Western Bhutan Cultural Tour - Exquisite Bhutan
Comfort & Luxury

Western Bhutan Cultural Tour

Bhutan emerged as one of Asia's poorest countries, shunning the 'profit at all costs' mentality of the rest of the world. With one foot in the past and one in the future, it strolls confidently towards modernization, on its own terms, fiercely protecting its ancient culture, its natural resources and its deeply Buddhist way of life.

1h 50m-65km

Day 1Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu

Day 1Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu

Paro - Thimphu

  • Arrive Paro International Airport. Our tour guide will meet you and take you on a short one-hour drive along the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, at 2320 metres.

  • Once you settle into your hotel, we will begin to unlock the mysteries of Bhutan by touring Thimphu’s most important sites.

    After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of late Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Buddha Point, 15th century Changangkha Lhakhang, Textile Museum is worth a visit to learn about Bhutan's living national art of weaving and primary center of learning for Bhutanese artists School of Thirteen Arts & Crafts.

  • Evening: Explore Thimphu Town / Handicrafts Stall /Centenary Farmer’s weekend Market.

Meal and accommodations
Lunch: Zakhang (traditional restaurant)
Dinner: 3 star hotel
Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Day 2Hike to Cheri Monastery

Day 2Hike to Cheri Monastery

  • In the morning drive to north of Thimphu Valley (15kms) and hike to Cheri Monastery for 30 – 45mins. Cheri Monastery was established in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is now a major teaching and retreat center of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu sect.

  • After Lunch, visit Handmade Paper Factory followed by visit to National Takin Reserve and Zihlukha nunnery, biggest nunnery in Bhutan and is a good place to photograph and interact with the nuns and learn about what it takes and feels like to be a Bhutanese Buddhist Nun.

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: 3 star hotel
Lunch: Made by your team
Dinner: 3 star hotel
Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Day 3Things to Do in Punakha

Day 3Things to Do in Punakha

Thimphu - Punakha

  • After breakfast, we will drive from Thimphu to Punakha on national highway, which leads from the cold of Thimphu to the hot, almost tropical area of the Punakha Valley. En route, we will stop at Dochula Pass, where you can visit the marvelous 108 stupas and have a coffee break.

  • Upon arrival in Punakha visit Chimmi Lhakhang - Takes a 45mins hike round trip. This monastery is also referred to as the “Abode of Fertility”

  • Afternoon we go visiting the beautiful Punakha Dzong, seated at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers and Punakha suspension bridge, an exciting bridge for photography enthusiasts.

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: 3 star hotel
Lunch: Zakhang (traditional restaurant)
Dinner: 3 star hotel
Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Day 4The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan.

Day 4The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan.

Punakha - Phobjikha

  • After breakfast, we will be heading towards Phobjikha, the valley where significant wintering ground of the rare and endangered Black‐necked cranes in Bhutan are found.

  • After reaching Phobjikha we will be visiting Gangtey Monastery that overlooks the wetlands surrounded by subsistence farms and natural forest areas makes Phobjikha a stunningly beautiful and sacred valley. After that we will Hike through Gangtey Natural Trail (1.5hrs) most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. In the evening, visit Farm House (traditional village house).

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: 3 star hotel
Lunch: Homestay
Dinner: 3 star hotel
Accommodation: 3 star hotel
7h-214km

Day 5Drive to Paro

Day 5Drive to Paro

Phobjikha - Paro

  • After breakfast, we will drive to Paro. En route, we will stop at Lamperi Botanical Garden which comprises of over 46 species of rhododendrons.

  • Evening at Paro you can relax at hotel or explore some beautiful handicrafts shops in town.

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: 3 star hotel
Lunch: Zakhang (traditional restaurant)
Dinner: 3 star hotel
Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Day 6Full day touring Paro valley

Day 6Full day touring Paro valley

  • Today we will be having full day sightseeing visiting Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Ta Dzong (the watchtower) one time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century and Drukgyel Dzong - This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: 3 star hotel
Lunch: Zakhang (traditional restaurant)
Dinner: 3 star hotel
Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Day 7Hike to Tiger's Nest

Day 7Hike to Tiger's Nest

  • After breakfast we will Hike to Tiger’s Nest - Bhutan’s most scenic icon or the most important landmark, Taktshang the Tiger’s nest clings to the side of a steep cliff 300 meters above the Paro valley.

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: 3 star hotel
Lunch: Zakhang (traditional restaurant)
Dinner: 3 star hotel
Accommodation: 3 star hotel

Day 8Have a nice journey and see you soon !

Day 8Have a nice journey and see you soon !

  • We drive you back at the airport accordingly to your flight departure.

Meal and accommodations
Breakfast: 3 star hotel

Hello

I am Sudarshan from "Exquisite Bhutan". Send us your request, and we will answer you within 48 hours.
Call us at
+975 1757 3097