Western Bhutan - 7Nights / 8Days

Day 01: Arrive Paro

Welcome to Bhutan! Experience the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the Druk Air flight at Paro. On arrival, you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free at leisure. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 02: Paro    

Set in a beautiful valley at an altitude of 2,200m, Paro encapsulates a rich culture, scenic nature and many myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries while also producing the bulk of Bhutan’s famous red rice on its terraced fields. Mt. Chomolhari, at an altitude of 7,300m, reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu or Paro river. Visit some key attractions in and around Paro. Begin with the Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, the towering outer walls remain an imposing sight. Located 15 km north of Paro town, the Drukgyel Dzong with a picturesque village nestling below its ramparts, offers great views of Mt. Chomolhari.

Also visit Rinpung Dzong, the ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a hill above the township. The valley’s annual springtime religious festival, the Paro Tsechu, takes place in the courtyard of the dzong and on the dance ground on the hillside above. Then onward to the Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower on a ridge above Rinpung Dzong, and now houses the National Museum with its fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, exquisite postage stamps, coins, handicrafts, and a small natural history collection. Later, visit one of the many picturesque farmhouses for a glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family. The two to three-storied Bhutanese farmhouses with colourful outer walls and lintels are traditionally built without the use of single nail. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 03: Paro - Taktsang

This morning, you embark on a 3-hour hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, for spectacular views of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. The principal lhakhang (temple) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. After lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria, walk down to the road and drive back to the hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 04: Paro / Haa / Thimphu

Start the day early as your leave for Haa via Chele-la pass which is a steep drive upwards through blue pine and rhododendron forest to an altitude of 3,810m. On a clear day you get superb views of Mt. Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake from Chele-la Pass.

Then descend 22 kms to Haa, at an altitude of 2670m, which is about an hour’s drive away. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river near the new Haa Dzong. Visit the famous monasteries, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The three giant hills looming over the fringes of Haa valley are popularly known as ‘RigSum Goenpa’ signifying three deities, Jambayang, Chana Dorji and Chenrezig. These are the principal Bodhisattvas among the thousand future Buddhas to come, and representations of them are found in every lhakhang and household shrine room.

Leave for Thimphu in the afternoon, a drive of 109 kms, travelling by the lower road which follows the river, and passing two dzongs en route at Betikha and Dobji respectively. Arrive at Thimphu in the evening and check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 05: Thimphu

Located at an altitude of 2400m, Thimphu showcases the unique Bhutanese architectural style and is an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. The capital city and the center of government, religion and commerce, it is home to civil servants, expatriates, monks and locals alike. Set off on a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of Bhutan's third King, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Within the chorten are finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues which give insights into Buddhist philosophy. Also visit Tashichhodzong, the ‘fortress of the glorious religion’, initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. It currently houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

Spend time at the National Library which is home to an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, with some works several hundred years old. Later visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the Painting School, that offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, you can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 06: Thimphu / Punakha

Set off on a 70 km / 3 hours drive to Punakha, stopping briefly en route at Dochu-La pass at an altitude of 3,088m for superb views of the eastern Himalayan ranges on a clear day. Then descend to Punakha at an altitude of 1,300m. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still the winter seat of the Je Khenpo or the Chief Abbot.

Visit the Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and in recent years has been fully restored to its original splendour. Continue your drive to Punakha and check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 07: Punakha / Paro

Embark on a 124 km / 5 hours drive to Paro, en route visiting Semtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, is home to the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies. The most noteworthy artistic feature of the Semtokha Dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard. Continue on to Paro and check in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 08: Depart Paro

This morning you drive to the airport to catch your onward destination flight.