Majestic Western Bhutan – 6 Days

Tour Highlights:
• Marvel at the Tiger Nest Monastery perched cliffside at 3140 meters dating back to the 17th century
• Visit the “Great Happiness Palace” of Bhutan in Punakha Dzong
• Attending a local cooking class to learn the Bhutanese cuisine
• Get the authentic insight into the long-lasting culture in the Folk Heritage Museum

Start/End: Thimphu/Paro
Tour Route: Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
Duration: 6 Days/5Nights

Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Thimphu (D)
Day 2: Thimphu city day tour (B)
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha (B)
Day 4:  Paro valley (B, D)
Day 5: Half-day trekking to Tiger Nest (B)
Day 6: Departure

Day 1: Paro Arrival – Transfer to Thimphu (D)

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, meet your private guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Then free time lets you glimpse at the city’s streets and corners. Dinner rounds off in the evening.
Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu City Day Tour (B)

Leave early in the morning after breakfast to head for a full day trip to explore the outstanding destinations of the capital city. Today’s first stopover in Tashi Cho Dzong – a Buddhist monastery dating back to the 13th century holding the essence of the country’s history through the ups and downs of time. Afterward, move to the Folk Heritage Museum to get the first-hand experience of Bhutan’s tradition and culture. The museum displays a wide range of traditional patterns of Bhutanese rural life, as well as living methods including 3 story of the 19th century, rammed mud and timber houses aged over 150 years.

Afternoon sightseeing with Changangkha Lhakhang, the far-famed temple located in the center of Thimphu. Perched high in the peak of a promontory, it offers an excellent view over the tranquil Thimphu valley. Later, visit the National Memorial Stupa, it is considered as the heart of the capital city designed to be one of the most visible religious architecture of Thimphu.

Day 3: Transfer from Thimphu to Punakha (B)

The morning of day 3 transfer to Punakha via Dochula Pass. Located on the 3100 meters height holding a spectacular view to the valley, Dochula Pass housing 108 national stupas which are constructed under the commission of Her Majesty The Queen Mother Ashi Doji Wangmmo Wangchuck to commemorate the Bhutanese soldiers in the war against India insurgents.

Afterward, travel for a stop at Punakha Dzong – this trip will take you deep into the heart of the most beautiful fortress of the country features with unique architecture dating back to hundreds of years ago. It is nested in the confluence of two peaceful Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers offering a wonderful destination to stroll around and capture the impressive giant cherry trees. Additionally, here you have an opportunity to get an insight into Monk’s daily life. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4: Transfer from Punakha to Paro (B, D)

After breakfast, quickly transfer to Paro to visit Paro town. A short visit introduces you to the beautiful town of Bhutan. This morning, get the authentic insight into the Bhutanese culture in the National Museum of Bhutan where possesses more than 3,000 works of Bhutanese art, over 1,500 years of Bhutan’s cultural heritage making is as the major attraction for tourists visiting the town. Afterward, move to Digo Khyentse Rinpoche Memorial House for a short visit to a small sacred monastery. This temple does not witness many tourists and thus you will have a peaceful space for yourself.

Afternoon activities might include a visit to Paro Dzong – one of the most dramatic dzong shrouded with the history dating back to the 15th history. If you find yourself here in the late of March to the early of April, you will have an opportunity to witness the country’s biggest festival Tsechu in which the unique Cham dance conveying meaningful stories and blessing for the audience who witness it. Later, do not miss the chance to join in the exciting cooking class to learn the Bhutanese cuisine and get a fantastic dinner in the evening.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 5: Trekking to Tiger Nest (B)

Today’s morning head for the most expected trip to the magical Tiger Nest – the magnificent monastery perched on the sheer rock cliff on over 900 meters height where is believed the meditated location of saint Guru Rinpoche for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours. Find yourself here in autumn to be mesmerized by the blue sky blends with drifting clouds. Overnight in Paro.

Day 6: Paro Departure (B)

After breakfast in the morning, free time lets you wander around the town’s main street until the driver picks you up to transfer to the airport. Your Bhutan tour ends.