Magical holidays in the land of happiness, western Bhutan (7nights/8 days)

On this cultural tour you will explore the province of western Bhutan, visit many sacred temples and dzongs (fort), Giant Buddha statues, Museums, and hike in beautiful landscapes & valleys, visit a farmhouse in the village, view the Himalayas ranges of Bhutan. The destinations are Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha valley, Wangdue.

*sample itinerary that can be customized:

 

Day 1: (Arrival) Paro to Thimphu

Arrive at Paro International Airport where you will meet your tour guide & driver and then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Distance & Time: 55 km, 1 hour

Altitude: Paro 2200m & Thimphu 2300m

Attractions: Buddha Dordenma statues (169ft, 51.5m), Tashichoedzong (1771 Fortress of auspicious religion), Memorial Stupa (1974 in memory of the 3rd king of Bhutan), & Takin preserve center (The national animal of Bhutan).

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

 

Day 2: Thimphu (Halt)

Today explore Thimphu Valley, the capital city of Bhutan, and do some sightseeing

Attractions: National Institute of Zorig Chusum (the school of 13 traditional arts), Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, Textile Museum, Handmade Paper factory, and Simtokha Dzong (1629, the oldest fortress).

Overnight: hotel in Thimphu

 

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

Drive to Punakha the old capital and winter home of the central monk body via Dochula pass where you will have a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges of Bhutan.

Distance &Time: 70 km, 3 hours

Altitude: Punakha 1200m, Dochula Pass 3150m

Attractions: Highest Mountain peaks from the pass on a clear day, Druk Wangyal Chortens (108 Stupas) & Temple (2005); Punakha Dzong (1637, the fortress of great happiness), Chimmi Lhakhang (15th-century temple of fertility) and Sangchen Dorji Lhendup Dratshang(2008, Buddhist nunnery).

Overnight: hotel in Punakha

 

Day 4: Punakha to Phobjikha ,Wangdue

In the morning after breakfast begins your journey to the next destination Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue formed by the glacial and winter home for the endangered bird Black Necked Crane escaping the harsh winter of the Tibetan plateau. If time permits you can also visit the information center of Black Necked Cranes (RSPN).

Distance & Time: 60 km, 2 hours          Altitude: Phobjikha valley 2800m

Attractions: Gangtey Monastery (17th-century temple, the only Nyingmapa Buddhist monastery in western Bhutan), Black-necked crane in winter, & 1-hour Hike through the Valley.

Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha

 

Day 5:  Phobjikha, Wangdue to Paro

Today drive back to Paro via Wangdue, Dochula pass & Thimphu

Distance & Time: 175 km 5 hours

Altitude: Paro 2200m

Attractions: scenic drive through the winding roads, Himalaya ranges & Mt.Jomolhari the second highest mountain of Bhutan on clear blue sky, 15th century Iron Chain Bridge

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

 

Day 6: Paro (Halt)

After breakfast start your sightseeing in Paro

Attractions:  National Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong (1647 the fortress of the heap of jewels, Dungtse Lhakhang (15th-century temple) and Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century the oldest temple) and visit Farmhouse.

Overnight: hotel in Paro

 

Day 7: Paro, Hike to Taktshang, Tiger’s nest monastery

In the morning after breakfast hike to Taktshang Goemba(Tiger’s nest temple)or ride a pony till halfway to the temple, you will walk through the blue pine forest, and on the way, there is a cafeteria where you can have tea & snacks or Lunch.

Distance & Time: 7 km, 2- 3 hours     Altitude: Tiger’s nest temple 3000m

Attractions:  Tiger’s nest temple, 8th-century Buddhist temple, Paro town for Shopping.

Overnight: hotel in Paro

 

Day 8: Paro (Departure)

Drive to Paro International Airport to catch a flight for your onward destination.