Of Culture, Villages, Hikes & People
Explore the western Bhutan attractions on this 8-day tour. Beginning from
Paro, you will visit Thimphu and Punakha in western Bhutan. You will have a
chance to see festivals, ancient temples, Dzongs and medieval villages.
Highlight will include a visit to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff top.
Day 1 (12 September, Thursday): Arrival in Paro | Drive to Thimphu, 55 Km/1 hour
The flight to Bhutan provides
during a clear weather the
most fascinating view of
Himalayan scenery. On
arrival in Paro, you will be
greeted by our representative
and transferred to Thimphu,
the capital of Bhutan. The
road leads through the Paro
Valley to the confluence of
Paro and Thimphu rivers at
Chuzom. You will stop here
to see local farmers sit by the side of the road selling vegetables, apples and dried cheese. Continuing
on the journey, the road follows Wangchu River upstream as you pass through villages and suburbs to
the capital. Check into your hotel on arrival. Later in the afternoon, you can stroll freely in Thimphu
city and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
For Hungtse Chang ~
Day 1 (12 September, Thursday): Phuntsholing to Thimphu, 156 Km/5 hours
Our representative will meet you at Phuentsholing border gate, help you to complete entry formalities
and then begin your long exhilarating journey to Thimphu. The drive is beautiful, and you'll see some
waterfalls along the way. Check into your hotel on arrival. In the evening, you can stroll in Thimphu
city and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2 (13 September, Friday): Thimphu Festival
Attend full day Thimphu Festival, the most popular
festival in the country. It offers the best opportunity
to mingle with local people who come out with their
best dress to witness the festival. Overnight hotel in
Thimphu.
Day 3 (14 September, Saturday): Thimphu to Punakha, 76 Km/2-3 hours
Morning sightseeing in Thimphu includes King’s
Memorial Chorten, Buddha Statue, Motithang
Takin Preserve and Weekend Market. After
lunch, you will then enjoy scenic drive to
Punakha. Stop at Dochula pass (3150 meters)
where on a clear day you can get spectacular
views of the Himalayas.
En route, you will stop at Metshina Village, you
can take 20-minute walk through rice fields to
Chimi Lhakhang, the Divine Madman’s temple
popularly considered to be a temple of
fertility. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 4 (15 September, Sunday): Punakha to Gangtey, 85 Km/2-3 hours
After breakfast, visit Punakha
Dzong, which is noteworthy for
being one of the most beautiful
Dzongs in Bhutan. Behind Punakha
Dzong stretches the Punakha
Suspension Bridge, the longest of
its kind in Bhutan. The bridge
connects the Dzong with the
villages on the other bank of the
Pho Chhu River.
You will then drive to Gangtey with
stop at Wangdue Phodrang. You'll
pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons. 3Km short of Pele La which is the cross-
over point into central Bhutan, you will leave the highway and cross a small pass blanketed with dwarf
bamboos and arrive at Gangtey village. From Gangtey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain
range as well as Phobjikha Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. Today, you will stay
with a local family to get first-hand experience on how people live in villages.
Day 5 (16 September, Monday): Gangtey Festival | drive to Paro, 180 Km/4-5 hours
Attend the Gangtey Festival till afternoon. Later in
the evening, you will drive to Paro. Overnight hotel
in Paro.
Day 6 (17 September, Tuesday): Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Walking distance: 7 Km | Time: 4 hours | Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Today, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous
monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru
Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have
flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a
cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands.
Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria
Restaurant, located about halfway up on the
mountain. The monastery is perched on the
edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above
Paro Valley. After having explored the
monastery, you will hike down to Paro. This
evening, you will visit traditional farmhouse to
experience the traditional Hot Stone Bath, a
nice treat to your body after the hike.
Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 7 (18 September, Wednesday): Depart Paro
Morning, you will drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
