Western Bhutan Cultural Tour

Your tour to Bhutan starts with your arrival at Paro International Airport. From the flight to Paro, if the weather is fine, you will experience the stunning view of the High Himalayas. Our Airport representative will pick you up from the Airport Terminal and transfer you to the hotel. Besides, you will be spending your night in Paro today so in the afternoon you will explore several places in Paro. Paro is the valley town in Bhutan known for several sacred sites in the area. So, the very first thing you will do in Paro is the drive to Drugyel Dzong, a ruined fortress (16km from Paro Town). It was built in 1646 to honor Bhutan’s victory over Tibetian invaders during the 1600s. Furthermore, if the weather is clear you can see the peak of Mt Chomolhari, which is the 2nd highest peak in Bhutan at 7,314m. 

On the other hand, you can even visit Ta Dzong, a fortified outlook tower which is now a national museum. You can explore one of the oldest temples in Bhutan Kyichu Lhakhang. In Addition, you can make your way to observe the typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Therefore, You can spend your evening either resting in the hotel or going for a night out to explore the wonderful market of Paro. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Today we will set out our destination to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. Thimphu is another popular tourist destination. The distance from Paro to Thimphu is 50km which is about 1 hr 30 min drive excluding stops. Thimphu is the largest city in Bhutan situated in the western central part of Bhutan. Thimphu is the political and economic center of Bhutan. It is fully reflected in Buddhist culture, religion, and monasteries. However, Thimphu also offers the stunning scenario of Bhutanese landscapes as well as the life of people in the city. The drive takes you to the winding road alongside the Paro Chu river to the river’s confluence at Chuzom. From Chuzom the road follows through an upstream direction, through the Wangchu river to the capital Thimphu. We will pass through several villages on the way such as Bondey, Shaba, Isuna, etc.

 Besides, the notable villages you see on the way are Kharbije, on the opposite side of the river, small Sitsina, where you can see the small convent. On the other hand, you can see Khasadrapchu with Hydro plant and shops,l rice paddies, apple orchards, and several old houses. In the evening you can stroll around the market at Thimphu. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

The 3rd day of the tour starts with sightseeing at the capital of Bhutan. Today we will spend our whole day at Thimphu. Thimphu is home to 100000 inhabitants including the royal family Thimphu has a lot to offer to visitors as it is popular for its Buddhist monasteries and culture. So, the very thing you can do in Thimpu is to visit the Buddha point for the incredible view of the whole Thimphu city. Next on the list to do in Thimphu is visit Takins-which is home to Bhutan’s national animals. Furthermore, you can see the animals gathered around the fences if you travel here early in the morning. In addition, you can visit the Memorial Chorten which is a huge stupa built-in memory of the third King. Besides, visit the National Library where ancient monuments are preserved and protected. 

On the other hand, you can spare some time to Tashi Choe Dzong- the castle of illustrious religion originally constructed in 1641. It was later rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960s. After lunch, we will visit cemetery farmers markets, crafts bazaars as well as the institute of traditional medicine in Thimphu for you to explore. Another must not miss a place in Thimphu is a 300-year-old traditional house which is now converted into a museum. Your evening can be overjoyed by visiting the market in Thimphu. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

When it is about cultural exploration Punakha is another great destination in Bhutan. Today we will drive from Thimphu to Punakha. The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is 84km which takes about 2 and a half hours to drive excluding the stop. After breakfast, enjoy an early morning scenic drive to Punakha. After the half, hour drive to Punakha, climb up to the Mt road to Dochula pass at an elevation of 3140m. You can explore the wonderful panorama of the eastern Himalayas in case of nice weather. From the Dochula La pass, descend through the forest of Rhododendron emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Besides, on your way to Punakha, you can stop at some point mesmerizing the beauty of nature, taking photographs for wonderful memories.

On the way, you can even stop at Metshina Village to take a short hike through the beautiful rice field to Chimmi Lakhang. Chimmi Lakhang is a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Likewise, this temple has become a pilgrimage site for a Childless couple. After lunch, you can visit Punakha Dzong, situated in between male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight at Punakha hotel.

Early in the morning, we will drive to Punakha Dzong which is the most elaborated temple in the country. This is the must seen the temple in Bhutan which presents a fine example of Bhutanese Art and Architecture. So if you want to explore more, you can even hike right above the  Dzong. The short steep climb offers a great view of the valley with houses spread all around with turquoise river and its sandy bank. There is even another option, you can go for the hike in Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It is a beautiful monastery situated on the ridge above the Punakha valley. It is a four-story Bhutanese temple that offers a view of a splendid architectural and artistic vision of Bhutanese culture. If you are tired then you could stop at Wangdi province and have a short hike to ancient Rinchengang overlooking the ruins of Wangdi Dzong.

However, if you are not really into the hike, then you can go to Jigme Dorji National Park. It was built by 3rd Bhutanese King Jigme Dorji in 1974 which is 4316 km in the area. The park is second largest in the country and home to various endangered species such as Snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, Asiatic wild dog, Red Panda, etc. Besides, you can feel nature in this park. Your evening can be more joyous by exploring the Punakha Market. Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

Early in the morning, we will go for a hike to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery in Punakha. The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery sits atop a hill and provides us with a view of the wonderful Punakha valley and Wangdeuphodrang valley. Moreover, you will even get an opportunity for bird watching and witnessing the rare and interesting natural phenomenon. Later, we will drive to the city where we have started our journey, Paro. The drive today will be the longest of all. The distance from Punakha to Paro is about 125km which takes about 3 and a half-hour of drive. However, we can stop at Thimphu for the lunch as well as visit the place that we have missed before. We will pass through several villages in Bhutan, explore several monasteries and Gompas on the way. 

Similarly, the scenic drive from Punakha to Paro presents you with a splendid view of lush green valleys, High Himalayas views, etc. Moreover, you can explore the typical life of Bhutanese people on your way. Upon reaching Paro, we can either rest in the hotel and get ready for the next short trek or can even stroll around the market in Paro. Overnight at Hotel in Paro

Our tour today is to one of the finest monasteries in Bhutan Taktsang Monastery. When it comes to traveling to Bhutan, A tour is incomplete without visiting Taktsang Monastery Early morning after breakfast, we will drive to Satsam Chorten and then hike to Taktsang monastery. Taktsang Monasteries are also known as Tiger’s nest is one of the ancient monasteries in Bhutan. The 2-hour hike let us experience the wonderful platform of culture and heritage side that Bhutan offers. The monastery is located on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. It is the sacred site of Buddhist which was 1st built-in 1692. However, it is said that Guru Padmasambhava had flown on the back of the Tigress to meditate in the cave in the 8th century thus, giving it the name Tiger Nest. This place is the cultural icon of Buddhism. 

After exploration of this monastery, you can hike back to the road and drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, a seventh-century temple. Later, visit Rinpung Dzong which is a Buddhist fortress featuring several Shrines and Chapels, as well as wall paintings and grand architecture. In the evening you can explore the Paro market. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Today will be the last day of your Central Bhutan Cultural tour. Bidding farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan, our Airport representative will drop you off at Paro International Airport wishing for your safe and happy return.