West Bhutan Cultural Tour

07 Days/ 06 Nights

Day 01| Departure for Paro, Bhutan – Thimphu (1.5 Hr)
Day 02| Thimphu – Punakha (3 Hrs)
Day 03| Punakha sightseeing 
Day 04| Punakha – Paro (4.5 Hrs)
Day 05| Paro Sightseeing
Day 06| Paro Sightseeing
Day 07| Departure

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Day 01| Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1.5 Hr)
Early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan (Please check the flight timing). The flight from Delhi/Kathmandu is considered as one of the most scenic flight offering the view of the world’s top ten highest peaks. Upon your arrival at Paro airport, our guide will be there to welcome you and transfer to Thimphu. After Lunch visit the Memorial Chorten (temple) built-in memory of the late 3rd King. This place now happens to be a get-together point for the elderly people, who spend their whole day chanting prayers and meeting their friends. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley offering a beautiful view of the valley. The enclosure where the national animal, Takins are kept and drive to visit the largest and the newly built statue of Buddha offering a magnificent view of the entire Thimphu valley. After 5 PM, visit the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the king. Evening walk around the happening town, the largest and the most crowded town in Bhutan. 
Overnight: Thimphu| Altitude: 2300m

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Day 02| Thimphu – Punakha (3 Hrs)
Morning visits the happening weekend market (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) where the locals from the surrounding villages come to sell their produce. They sell their goods and in return, they buy their basic necessities. In the olden days, the bata system was practiced by everyone. Visit the traditional Hand Made Paper Mill. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Visit Folk Heritage Museum which explains how a traditional house used to be like in the olden days. Later visit the National Library which houses the collection of Bhutanese rich religious text and the contemporary  Buddhism teachings from the master all around the world. Drive further up to visit the Dechenphodrang monastic school and meet the young monks. Later continue to Zilukha nunnery to meet the nuns and interact with them. Lunch in the town and drive to Punakha crossing over Dochula pass (3200 mts). If the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular breathtaking view of the highest mountain peaks of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. Take a break and walk around the newly built 108 stupas and continue to the subtropical valley of Punakha offering different vegetation. En route just before arriving at the hotel, take a nice hike through the paddy field and old village to visit Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility associated with the religious art of phallus.
Overnight: Punakha| Altitude: 1350m

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Day 03| Punakha Sightseeing 
Morning drive to visit Punakha Dzong (fortress), which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. This is a must to see the fortress in Bhutan and a fine example of Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture. After the visit, if you are in the mood for a nice half-day hike, you could start the hike right above the Dzong with a short steep climb offering a great view of the valley with houses spread all around and the never-ending turquoise river and it’s a sandy river bed. This trail is also popular for mountain biking. The hike ends through the farm field crossing the newly constructed bridge, where your car will be waiting at the other side of the river. If you choose the entire activity can be done on foot from your hotel. After lunch we could relax in the balcony of the hotel to enjoy the view and nature. Or could go for an hour hike (uphill) to the temple of Khamsum Yuley Lakhang overlooking the paddy field and the snakelike river bends. If you are a bit tired, it could also drive for a short while towards Wangdi province and stop for a short hike to the ancient village of Rinchengang overlooking the ruins of Wangdi Dzong. It’s amazing how they have managed to be together with and preserve the old houses. Later back to the hotel. 
Overnight: Punakha

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Day 04| Punakha – Paro (4.5 Hrs.)
If you are staying in hotel Meri Puensum, hotel Zandopelri or hotel Densa, early morning it will be a treat to walk up to the hilltop to visit the nunnery and interact with the nuns and enjoy the magnificent view of Punakha and Wangdi valley. Later after breakfast retrace your drive back to Paro. En route could stop in Thimphu for lunch. After lunch, we could continue some of the sightseeing that you might have had missed earlier. Later in the afternoon continue your drive to Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, relax in the hotel. 
Overnight: Paro| Altitude: 2200m

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Day 05| Paro Sightseeing
Morning drive to Chelela Pass, 3800m one of the highest motorable roads in Bhutan. If the weather permits one can view the most scared and the highest mountain peak in the country Mt. Jomolhari (7314m) overlooking at you. Walk around the pass with prayer flag fluttering and enjoy the fresh air. Afternoon back to the hotel. Later visit Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Continue further to stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicraft stores. I could get some opportunity to see the traditional game, Archery match going on. Evening back to the hotel. 
Overnight: Paro

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Day 06| Paro Sightseeing 
Morning drive to the base for the hike (3 hrs uphill) to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking at the Paro valley. Most of the day will go on the hike. On the way back, if you have the energy and time visit the Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which marks the beginning of Buddhism in the country. Hot stone bath available at an additional cost. Farewell dinner with your guide.  
Overnight: Paro

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Day 07| Departure
Morning transfer (15 mins) to the airport for your departure flight. Your guide will bid you farewell at the airport. 

Note: We would like to inform you, that due to the highway extension going on in central and east Bhutan, the road condition, especially from Punakha onwards, is not in very good condition, so if you are traveling after Punakha, please be prepared for a long bumpy drive. The driving hours after Punakha could also take longer than mentioned in the itinerary.

Some useful Bhutanese phrases
Hello:        Ku-zu-zam-po-la (meaning good health)
Thank You:     Ka din chey la
See you:       Lok jey gay
Good bye:     Lus la “or” Laso la