The Western & Central Bhutan Tour

Overview

Bhutan’s finest feature is that it is still relatively unknown. It is little yet mighty, dramatic in beauty but humble in charm. It is a nation that gets under your skin almost immediately, with its appealing patchwork of landscapes, laid-back villages, lush mountains, and vital rivers. Bhutan, the kingdom of happiness, reveals a rich wealth of archaeological artifacts ranging from magnificent temples, formidable castles, and mystical monasteries to picturesque traditional villages and snow-capped peaks soaring above the trees.

There isn’t a single color you won’t see if you visit a Bhutanese celebration. Extravagant costumed dance acts, enthralling fire displays, narratives repeated from legends, expressive but flashy masks – all of these components combine to give rise to the vibrancy and fervor conveyed by Bhutan’s festivals, which attract visitors from all over the world. The country of the thunder dragon offers all the attractions under the sun, from its textiles and handicrafts to its spectacular archery tournaments, high-altitude trekking paths, and magnificent flora and fauna.

Highlights of the tour

• • • Visit some of Bhutan’s most important and sacred sites.
    • Immersion in Biodiversity in Nature.
    • Explore the Gangtey Nature Trail.
    • Hike to the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ throughout the day.

Places visited: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Phobjikha – Bumthang – Paro

Day 01: Arrival: Paro – Thimphu

After arriving, you will be welcomed by your tour guide and driver and taken to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and largest city, which is situated in the heart of the Himalayas. After arriving, check into a hotel for some rest and then tour the following locations. Drive to Buddha Point, where the highest seated Buddha Statue in the world stands, overlooking the whole capital city. Return to National Memorial Chorten, Bhutan’s “most sacred landmark.” See how committed locals of all ages gather to circumambulate, offering prayers for the well-being of all sentient beings.

Later in the evening, visit TashichhoDzong, which now houses the throne room and offices of the monarch, the secretariat, and the ministries of home affairs and finance. In the evening, take your time exploring Thimphu Town and the Bhutanese Authentic Local Crafts Bazaar.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 02: Thimphu – Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive 45 minutes north to the capital city, where you will trek to the meditation retreat facility Cheri Monastery (2hrs round trip). You may spend an hour or two meditating at this monastery. Return to the capital city for lunch. After lunch, go to the School of Thirteen Arts & Crafts, the major learning institution for Bhutanese traditional arts. Visit learns about Bhutan’s national craft of weaving, go to the National Textile Museum. Later, visit the Handmade Paper Factory.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the country’s historic capital. Stop on way to Dochula pass (3150m), which offers excellent views of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Hike to ChimiLhakhang “temple of fertility” after lunch, where a childless couple that comes to pray is typically rewarded with a child. Later, visit PunakhaDzong, the “beautiful fortress in the country,” which is linked by a lovely traditional suspension bridge. In the evening, take your time exploring Punakha Town.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 04: Punakha – Phobjikha

After breakfast, drive to the habitat of the endangered Black-necked Crane. After arriving, visit one of the oldest shrines, GangteyGoempa/Monastery. Investigate the Gangtey Nature Trail (1.5hr)
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 05: Phobjikha – Bumthang via Trongsa

Drive to Bumthang, the land of holy monuments, after breakfast. Visit ChendbjiChorten (Stupa), TrongsaDzong, and the Museum Ta Dzong on the way. In the evening, take your time exploring Bumthang Town.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 06: Bumthang – Sightseeing

After breakfast, go to JambayLhakhang, which was erected in the 7th century by Tibet’s King SongtsenGoempo. Visit KurjeyKhakhang, a huge, busy, and important temple complex named after Guru Rinpoche’s body print (Kur – body, Jey – brint), the saint who brought Buddhism to the nation. Later, visit a nearby farmhouse for a taste of real Bhutanese culture and the unrivaled hospitality of a Bhutanese host. Here you may have lunch with your family (optional). After lunch, go to TamshingLhakhang, which is located across the river from KurjeLhakhang and was erected in 1951 by TertonPemaLingpa (treasure discoverer). In the evening, take your time exploring Bumthang Town.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 07: Bumthang – Day excursion to Tang UgyenChholing Palace

Drive to Tang UgyenChholing Palace after breakfast. En route, take in the scenery of Tang Valley. After arriving, pay a visit to the UgyenChholing Palace, which was rebuilt in the nineteenth century and is currently used as a museum to conserve its history and provide a space for religious study and research. Drive back to Bumthang in the evening for the night hold.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 08: Bumthang – Paro (Domestic Flight – Approx. 25mins)

Drive to Bumthang Airport after breakfast to take a domestic aircraft to Paro. After arriving, check into your hotel and then visit the Bhutan National Museum, which was erected in the 17th century to protect the ParoDzong. Visit the ParoDzong, often known as the “fortress with the mound of gems.” In the evening, take your time exploring Paro Town.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 09: Paro -“Hike to Tiger’s Nest”

Hike to Tiger’s Nest after breakfast, which is perched on a rock overlooking Paro Valley. Later in the afternoon, pay a visit to KyichuLhakhang, one of the Kingdom’s oldest and most revered sanctuaries, dating back to the 7th century. Evenings are free to relax at the hotel or to explore more.
Overnight you will stay at your hotel.

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.