6 Day Trip
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WESTERN BHUTAN TOUR

Western Bhutan Tour

  • Duration 6 Days
  • Difficulty Level Medium
  • Includes Equipment, Drinks, Accommodations, Food

Trip Introduction

Western Bhutan Exploration Tour comprises of the six western Districts in the country that includes Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha and Gasa.Western section holds some of the prized possession in Bhutan. Western Bhutan Tour allows you with an introduction to scenic valley that is home to Bhutan’s highest Chomolhari Mountain (7320m). The valley is nourished by the glacial water from Chomolhari that drops down to form Pa-Chu River. Drukpa tribe is dominant in the Western valley of Paro, Thimpu, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. High Passes of Dochu La (3050m) and Pele La (3300m) allows unobstructed views of picturesque Valleys and mountains.

Paro is the most densely populated area in Bhutan. Paro is also popular for its only airport in entire Bhutan. Rinpung Dzong Monastery handles all religious activities in Paro valley. Ta Dzong is other attraction of Paro. This Dzong is located high up the hill and it was founded as a watch tower in 1651 during time of Tibetan invasion in Bhutan. These days, Ta Dzong serves as a National Museum. Drugyel Dzong is another historically significant site which is located 18km from the main city. Many pilgrims hike to Taktsang Monastery each year to celebrate the entry of Guru Padmasambhava from Tibet who played key role in teaching Buddhism in Bhutan.

The pretty small Thimphu is a capital city located in the valley. People in Thimphu can build their home only in traditional Bhutanese style so that the tourists can get great cultural experience in Thimphu. People are seen dressed in Kho and Kira. Tashicchodzong holds the National Assembly. Foreigners are allowed entry in Tashicchodzong only in annual festival. Taking stroll around Weekly market in Thimphu is the pleasant activity that allows us with an opportunity to witness the best handicraft products from Bhutan.

Wangdeu is a historically significant city that played pivotal role in unifying western, central and southern Bhutan during 17th century. Gangtey Gompa and Phobjika village exists near to Gangtey.

Despite a bit strenuous task, crossing Dochula Pass (10500ft) allows spectacular views of Mountains and valley in Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is the place of interest in Punakha. Each year, many childless devotees visit Chime Lhakhang to ask for blessing with this fertility goddess. Punakha was the old capital of Bhutan.

Highlights

  • 5N/6days tour with all meals and accommodation included
  • Witness the Mystical and spiritual land in Bhutan
  • Traditional Bhutanese Buildings and Fortress
  • Climb to Tiger’s Nest/Taktsang Lhakhang Temple

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrive Paro (2,250m) and drive to Thimphu (2,350m)

    Once you land at Paro International airport, you will be greeted by our representative. Thimphu is located 50 km far from Paro. Driving through the Paro Valley, you will arrive at the meeting point of Paro and Thimphu Rivers at Chuzom. Passing along scenic chortens, we will follow the tapered section to Simtokha Dzong and reach Thimpu where we will stay over

  • Day 2

    Thimphu sightseeing and drive to Punakha (1, 310m)

    We will visit National Library in Thimpu. We will also visit Painting School and Handicraft Emporium where we can buy souvenir items for our near ones. We will hike to Tango Monastery and Tashichho Dzong and head east to cross Dochula Pass (3150m) afterwards which we will reach Punakha- the old winter capital of Bhutan. The top of Dochula Pass allows unobstructed views of Eastern Himalaya including Gangkar Punsum (7550m) which is the highest Mountain of Bhutan. We will lower down through forest to Punakha valley

  • Day 3

    Punakha sightseeing and drive to Wangdue phodrang (1,310m)

    We will start our tour in Punakha by visiting Punakha Dzong. We need to cross the suspension bridge to reach this holy site. Situated in between two rivers of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha fortress is known for its most detailed temple in Bhutan which was founded in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha is used as the winter residence by Je- Khenpo. Our next stop will be at Khamsum Yuley Lakhang or Chimi Lakhang temple- the fertility temple. After the tour, we will drive to Wangdue Phodrang

  • Day 4

    Wangdue phodrang – Thimphu- Paro (2,250m)

    Wangdue Phodrang is located 135km far from Paro. Early in the morning, we will start Wangdue phodrang sightseeing tour by visiting Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (fort) which was established in 1638 at the meeting point of Mo Chu River and Tang Chu River. We will cross Pelela Pass (3250 m) to visit Chendebji Monastery. We will leave Wangdeu Phodrang and drive for three hours to reach Paro via Thimpu.

  • Day 5

    Paro Sightseeing and hike up to Taktsang monastery

    We will take brief hike to Taktsang which is popular as a Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The site is sacred to Bhutanese. According to the popular belief, Guru Rinpoche flew to Bhutan from Tibet on the back of Tiger in 8th century and chose this spot for meditation. This Monastery exists in the rocky cliffs that towers to 900m above Paro Valley. 2 hrs of moderately challenging hike will take us to the Monastery. We will also visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. This fort celebrates the victory of Bhutanese over raiding Tibetans. The fort offers stunning view of Chomolhari Mountain on a clear day. We will return to the hotel where we will stay overnight.

  • Day 6

    Depart Bhutan

    Our representative will arrange for private vehicle to take you to Paro Airport little earlier than your scheduled flight from where you will board a plane for your onward destination. We hope to see you again.


Cost Includes & Excludes

Cost Include

  • Transportation on private vehicle depending upon the group size
  • 7 nights Hotel accommodation on twin sharing room
  • English speaking Bhutanese Guide
  • All necessary travel permits Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per our itinerary.
  • Meal plan: Full board basis (B/L/D)

Cost Non-Includes

  • Personal insurance such as travel, accident, medical, emergency evacuation and lost luggage
  • Bhutan visa fee
  • International flight tickets
  • Expenses of personal nature such as aerated drinks, beverage, laundry, postage, telephone etc.
  • Tips and bonuses
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