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7 days - Western Bhutan Cultural Tour
7 days
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About this activity
Itinerary
Day 1: Thimphu - Paro sights & Thimphu Acclimatization Day!
Stop At: Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro Bhutan
Arrive Paro International Airport by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines
Welcome to Bhutan “the Kingdom of Happiness.” As you touch down, you will be received with “tashi khada” by your guide and driver at the airport and driven to the town for welcome tea and refreshment. (Please note; your itinerary shall be flexible and you can skip few sightseeing if you wish to rest more. Your guide will give you options based on your interest)
• Get blessings at the oldest temple Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
• Visit Paro Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
• Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
• In evening drive to Thimphu (drive 1hr). Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.
• Free to roam around Thimphu town on your own or with your guide.
Overnight THIMPHU (Alt; 2320m).
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3.5 star hotel
Day 2: : Thimphu Cultural & Happiness Tour.
Stop At: Motithang Takin Preserve, Thimphu Bhutan
• Drive to Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. This hill is also called the “romantic point” as lovers often come here to enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley.
• Visit Buddha Gang, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world.
• Optional; walk to the Happiness Garden 500 meters along a beautiful nature trail to plant various species of trees like Rhododendron, Maple, Oak, Cheery & Blue Pine. In advance we will keep your pit dug, saplings ready with your name placard. The placard will have your name and address and the photograph of the tree’s growth will be mailed to you quarterly. (fees not included in package about $5 to $8 per tree)
• Visit the General Post Office. You can create personalized postage stamps with your own photo for souvenir or sent home on postcard.
• National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. They also have on display the largest Picture Book on Bhutan in the world.
• Zorig Chusum “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts” followed by a visit to Craft Bazaar for authentic local handicraft and souvenir.
• Circumambulate around Memorial chorten (huge stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their devotion.
• The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
• In the evening walking tour, in Thimphu city; Hongkong market, Norzin lam, Main traffic area, Wogzin lam, Clock tower etc.
Overnight THIMPHU (Alt; 2320m)
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3.5 star
Day 3: Gangtey Valley Rural Expedition (155km/ 4-5hr)
Stop At: Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
• Drive on different vegetation of alpine, subtropical and glacial. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the north western tip of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes.
• En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple).
• On arrival, embark on the Nature trail hike (2hr) across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kwewa village (1hr hike). Try homemade tea & local snacks at village home. Interact with the monks at Kewa Monastery.
• Visit the Crane Info Centre to watch the Black Necked Cranes in their natural inhabitants
• Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel for rest.
Overnight PHOBJIKHA (2900m)
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3.5 star
Day 4: Discovering Punakha & Wangdue (65km/ 2.5hr)
Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
• In morning, visit Gangtey gomba; the largest Nyingma Monastery of the kingdom. Interact with the monks and sit silently in the prayer room.
• En route drive for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m). It’s common to spot yaks along this pass.
• On arrival, visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river.
• Try walking on the 200m suspension bridge above Phochu river to Gidagom village
• Easy hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child.
Overnight PUNAKHA & WANGDUE (Alt; 1240m)
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3.5 star
Day 5: Getaway to Dzongdakha & Paro Detour (174 km/ 5hr)
Stop At: Dzongdrakha Temple, Paro Bhutan
• En route stop for coffee at Drukwangyel Café and enjoy distant snowcapped mountains.
• After check in at Paro, visit the Dzongdakha Monastery. This ancient beautiful monastery is also a pilgrim spot for the locals.
• Witness an archery match played by locals with lots of hue and cry!
• In evening, leisurely stroll around Paro town and shop for souvenir.
• Drayang, optional; Traditional Bhutanese with live singer & dancers.
Overnight PARO (Alt; 2280m)
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3.5 star
Day 6: Excursion to Mystical Taktsang- Tiger's Nest
Stop At: Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), Taktsang Trail, Paro 11001 Bhutan
• After a wholesome breakfast, walk in the ruins of Drugyel fortress and feel the ancient Bhutan on the way back hike up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5hrs round trip.
• Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
• In evening; if interested, you have an option to learn the art of cooking some famous Bhutanese delicacies like Ema Datsi, Kewa Datsi and Bjasha Maru at the farmer’s house.
• Authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
• Hot stone bath, optional. River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing.
Overnight PARO
Duration: 8 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 7: Day 7 : Depart from Paro International Airport by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines
Stop At: Paro River, Paro Bhutan
Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport. TashiDelek!
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
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Day 1: Thimphu - Paro sights & Thimphu Acclimatization Day!
