West Bhutan Tour- 10 Days

After breakfast, we procced for exploration of major highlights of Paro that includes Paro Ringpung Dzong, Kichu Temple ruins of Drugyel Dzong and visiting of Bhutanese farm house.

Next, we drive to Taktsang foothill and make a short hike to legendary Taktsang Monastery as known as Tiger’s Nest. Legend has it Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and medicated making it one most revered site in Bhutan. This spectacular monastery is perched on the sheer 800m rock face. The hike is about 2 hours to Cafeteria which is possible on pony back ride. After lunch, we hike for 45 minutes to reach the monastery.

The monastery overlooks spectacular Paro valley.The returning hike to the road is all  downhill and takes about 30 minutes. In late noon, we drive to Thimpu, the modern capital of Bhutan.

After breakfast, we drive all the way to Thimpu through Chunzom (Juction of Pachu- the river flowing through Paro valley and Wangchu – the river flowing from Thimpu valley). En route- we visit Tachog Lhakhang (temple), the 14th century temple nestled at foothill of a mountain across the Pa chu on the Paro – Thimpu Gyalpo. This temple protects some unique sculpture and statues. We should walk across the iron chain over Pachu to rich the temple.

After crossing Chunzom, we cross the junction of Paro and Thimpu rivers to reach the spectacular valley of Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan.

After check into the hotel, we proceed to visit the following sites of Thimpu:

Bhutan Postal Museum:

The museum displays the history of Bhutanese traditional way of postal communication. It also tell the story on how Bhutan develops through the evolution of postal service and communication in the country. We can make a personalized Bhutanese stamp and use the stamp to send a postcards to your family and friends back home.

National Textile Museum:

The National Textile Museum is national textile museum in Thimpu located nearby the National Library. The museum houses substantial collection of antique textile artefacts, exclusive to Bhutan.

The main goal to set up the museum is to promote the Bhutan’s achievements in textile arts and to influence the weavers to continue the traditional textile patterns. It is also center for textile studies and research. Here you can explore many people weaving with intricate designs.

School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts:

It is the school of art and tradition which promotes the ancient art and crafts. The school operates six-years course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts in Bhutan

Folk Heritage Museum:

Established in 2001, Folk Heritage Museum offers visitors a fascinating array of Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The Folk Heritage Museum is set in three storied building built in 19th century.

The museum offers the great insight of authentic Bhutanese lifestyle by displaying the artifacts from rural households, typical household objects, tools and equipment.

After Lunch, we travel for 40 minutes to the base camp of Tango Monastery located to the north of Thimpu city. From the base camp, the motor road ends so we hike all the way to the monastery through the forested route of rhododendron and oak trees.
Built in 1689, Tango Monastery has great religious values which was built ny Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyal. It is believed that highly revered legend (Buddhist Monk) brough the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism to Bhutan.

These days, the monastery is major hub of higher studies for monks. Tango Monastery tour in Bhutan offers the complete sense of peace and serenity. After exploration, we hike down to the road and take a drive to the hotel in Thimpu

After breakfast, we drive east climbing steeply towards the Dochu La Pass to Gangtey crossing Punakha & Wangriphodrang. We stop at Dochu La pass where large chorten and forest of prayer flags greets you. To north, you can explore Chomolhari (sacred mountain in Bhutan) and Gangar Punsum among other unclimbed peaks in the world. We also visit Chime Lhakhang which is famously known for fertility blessing.

We drive to Punakha Dzong which was built in 16th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Mangyal and was winter capital for 300 years. Presently, it serves as winter home to the Je Khenpo, the chief Abbot and also the administrative hub for the Punakha district. Downstream to Punakha valley lies Wangiphodrang. It is strategically located at the ridge overlooking the confluence of Sunkoshi Tangchu Rivers, it is entrance point to eastern and western Bhutan. It is said that Makahala, the protective deity of Bhutan urged Shabdrung of a prediction, to build Dzong at the top rocky spur where two rivers meet and where a flock of raven flies into four directions. So Shabdring built the Dzong in 1638. Punakha and Wangdi valley is also winter residence for high altitude farmers who migrate to this place in search of warm shelter.

After lunch, we drive to Gangtey, one of most beautiful wide valley in Bhutan. Gangtey shelters black necked cranes (grus nigricllis) which migrates to Bhutan every mid-November from Tibet. Here you will visit yellow roofed monastery headed by the Gantey tulku (ninth reincarnation to bear the name).

Activity & Duration

6 hours

If you are bird lover, an early morning visit to the National Park can be arranged. After breakfast, we continue towards Pela La Pass via Black Mountains which divides eastern and western Bhutan. We drive through the lush forest of rhododendron and magnolias along with grazing yaks admiring the great views of Jumolhari. After 4-5 hour drive, we reach Trongsa. It houses massive white washed stone chorten that was built in 18th century which is much more similar to Swayambhunath of Nepal. This temple was built to subdue an evil demon that was a menace to the valley.

Trongsa

As you drive towards Trongsa, we get spectacular view of Tongsa Dzong in distance. We stop for lunch at Tongsa Lodge and visit Tongsa Dzong. It is comfortable wayside inns run by Tibetan residents. Built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the masterpiece of architecture is incredible that includes countless courtyards, passageways and corridors plus 23 temples inside the Dzong. Next, we drive towards Bumthang and stay overnight.

Bumthang

Bumthang is different for other valleys of Kingdom. It is wide and spacious valley ranging from an altitude of 2600m to 4000m. Almost every corner and hills of the valley has strong linkage with myth and legends about king, Buddhist saints and serpents. The valley is dotted with numerous Buddhist monastery and pilgrimage sites. Bumthang also houses the relics left by Guru Rinpoche and his reincarnation the Treasure Finder, Terton Pemalinga. It is believed that Terton Pemalinga found the revered Ters, a Buddhist text after diving in to a Mebartsho Lake with a lighted lamp on head.

Moreover, Jakhor Dzong and 7th century Jambe and Tamshing Lhakhangs are worth exploring in Bumthang. A trip to Bumthang Matha region allows you to explore rich woolen plaid textiles dyed with natural colors and the Yatas, a thin woolen cloth with bright pattern.

Activity & Duration

6 hours

Today, we drive back to Wangdiphodrang via same route. At Wangdiphodrang, we stroll around the local market to learn about the Bhutanese lifestyle and culture.

Activity & Duration

8 hours

This is the last day of your Western Bhutan Tour. We drive back to Thimpu via Drochu La Pass and enjoy leisure day; strolling around the city and shopping.

Activity & Duration

3 hours

Your trip to western Bhutan comes to an end today. We drive you back to Paro International Airport for your final departure.