This is a very short and suitable itinerary for tourists with shorter holidays and who wish to see eye-catching, beautiful, charming western Bhutan. Bhutan being the last surviving Mahayana Buddhism country in the Himalayan region, sandwiched between two powerful neighbouring countries gives you the high end-tourist destination where the people are guided by the values in everyday life. This tour takes you to Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Wangdue as far as Phobjikha where you would be able to see the something lasting memory with a timeless quality and give you the glimpse of your travel in Bhutan. You can even feel the atmosphere and clean air with the short hikes in your one time excursion in Bhutan.
Activities: Tours & Sightseeing
Duration: 7 Nights 8 Days
Season: Almost all season
Day 01: Paro to Thimphu
Drive: 1 Hour
Altitude: Around 2300m/7590 ft
Distance: 65 km/ 39 miles
On arrival at Paro International Airport, the representative of the company will receive at the arrival Gate. Take it easy, as you must be tired because of long hours of flight. Then make a tour to Rinpung Dzong (fortress on the heap of jewels). In 1644, its construction was ordered by Zhabdrung Rinpoche on the foundation of the monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. Take a leisure walk down from the dzong cross through the oldest wooden cantilever bridge which is still in use. Have a fun ride and enjoy the picturesque journey towards Thimphu (Capital city). Later, in the evening you will get the privilege for Q&A on all phenomena with Rinpoche.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
Morning visit Memorial Chorten (Stupa) which was built in the memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (also called father of modern Bhutan) in 1974. Then proceed further to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point), which was completed and consecrated in 2015 coinciding with the Descending Day of the Lord Buddha. Then to National Takin Preserve (where national animals are kept) and to the one of the oldest Nunneries in Bhutan (also called Drubthob Goemba). Afternoon visit painting school (school of thirteen Arts and crafts), where the students learn thirteen different arts and crafts commonly used in Bhutan, then visit weaving centre, next to handmade paper factory and later to the weekend market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday).
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha
Drive: 2 ½ Hours
Altitude: 1350m/4455ft
Distance: 76 km/45.6miles
Drive through Dochula pass, which is at the elevation 3140m above the sea level. When the weather is sky blue clear, you can enjoy a scenic view of the highest unclimbed mountain in the world in Bhutan and Himalayan ranges stretching almost 180 degrees. Sooner you can break for tea for some time and resume your way to Punakha via sub-tropical Forest. Afternoon, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (known as temple of fertility), which was built in 1499 by the cousin of Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman) in his honour after he subdued the demoness of the Dochula with his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’. Then take a visit to Punakha Dzong (the palace of great happiness) which is arguably the most stunning dzong in the country and construction was foretold by Guru Rinpoche. Then it was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637 and was completed in the following year.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 04: Punakha Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive to the parking lot and take a short and pleasant hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten which takes around 45 minutes. It was built by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. Afternoon, visit Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and take a chance to interact with nuns.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 05: Day Excursion to Phobjikha
Drive: 3 Hours
Altitude: 2900m/9570 ft
Distance: 78 km/ 46.8 miles
After breakfast drive to the roosting ground of black-necked crane in Phobjikha valley. Black-necked cranes are one of the most endangered species of the birds in the world. These birds winter in south-central Tibet, north-eastern Yunnan province in China and in some parts of Bhutan as well. After you enter Phobjikha valley, visit Gangtey Goenpa, in 15th century treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa prophesied that a Goenpa named gang-teng (hill top) would be built on this site and that his teaching would flourish far and wide from here. Gangtey is the only Nyingma monastery found in western Bhutan. Then take a Phobjikha Nature Trail hike from the Goenpa which takes around 1 ½ hours. It is simply a very beautiful hike and you can have a breathtaking view down in the valley and suppose you are lucky and in the right season you could see the black necked cranes in the valley. Thereafter, enjoy the way back to Punakha.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 06: Punakha to Paro
Drive: 3 ½ Hours
Altitude: 2200m/7260 ft
Distances: 140 km/80 miles
In the morning retrace back to Paro valley via Dochula pass. Paro is a very beautiful valley which encapsulates within Jomolhari Mountain (7,314 metres), reigns snow-capped mountains in the northern valley and forms glacial lake through which Pa Chu (Paro River) flows. Afternoon, visit legendary Kichu Lhakhang, which is believed to have been built in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. When he married the Chinese princesses Wencheng in 641, her dowry included the Jowo Shakyamuni, a priceless statue of the Buddha as a size of a small baby. As the statue was transported via Lhasa, it became struck in the mud and no one could remove it. The princess divined that the obstruction was being caused by a huge supine demoness, lying on her back. In order to pin down the ogress to the earth forever and to convert Tibetan people to Buddhism. It is believed that he has established 108 temples in a single day. And then drive to the ruined historic Drukgyel Dzong which was built by Zhabdrung Rinpoche in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan Invaders in 1644. Later, take a traditional hot stone bath. The Bhutanese people believe that this stone bath relieves the joint pains and eases back aches. Have a complete relaxing evening and prepare for the tiger’s nest hike.
Overnight: Paro
Day 07: Hike to Taktshang
After breakfast, the car will drop you to the basement of the excursion to view spectacular and the most famous Taktshang monastery. You can climb up to the monastery through beautiful pine forests, many of the trees with the beautiful hanging of mosses (also called Old man’s beard) and pass through an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Stop at Taktshang Cafeteria for a stunning view of the monastery and break for coffee as well. Then after some time resume your hike and continue until you see clearly within reach of the monastery. It is believed that in 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Kurtoe to Taktshang to subjugate demons and all evil spirits obstructing to flourish Buddhism and blessed them as the protector of the doctrine. It is also believed Guru Rinpoche has meditated here for three months and took his last manifestation in the form of Guru Dorje Drakpo (fierce thunderbolt) during subjugation. Later in the evening go around in the town and grasp some souvenirs from Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro
Day 08: Departure
After breakfast drive to the Airport for your onward destination. Our team will bid you farewell from the Airport.
