7-Day Western Bhutan Tour with Tiger's Nest and Gangtey Valley

About This Tour

About Thimphu

Bhutan

Thimphu

Living in isolated mystery on the edge of the Bhutanese Himalaya, Thimphu is crowned with the Tashichho Dzong and some great Buddhist heritage museums. Get a local local guide to show you around.

Explore Thimphu Bhutan All destinations

What's Included

• A minimum of 3-star accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Bottle of water in the car
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
• All transport (transfer & sightseeing)
• Monument fees (Dzongs & Temples) and museum fees
• Travel insurance

Not Included

• Air transport/flight
• Sustainable Development Fee & Visa Fee
• Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, etc.
• Drinks & beverages

Itinerary

1. 1
   Day 01

   Arrival and Sightseeing

   The flight to Paro reveals scenic and breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains of the world. If weather permits, you will be able to see Mt. Everest (8848 m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan Mountain Ranges. Once you arrive at the Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative (Guide) and then drive to Thimphu (50km), which takes approximately an hour. On the way, visit Tachog Lhakhang, which is located along the Paro-Thimphu highway before Chhuzom. It is just a 10-minute walk from the highway. It is a great spot for photography with a stunning view and peaceful ambience. After arriving in Thimphu, check into the hotel and freshen up. Then, visit the National Memorial Choeten. Probably one of the most popular Thimphu points of interest, this chorten features as a daily place of worship in many natives’ lives. This Memorial Chorten is visited every day by elderly people, kids and other people on their way to offices, schools and back home. You will find beautiful mandalas and murals here. The large prayer wheels are coloured red in this chorten, which sees hundreds daily who meditate here. Tashichhodzong: The original Thimphu Dzong is also called the "fortress of glorious religion." It was erected in 1641 and was subsequently rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Now, it houses the secretariat building, the throne room, the office of the king, and the central monk's body. Later, visit the archery grounds to see local people playing traditional archery. Overnight in Thimphu.

2. 2
   Day 02

   Thimphu Sightseeing

   Tango Buddhist Institute: A day-hike Set around 14 kilometres away from the city center, the Tango Buddhist Institute is a place of serenity set in the picturesque valley of Thimphu. The Jungshi Paper Factory is reputedly the best place to manufacture traditional paper, made using an age-old method instead of the modern way. One of the most popular things to do in Thimphu is to buy this unique paper here, which will make for interesting souvenir gifts. Authentic Craft Bazaar This is the craft market located at the center of Thimphu. Here, you can get authentic Bhutanese arts and crafts that are handmade locally. The Motithang Takin Preserve, also known as the Mini Zoo by many, is a small natural preserve for the Takin - Bhutan’s national animal. Bhutan Postal Museum: Fascinating Stamps If you have any sort of interest in philately, then you should definitely stop by the National Post Office in Thimphu. From round, square, and rectangular to even 3-D stamps, you will find multiple varieties of stamps here. This place is any philatelist’s dream come true. You can even create personalized stamps with your photo on it.

3. 3
   Day 03

   Drive to Gangtey

   Dordenma Buddha statue Atop a hill in Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, is a massive, golden Buddha sitting atop a gilded meditation hall. This massive statue of Buddha measures about 51.5 meters and is made of Bronze and also gilded in gold. Drive towards Gangtey. Gangtey/Phobjikha valley is also the winter home of Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north (Tibetan plateau) to pass their winter in the milder and lower climate. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and offers incredible scenery. On the way, stop at Dochula Pass. We won’t deny the fact that Dochula is a 40-minute drive from Thimphu, but it is definitely worth the visit, especially for those who are looking for Thimphu sightseeing places. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. The site, along with the breathtaking views of the mountains, will give you goosebumps as you explore it with your travel buddies. Lamperi Botanical Garden is a 125-acre botanical garden with 46 species of rhododendron flowers. The best time to visit this place will be between April and June. The park also has trekking routes, walks around the Baritsho lake, and a treehouse. The botanical park covers 47 km2 (18 sq mi), and the highest point is 3750 meters. After arrival, hike across Gangtey Nature Trail, which is one and a half hours and enjoy the breathtaking view of Phobjikha valley and Crane Information Center, where you get information about the valley. Overnight in Gangtey.

4. 4
   Day 04

   Visit the Gangtey Monastery

   After breakfast, visit Gangtey Monastery, which dates back to the 17th century. Then, drive to Punakha. In Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Fertility blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviours. He is also considered a symbol of fertility, and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Then, visit Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Then, visit the longest suspension bridge across the dzong.

5. 5
   Day 05

   Explore the Sites in Paro

   After breakfast, 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. Then drive to Paro. In Paro visit: The National Museum captures the heritage of Bhutan and promotes it through the well-preserved artifacts displayed from across the country. The National Museum is located very near to Paro Dzong. Rinpung Dzong Rinpung houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. Famous as Paro Dzong, it was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.

6. 6
   Day 06

   Admire the Taktsang Monastery

   Taktsang Monastery: The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. From the road, the hike toward Taktsang follows an uphill route and returning back takes approximately 5-6 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day. Later we welcome you to visit Bhutanese homes for Dinner. Join the host family in preparing Bhutan’s signature dishes such as Ema Datshi (chili and cheese), Kewa Datshi (potato and cheese), and Suja (butter tea). Practice archery at the farmhouse. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. With our archery lessons, your guide will set up the targets and teach you the rules, as well as how to correctly hold the bow.Hot Stone Bath. A Bhutanese hot stone bath is the perfect way to relax and wind down after a long day of sightseeing and is also believed to have numerous health benefits. Overnight in Paro

7. 7
   Day 07

   Departure

   In the morning, drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination.

Meeting Point

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