Discover Western Bhutan’s Living Heritage

During the flight to Bhutan, you can enjoy views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and driven to Thimphu, which is about 54 km from Paro Airport and takes around 1 hour. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. You will also visit the Mini Zoo, where you can see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong. You will then visit the Buddha Statue, which is presumed to be one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. The three-storey throne of the statue consists of temples on each floor. You will also visit the Traditional Paper Factory and the Post Office, where you can personalize your own stamps. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, you will drive downhill through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will continue through rice fields and along the banks of the Punakha River before arriving in Punakha. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple traditionally associated with fertility. After lunch, you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, like an anchored ship. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, you will drive to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The chorten stands on a ridge above the Punakha Valley and was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. It took nine years to build, and Holy Scriptures rather than engineering manuals were consulted during its construction. It is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. The temple is dedicated to the well-being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings. From the parking area, it is about a 45-minute uphill walk through the rice fields to the temple. The return walk takes around 30 minutes. From the top, you can enjoy views of the Punakha Valley. After lunch, you will drive to Phobjikha Valley, a famous winter roosting place for black-necked cranes. You will visit Gangtey Goenpa, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan. Gyalse Pema Thinlay built a small temple here in 1613, which was later expanded into a larger goenpa by the second reincarnation, Tenzin Legpai Dhendup. After visiting the monastery, you will hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The trail passes through pine forests and areas with small bamboo plants, with views of the Phobjikha Valley along the way. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula Pass for lunch. After lunch, you will continue your drive towards Paro. On arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in the 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. You will then visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

In the morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, situated at an altitude of 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch, you will explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.