Western Bhutan Cultural Tour - 7 Days

Bhutan is an extraordinary place hardly touched by the hands of time. Nestling in the heart of the great Himalaya, it remained in self-imposed isolation for centuries, aloof from the rest of the world. Since its doors were cautiously opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerised: the environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture awesome, the people hospitable and charming, and the culture unique in its purity. Despite the huge potential of its natural resources, 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 modernisation, on its own terms, fiercely protecting its ancient culture, its natural resources and its deeply Buddhist way of life.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 Paro
Arrival at paro airport. Drive through the valley of Paro. Transfer to hotel. O/N at hotel.

Day 02 Paro
Morning visit Drugyel Dzong, 18 kilometers away from Paro town. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mount Chhomolari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft). Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and sightseeing trip to the Paro Bazaar.Visit also Ta Dzong that houses the National Museum followed by a short walk to Paro Rimpung Dzong. See a traditional wooden bridge.

Day 03 Paro- Excursion to Taktshang or Drive to Chelila Pass
Drive to Satsam Chorten and then hike to viewpoint of Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest. This monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. The monastery unfortunately got burnt in 1998 and has recently been reconstructed. OR Drive to Chelila Pass where you can see beautiful mountain ranges and rhododendron flowers in bloom. On the way back walk to Chela Nunnery.

Day 04 Paro- Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Sightseeing in Thimphu includes visit to the National Library, the School of Thangka Painting, the Traditional Medicine Institute, the Memorial Chorten and the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion).

Day 05 Thimphu- Punakha- Thimphu

Day 06 Thimphu - Paro
Drive to Paro. On the way, visit Simtokha Dzong the oldest fortress in Bhutan built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. Afternoon visit Paro town and stroll through Paro town. Evening at leisure.

Day 07 Paro Airport
Early morning drive to Paro Airport for departure.

Bhutan Trekking

Druk Path Trekking

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 Paro
Arrive at Paro by Druk Air. During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro our representative will receive you. Drive through Paro valley is enchanting. After lunch you will be taken to the Ta-dzong (museum). Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Paro Sightseeing
Drive the winding road Northwest up the Pa Chu to Drukgyal dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mt. Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back visit of typical Bhutanese farmhouse.

Day 03 Paro Excursion to Taktsang
Spend whole day hiking to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 300 mt. above the valley. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress for the purpose of his journey. When the Guru finished his meditation, he instructed that the monastery to be built. Overnight in hotel.

Day 04 Paro-Jele Dzong (Distance 6/7 kms./Alt.8500ft.)
Today is a short trekking day. The trail is rather gradual till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with its snow capped mountain backdrop.

Day 05 Jele Dzong- Jangchulakha (Distance -10 kms./Alt.9500 ft.)
Begin with about an hour and half's climb then ascends gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders around your campsite.

Day 06 Jangchulakha- Jimilangtso (Distance 11 kms./Alt.11000ft.)
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. Camp is close to the lake of Jimilangtso.

Day 07 Jimilangtso- Simkota (Distance 11 kms./Alt. 11500ft.)
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetso. Today you may come across some yak herders camps and get an idea of how these people live. Camp is close to Simkota lake.

Day 08 Simkota- Phajoding (Distance 10 kms. /Alt. 9500 ft.}
Begin with a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will enjoy a majestic view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest in Bhutan, and other peaks from the Dochula pass. The trail slowly descends till you reach the Phajoding cafeteria. Overnight in cafeteria or camp.

Day 09 Phajoding- Thimphu (Distance -7/8 kms. /Alt.8050ft.)
The trek to Thimphu is all the way down through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon: Free to relax. Overnight in hotel.

Day 10 Thimphu Sightseeing
Full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Stroll around town; visit the Handicrafts Emporium. Visit the workshop where all the handicrafts are produced. Afternoon: visit Tashichhodzong and Memorial Chorten. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Thimphu- Punakha- Wangdue- Thimphu
Excursion with pack lunch to Punakha and Wangdue valley. Visit Punakha dzong when the monks are in Thimphu. Drive back to Thimphu and overnight in hotel.

Day 12 Thimphu- Paro airport
Drive to Paro Airport for onward flight

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