gangtey Nature Trail: A "healing wilderness hike" through forests and small villages.
Q. What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?
A: You have the option to opt for a premium 3-Star Hotels, a contemporary 4-star resorts or a chic-boutique mountain Retreats, which are described as the finest in the location in its category, chosen to add value to your trip.
Q. What unique cultural experiences are included, beyond typical sightseeing?
A: This is an "immersive cultural tour" designed to get you "beneath the surface". Specific cultural experiences include: 1. Local Interaction: Sharing a three-course Bhutanese meal with a local family. 2. Archery: Participating in a "hands-on" game of archery, one of Bhutan's living cultures, with your local host. 3. Monastic Life: Interacting with monks and attending a special Buddhist ritual ceremony at Kuenzang Chhoeling Shedra. 4. Traditional Crafts: Visiting the Jungzhi Hand-made Paper Factory to watch the "Deh-sho" paper-making process and the 13 Arts and Crafts School ("Zorig Chusum") to see students training in 13 different traditional arts. 5. Personalised Souvenir: Visiting the Bhutan Post Office to get a personalised Bhutanese self-portrait stamp.
Q. What are the major "must-see" landmarks I will visit?
A: The itinerary covers all major cultural and historical landmarks in the western region. Key sites include: 1. Paro: The gravity-defying Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Rinpung “Dzong” fortress, the National Museum of Bhutan, and Kyichu Lhakhang, the country’s oldest temple. 2. Punakha: The "striking" Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang (the fertility temple), and the Punakha Suspension Bridge. 3. Thimphu: The National Memorial Chorten, the Takin Preserve Centre, and Trashichhoe Dzong, which holds the King's throne room. 4. On Route: The scenic Dochula Pass with its 108 monuments.
Q. You mention the flight to Paro is special. Can you explain why?
A: The flight to Paro International Airport is described as a "thrilling experience" because the approach brings you closer to the tall mountains of the valley than any other flight in the world. The itinerary notes that flights from Kathmandu and Delhi are particularly rewarding, offering "spectacular views" of the world's tallest peaks, including Mt. Everest.
People Also Ask
Q. How long is the hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery on this tour?
A: The itinerary states the hike to the Tiger's Nest (Taktshang) Monastery involves a "challenging climbing" portion and takes about 2 hours on a well-established, moderately graded trail.
Q. Will I get to try Bhutanese archery on this tour?
A: Yes, the tour includes a "hands-on game of archery with a local host, allowing you to participate in one of Bhutan's "thrilling living cultures".
Q. What is the significance of the Chimi Lhakhang temple?
A: Chimi Lhakhang is known as the "fertility temple". Childless couples from Bhutan and even as far as Tibet visit to receive blessings from a wooden phallus kept inside the shrine.
Q. What can I do at the Bhutan Post Office in Thimphu?
A: At the Bhutan Post Office, you can get a "Bhutanese self-portrait stamp". It's also a place where you can view or buy ancient stamp collections.
Q. When can I visit Trashichhoe Dzong in Thimphu?
A: The visit is timed for the evening to attend a short national flag ceremony. The fortress has specific visiting hours: Winter (Dec-Feb): Weekdays 4 p.m.–6 p.m., Weekends 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Summer (Mar-Nov): Weekdays 5 p.m.–6 p.m., Weekends 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Q. What is the "Takin" and where can I see one?
A: Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. The itinerary includes a visit to the Takin Preserve Centre in Thimphu, where you can come "face to face" with these unique animals, which are described as looking like a crossbreed between a gnu and a cow.
Why Us!
Provide a general summary of the services you provide, highlighting key features and benefits for potential clients.
Service title
Write a short text about your service. Highlight key benefits for potential clients.
Service title
Write a short text about your service. Highlight key benefits for potential clients.
Service title
Write a short text about your service. Highlight key benefits for potential clients.