Stop At: Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro Bhutan
Arrive Paro International Airport by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines
Welcome to Bhutan “the Kingdom of Happiness.” As you touch down, you will be received with “tashi khada” by your guide and driver at the airport and driven to the town for welcome tea and refreshment. (Please note; your itinerary shall be flexible and you can skip few sightseeing if you wish to rest more. Your guide will give you options based on your interest)
• Get blessings at the oldest temple Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
• Visit Paro Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
• Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
• In evening drive to Thimphu (drive 1hr). Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.
• Free to roam around Thimphu town on your own or with your guide.
Overnight THIMPHU (Alt; 2320m).
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3.5 star hotel
Day 2: : Thimphu Cultural & Happiness Tour.
Stop At: Motithang Takin Preserve, Thimphu Bhutan
• Drive to Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. This hill is also called the “romantic point” as lovers often come here to enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley.
• Visit Buddha Gang, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world.
• Optional; walk to the Happiness Garden 500 meters along a beautiful nature trail to plant various species of trees like Rhododendron, Maple, Oak, Cheery & Blue Pine. In advance we will keep your pit dug, saplings ready with your name placard. The placard will have your name and address and the photograph of the tree’s growth will be mailed to you quarterly. (fees not included in package about $5 to $8 per tree)
• Visit the General Post Office. You can create personalized postage stamps with your own photo for souvenir or sent home on postcard.
• National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. They also have on display the largest Picture Book on Bhutan in the world.
• Zorig Chusum “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts” followed by a visit to Craft Bazaar for authentic local handicraft and souvenir.
• Circumambulate around Memorial chorten (huge stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their devotion.
• The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
• In the evening walking tour, in Thimphu city; Hongkong market, Norzin lam, Main traffic area, Wogzin lam, Clock tower etc.
Overnight THIMPHU (Alt; 2320m)
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3.5 star
Day 3: Gangtey Valley Rural Expedition (155km/ 4-5hr)
Stop At: Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
• Drive on different vegetation of alpine, subtropical and glacial. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the north western tip of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes.
• En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple).
• On arrival, embark on the Nature trail hike (2hr) across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kwewa village (1hr hike). Try homemade tea & local snacks at village home. Interact with the monks at Kewa Monastery.
• Visit the Crane Info Centre to watch the Black Necked Cranes in their natural inhabitants
• Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel for rest.
Overnight PHOBJIKHA (2900m)
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3.5 star
Day 4: Discovering Punakha & Wangdue (65km/ 2.5hr)
Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
• In morning, visit Gangtey gomba; the largest Nyingma Monastery of the kingdom. Interact with the monks and sit silently in the prayer room.
• En route drive for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m). It’s common to spot yaks along this pass.
• On arrival, visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river.
• Try walking on the 200m suspension bridge above Phochu river to Gidagom village
• Easy hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child.
Overnight PUNAKHA & WANGDUE (Alt; 1240m)
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3.5 star
Day 5: Getaway to Dzongdakha & Paro Detour (174 km/ 5hr)
Stop At: Dzongdrakha Temple, Paro Bhutan
• En route stop for coffee at Drukwangyel Café and enjoy distant snowcapped mountains.
• After check in at Paro, visit the Dzongdakha Monastery. This ancient beautiful monastery is also a pilgrim spot for the locals.
• Witness an archery match played by locals with lots of hue and cry!
• In evening, leisurely stroll around Paro town and shop for souvenir.
• Drayang, optional; Traditional Bhutanese with live singer & dancers.
Overnight PARO (Alt; 2280m)
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3.5 star
Day 6: Excursion to Mystical Taktsang- Tiger's Nest
Stop At: Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), Taktsang Trail, Paro 11001 Bhutan
• After a wholesome breakfast, walk in the ruins of Drugyel fortress and feel the ancient Bhutan on the way back hike up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5hrs round trip.
• Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
• In evening; if interested, you have an option to learn the art of cooking some famous Bhutanese delicacies like Ema Datsi, Kewa Datsi and Bjasha Maru at the farmer’s house.
• Authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
• Hot stone bath, optional. River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing.
Overnight PARO
Duration: 8 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 7: Day 7 : Depart from Paro International Airport by Drukair or Bhutan Airlines
Stop At: Paro River, Paro Bhutan
Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport. TashiDelek!
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Included
- 5x Breakfast
- 5x Dinner
- 5x Lunch
- Accommodation included: 5 nights
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Tea, coffee, snacks & mineral water
- Visa fee
- Professional English speaking guide
- Experienced company driver
- meditation sessions if interested
- Entry/Admission - Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point
- Entry/Admission - Motithang Takin Preserve
- Entry/Admission - Phobjikha Valley
- Entry/Admission - Punakha Dzong
- Entry/Admission - Dzongdrakha Temple
- Entry/Admission - Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest)
- Entry/Admission - Paro River
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Laundry bills
- International phone calls
- Tips
- Airfare
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
85%
Cultural
65%
Aquatic
15%
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