Western Bhutan Tour (land of happiness)
Western Bhutan Tour (land of happiness) 5 nights and 6 days tour in Bhutan.
1 Night in Thimphu /1 Night in Phobjikha valley / 1 Night in Punakha / 2Nights in Paro.
Highlights of the trip: temple, Dzong (fortress), and hiking.
Day01: Arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimphu (1 Hour drive)
In clear weather, Druk Air's flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, it is a fascinating journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom. On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by our representative. Upon completion of airport formalities, there will be an interesting drive of about 1-hour duration to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan.
On arrival visit Budhha Point - Located a short drive from Thimphu city center, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley and evening Trashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and the central monk body.
Day 02: Thimphu to Phobjikha valley (4 hours)
Hike to Tango Buddhist university (discuss with guide)
Tango Goemba: This monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the "Divine Madman", Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. After the hike drive to Gangtey with a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the Chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road. If the skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m
Day 3 Phobjikha valley – Punakha (3 hours)
Morning walks for an hour on the trails and visits Black Necked Crane Information Centre- Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre. visit Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawan g Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has now been fully restored.
Day 4 – Punakha to paro. (3hours)
Morning drive towards the north part of Punakha valley for a beautiful hike towards Kham sum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. After that short hike to Chimi Lhakhang is a very popular and revered temple that lies on the periphery of the fertile valley of Lobesa, where the borders of Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangduephodrang districts meet. Being dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman, the temple is popularly considered to be a temple of fertility. On the way to Paro visit Semtokha fort if time permits.
Day 5 Paro. (no driving)
After breakfast take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery view point. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called "Tiger's Nest”. Now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.
Evening visit one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan which was built date back to 7 centuries. At the homestay, you guys can do a hot stone bath (the guide will explain).
Day 6 departure to Bangkok.
Our guide and driver will escort you guys to the airport for departure.