West Bhutan, Darjeeling & Shikkim Tour

The stunning Paro is one of most widest and greenest valleys of Bhutan. This major hub of Bhutan is dotted with the fertile rice fields, ornate monastery, prayer flags and serene Paro River (Pa Chu) which flows down the valley. Paro is probably the best destination to explore on foot. Followings are the major sightseeing spots we explore during our Paro tour in Bhutan:

Rinpung Dzong

Rinpung Dzong was built in 1646 by Shabdring Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Recently, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of district administrative head and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. We walk through the Nemi Bridge over a stone inlaid path that displays good view of the architecture wonder of the Dzong and surrounding areas.

Ta Dzong

Ta Dzong watch tower was built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley war in 17th century. It now serves as the National museum of the country which protects extensive collections of art, relics, religious thangkhas and Bhutan’s Postage stamps.

Drukgyel Dzong

Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this Dzong is the symbol of victory over Tibetan invaders. Though destroyed by catastrophic fire in 1951, the ruins of Dzong are worth exploring and to the north, it commands fascinating dome of sacred Chomolhari Mountain.

Kyichu Lhakhang

One of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom, Kyichu Lhakhang was built in 7th century that comprises two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in 7th century and 1968, the Queen mother of Bhutan built the second temple in original pattern.

Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest)

Taktshang Monastery also known as Tiger’s Nest, it is one of most fascinating Bhutan’s monastery perched majestically at sheer 800m rock face. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of Tigress and medicated at this monastery and hence it is named Tiger’s nest.
We drive to the foothill of Taktshang hill, the hiking point of monastery. It takes 2-3 hours of gradual climb to reach the monastery; pony back riding can arranged if you are content with walking.

Farm House (traditional village house)

We explore the quaint farmhouse to learn the authentic Bhutanese way of life and traditional way of farming. It is very interesting trip that offers the fascinating view of lifestyle of a farmer.

Thimpu, the modern capital of Bhutan is the center of government, religion and commerce of the country. Thimpu city is the great example of modern development mixed with ancient tradition. Following are the major point of interest in and around Thimpu:

Memorial Chorten 

This sacred shrine was built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King in 1974 who is popularly known as the Father of modern Bhutan. The painting and statue of chorten is the great example of Bhutanese fascinating art and philosophy.

Simtokha Dzong

Built in 1627, this ancient Dzong is located on low ridge about 8 km away from central Bhutan. It houses Institute of Language and Cultural Studies. The array of 300 finely worked slates carving behind the prayer wheel in the courtyard describes the beauty of the Dzong.

National Library

National Library protects the ancient history of Bhutan in archaic texts form. There are thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts along with modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.

Institude of Zori Chusum

Also known as Institute of arts & crafts or Painting school, this school provides 6 years course on 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan for young monks.

Traditional Medicine Institute

This medical institute boosts tradition way of healing like acupuncture and also makes research on traditional medicines. It serves as training institute for medicine practitioners.

The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim)

This exquisite museum is built to connect people with Bhutan rural past through exhibitions, demonstrations, educational programs and displaying documentary on rural life.

National Textile Museum

National Textile Museum displays the six major theme – warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, roles of textile in region, achievement on textile art, textile from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. This museum is setup to carryout documentation, research and studies on ancient Bhutanese textiles.

Trashichhoe Dzong

Trashichhoe Dzong, also known as the fortress of the glorious region, was built in 1641 and later reconstructed by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. It houses the main secretariat building which houses the throne of His Majesty, the king of Bhutan.

Takin Preserve, Motithang

We also make tour to Takin Preserve that protect rare national animal of Bhutan. It is believed that this animal was created by the great Buddhist Yogi, Drupa Kunley.

After breakfast, we drive east to Punakha & Wangiphodrang via Dochu La Pass. In Dochu La Pass, you can witness large chorten and forest of prayer flags and massive view of sacred Chommolhari Mountain. We further descend to Punakha valley that takes 2 hours through the lush temperate forest filled with cluster of rhododendron and magnolias.

En route, we explore Chime Lhakhang which is famously known for fertility blessing. We drive to Punakha Dzong which was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built 16th century. It used to the winter capital of Kingdom for 300 years and presently it is winter home for Je Khenpo, the chief Abbot and administrative hub of Punakha district.
Downstream from Punakha lies Wangiphodrang Dzong which overlooks amazing the Sunkoshi Tangchu River.

Wangdi Phodrang is wide and spacious valley that serves as winter home to high altitude farmers and people who migrates with their cattle every winter. Wangiphodrang is surrounded with paddy fields and possess numerous fertile lands ideal for farming and agriculture.

Activity & Duration

3 hours

Today, we drive from Punakha & Wangiphodrang to Phuncholing through forested route of rhododendron and pine and cross several isolated hamlets.

Today, we meet our representative at Bhutan-India border. After completing immigration and custom formalities, we drive to picture town Darjeeling with frequent switchbacks.

Today we make a pre-dawn drive over Tiger Hills ridge. Here we enjoy spectacular sunrise view over Kanchenjunga Mountain (subject to clear weather).

Next, we visit Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery. We also explore Japanese Temple, Peace Pagoda, Lalkotho, Dhirdham Temple, Ava Art Galley and Natural History Museum.

After breakfast, we drive to Gangkot that takes 4 hours of switchback drive. We make an excursion to Tshangu Lake and overnight at hotel golden pagoda.

Activity & Duration

4 hours

After breakfast, we set for exploration of picturesque town of Gangtok. We visit Directorate of Handicraft & Handsome, Enchey Monastery, Research Institute of Tibetology, Chorten, Rutek Monastery and Orchid Sanctuary.

After breakfast, we drive all the way from Gangtok to Bhadrapur (Nepal). We stroll around the Bhadrapur city to explore the local culture and way of living.

After breakfast, we catch a flight from Bhadrapur to Kathmandu to end our 12 days Western Bhutan and Shikkim Tour.