The Breathtaking Land - Western Bhutan

8 Days , 3 Cities
From $2,136

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Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas between China and India, the small Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan opened itself to the outside world only in the 1960s. Hitherto, it had been largely mysterious, even to its neighbors, but abandoning its self-imposed policy of isolation had it grappling to find a precarious balance between modernization and the preservation of its culture and traditions.

Countries Visited Bhutan

Places Visited Thimphu, Punakha

Suggested Duration 8 days

Travel Styles Cultural Tours, Hiking & Trekking Tours

DAY 1
Welcome to capital of Bhutan, Thimphu!
The flight into Bhutan is one of a kind giving you a taste of the adventurous Bhutanese people taking you as close as you can ever get to the Himalayan mountain ranges. On arrival, you will be received by your local guide and then drive for approximately 1 hour towards Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Check into the hotel and do some sightseeing/free time to walk around Thimphu town. Sightseeing will be subject to flight arrival time. Overnight at Thimphu | Altitude: 2400m
What's included?
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Transfer
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DAY 2
Thimphu - Explore the City
Today's tour features the National Library, Arts and crafts school, Folk Heritage Museum & Textile Museum. We visit the National Memorial Chorten - a memorial to the Late King the father of modern Bhutan.

Also, explore the Buddhist Monastery and fortress Tashichho Dzong, and at the same time is the administrative state office & houses the Golden Throne of the King.

Drive to the valley to discover the largest statue of Buddha Dordenma in Kuenselphodrang.

Overnight in Thimphu. The altitude - 2400m
What's included?
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Tour
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DAY 3
Punakha - Explore the old temple Changangkha Lhakhang
This morning, we visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a popular old temple built in the 12th century, and Simtokha Dzong, which houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. Then we start a 2.5-hour drive to Punakha across Dochu-La pass (3,088m/10,130ft). The highest point on the road is marked by a large. Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flags fluttering on the hill. On a clear day, there is a breathtaking view of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas from this spot.

Overnight in Punakha | Altitude: 1300m
What's included?
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Tour
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DAY 4
Punakha - Sacred Place Punakha Dzong and Hike to Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
After breakfast, we enjoy a rafting trip. We then continue our visiting a historic site - Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of the Head Abbot, built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century and situated at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This is also the place where the current king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck wed a commoner, now queen, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck.

Overnight in Punakha | Altitude: 1300m
What's included?
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Tour
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DAY 5
Paro - Visit the Temple of Fertility - Chimi Lhakhang and the Local Craft Bazaar
Today we trace our steps back towards the capital city for lunch and then to Paro. Before leaving, we visit Chimi Lhakhang, which is known as the temple of fertility. Childless couples visit this temple to receive blessings. After lunch, see more of Thimphu if any were missed (due to weekend & public holiday if any) and also visit the local craft bazaar and have some shopping time. Drive towards Paro.

Overnight at Paro | Altitude: 2200m
What's included?
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Tour
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DAY 6
Hike to Paro Taktsang Monastery
This morning, we embark on the highlight of our trip. Start early morning to hike approximately 2.5hrs uphill along dirt tracks to Taktsang (translated as Tigers Nest) Monastery. Those who cannot hike all the way up can enjoy a spectacular view of the temple from the half point cafe. After visiting the temple, lunch will be served at the half-point cafe.

Horses are available for transport up until the halfway point. Good hiking shoes/shoes with a good grip are recommended for this. After, return to the hotel.

Overnight at Paro | Altitude: 2200m
What's included?
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Tour
View on map
DAY 7
Paro - Visit the national museum Ta-Dzong and Explore the Oldest Temple in the Country, Kyichu Lhakhang
After a leisurely breakfast, visit Ta-Dzong, the national museum that showcases Bhutan's cultural heritage. We also visit Rinpung Dzong, which houses the local government offices and the monastic body of Paro. Kyichu Lhakhang will be our last stop; a temple that is one of the oldest in the country and sacred. Stroll around Paro town and back to the hotel.

Overnight at Paro | Altitude: 2200m
What's included?
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Tour
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DAY 8
Depart for Home
This morning, you will be dropped off at the airport in Paro to your onward destination.
What's included?
- Breakfast
- Transfer
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Starting from $2,136 per person

Price per person in double occupancy
The rate is based on 4-star accommodation
Price excluding international flights
This trip is customizable for your private travel.

Please inquire to request a quote for your custom trip!