7 days Bhutan Western Tour

Elevation 2320m

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. As you arrive at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. After reception you will driven to Thimphu, check in to the hotel and you got to have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine and some light sightseeing in Thimphu if time permit.

Visit National Memorial Chorten – It was built in honor of the late third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.

Visit Buddha Point at Kuensel Phodrang, there is a 169 feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne of Buddha symbolizing indestructibility of Buddhism. It is the tallest statue of Lord Buddha. The view of Thimphu city in a valley from the Buddha point is spectacular and beautiful, especially at night.

Visit Thimphu Dzong- It is the largest Dzong (fortress) and is the seat of the office of the King of Bhutan. It is also serves as a resident for the head of the monk during the summer months.

Elevation 2320 m

Visit Heritage Museum- Dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past though exhibition of artifacts used in rural households.

Visit Textile Museum – Witnesses the beautiful art of traditional weaving of various types.

Visit Papermaking Factory – Witnesses the art of papermaking by hand and uses.

Visit Farm House – Witness the house and things used.

Visit Simtokha Dzong – Five miles from Thimphu, on a lofty ridge, stands Semtokha Dzong the oldest fortress in the Kingdom.

Visit Centenary Farmers’ Market – The Market was built on the banks of the river Wang-chu to celebrate the 100 years of peace and prosperity of Bhutan. The market is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Here villagers from Thimphu valley and other parts of the country come to sell their agriculture products.

In the evening stroll around in the city to experience vibe of life and culture.

Elevation 2320m – 1200m

In the morning we drive through a beautiful mountain pass called Dochula Pass on an elevation of 3,100 m. It has a concentration of 108 memorial stupa built is honor of Bhutanese soldiers who dies in a 2003 military operation known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens.” There will be a spectacular view of Snow Mountains on the horizon otherside.

Visit Punakha Dzong – Built in 1637-38 by Ngwang Namgyel, 1^st Zhabdrung Rimpoche the 2^nd oldest and 2^nd largest Dzong (Fortress) in Bhutan. It is located on a confluence of Pho Chhu (Male) Mo-chhu (Female) river in a beautiful Punakha-Wangdue valley. It is also a winter resident of chief religious abbot of Bhutan.

It was in this Dzong that the Royal wedding of His Majesty the 5^th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk with Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema was held here on 13^th October 2011.

Elevation 1200m – 3000m

Today Drive to Gangtey enjoying the views of the immense and remote Phobjikha valley and the black mountain ranges. Visit Gangtey Gompa one of the oldest monasteries here in the valley.   Overnight in Gangtey village where the villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle. It will be your opportunity to experience the rural life and culture of people here in Gangtey. This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in their hundreds in November each year after spending the summer in Tibet. As a result no electricity is run to the valley to avoid disturbing their habitat.

Today we will drive to Paro via Wangdue. We will take time for lunch at Wangdue and continue to Paro Arrive to Paro valley; the beautiful valley hosts the only international airport in the country.  The mountain Jhomolhari (7300 meters) lies on the northern top of the valley.

Visit Paro Dzong also known as Rinpung Dzong serves as the district administrative center, built in 15th century.

Visit Ta Dzong built as a watchtower; it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique Thangka, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects and rich collection of natural and historic artifacts.

Visit Drugyal Dzong built in 1647 by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. The Dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate.

Elevation 2,280m

Hike to Taksang Monastery – where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8^th century for meditation.  A one hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage view whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery on the cliff other side. Prayer flags adorn the cliffs and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century.

DAY 7- departure to next destination