Exclusive Western Cultural Tour

After breakfast, we begin our guided tour to several historic, antique and spiritual site in Kathmandu which are protected by UNESCO world heritage sites. Today, we explore quaint Durbar Square, Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple), Swayambhunath (2,000 years old monkey temple) and Boudhanath (largest Buddhist stupa).

After sightseeing of UNESCO designated world heritage sites, we drive back to hotel and make necessary preparation for the trip.

Arrival at Paro International Airport. Receive by our airport representative or guide at airport terminal with the exchange of Trashi Khadhar (Silken Scarf) and transfer to the hotel. After hotel check-in and short refreshment, we set for visit to Ta-Dzong. It was originally built as watch tower for the Rimpung Dzong. Since 1968, it was transformed to National Museum and it displays the extensive antique collection.

Then, we walk down to Rimpung Dzong (Fotress of the heap of Jewel) which has long unheard story to tell. Presently, it serves as district headquarter and home for the monastic body. We cross the picturesque traditional cantilever bridge, locally known as Nemi Zam.

We pass through Dumtse Lhakhang built in 1433 by Thangtong Gyalpo and then through Ygyen Pelri Palace, the first home of Great Queen Mother. You can see five square chortens which was built in the memory of first King Ugyen Wangchuk. We also walk through the Bhutanese farmhouse which offers the deep insights of local lifestyle and traditional farming.

After breakfast, we drive to Taktsang foothill and start an excursion to Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) which takes 2-3 hours of uphill hike. It is perched at sheer 800m cliff rock face. Legend has it Guru Rimpoche flew from Singye Dzong in Kurtoe on a mythical tigress and meditated in a cave.

After exploration, we continue with a walk to Druk Yul Dzong which is known as the victorious fortress. This Dzong is the great symbol of Bhutanese bravery. In 1951, this Dzong was glutted by the catastrophic fire and it was not renovated yet.

Next, we drive little down to Kyichu Lakhang, the oldest and most sacred fortress in the Kingdom. Built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, this Lhakhang complex is composed of two temples.

After lunch, we continue our journey to Thimpu. En route, we visit Tamcho Lhakhang, the private Lhakhang owned by the descendants of Thangthong Gyalpo. We drive through Chu-Zom, the confluence of Thimpu river and paro river) and through Simtokha Dzong which was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.

After early morning breakfast, we visit the antique, religious and cultural sites of Thimpu. We explore Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third king of Bhutan), nunnery temple and mini zoo to see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan.

Other sightseeing spot incudes National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Bhutanese traditional painting schools, folk heritage museum, Tashichho Dzong and traditional paper factory. We also explore the Craft Bazaar where we see many crafters and artisans displaying the handmade arts.

After breakfast, we drive from Thimpu to Punakha crossing Dochu La Pass. We stop at Dochula to explore 108 chortens and Druk Wangyel Lhakhang which has big story crafted on the walls. We also get the astounding view of Himalaya range like Jhomolhari Mountain, Jichu Drakey, Gankhar Pinsum and the mountains of Dagala.

We descend down towards the east and pass Thinley-Gang and Lobesa village where we see farming tradition and happy rural life. We also visit Chhimi Lhakhang which was built in 1499 by Lam Drukpa Kuenley (The divine madman). This temple is known for fertility blessing temple. It is the place where divine madman subdued the evil demon of Dochula.

After check in and refreshment at hotel, we will proceed to visit Punakha Dzong, a gigantic structure built at confluence of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and presently serves the winter residence of monk body.

Next, we drive along the Mo-Chu River to the upper end of the valley to reach Khamsum Yuelleu Namgyel Chorten. It is Zangdo Pelri recently built by Queen Mother in 1999. We drive back to the hotel and rest overnight.

After breakfast, we drive from Punakha to Phoji-Kha Valley via Chuzomsa Tikke ZamPa and Pele – La Pass (3,420m). If weather permits, we get the excellent view of Mount. Chhomolhari and Jichu Drakye.

Phobjika is the glacial valley located on the western slope of Black mountains national park. At National Park, we get to witness the fascinating dance of black necked crane. This park shelters the good population of barking deer, wild boars, Himalayan black beer, leopard and red fox.

After lunch at Phobjikha hotel, we drive to Gangtay Goemba which houses historical and important landmarks including age-old monasteries, meditation centers, quarters of monks, traditional schools and Bhutanese arts and crafts.

After breakfast, we drive back to Thimpu via Dochu La Pass. From Dochu La, we join a short hike to Hontsho. Here, you will enjoy the winter life of Bhutanese in the woods. You will get refreshed in the winter air along the dry forests.

Upon arrival at Thimpu, we set for exploration of other historical and covet landmarks of the valley. We drive back to hotel and rest overnight.

Your 09 days Exclusive Western Bhutan Tour comes to an end today. Our airport representative will transfer you to the Paro Airport for your final departure.