Western Bhutan is considered the heartland of the Bhutanese. It is home to the only international airport in the country, the capital, and the most popular festivals and events. Western Bhutan is known for its spectacular views of rice fields and Apple orchards. Thistour includes all must-see sights – famous forts and dzongs, stimulating day hikes including Tiger’s Nest hike, and the endangered black-necked cranes. On your arrival at Paro the crisp air, clear blue skies, and the majestic snow-capped mountains extend a cordial welcome. The western Bhutan tour encompasses visit to western cities of Thimphu, Paro, Haa, Punakha, Wangdue and Gangtey valley. If your tour happens in November, you should make it a point to attain the black necked crane festival which falls on 11th November coinciding with the birth anniversary of the fourth king of Bhutan.
Trip Facts
Insurance
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins
On arrival at Paro airport, you will be greeted by our guide and driver. After lunch in Paro town you can walk to the Rinpung Dzong crossing a traditional wooden bridge. Drive or walk further to Tadzong which served as the watch tower for the Dzong down below in the past. Now it houses the National museum of Bhutan. From here, you will be taken to Kichu Lhakhang, one of theoldest and the most sacred shrine in the country.
In the evening, you can drive to Thimphu. On the way you will visit TachogLhakang and take a brief stop at Chuzomsa, the confluenceof Paro chu and Thimphu chu.
Kick start the program today by visiting the King’s Memorial Chorten, dedicated to world peace and prosperity. This structure holds great religious significance and is the most visible landmark in Thimphu. Then drive to Kuenselphodrang where the169ft bronze Buddha statue is located overlooking Thimphu valley.
Next visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School) and the Traditional Medicinal Institute. In the afternoon, if it is the weekend, visit the weekend market where farmers gather to sell their farm produce. You can see the colourful display of fresh vegetables and fruits as well as local cheese and butter. The people mingling here is a scene not to be missed. In the evening, visit Tashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress-monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and Kings’ Throne Room. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast this morning, enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochu La pass at 3100m dotted with 108 chortens, where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges. After a brief photo stop, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir, and daphne. Punakha valley is situated at 1220m, lower than Thimphu and Paro. Owing to this subtropical vegetation, fruits such as banana, mangoes, mandarin and guava are grown here. En route, you will stop at Lobesa to hike through rice paddies up to the Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley, or the “Divine Madman,” who is believed to bless women who seek fertility.
After breakfast, we begin our activity by visiting the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Wooden cantilever bridge over the Mochu or the female river give as additional aura to this architecture. This Dzong has three courtyards each with an exquisite arts and design. It was an ancient capital and now it functions as the winter home of state monk body. We will then walk from the Dzong towards suspension bridge through the Crematorium. Walking along this high suspension bridge will fling you into a state of euphoria. On the other side of the bridge is the village of Kabesa – we will explore this village, talking and interacting with people about their ways of living. If you wish, we can also visit any one of the farmhouses for a cuppa traditional tea. We return to local restaurant in the town for a lunch.
We drive about 12km north of Punakha Valley to embark on a hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Crossing a small bridge over Mochu River, walking along the sides of village on rice fields uphill for about 40 minutes we reach the Chorten. Circumambulate the chorten and then climb over the staircase leading to an open terrace to see and photo shot the scene below. You will have amazing views of Valley with Mochu River meandering through beautiful rice fields and farmhouses. On our return to hotel, we explore town of Punakha. Overnight at hotel in Punakha.
Following breakfast, you will head to remote Gangtey with short stopover in Wangdue to get a glimpse of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong that dramatically sits on the ridge. After Wangdue, the road winds up through dense forests of oak and rhododendrons till Lawala pass, which is blanketed with dwarf bamboos. The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains. Drive downhill for little while and you will be awestricken by the stunning views of Gangtey Goenpa and Phobjikha Valley. Visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Later in the afternoon, you can hike in Phobjikha valley, the home to the rare Black Necked Cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter.
After an early breakfast, embark on the Longtey Hike. It is a 30minutes drive from Phobjikha to the starting point in Longtey village on the East-West highway. Start by walking downwards following the path to the right of the road. The path will lead through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. There are beautifully coloured rhododendron forests on both sides of the valley, and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area. Continue straight through the village upwards until you reach the start of mystifying old-growth rhododendron forest.
The last part through the forest is slightly steeper uphill until you reach the pass with impressive views of the GangteyGoemba, the Shedra, the lodge and the rest of the valley down below. Before you continue on the path as it slopes down the valley towards the idyllic Kumbu village. It is possible to get picked up from here, or you may continue down to the Shedra or all the way down to the valley.
Later in the afternoon, visit Gangtey Monastery and do Gangtey Nature trail hike
After breakfast, you will drive back to Paro. It will take you about 4 hours 20 minutes for the 125 kilometers. On the way, you will visit Simtokha Dzong enroute, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Simtokha Dzong is the first dzong in Bhutan built by Zhabdrung
Today, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, which stands at 3180m. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century Spiritual Master, flew to this location on the back of a tigress to meditate.
Lunch will be served at Cafeteria Restaurant halfway up on the mountain. Explore the monastery and hike back to Paro.
In the morning, you will drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell
