The Western Tour

The morning will be dedicated to sightseeing in Thimphu. Begin with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a large stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s third king, JigmeDorjiWangchuck. Next, head to Buddha Point (KuenselPhodrang), home to the world’s largest seated Buddha statue, which offers sweeping views of the valley. Continue to the Arts and Crafts School, where you’ll see students creating traditional Bhutanese paintings and crafts. Afterward, visit Sangaygang, a viewpoint that provides a bird’s-eye view of Thimphu and its scenic surroundings.  Following this, explore the Takin Preserve, where Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, is protected. After lunch, visit the National Library, which houses ancient manuscripts, followed by the Folk Heritage Museum, which provides a glimpse into Bhutanese rural life. Conclude the day with a tour of Tashichho Dzong, the central secretariat building and seat of the government. This impressive structure houses the Throne Room, the King’s office, several government ministries, and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and senior monks.

Overnight at the hotel.

Taking about three hours, the drive from Thimphu which traverses thorough a constantly changing landscape of veg- etation, waterfalls, flowers, mountains and meadows. After a 45 minutes’ drive, we will stop at the popular Dochula pass (3,100m), from where on a clear day, we can see the entire eastern Himalayan range, comprising snow-capped mountains with heights ranging from 6000m to 7554m. Apart from its wealth of extremely beautiful flowers, the 108 Buddhist stupas exquisitely built around a mound adds to the grandeur of the place, the Druk Wangyel Chorten.

The journey forward from the pass descends to the sub- tropical valley of Punakha, which served as Bhutan’s capital in the past and holds some of the country’s most priceless treasures, especially Buddhist relics. The Punakha Fortress is an architectural masterpiece and resembles a gigantic ship on an ocean floor from afar, and girdled by two (Male and Female) rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still home of the Chief Abbot in winter months. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal has played prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earth- quake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendour. On the way to Punakha, we will hike for about 45 minutes round trip to the monastery of Drupa Kuenley, “Divine Mad monk,” named Chimi Lhakhang which was built in the 15th century. After the visit to Dzong we will take a short stroll towards the Suspension Bridge and have a photography Session.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we’ll drive for approximately two hours towards Gangtey, passing through changing landscapes before arriving at the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most picturesque areas. In Phobjikha, we’ll start with a visit to the Gangtey Monastery, followed by a scenic hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail. Next, we’ll visit the Crane Center to learn more about the valley’s famous black-necked cranes. As a special experience, you’ll have the opportunity to try on Bhutan’s traditional attire, a complimentary offering from our company, allowing you to capture memorable photos in this stunning setting.

Overnight at the hotel.

We will be driving for six hours to Paro and on the way visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which was built in 1638 by the Zhabdrung. Taken down by a tragic fire in 2012 the Fortress is back to its glory. We will then visit Rinchengang.This village is a small bunched village in front of the WangdueDzong and is famous for its proficiency in traditional means of stonework. While Rinchengang is believed to be one of the oldest villages in Bhutan, the village is worth a visit. It is located opposite to the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and Punatsang chhu runs along the highway. The topography of the village attributes to the attraction. The array of traditional houses clustered neatly on a tiny hillock overlooks the imposing Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. It takes around 20 mins to walk uphill from the Thimphu-Wangdi highway.We will head to paro afterwards.

Overnight at the hotel.

After Breakfast, we will drive for half an hour and starts the hike, which is about 5 hours round trip. The trail is along an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels. As you reached Taktshang awestruck by the architectural wonders of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff over looking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of the Bhutan’s wonder. Tragically wrecked in a fire early 1998, it has been rebuild to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sam Bhava, Flew from Tibet on the back of a Tigeress to tame five demos, who where opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 756 AD. Hance the name, TakTsang or “Tiger’s Lair”. The next stop will be Kyich Monastery, one of the oldest, build in 659Ad by the Tibetan king Songsten Goembo. Then will vist the Paro Rimppong Dzong (fortress), which was build in 1646.

Overnight at the hotel.

We will drive for approxmitately 2 hours to reach HAA. On the way we will make a stop at Chele La Pass  whichlies between Paro and Haa Valley. The mountain divides the two districts. It is the highest motorable point with an elevation of 3,988 meters (13,083 ft). The pass is 39.8 km from Paro and 26 km from Haa Valley. It is built in the 1990s to connect Haa Valley to Paro. While in Haa valley we will visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo. Haa, one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, was only opened to tourists as late as 2001. The sacred worth of the valley is complemented by the two sacred temples – Lhakhang Karpo and the Lhakhang Nagpo. The local guardian deity, popularly referred to as Ap Tshungdu, is worshipped as the guardian of the people of Haa. The Haaps believe that they feel cleansed and blessed after visiting the Lhakhangs. So, they hold the Lhakhangs in high respect. The Lhakhangs have served as a place of faith and spiritual solace, especially for the Haaps. According to some locals, the two Lhakhangs have never been refurbished since they were first built. The names of the Lhakhangs could have been drawn from the colour of the paints or the colour of the pigeons that landed at the site. The black and white colours are still vivid today. It is the essence of spirituality that upholds the originality of the Lhakhangs. And we will conclude the visit with Trout Farm and head back to Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro international Airport for your journey out of Bhutan. We hope you have wonderful visit in Bhutan.