Discover Western Bhutan

DAY 1: WELCOME TO BHUTAN 

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and driver and ferried to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, travelling through spectacular countryside. En-route to Thimphu you will have the luxury of seeing many houses and buildings which are all painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.
On arrival in Thimphu, you will check-in to your hotel and proceed for lunch. Enjoy the day exploring Thimphu, with options to visit the Golden Buddha, with a bonus of sensational valley views, the National Memorial Stupa. Five minutes drive from stupa, you will visit Buddha Dhordenma Statue, followed by Takin Preservation Park and finally visit the Tashichodzong Fortress.

The day will end with an overnight stay in Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)

DAY 2: THIMPHU 

After breakfast, we will hike to Chagri Monastery. In about an hour you will reach the monastery. Chagri was built high on the slope in 1619 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as his first monastery in Bhutan and after the visit you will drive back to lunch in town. After lunch, you may have a leisure walk in the town and watch archery, the national game of Bhutan.
Overnight at hotel in the same hotel

DAY 3: THIMPHU- PUNAKHA 

Depart from Thimphu and continue towards Punakha. Drive by Dochula Pass and stop for sightseeing of Druk Wangyal Chortens which was built that the command of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate the victory over the Indian militants and to liberate the souls of the lives lost. Then, we will stop for a while at Sobsokha Village and take a stroll through agricultural fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a pilgrimage site for childless couple or to seek protection for children.
After arriving at Punakha, we will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, situated strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. We will then walk along the 160 metres Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge, that would give us a spectacular view of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.

Overnight at Zhingkhan Resort

DAY 4: PUNĀKHA/HAA

Travel to Haa valley right after having breakfast. Once again, we will take the same route, via Dochula.

Haa is a small but a very beautiful and quiet place. It is the extreme western part of Bhutan and the district shares borders with Tibet. The signature feature of the valley is its three small hills.

In the evening, we will have a stroll around the Haa town (3050m)

Overnight stay at Hotel Rigsum

DAY 5: HAA VALLEY/PARO

After visiting the famous Lhakhang Karpo in the morning, we will travel to Paro via Chelela Pass (3,800 m).
This afternoon, we are being our errand by visiting the majestic Paro Rinpung Dzong. It is believed that the dzong was built on the heap of a jewel sometimes in 15^th century. We will then visit the National Museum which houses some of our ancient artifacts, weapons and others. We will head to Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple built in 8^th century, and make our offerings for good health and long life.

Overnight halt at Bhutan Mamdala Resort (or similar)

DAY 6: TIGER NEST HIKE

We will drive to Ramthangkha, the Taktsang base camp. It is some 15 minutes drive from the town. From there, we will begin hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (2900m) which is known also known as Taksang Monastery. This particular monastery was built in 8^th century by the famous Buddhist Master known as Guru Padmasambhava. It is believed that he came flying on the back of a furious tigress and subdued a demon hiding in one of the caves. Since then, the place became one of the holiest sites in the country. Every day, hundreds of pilgrims visit the place.

After coming back to the town from Taktsang, we will visit a village home-stay, have a hot stone-bath. Then we will have lunch after some cultural programs by the locals.

Overnight stay at Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)

DAY 7: DEPATURE 

After having an eventful week, your tour comes to an end. Today, we will drop you at the airport and see you off. We hope you have a great time in our small but peaceful country.

Tashi Delek!

• Bhutan Royalties, tourist fees, Visa fees, and taxes.
• Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) during the tour and in tents during the trek.
• All meals, including evening tea/coffee, etc throughout the trip.
• All land transfers, and sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced Culture Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp services.

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights in and out of Bhutan.
• Travel insurance, Drink, Visa fees, Laundry